The Montgomery County Advisory Plan Commission offered the County Commissioners an unfavorable recommendation on a vote of 6-2 for rezoning a parcel of land in southern Madison and northern Union townships Tuesday night. The proposal recommended the potential construction of an industrial solar farm between 550 N and 900 N, promising to deliver clean energy to around 32,000 homes. It’d encompass about 2,000 acres of farmland, which was agreed to be leased by nine landowners.
The Montgomery County Government Center was packed, with cars lining down Constitution Row and Marthas Ct. due to both parking lots being filled. County employees were assigned to traffic guide duty as residents crowd the Community Room and the rotunda.
Supporters and opposers alike offered their insight on the Copper Box Solar Project, which was petitioned by Texas-based solar energy corporation ENGIE North America. Tom Schoder, a lead project developer for ENGIE, gave a presentation promoting the proposal to the Commission before public comments opened. Each speaker had five minutes to either offer their support or opposition for the project.
Multiple opponents cited the solar farm’s potential risk of a fire breaking out. Another was a constituent of the county’s comprehensive plan for rezoning, who cited industrial wind and solar farms as “undesirable” when considering rezoning agricultural land. Another even addressed Schoder directly, prompting the Commission to intervene. The main point of concern surrounded the question of property value, which opponents believed can lower the value drastically if the solar farm was constructed.
Supporters cited rising energy and gas prices caused by world circumstances as a plus for introducing alternative electric sources for the county. Another praised its potential benefits for the local environment, as well as tax incentives for the economy. According to Schoder’s presentation, it promises about $20 million in tax payments to the county over the project’s lifespan, which is expected to be 35 years.
Public comments lasted for nearly two hours before Schoder responded to the comments, stating that the project is compliant to county ordinance. The Commission opposed, believing that the project is inconsistent with elements of the comprehension plan, thereby passing an unfavorable recommendation. The next County Commissioner meeting is on March 23 at 8 a.m.
Those who couldn’t attend can watch a video recording of the meeting by clicking or tapping here.
To learn more about the Copper Box Solar Project, click or tap here.
To learn more about ENGIE North America, click or tap here.
To learn more about Montgomery County Government, click or tap here.
CORRECTION: The Montgomery County Advisory Plan Commission was incorrectly written as the Montgomery County Plan Commission in a previous version. This error has been fixed.
