Solar issues were discussed further during a joint meeting of the Vandalia City Council and Fayette County Board on Monday afternoon.
One of the longer topics of discussion during the meeting was dealing with a proposed solar project that will is to be located within 1.5 miles of the City of Vandalia’s City limits. The project was approved by the Fayette County Board last year. But, City Attorney Ryan Connor has stated because the project is within 1.5 miles of the city’s limits they have joint jurisdiction with the county. Connor says the company with the solar project will be coming before the City’s Zoning Board next month for a special use permit.
On hand for the meeting was Katie Ledbetter. She and her husband built a home at 1480 N. 425 Street, and they have since learned they will have solar farms on three sides of their home–the solar project being discussed. It was stated that the solar company was originally told by the City of Vandalia that, since they had a permit from the county, they did not need another permit from the City of Vandalia. And, Ledbetter asked if the city “did it wrong, so I’m stuck with a solar panel around my house.” Connor said no, but Alderman Russ Stunkel questioned that.
Aldermen Andy Lester and Bob Bowen both stated their thoughts on the matter.
As Connor stated, the matter will be before the Zoning Board on August 7th now for a special use permit. But, the reasons for a potential denial would seem to be if the matter would adversely impact the city. One other clarification on solar projections is they only have to be 150 feet away from a residence, not 500 feet as previously reported.
Comments