Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Pitt County commissioners deny rezoning for 236-acre Stonewood Solar project after heated public hearing
Summary
After more than two hours of testimony from landowners, farmers and experts, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a conditional rezoning for a 235.89-acre solar facility proposed by Stonewood Solar LLC, citing concerns about farmland loss, long-term land use and community impacts.
The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a request from Stonewood Solar LLC to rezone roughly 235.89 acres near NC 903 and Oakley Road to allow a solar facility, following a lengthy public hearing in which neighbors and farmers urged the board to protect agricultural land.
Planning staff described the application, noting required setbacks (50 feet from property lines, 150 feet from residences for inverters), underground electrical wiring and a decommissioning plan. Staff recommended approval and the Planning Board had unanimously recommended the conditional rezoning as consistent with the Pitt County 2045 Comprehensive Land Use Plan, with conditions including erosion control, use of existing vegetation for screening, and NCDOT driveway permits.
Opponents focused on farmland preservation, property values and…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
