Date for Junction Solar project not yet set

Published 8:32 am Thursday, March 18, 2021

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A date for a hearing on the Junction Solar project has not been set.

It was originally reported that the meeting before county commissioners would be held on April 6, but according to county planner, Amy Flyte, that is not the case.

The county planning board recommended to commissioners on a 6-1 vote to deny the rezoning request that would allow Orion Renewable Energy to build a solar electricity generating facility on 853 acres along Junction and Ratledge roads. The planning board heard some four hours worth of comments from county residents and others before making its decision.

Planning board member Mariam Wright said the project does not provide a public health benefit, match the county’s long-range plan or adequately account for disposal of the solar panels when the project’s life ends.

Attorney Hank Van Hoy, speaking on behalf of the proponents, said the project would provide the county with tax dollars without services, and that the neighborhood could see more harmful developments than a solar complex.