Clark County denies applications for proposed solar farm
After a heated public hearing, a special use exception was denied.
After a heated public hearing, a special use exception was denied.
After a heated public hearing, a special use exception was denied.
Clark County leaders moved Wednesday to deny special exemptions for a proposed solar energy farm after more than five hours of public comment.
Kerri Vaughn, who agreed to lease part of her property for the project, said she was surprised by the tenor of the hearing.
"You're going to find whatever you want online. Do you want to hate it? You're going to find every reason to hate it. If you want to love it, you're going to find every reason to love it," Vaughn said. "It's very, very frustrating to sit through and listen to basically the head butting."
Opponents raised concerns about health, the environment and property values, saying part of the project would sit near New Washington Elementary School.
"When you're talking about high voltage, dust, glare, noise, when we have kids playing outside at recess, and then the effects of the noise on the learning. That doesn't sit well with me as a teacher," said Nikki Martin.
"My property will not increase in value for a sale purpose, because who wants to live beside solar panels? I know I would not," said Phyllis Ashbrook.
The developer, Orion Renewables, disputed those claims. Michael Cressner, Vice President of Development, said, "Solar panels, in terms of materials that are involved there are encased, so there's no liquid or gas to release if whatever extreme reason the, the panels would compromise."
Orion also pledged annual investments tied to the project, including $100,000 a year for New Washington fire and EMS, $150,000 a year to the Greater Clark County School Educational Foundation and $30,000 a year to the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana.
Leaders took no action on a separate request for a use variance from the developers.
"I don't know if we'll ever agree. And that's okay. That's that's part of how this world works," Vaughn said.
