Tuytenbridge Road - Powering a Community with Clean Energy, Cost Savings.
At Lightstar, we are committed to building a sustainable future through collaboration and shared purpose. By adopting solar energy, homeowners and communities gain the ability to reduce rising electricity costs, enjoy stable and predictable energy prices, and achieve lasting peace of mind. Our solar solutions are more than just a step toward energy savings—they're an investment in a resilient, connected community. By choosing renewable energy, we all take meaningful action to ensure a greener, healthier planet for generations to come.
Societal & Environmental Benefits
$50,745 savings to local LMI residents annually
3100 Metric Tons Removed
In 1 year, this project avoids 3100 metric tons of CO2. This is equal to avoided greenhouse gas emissions from:
This is the equivalent to carbon sequestered by:
7.8 million Miles Driven (average gas powered car for 1yr)
51,263 tree seedlings planted for 10 yrs
3110 acres of US forests conserved per yr
Project Overview
Tuytenbridge PV LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lightstar Renewables, LLC, is proposing an approximately 4.1 MW-AC community solar photovoltaic array on the lands of DSC Sisters, Inc. (tax parcel 39.20-2-22). Lands currently owned by DSC Sisters, Inc., privately owned land, are to be leased by Lightstar Renewables LLC. The project is located on the south side of Tuytenbridge Road, approximately 2,000 feet east of the intersection of Tuytenbridge Road and Lake Road. Per Town Code Chapter 145 Site Plan Review and Chapter 190 Zoning, Article IX Special Use Permits, Lightstar Renewables LLC is required to proceed through the site plan review and approval process along with receiving a Special Use Permit from the Town Board.
The subject property is approximately 70 acres, currently zoned as RC Region Commercial, RC-60 Residential, and R-10 Residential Large-scale solar is a permitted use within the RC, R-60, and R-10 districts with an approved Special Use Permit. The project will utilize a leased area of approximately 42.8 acres, and a limit of disturbance of approximately 26.25 acres, within the subject property. The project is bordered by established forest to the east, west, and south. To the north there are several commercial properties and to the west there is a residential neighborhood.
The proposed solar array for the property includes the installation of single axis tracker racking placed on the site to accommodate existing topography to the maximum extent practical. Each rack will stand approximately 16-feet 6-inches in height at maximum tilt. An 8-foot high chain link fence will surround the array for security purposes. The Tuytenbridge Solar Project meets all Town zoning code as it relates to large-scale solar energy systems.
The electricity produced by the array will be converted from DC power to AC power via central inverters located on equipment pads. The AC power will be collected and transformed to medium voltage power, which will then be sent out via grid distribution. The equipment pads will include switchboards, transformers, and DAS equipment.
Once construction is completed and the solar array is energized, the site will not be staffed on a daily basis. However, maintenance personnel will be on site several times a year and the site will be remotely monitored for any malfunction of the system. If a malfunction was to occur, maintenance staff will be deployed to make repairs. Little to no additional traffic will be generated post construction, and no water or sewage use is required.
Lightstar is proposing that the array is utilized for Community Solar purposes. The Community Solar program will allow local residences and businesses to purchase power from the array at a discounted rate compared to the current electricity provider. Lightstar is excited to pursue this project within the Town of Ulster and looks forward to providing an opportunity for clean, alternative energy to the Town and its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Lightstar, we are committed to transparency and collaboration with the communities we work in, and we value addressing questions and concerns from local residents, landowners, and stakeholders. Below, we’ve provided responses to the inquiries regarding our solar development project to ensure clarity and open communication.
Our approach to solar development is future-focused and rooted in urgency to decarbonize our grid. We work collaboratively with landowners, local communities, and town officials to create projects that reflect best practices in sustainability, foster economic opportunities, and align with shared long-term goals.
We remain committed to maintaining open communication with all stakeholders and appreciate the opportunity to address these thoughtful questions. Should you have additional inquiries, we encourage you to reach out so that we can continue fostering a transparent and productive dialogue.
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Yes - the land is privately owned by DSC Sisters, Inc., and will be leased by Lightstar Renewables LLC for the development of a community solar array. The land is currently zoned as RC Region Commercial; RC stands for Regional Commercial, which is a zoning district in New York that allows for a variety of commercial and professional uses. The purpose of RC zones is to attract customers from a larger area and development of any one of these opportunities is at the discresion of the landowner.
Per the state of New York, RC zones are strategically established to promote large-scale commercial development across a variety of sectors. This includes retail stores, restaurants, and shopping centers designed to enhance consumer accessibility and economic activity. Additionally, RC zones accommodate automobile-oriented establishments, which may consist of drive-through services, automotive service stations, and automobile sales facilities, catering to the needs of vehicle owners.
