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Residents raise water, wildlife and property-value concerns after planning commission accepts Summit Road solar application for review
Summary
Public commenters urged the Pocono Township Planning Commission to reconsider siting a proposed Summit Road solar array in an R1 residential zone, citing potential effects on well recharge, wildlife habitat and nearby property values; the commission accepted the application for review and staff said zoning will be assessed for an "essential service" determination.
The Pocono Township Planning Commission on Monday accepted for review an application from Blue Wave for a solar electric power generation facility proposed near Summit Road, prompting several residents to urge caution over the project's effects on wells, wildlife and home values.
Online commenter Dean Wear told the commission he did not think the array “belongs in R1 zone,” and cited what he said were World Health Organization guidance and a University of Rhode Island study about proximity effects: “houses within one mile of a solar array depreciated 1.7%. Property prices for homes lying within 0.1 miles fall by about 7% or about 23,682,” he said. Wear additionally raised concerns about deforestation around large solar installations reducing infiltration and harming aquifer recharge for neighborhood wells.
Mariam Museamei of Swiftwater said she and her husband, Michael, rely on well water and worry that clearing trees for panels would harm wildlife and their water supply: “our wellwater is wonderful and I'm very concerned about that,” she told the commission.
Commissioners completed a procedural acceptance that starts the township’s 90-day review clock, a staff member explained; acceptance does not constitute final approval. Staff also told residents the township will review whether the project fits the local definition of an “essential service,” a determination that could affect allowable uses in the R1 zone.
A question about public access to the application prompted staff to describe the township’s public-record process and offer to show the plan after the meeting. Residents were told they may request copies through Pocono Township’s right-to-know procedures rather than relying on a printed URL cited in the hearing record.
Rob Danie, who identified himself as from a local company, noted the property's steep topography, wetlands and existing nearby solar development as reasons the township should scrutinize runoff and erosion risks. Maria Brazani, a Swiftwater taxpayer, asked whether designating the project as an essential need was appropriate for a residential neighborhood and urged the township to consider alternative sites in appropriately zoned areas.
The commission did not make a final determination on zoning or approvals at the meeting; staff and the zoning officer will continue their review and the application will come back to the planning commission and the board of supervisors for any formal recommendation or decision.
