Pitt County approves conditional rezoning for 1,048-acre Stokes Town Solar project after lengthy public hearing

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 18 voted to approve a conditional rezoning requested by Hexagon Development LLC to allow a large-scale solar energy facility — the Stokes Town Solar project — on about 1,048.94 acres east of Grifton.

Planning staff told the board the county’s Envision Pitt County 2045 future land-use map designates the area as agricultural and staff found the conditional rezoning consistent with the plan; the planning board had recommended approval by a 6-1 vote at its July 16 meeting. Commissioners then heard more than two hours of public comment, with 29 people signed up to speak.

The project assembled roughly 1,500 acres under option, the developer said, but the area inside the proposed fenced project boundary will be about 416 acres and the panel footprint about 115 acres. Hexagon representatives said the project would include an 80-megawatt generation system paired with a 30-megawatt battery storage system, use underground wiring where required, and include a decommissioning plan required under recent state law.

Why it matters: supporters said the project brings long-term lease revenue for landowners, property-tax revenue for the county, and local jobs during construction and operation; opponents raised concerns about property values, flood risk, wildlife and long-term health effects. Commissioners approved the rezoning with conditions described by planning staff and with additional, developer-agreed commitments about larger setbacks in sensitive areas.

Major facts and conditions - Applicant: Hexagon Development LLC; project described as the Stokes Town Solar project. - Size and footprint: rezoning requested for 1,048.94 acres across 15 parcels/8…