Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alexis Solar Permit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mercer County Board approves Alexis-area solar permit over community objections
Summary
The Mercer County Board approved a conditional use permit for a solar project near Alexis in a 7-2 vote after public commenters raised health, property-value and safety concerns; proponents said increased setbacks and planting would mitigate impacts and that tax revenue would benefit United School.
The Mercer County Board on Aug. 6, 2024, approved conditional use permits for parcels associated with a proposed Alexis-area solar project, voting 7-2 to grant the application. The motion to approve was made by Arbet and seconded by Gregg; DeFrieze and Hawn recorded the two nay votes.
During public comment, Mark Tadie and Kim Briggs spoke against the project, raising “health concerns,” potential reductions in property values, the project’s proximity to neighbors, and a perceived fire risk. Proponents at the meeting, including Sean Pluta and Scott Novack, said tax revenue from the project would benefit United School and described design changes including setbacks increased to 750 feet (from 150 feet) and tree plantings to buffer views and noise.
The conditional use permit covers parcel numbers 17-17-31-100-006 and 17-17-31-200-003. The board’s action followed presentation and discussion of the project’s financial and design details; the record shows the vote passed despite the public objections and two board members voting against approval. The board did not record further binding conditions beyond the discussed setbacks and plantings in the minutes.
Next procedural steps were not specified in the minutes beyond the approval. The meeting record notes the permit approval and the vote tally; no additional appeals or permitting deadlines are recorded in these minutes.
