Community divided over solar substation berm proposal

In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the proposed solar substation and the contentious issue of a berm waiver. The commission faced a divided opinion on whether to grant a partial waiver for the berm, which is intended to provide screening for nearby residents from the solar facility.

One commissioner expressed strong opposition to the waiver, arguing that the proposed tree height of eight feet would not adequately shield the substation from view. They emphasized the need for a more substantial berm to protect the interests of local residents, particularly those living in close proximity to the site. The commissioner highlighted their frequent use of the road adjacent to the proposed site, asserting that the visual impact of the substation would be significant and detrimental to the neighborhood.

Despite the concerns raised, a motion was made to approve the waiver, but it ultimately failed with a vote of 6 to 2 against it. Following this, another motion was introduced to formally deny the waiver, which passed with a vote of 5 to 1, with one abstention. The commission noted that the denial was based on the belief that the proposed plan would not provide adequate screening for the surrounding area.

The applicant, Morgan X Solar LLC, was then allowed to withdraw their current site plan and indicated intentions to resubmit a revised plan for the solar project, which spans 45 acres in Chestertown, Maryland. The commission expressed a desire for more detailed plans in future submissions to ensure that community concerns are adequately addressed.

The meeting concluded with discussions on procedural matters and the importance of thorough documentation for future meetings, reflecting a commitment to transparency and community engagement in the planning process.