Preston residents voice opposition against proposed solar farm during town meeting

In a heated session at the Caroline County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 15, 2025, community members voiced strong opposition to a proposed solar farm project that has sparked significant concern among local residents. The meeting, held in the familiar setting of the county's city hall, became a platform for passionate testimonies against the project, highlighting the intersection of local heritage and modern energy initiatives.

As the meeting unfolded, a resident from Preston, Maryland, took the floor to express deep-rooted apprehensions about the solar farm's implications for his family's century-old farm. He described the irony of being pressured to convert his land into solar panels while simultaneously fighting against the encroachment of solar factories on his property. “It’s ironic that I find myself sitting in a position where I’m trying to fight putting them on my own farm by preserving it,” he lamented, emphasizing the conflict between agricultural preservation and renewable energy development.

The resident's testimony was underscored by a broader critique of the solar industry's practices, particularly the perceived lack of local engagement in the planning process. He recounted how he discovered surveyors on his land without prior notice, raising questions about transparency and community involvement. “Had the neighbors and the solar company sat down and talked, we could have worked this out,” he stated, suggesting that open dialogue might have prevented the current tensions.

Concerns were not limited to personal anecdotes; the resident also pointed to systemic issues within the solar energy legislation in Maryland. He criticized the state’s political landscape, alleging that decisions favoring solar developments were being made without adequate consideration for local communities. “The ethics board didn’t feel that way,” he remarked, referring to the controversial ties between state officials and solar companies, which he deemed unethical.

The meeting also featured discussions about alternative locations for solar installations, with the resident advocating for urban areas and existing structures as more suitable sites for solar panels. “They can put them on the roofs of these big box stores in urban areas,” he argued, highlighting the potential for solar energy to be harnessed without compromising agricultural land.

As the meeting progressed, the board members listened intently, allowing community members to voice their concerns and ask questions. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency, as residents recognized the importance of their voices in shaping the future of their community.

The outcome of this meeting remains uncertain, but the discussions reflect a growing tension between the push for renewable energy and the preservation of local heritage and land. As Caroline County navigates these complex issues, the voices of its residents will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the path forward.