A recent article in the Mahopac News reported that the Town of Carmel will be installing four electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the hamlets of Mahopac and Carmel — both of which exist within the Town of Carmel. With few public chargers currently available in town, this is welcome news.
The Town of Carmel has also been busily developing a new Comprehensive Master Plan to guide the town’s development for the next couple of decades. Sustainable Putnam believes this is a golden opportunity to incorporate long-range sustainability and resilience goals.
Specifically, Sustainable Putnam recommends that Carmel incorporate the NYS Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities program goals directly into its Comprehensive Plan.
Both programs would guide the town’s development of a sustainable and resilient 21st century town. Carmel would become a more affordable and attractive community in which to live and do business. For example, the Clean Energy Communities program — recently revamped and refunded by New York State — focuses on development of a clean renewable energy supply and infrastructure, and rewards them with grant money to help pay for the improvements.
One easy-to-accomplish option is a town campaign to promote community solar. For simply recommending that residents subscribe to a solar farm’s generated electricity, the town would receive a $5,000 grant. Residents who choose to subscribe, or “opt in”, would receive a 10% discount on their electric bills every month while continuing as a NYSEG customer. At the same time, more clean, renewable solar electricity would be powering our regional grid for years to come.
Sustainable Putnam is ready to provide advice and resources to Carmel and all other Putnam government officials interested in pursuing this and other options. Grant money is only available on a first come, first served basis, however, so time is of the essence. Contact Sustainable Putnam Chair Joe Montuori for more information at [email protected].