Protect Parma’s Farmland & Open Space

A resident information hub opposing the proposed Norbut Solar Farm at 134 & 140 Parma Center Road and supporting strong local protections for agriculture, rural character, and responsible land use.

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What residents should know

This is not an anti-solar website. This site supports responsible energy planning that protects Parma’s farmland, open space, neighborhoods, soil, drainage, and long-term rural character.

The proposal

Recent local reporting identifies the proposed Norbut Solar Farm as a 10-megawatt solar project at 134 & 140 Parma Center Road near Manitou Road.

Why farmland matters here

The Town of Parma’s farmland and open space materials state that active farmland occupies approximately 33% of the town’s total land area, with estimated annual agricultural sales of about $7 million.

Local control matters

Because the project is reported as 10 MW, residents should stay engaged locally and ask the Town to use its zoning, planning, SEQR, agricultural, drainage, and public-hearing authority carefully.

Key concerns for Hilton/Parma residents

Loss of productive farmland

Parma has identified agriculture as a defining land use and economic resource. Large-scale industrial solar development can remove land from traditional agricultural production for decades.

Soil, drainage & wetlands

Residents deserve a clear review of grading, panel posts, access roads, stormwater runoff, erosion, drainage impacts, and proximity to wetlands or streams before approvals are considered.

Rural character

Open fields, viewsheds, farm roads, and agricultural landscapes are part of why many families choose Hilton/Parma. Siting decisions should reflect the community’s long-term vision.

Decommissioning risk

Any approval should require a strong, fully funded, independently reviewed decommissioning plan so future taxpayers are not left responsible for removal or restoration.

Precedent

One project can set expectations for future applications. The Town should strengthen its code before approving projects that could reshape agricultural areas.

Transparency

Residents should have easy access to project maps, studies, public-hearing dates, environmental documents, applicant responses, and board decisions.

Sign the resident petition

Oppose the proposed Norbut Solar Farm at 134 & 140 Parma Center Road

We ask the Town of Parma to protect farmland and open space, strengthen local solar regulations, require full environmental and agricultural review, and reject any large-scale solar project that is inconsistent with Parma’s long-term land-use goals.

Sign Online

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How to help

  1. Sign the petition and share it with Hilton/Parma neighbors.
  2. Attend Town meetings and speak respectfully during public comment.
  3. Submit written comments to the Town Board, Planning Board, and Zoning Board when public comment is open.
  4. Ask for stronger protections for prime soils, active farmland, drainage, setbacks, screening, decommissioning, emergency access, and community notification.
  5. Stay factual. Use town documents, meeting minutes, project filings, maps, and public records when speaking or posting online.
Sample message: “I support responsible renewable energy, but I oppose large-scale solar siting that compromises Parma’s farmland, rural character, soil, drainage, and long-term land-use planning. I ask the Town to strengthen local protections before allowing projects of this scale.”

Sources & public records

This resident website should be updated as new public documents, hearing dates, project plans, and board actions become available.