Pulaski County’s proposed solar farm may have a role to play in Winamac’s revitalization efforts. Town Attorney Justin Schramm says the town had been looking to tear down an abandoned grain elevator near the intersection of Logan and Jefferson streets and possibly redevelop the site as a park facility to tie into the adjacent Panhandle Pathway.
“Long-term, what we would love to do is demolish this building and make this, starting from that maroon building down there all the way to the other side of the stone building, revitalize it and maybe create a recreational area, which might include a splash pad,” Schramm explains. “Since it sits right at our trailhead and has access to the Panhandle, what a great space to have a recreational area or a gathering place for people to be able to utilize.”
But funding dried up when the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs redirected its grant programs to COVID-19 response.
That’s where the 4,500-acre Mammoth Solar project comes in. Project developer Global Energy Generation President Nick Cohen says that to go along with its solar investments, the company also looks for projects it can sponsor to revitalize those communities. “The green project here in Winamac is the ideal project,” Cohen says. “It’s a beautiful town, and it’s got this rails-to-trail path running through it with a lot of people. It’s a friendly neighborhood in eyeshot of the courthouse, and yet, there’s this dilapidated building, and it has the potential to be an incredible park.” Cohen visited the site Wednesday.
Global Energy Generation’s interest in community revitalization comes as the solar farm proposal has sparked widespread community debate, ahead of the Pulaski County Board of Zoning Appeals’ anticipated special exception vote on Monday. A discussion organized by opponents to the project drew dozens of people last week, and they’ve planned a second one for tonight in the Winamac Town Park at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Meanwhile, Cohen says his company is holding its own open house this Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus.
“It seems like we have the will of the community,” Cohen adds. “Hundreds of people have expressed support for our project, and it’s overwhelming the amount of support that we’ve had.”
He says the potential park project would not be an official commitment within the negotiations with the county. Global Energy Generation hasn’t offered a specific dollar amount for its contribution yet, but Cohen says the company would be a significant sponsor.
