Cedartown approves solar array at Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center with buffer condition

The Cedartown City Commission voted unanimously Nov. 10 to approve a major change to the PD-4 zoning for Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center at 2360 Rockmart Highway, allowing the hospital to install a solar array on the east side of its retention pond. The approval included one explicit condition: "Keep a natural buffer around the solar panel array." The motion was made by Commissioner Dale Tuck and seconded by Commissioner Jessica Payton; the minutes record the vote as "all voting "Aye", none voting "No"."

City Attorney Carey Pilgrim opened the public hearing and asked whether anyone wished to speak "for" or "against" the request. Jimmy Johnson of Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center and Jarrett Branham of Branham Group spoke in favor, describing the request as an amendment to the site's previously approved PD-4 zoning so an array could be sited adjacent to the retention pond. No speakers opposed the change, and the hearing was closed before the commission took its vote.