During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding the proposed Lily's Pond Solar project were prominently voiced by local resident Belinda Inge. Inge, who resides at 21113 Walker's Pond Drive in Sullivan, expressed her apprehensions about the potential impact of the solar development on her neighborhood and the surrounding environment.
Inge highlighted the longstanding issues related to road maintenance, noting that her family has been responsible for maintaining the access road for 35 years. She raised questions about who would be accountable for the road's upkeep once construction begins, particularly as heavy equipment is expected to traverse the area. \"I don't know who owns it,\" she stated, emphasizing the ambiguity surrounding the road's ownership and maintenance responsibilities.
Additionally, Inge voiced concerns about the ecological impact of the project, particularly regarding local wildlife. She expressed a deep appreciation for the natural habitat around her home, lamenting the potential loss of deer and other animals that frequent the area. \"I really hate to lose all that,\" she said, referring to the wildlife and farmland that has been cultivated for generations.
Inge also addressed worries about well contamination and the potential decline in property values due to the solar project. Despite assurances from the company that property values would increase, she remained skeptical, questioning how living in proximity to solar panels would affect her home and its surroundings.
The meeting underscored the community's desire for clarity and accountability as discussions about the solar project continue, reflecting a broader concern for environmental preservation and property rights in the face of development.