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County staff: judge allows Wattsville battery storage project to proceed while appeals continue
Summary
Deputy administrator Lee Panda told the planning commission the county lost a court case over a Wattsville battery energy storage project; the judge permitted the developer to proceed while an appeal and a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing are scheduled in June.
Deputy County Administrator Lee Panda updated the commission on a high‑visibility zoning matter: the county lost a court challenge regarding a battery energy storage project in Wattsville and a judge has allowed the developer to proceed while the developer brings an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals in June.
Panda said the developer will present to the Board of Zoning Appeals in June to seek reversal of the county’s determination that a conditional‑use permit had expired. He described the case as high visibility and said the appeal will be heard at the next BZA meeting.
Panda also mentioned an operational item: the county’s office HVAC redesign is over budget and may require changes; staff and contractors are evaluating options. He noted the planning division has four vacancies and that the department is hiring for key environmental and planning positions.
Next steps: the BZA will hear the appeal in June; staff will update the commission on the outcome and on any administrative or budget implications related to the county office project.
