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Residents urge board to take stance on 1,400-acre Earthrise solar project
Summary
Residents told the village board they oppose a proposed 1,400-acre Earthrise solar project near Catlin township, citing loss of farmland, viewshed concerns and personal health fears; two residents offered to help educate neighbors about the proposal.
Tony Hill, a Catlin township resident, told the village board he and neighbors oppose the proposed 1,400-acre Earthrise solar project and said the site is "right in my front yard," adding that he and his wife built their home there and do not want to be "pushed out by looking at solar panels the rest of my life." Hill described the land as "good black dirt" and said the project is "personal" because he and several neighbors have had cancer diagnoses.
Becky Miller, who said she has been "fighting this" project near Jamaica and Indianola for about two years, offered to share her knowledge with other residents who have questions. "If anybody ever has any questions, not that I'm an expert, but I pretty much get it," Miller said. Both speakers asked whether the board had been approached by Earthrise and where the board stood on the proposal; board members did not record a definitive policy change during public comment.
The public-comment speakers said they would return to future meetings to monitor developments and asked the board to clarify next steps and any pending applications. The board did not announce a vote or formal position during the meeting; residents requested clearer outreach and information from the county or developer as the review process continues.
