Representatives of the Starke County Citizens against Progressive Solar, or C.A.P.S., appeared before the Starke County Plan Commission Wednesday, August 9 to present concerns and ask for a moratorium on any future solar projects until concerns can be addressed.
The concerns included property value loss, zoning from agriculture to industrial, residential setbacks, economic impacts and an economic plan, farm business loss, the inclusion of a specific fire safety plan, and aesthetics of large solar farms where neighbors should have a say in “what they have to look at across the street”. One resident complained that solar panels surround three sides of her property.
Those in attendance are just asking for a pause to better set up ordinances to address these issues before more companies come in without these concerns included in the ordinances that pertain to any new solar farms and battery storage projects.
Plan Commission President Todd Jackson noted that there is some work being done to revise ordinances and there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes to plan training sessions in fire safety with the solar companies. Safety plans are being developed and countywide training will be done.
Jackson said the commission is listening to everyone’s concerns, but it will take time to make changes to ordinances and it will not happen overnight.
He also noted that the commissioners already said no to a moratorium and that is the government body that makes that final decision.
Jackson stated that government leaders and the commission members are doing more research to make the right decisions for the county.
Additionally, a representative from Hoosier Solar noted that the company’s project is on hold and she said it was to take a step back to address resident concerns.
