An immense tree stump near a property border, once named the “Gathering Oak” by local hikers. The clearing now visible from the area has prompted renewed questions from residents about a project with some saying they only learned about it as the trees came down. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - On the rolling hills of Norwich, there is a clear divide and a conflict written on the trees.

A 9.1-megawatt commercial solar facility on Upper Ravine Road moved through every required step of the Town of Norwich planning process nearly three years ago, almost entirely without any attention from the public or media.

The 120-plus acre clearing now underway sits along a nearby nature and recreation area, and for many residents this is the first time they have heard of it.

The Town of Norwich signed off on building the commercial solar facility more than two years ago.

A sign near a popular biking and hiking trail warns, “POSTED NO TRESPASSING FIREARMS IN USE,” contrary to a Chenango Greenway Conservancy sign on the same tree that reads: “Welcome Please Enjoy This Area Responsibly.”

Beyond the signs, crews are clearing and grading a once wooded hillside and former agricultural land for the project that moved through the Town of Norwich approval process in 2023 with almost no public response.

The project drew little public attention when it was reviewed in 2023. It sits beside land used for hiking, biking and outdoor events, including youth mountain biking competitions. The project was recently granted an extension to finish work by 2027 in May by the Town of Norwich Planning Board, after work was delayed.