Kent County commissioners back Betterton's opposition to solar project on town growth land

The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to send a letter supporting the Town of Betterton's opposition to a proposed 30-acre utility-scale solar project by Halo on land inside the town limits.

Commissioners and staff said the parcel in question lies within Betterton's growth area and was annexed years ago; the county's comprehensive plan and the town's land-use designations earmark the parcel for future development and potential sewer service rather than utility-scale solar. County staff prepared a draft letter supporting the town's opposition; the board approved sending that letter by unanimous voice vote.

Commissioners and staff said the Betterton case differs from some other solar siting matters because the parcel sits inside municipal limits and is considered a likely area for town expansion. One commissioner said locating a utility-scale array on land the town expects to develop would be “diametrically opposed” to state and local housing and planning policies.

Staff noted the project is one of several pending or proposed utility-scale projects in the county; the board said opposing the Betterton siting is consistent with a local planning goal of reserving certain parcels for municipal growth. The commissioners approved the letter as drafted and directed staff to transmit it to the town and relevant state reviewers.