Commissioners approve Woodside Lane solar consistency request; defer Kupunka Road project pending landscaping and viewshed studies

The Worcester County Commissioners on June 3 approved a consistency-standard consultation for the Woodside Lane utility-scale solar project and delayed action on a second, nearby project on Kupunka Road until additional materials are submitted.

County staff told commissioners that the Woodside Lane project had been before the board at the prior meeting; subsequent state action left the existing siting standards in place as of July 1, and commissioners then voted to approve the consistency request. The motion to approve Woodside Lane was made and seconded; the board recorded a 6–1 vote in favor.

The Kupunka Road project, proposed by developer New Leaf Energy, was presented by project developer Drew Funk and engineer Matt Kravitz of BL Companies. The developer said the parcel is just under 92 acres with a targeted usable area of about 40 acres and that the team coordinated with multiple agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of the Environment. Funk said the team had provided a letter of no effect for endangered species and that the Maryland Historical Trust review found no adverse effects on historic properties.

Commissioner Bertino asked whether the applicant had submitted a landscape plan and a viewshed analysis. The developer said neither had been submitted. Commissioner Bertino moved — and Commissioner Bunting seconded — that the county not proceed on the Kupunka Road consultation until the landscape plan and viewshed analysis were submitted for county review. The motion passed, deferring the consultation until required studies are on file.

Speakers at the presentation emphasized coordination with state and federal agencies; the Kupunka Road applicant said it will complete required studies and return for further review.

Actions taken on both items are recorded in the actions section below.