Several speak against solar farm
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on September 20, 2016 9:57 AM
Several residents living near the proposed site of a 32-acre solar farm spoke in opposition during a public hearing before the Goldsboro City Council Monday night.
Heights Solar Farm is seeking approval of a rezoning request that would change the property along Thoroughfare Road from a single family residential district to a residential conditional district, which limits property use for the 5 megawatt solar farm.
Peter Stewart, a resident of Thoroughfare Road, questioned the project, which was requested last year but denied by the council in February.
"From the time we talked about this the last time, the project's gone on," Stewart said. "They've cleared land. Everything's prepped. They're ready to slam this thing in right now.
"We don't feel like you all are being fair to even consider doing this to us. Please don't do this, and please don't take away from our community."
Stewart was one of several residents standing in opposition earlier this year and Monday night.
The council denied the request in February based on a city staff recommendation that the project is not compatible with the city's land-use plan, which marks the property as best suited for medium density residential development.
The company submitted an identical request recently, after waiting a required six months before the rezoning could be considered again, said James Rowe, city planning director.
Ted Ivey, property owner for the 43-acre site, between 3013 and 3025 Thoroughfare Road, said he's considered multiple uses for the land but an electric transmission line, which cuts across a portion of the property, has created some difficulty.
The property is also near an electric substation and the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
"This property has some inherent problems," Ivey said. "Housing is not feasible on this property"
Brian Quinlan, president and chief executive officer with Maryland-based Calvert Energy, said the project is compatible with the city's land use and comprehensive plans because the property has a low probability of development.
He also said the solar panels will be hidden within a 50-foot buffer that includes 8-foot-high trees. A fence would also surround the farm and be within the buffered area.
Quinlan also said the property has remained vacant and adding a solar farm would generate additional tax revenue for the city.
Warren Edwards, also a resident of Thoroughfare Road, said he's concerned that the solar panels will be left unattended in future years after the farm is no longer in commission. Edwards said he'd rather see another use for the property.
"We'd love to have apartments or something put in there," he said.
Quinlan said the solar panels would be removed and the property re-seeded after the farm is no longer in use.
The council didn't take any action on the rezoning request but received comments, which were also heard by members of the Goldsboro Planning Commission.
The planning commission will review the rezoning plan during its Sept. 26 meeting. The commission will recommend approval or denial to the council. The council is expected to vote on the request during its Oct. 3 meeting.
During the meeting, the council approved:
* A $38,750 contract for a Goldsboro turning movement count inventory for 125 signalized intersections with VHB Engineering.
* A $125,000 contract with the T.A. Loving Co. to install a 475 kilowatt emergency generator at the Neuse River pump station.
* A $27,000 contract with A/K Grading and Demolition for abatement and demolition of an old golf pro shop at 407 Eden Place.
The council also supported using $5,000 in public service Community Development Block grant funds to help the Community Crisis Center. Shycole Simpson Carter, city community relations director, said it would take about a day to have the federal funding use approved. She also planned to wait for the city manager's direction before submitting the federal application.
Mayor Chuck Allen, Councilman Bill Broadaway and Councilman Gene Aycock all spoke in favor of the funding.
The council also took time Monday night to recognize several employees for their years of service prior to their planned retirements on Oct. 1.
Fire Captain Durwood Smith, with the Goldsboro Fire Department, was recognized for more than 33 years of service.
Cpl. Robbie Jones, with the Goldsboro Police Department, was recognized for 28 years of service; and Police Cpl. Ronald McDuffie was recognized for his 12 years of service. Terry Cox, streets and storms supervisor with the Public Works Department, was recognized for 24 years of service.
The council proclaimed Sept. 26 through Sept. 30 Make a Difference Hunger Awareness Week and Sept. 29 as Diversity Day in the city, county and at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.