Neighbors address potential solar farm developers in Lexington – WKYT
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Lexington neighbors addressed the potential developers of two different solar farms Monday night at an information session hosted by the 12th District office.
“Why do you want to do this here? Find land elsewhere. We want you gone. Gone,” exclaimed one upset neighbor.
Two solar farms have been proposed around the Haley Road area off of Winchester Road. Silicon Ranch, a privately owned company out of Nashville, has an option to purchase close to 800 acres for a solar energy farm. That project would run adjacent to a 384-acre solar project proposed by East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
“You’ve interrupted agricultural production and the food supply, which feeds the world. You can’t eat solar panels or houses.”
Silicon Ranch’s proposal will go through the city’s planning commission, then the urban county council. EKPC is a public utility and needs approval through the state, which the city and those with Fayette Alliance, have both filed petitions to halt.
“Our biggest concern is if we were to change our policies here in Fayette County to permit industrial-scale solar development, we’re threatening the integrity of the agricultural rural zone,” said Brittany Roethemeier, the Executive Director of Fayette Alliance.
Brittany Roethemeier worries about the loss of farmland and the precedent granting conditional use permits in an agricultural zone could set.
“I support solar, but I wonder why now and why here,” said Patrick Mason, who lives near the proposed sites.
Representatives from both companies said they’re open to working with residents to address their concerns but say these properties have good sun exposure and access to a substation.
“This is being built to serve Kentucky residents and businesses,” said Nick Comer with EKPC.
Another concern residents had is what happens to the land when the solar farm is no longer operational.
Company representatives said they could show neighbors their decommissioning plans and promised to leave the land ‘better than they found it.’
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