Planning Commission Reviews Final Site Plan for Preston Community Solar Project

In the heart of Caroline County, Maryland, the Planning Commission convened on August 13, 2025, to discuss a significant development that could reshape the local energy landscape. The evening's agenda was anchored by the final site plan review for the Preston Community Solar Project, a proposed 2-megawatt solar energy system set to occupy approximately 12.45 acres just outside the town of Preston.

Chairman Jeff Jackson opened the meeting, inviting staff member Matt Kaczynski to provide an overview of the project. Kaczynski detailed that the project, submitted by Preston Community Energy Initiative, LLC, had already received a special use exception approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) earlier in the year. This approval came with specific conditions, including the need for a comprehensive review of the final site plan.

The project aims to harness solar energy in a manner that aligns with the county's comprehensive plan, as the site is designated for industrial use. Kaczynski emphasized that the solar facility would not only meet local design standards but would also have minimal traffic impact, generating only 10 to 12 trips per year for maintenance—far less than a typical single-family home.

As the discussion progressed, representatives from the applicant team, including civil engineer Michael Redding and development manager Jack Roland, took the floor. They highlighted the project's strategic location, set back 760 feet from the road, and assured the commission that the site would be adequately buffered with landscaping to mitigate any visual impact on neighboring properties.

Concerns regarding stormwater management were addressed, with Redding reassuring the commission that the site would not exacerbate flooding issues for nearby residents. He noted that the project had been designed to comply with all Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) requirements.

The commission also discussed operational conditions, including hours of construction, which would be limited to weekdays and Saturday mornings to minimize disruption to the community. The team confirmed that the decommissioning plan for the solar panels had been meticulously developed, incorporating real costs and logistics for future removal.

As the meeting drew to a close, the commission members expressed their support for the project, recognizing its potential to contribute to sustainable energy solutions in the region. With the final site plan approval on the horizon, the Preston Community Solar Project stands poised to illuminate the path toward a greener future for Caroline County.