Furthermore, RC zones support commercial entertainment facilities and maritime activities, providing diverse leisure options for the community. Animal service facilities are also included, catering to pet care and related services. Home and garden supply stores, such as nurseries and lumber yards, contribute to local DIY and landscaping initiatives.
Lastly, RC zones may house essential public infrastructure, including telecommunications towers, ensuring that both commercial and public needs are met efficiently within these designated areas.
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Yes - the land is privately owned by DSC Sisters, Inc., and is currently zoned as RC Region Commercial; RC stands for Regional Commercial, which is a zoning district in New York that allows for a variety of commercial and professional uses. The purpose of RC zones is to attract customers from a larger area and development of any one of these opportunities is at the discresion of the landowner.
RC zones are strategically established to promote large-scale commercial development across a variety of sectors. This includes retail stores, restaurants, and shopping centers designed to enhance consumer accessibility and economic activity. Additionally, RC zones accommodate automobile-oriented establishments, which may consist of drive-through services, automotive service stations, and automobile sales facilities, catering to the needs of vehicle owners.
Furthermore, RC zones support commercial entertainment facilities and maritime activities, providing diverse leisure options for the community. Animal service facilities are also included, catering to pet care and related services. Home and garden supply stores, such as nurseries and lumber yards, contribute to local DIY and landscaping initiatives.
Lastly, RC zones may house essential public infrastructure, including telecommunications towers, ensuring that both commercial and public needs are met efficiently within these designated areas.
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Yes! Please see the EAF reports provided in the “Resources” section of this site along with the project visual simulations.
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NO - The project team consulted with NYSDEC to confirm there would be no impact to sensitive species. Additionally, Per Lisa Masi, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Dept. of Environmental Conservation, New Paltz, NY:
Based on the information provided, primarily that all tree cutting will take place from November 1st to March 31st, no blasting will take place, and all site work is over 660ft from the closest bald eagle nest, this office has determined that the Tuytenbridge Road Solar project will not result in take of state listed species, Northern Long Eared Bat and Bald Eagle, and an Incidental Take Permit is not required.
See pg. 24 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) list in the “Resources” section of this site.
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Per Lisa Masi, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Dept. of Environmental Conservation, New Paltz, NY:
Based on the information provided, primarily that all tree cutting will take place from November 1st to March 31st, no blasting will take place, and all site work is over 660ft from the closest bald eagle nest, this office has determined that the Tuytenbridge Road Solar project will not result in take of state listed species, Northern Long Eared Bat and Bald Eagle, and an Incidental Take Permit is not required.
See pg. 24 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) list in the “Resources” section of this site.
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At this stage of the process, specific hiring decisions have not yet been made. However, we are committed to supporting the local economy and will request bids on installation work from local installers as we move further along. We’ll also be offering NY prevailing wage for workers. We are committed to using safe and reliable construction partners for all of our projects.
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The electricians contracted for this project will hold New York State licenses, ensuring all work is performed by certified professionals.
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The EPC partner will provide for this service, and the preference will be for local labor.
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The decommissioning bond is provided up-front to cover the future decommissioning responsibility. The Town will also have legal leverage to compel the owning entity (anticipated to be Lightstar) to maintain or decommission the facility under the permit approvals. Once the project is at the end of its useful life, it will be dismantled per the decommissioning plan that the town agrees upon.
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The permit will require decommissioning at the end of the project’s life. At that time, the property can be returned to forest, agriculture, or other permitted uses that the landowner desires. Per the EPA greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator linked here, the carbon offset by installing a 4.125 MW project is equivalent to 3,110 acres of forests preserved from conversion to cropland per year, or 51,263 tree seedlings grown over 10 years.
The landowner is willing to lease this site to us for development of the project, and the interconnection is viable at this site. Those two factors limited the siting of this project to this particular parcel. We understand this is forested land and are taking care to only clear the amount of trees absolutely necessary for the project – 35% of the parcel. We are avoiding all sensitive areas within the forest including wetlands, protected species locations, and cultural resources.
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The landowner is willing to lease this site to Lightstar for development of the project, and the interconnection is viable at this site. Those two factors limited the siting of this project to this particular parcel.
Needle in a haystack: Finding suitable sites for solar energy development with readily available grid interconnection is challenging because it requires a careful balance of factors like solar radiation, land availability, proximity to existing power lines, grid capacity, and regulatory considerations, making it difficult to locate locations that can efficiently generate electricity and connect to the grid without significant infrastructure upgrades or lengthy permitting processes.
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Arrowhead fragments were identified in one location in the southwest of the property. Lightstar has consulted with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to avoid that part of the property as it pertains to this project.
