Commissioners raise concern after public service hearing on Fannie Dorsey-area solar site

Commissioner Garen told the Carroll County Board of Commissioners on April 10 that he attended a Public Service Commission hearing last week about a proposed solar project near Fannie Dorsey Road.

"Tuesday night was a public meeting by the Public Service Commission to discuss a solar project that's currently taking place down off of Fannie Dorsey," Commissioner Garen said. "This particular site we've referred to as Chabirdon. But it's the easternmost site."

The discussion centered on a project county officials say conflicts with a board decision that bans solar installations on agricultural land. "As everyone is aware the county voted unanimously to forbid solar projects on agricultural land," Garen said. He added that the petition to the Public Service Commission is working its way through state process despite the county vote.

Why it matters: Commissioners said residents are alarmed because of how close the planned arrays would sit to homes, how the site is proposed to be fenced, and uncertainty about whether state-level permitting will override county siting preferences.

Commissioner Garen described the site footprint as being close to residences and criticized plans for a chain-link fence around an 18- to 20-acre array. "It's literally Dorsey Road. And it comes within about 200 feet of some people's front doors," he said. "What's also disturbing is ... a chain link fence is planned to go around this 18 20 acre site. Nobody wants to live across the street from that."

Commissioner Gordon, who also attended the hearing, said he was struck that some applicants appear to choose chain-link fencing because it is the cheapest option. "The chain-link fence is the cheapest way to do it. I don't know," Gordon said. "But hopefully, we don't see more of that."

Commissioners and other county officials said they have tried to enact stricter siting rules to keep large solar projects off agricultural land and out of direct view of residential properties. Garen said those local siting rules may not be controlling in the PSC process and urged residents to stay engaged.

The board did not take a formal vote on the project at the April 10 meeting. Garen encouraged residents to follow the ongoing PSC hearings and the county’s online updates. "There will be continued hearings if you're interested," he said.

Ending note: Commissioners said they support renewable energy in principle but oppose panels placed directly across from residential neighborhoods. They urged residents to monitor the PSC docket and attend hearings.