Planning commission finds two small solar projects consistent with county plan; split votes recorded on both

The Charlotte County Planning Commission voted to find two proposed photovoltaic solar facilities substantially in accord with the county’s comprehensive plan, approving the 2232 compliance findings for the Charlotte Solar 1 Gibson Project (1.9 MW) and Charlotte Solar 2 Austin Goldman 5 Project (3.0 MW).

For the Gibson Project, Michael Zehner summarized staff analysis and Commissioner Cornell Goldman moved that the 1.9‑megawatt facility is substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan because the parcels are zoned General Agricultural, the location is more than a half‑mile from the nearest town boundary, the facility produces clean energy, requires minimal county services to operate and affects only a small portion of the county’s ag/forest land. Patrick Andrews seconded the motion. The motion carried with Commissioners David Watkins and Lynn Royster recorded as voting no and all other members present voting yes.

For the Austin Goldman 5 Project, Zehner again presented the compliance review. Commissioner Eugene Wells moved that the proposed 3‑megawatt facility is substantially in accord with the comprehensive plan; after procedural motion handling the motion carried with David Watkins and Lynn Royster voting no and all other members present voting yes.

Commissioners discussed density and landcover during both hearings. No formal conditions or operating permits were adopted in these findings; the actions were comprehensive‑plan consistency determinations under the county’s review process.