Resources
Project Visual Simulations
These eight images show the current views and what the area will look like after the project is built. From most viewpoints, the project will be hidden by hills and plants, even in winter when trees have no leaves. The white dotted lines mark areas that won't be seen. All photos are taken from nearby places as chosen by our environmental experts, including spots close to the site and nearby public areas.
Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF)
A Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) is a comprehensive document used by agencies to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, typically requiring detailed information about the project's location, purpose, and potential effects on various environmental factors, helping to determine if the project could have significant environmental impacts and whether further review is needed.
State Environmental Quality Review
On January 25, 2012, the New York State (NYS) Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) adopted revised model environmental assessment forms (EAFs). The EAF is a form used by an agency to assist it in determining the environmental significance or non-significance of actions.
Support for Lightstar in the Media
Open For Business: Seeing the Forest Through the Trees
Opinion By Raleigh Green
“What opponents don’t share is how research shows that the impact of solar farms on biodiversity and habitat, such as the one proposed, is by no means all negative and nowhere near the “decimation” claimed by activists. While there is an initial disruption to the area during construction, for the lifetime of the solar array (25-40 years or more), the area becomes a quiet, shaded and protective haven for various birds and other types of animals and insects. In addition to questioning opponent’s claims of “decimation,” they selectively ignore humanity’s existential issue of climate change, and the pressing need to reduce our collective carbon footprint overall.”
Meet the Team
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I grew up near the Ashokan Reservoir, a vital source of New York City’s drinking water, inspiring a lifelong commitment to bridging environmental conservation with societal progress while preserving the character of local communities. Today, as Development Manager at Lightstar, I am proud to uphold these values by managing ground-mounted community solar projects across New York and Maryland. My work focuses on conducting detailed feasibility analyses to confirm project viability and steering each project through the complexities of development—balancing schedules, objectives, and real-world constraints.
With almost a decade of experience in the solar industry, I bring a depth of knowledge from my diverse background in environmental consulting, where I specialized in mapping wetlands and protected species and managing permitting applications for community- and utility-scale solar sites. Throughout my career, I’ve cultivated a collaborative approach, coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders to create responsible solar projects that benefit both the communities they serve and the surrounding environment.
At Lightstar, I am driven by a clear mission: to harmonize progress and preservation for the benefit of future generations. By fostering long-term partnerships and upholding environmental stewardship in every project, I strive to contribute meaningfully to the transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive energy landscape. Together, we can illuminate a brighter future.
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Allen leads Lightstar’s development team with an unwavering commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. Since joining the solar industry in 2017, Allen has successfully developed over 500MW of community solar-scale projects across 13 states, as well as a 120MW grid-scale project. His expertise ensures that every project is designed to maximize efficiency while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
With a unique blend of environmental science and legal expertise, Allen brings a thoughtful and holistic approach to solar development. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from Sewanee The University of the South, a Master of Science in Conservation Biology from Antioch University of New England, and a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School. This multidisciplinary background enables him to navigate the complexities of solar development while focusing on minimizing environmental impacts and fostering sustainable energy transitions.
But it’s not just about individual achievements for Allen - he truly believes that collaboration is key to achieving our goals. That’s why he works closely with local governments, landowners, and stakeholders to ensure that our projects are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. By fostering strong relationships and finding common ground, we can create lasting positive impacts through solar energy.
At Lightstar, Allen’s leadership reflects our collective mission to create innovative, sustainable solar projects while building long-term partnerships with communities and landowners. He is passionate about ensuring that solar energy not only delivers clean power but also contributes positively to the land and communities we serve.
About Lightstar
Stewards of the Land, Backed by Institutional Capital
You’ve never met a solar company like us. We’re one of the few providers that own and operate all of our projects, and one of the first to offer landowners the opportunity to maintain the agricultural viability of their land through agrivoltaics.
Lightstar’s immediate parent company is Eagle Creek Renewable Energy. Founded in 2010 to acquire, enhance, and operate small hydroelectric power facilities, Eagle Creek’s affiliates currently own and operate 84 hydroelectric facilities representing 691 megawatts of capacity across the United States. Eagle Creek is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, one of the largest, most diverse power generators in North America.
Lightstar Gives Back
The Lightstar Gives Back program supports organizations and issues through donations, sponsorships and resources to help foster vibrant communities and sustainable economic development. We want to be involved in ways that will have a lasting, meaningful impact.
Developed and launched by the policy team at Lightstar, The Solar and Farming Association (SAFA) is a coalition of organizations representing the interests of the agrivoltaics (AgPV) industry including developers, agricultural producers, livestock producers, and affiliated organizations focused on expanding and integrating solar and sustained agricultural production on the same parcel of land.
SAFA’ s mission is to grow commercial crop and livestock agrivoltaics in the United States.
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