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Commission unanimously recommends denial of 3 MW New Leaf Solar shared‑solar project
Summary
Facing sustained neighborhood opposition citing noise, flood/runoff and cultural‑landscape concerns, the Planning Commission voted 7‑0 to recommend denial of a 3‑megawatt shared‑solar facility (CUP-2026-00012) on Old Myrtle Road and will forward that recommendation to City Council.
The Suffolk City Planning Commission voted unanimously (7‑0) on June 16 to recommend denial of Conditional Use Permit CUP-2026-00012, a 3‑megawatt shared‑solar proposal on a roughly 44‑acre parcel along Old Myrtle Road.
Staff described the project as a relatively small distribution‑scale solar facility with a fenced panel footprint of about 26.5 acres and a central equipment pad using string inverters and a transformer. The applicant, Jesse Robinson of New Leaf Energy, said the site was chosen for its distribution‑level interconnection availability and flat, previously logged terrain, and that the project would participate in Dominion Energy’s shared‑solar program allowing subscribers to receive bill credits. "The project proposed today is a three megawatt project that will participate in the shared solar program with Dominion Energy Territory," Robinson said.
Several adjacent property owners and community members urged denial. Jimmy Smith and other nearby homeowners presented petitions and argued the property includes wetlands, that construction access and grading could increase runoff toward adjacent properties, and that the proposal would harm wildlife habitat and the character of Old Myrtle Road. Resident Kim Rogers and others raised noise and visibility concerns; Lisa Chavis Smith said her family relies on quiet outdoor space and that a 16‑year‑old household member is noise‑sensitive. Landowner Priscilla Taylor said the property had been logged and was not cropland and that leasing for solar would help keep the land in the family.
Commissioners cited the volume and content of neighbor opposition and the concentration of solar applications in the same general area as factors in their decision. Planning staff will prepare the record to be sent to City Council; the commission’s recommendation will be on the July 15 agenda.
Why it matters: This was a shared‑solar application that, if approved, would have allowed Dominion customers to subscribe for bill credits; opponents argued the installation would materially change neighborhood character, increase noise and flood risk, and reduce property values. The commission’s unanimous denial sends a strong signal to the City Council.
