Commissioners reject rezoning for proposed solar farm across from Patriot's Park

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 6 voted to disapprove a request to rezone two parcels on Columbia Road from PUD to S1 for a proposed solar farm across from Patriot's Park. The motion to disapprove carried after a public hearing that included testimony from a project representative and multiple residents who opposed the location.

Residents said the parcel's topography and proximity to homes and Patriot's Park make it an unsuitable site. Joanne Murdoch, a resident of 1547 Swent Road, told commissioners she was “here about location only” and said the project “does not meet the characteristics for the area in your own comprehensive plan.” Brenda Heidman, of 104 Hot Springs Court, raised safety and environmental concerns, citing reports that hail damage to panels in other states released “toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and more” into soil and warning that a nearby creek could carry contaminants off site.

The project's proponent, Warren Critco, said the proposal complies with the county's solar ordinance and described design measures intended to mitigate community concerns, including moving arrays farther from the road, a 20-foot vegetative buffer expected to grow to about 5 feet tall initially, nonreflective matte panels, on-site erosion controls and staged clearing to limit runoff. Critco also said key components would be sourced outside China and that Georgia Power had issued a request for proposals that identified the location as suitable for new generation. “We feel that we've met all the guidelines of the solar ordinance,” he told the commission.

Commission discussion focused on compatibility with the county's comprehensive plan and neighborhood character. A commissioner moved to disapprove rezoning of Tax Map 061, parcels 2140 and 2141; another seconded. The motion passed by voice vote; commissioners did not record a roll-call tally in the public transcript excerpt.

The county planning staff materials noted the applicant had previously said portions of the land were difficult to develop because of topography and waterways; the applicant proposed a vegetative buffer and fencing and offered to place salt-and-pepper shrubbery to reduce visibility from the road. The Planning Commission had considered the application on Sept. 4 and forwarded a report with recommended conditions; that report was referenced on the record during the hearing.

No formal follow-up action was recorded at the meeting. Opponents urged commissioners to deny approval because of the site's proximity to homes and Patriot's Park, and proponents offered mitigation measures and said the project would generate tax revenue over the site's lifespan.

The disapproval ends this application as presented; applicants may pursue other parcels or reapply with revised plans.