Residents push commissioners to coordinate response to proposed industrial solar projects

Vicky, a resident and public commenter, told the Morrow County Board of Commissioners that neighbors are organizing in response to proposed large-scale solar projects and asked the board how residents should communicate concerns to other county governments and the Ohio Power Siting Board.

The comment came during public comment at the commissioners' meeting. Vicky said Crawford County commissioners will vote June 6 on countywide restrictions and that an industrial project near New Cyrus would encompass roughly 2,500 acres, a size she said had alarmed local residents. "People are starting to understand that this is real," she said.

Why it matters: Vicky cited a recent case in Stark County that the Ohio Power Siting Board rejected after "overwhelming local government opposition," and urged Morrow County residents to submit public comments and attend local meetings. She said she submitted a public comment challenging the notice size for a project and later filed a memorandum opposing a developer's request for a partial waiver.

Vicky said neighbors who live within roughly a half-mile of a proposed project held a meeting that drew five couples and three individuals, and she invited commissioners to an open, public meeting on May 28 to help neighbors understand how best to present concerns. "Your input is extremely important," she said, and requested guidance on whether commissioners or township trustees could or should take formal positions.

Vicky also said she had communicated with the administrative staff at the siting board and that public comments are read and can influence proceedings. She identified Matt Butler as the siting-board administrative contact and described him as the board's staff person who handles questions and public comments.

No formal action by the board was recorded on solar siting at this meeting. Commissioners did not take a vote or issue formal direction on the topic during the public-comment period.

The board's routine business that followed included approvals of minutes, bills and contracts (see separate itemization). Vicky and other residents planning outreach said they will use the May 28 meeting to brief neighbors and prepare public comments for the siting board and neighboring counties.

Any questions? Vicky concluded by asking whether commissioners planned additional town halls or other ways to make information more accessible to residents close to proposed project sites.