Community voices oppose proposed solar panel project at North End Road

The Middlesex County public hearing on June 3, 2025, focused on a controversial proposal for a solar panel installation that has sparked significant community opposition. Residents expressed deep concerns about the potential impact on property values, local wildlife, and the overall character of the rural area.

One of the most poignant testimonies came from a local resident, who detailed her family's 40-year investment in their 16-acre property. She described the transformation of the land from a barren field to a thriving home with gardens and fruit-bearing trees, emphasizing the emotional and financial stakes involved. She warned that the proposed solar project would diminish property values and disrupt the natural habitat, arguing that it primarily benefits a single landowner and investor at the expense of the community.

Another speaker, Ron Ritchie, echoed these sentiments, urging the board to reject the proposal. He highlighted the unanimous decision of the planning commission against the project, citing concerns that it does not align with the county's comprehensive plan. Ritchie questioned the long-term benefits of the project, suggesting that the financial gains would not justify the potential harm to the community's landscape and integrity.

The hearing also featured Lisonbee Crittendon, who represented her family’s interests in the matter, indicating a generational commitment to the land and its preservation.

As the board of supervisors deliberates on the proposal, the community remains vigilant, advocating for the protection of their homes and the natural beauty of Middlesex County. The outcome of this hearing could have lasting implications for the area’s development and the values of its residents.