County approves 4.99‑megawatt solar generating facility on North Harlem Center Road

The committee approved a special use permit for 601 Freeport Solar LLC to construct a 4.99 megawatt (AC) solar generating facility on 40 acres of a 76.82‑acre parcel owned by Doug Firebaugh on North Harlem Center Road.

Zoning staff confirmed that the project is for a 4.99 MW AC generating plant and does not include battery storage. One adjacent landowner submitted a written objection; the committee discussed neighbors’ concerns but approved the permit by voice vote.

Members raised questions about whether large solar projects raise land values and change property tax distributions. A county staff member explained that the facility’s production component is taxed (assessment office tracks permits and production), while the landowner’s property tax on the dirt typically does not increase because of the lease; the staff member said, “Permits. The minute it's permitted...the taxation process starts” when assessment staff are notified and the facility is connected.

Committee members also discussed the practical siting constraint that utility proximity matters: panels are typically sited near substations or lines that can accept generated power. One member said proximity to a substation determines whether a given parcel is suitable for utility‑scale solar.

A motion to approve the special use was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The record shows no battery storage was included in the application and that staff will coordinate any assessment and permitting steps with the county assessment office and zoning department.