Neighbors and planning panel push back on Rocky Ford solar plan over historic easements

County supervisors discussed the Rocky Ford solar proposal after the planning commission hearing revealed multiple concerns about siting, historic easements and ambiguity about who would ultimately own and operate the project. At the planning commission meeting, commissioners and members of the public pressed the applicant for more detail on setbacks, the project's fit with the county comprehensive plan and whether a utility such as Dominion had committed to the project.

One planning commissioner noted public opposition and questions about the National Trust’s review of a property encumbered by conservation and historical easements. "Mister Haney said that he could not say that the National Trust would approve it until we...would have to approve it, then the National Trust would tell them whether they could do it or not," a commissioner recounted. The planning commission ultimately made a motion to reject the application pending clearer answers about historic‑designation constraints, ownership/utility commitments and compliance with the comprehensive plan. The board discussed inviting the applicant back for a work session to answer detailed questions before any public hearing at the county level.