GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WKBW) — Rodney Reisdorf knows his way around the hood of a car.
The auto repair mechanic has owned and operated Mr. Best Wrench on Bedell Road since 1998, and he's basically been the only thing driving business on the stretch of roadway; that is until recently.
A new solar farm is under construction just next door.
"This land's been vacant since I've been here 20 years," Reisdorf says. "So, I guess it's good to use it for something like this."
If you drive along the Niagara Thruway, just north of Fantasy Island, you may have noticed it.
Town of Grand Island Deputy Supervisor James Sharpe says the 18-acre solar farm was met with no objections from the taxpayers.
"It's an area that may have gotten developed. It may not have. It's not one that's going to be intrusive into the residential areas," Sharpe says.
And once construction is complete, Sharpe says this farm will produce enough electricity to power some 1200 homes here on the island.
Private energy company Blue Rock Solar is heading the project. According to the company's website, Grand Island homeowners who have National Grid are eligible for a 10 percent discount and no upfront costs.
If you want to take advantage, you basically sign up with one of the firms selling energy for those parks. They'll guarantee a discount on your energy bill.
The project was supposed to be finished by the end of summer.
So we wanted to know what caused the delay but Blue Rock Solar representatives didn't return our calls.
Sharpe says it is expected to be complete in about three months.
