CT company says huge proposed solar farm would ‘end’ its business. ‘A devastating impact’: owners
Connecticut is becoming accustomed to neighbors balking at the prospect of large solar farms nearby.
But the pushback against Lodestar Energy’s proposed facility in Simsbury features an unusual opponent: A company claims the 4.6-megwatt operation would put it out of business.
Tower Ridge Disc Golf, which is located near the foot of Talcott Mountain, is warning state regulators that Lodestar’s plan’s would sink their operation.
“The proposed 19-acre solar field would consume two-thirds of our course, effectively ending our business,” Tower Disc Golf co-owners Brett Hollander and David Tolk said in a message to The Courant.
“We are currently on an upward trajectory, outpacing the industry,” they wrote. “To dismantle this momentum now would be a profound loss to the local disc golf and local business community.”
Tower Ridge Disc Golf this week launched a social media campaign urging people to sign up to speak at a Connecticut Siting Council virtual hearing later in the month. The council — not the town — will be deciding whether Lodestar gets to build on the site.
Lodestar’s proposal has already drawn questions from Simsbury leaders, who are concerned that hundreds of solar panels in a field could degrade views from the 165-foot Heublein Tower and nearby hiking trails.
“This view is one of the most treasured assets in the Farmington Valley and beyond, so understanding how it may change is essential,” First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis wrote in a letter to the Siting Council.
Mackstutis this winter called on the council to conduct a public hearing, and it has scheduled one April 23 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. The Siting Council has advised that anyone wishing to speak must sign up by April 22.
Solar farms have grown increasingly controversial in recent years, with many residents arguing that they endorse solar energy but opposing covering farmland with acres of industrial-looking panels.
Recently, Gov. Ned Lamont visited East Windsor to view a solar farm site, and residents from that town and Ellington called on him to stem the spread of them.
The Connecticut Siting Council was established to evaluate solar, cellphone and trash-to-energy proposals that have regional or statewide implications. The council essentially does away with the authority of local planning boards and zoning officials by deciding whether to approve or reject developers’ plans.
In Lodestar’s case, the council is scheduled to act by June 6.
The company wants to use 19 acres of Simsbury Real Estate Holdings’ 119-acre parcel east of Nod Road. It argues that it would pay Simsbury about $45,000 a year in tax revenue, and would bolster Connecticut’s energy foundation.
“The project will support the state’s energy policies, including the goal to ‘develop and utilize renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind energy, to the maximum practicable extent,’ ” Lodestar said in its application. “The project will also provide clean, renewable, solar-powered electricity … will assist Connecticut in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing criteria air pollutants associated with the displacement of older, less efficient, fossil fuel generation facilities.”
Lodestar contends its plan wouldn’t substantially harm the environment, “particularly when compared to other potential development.”
But Tower Ridge disagreed.
“While we understand the importance of renewable energy, the selection of this specific site would have a devastating impact on a thriving local business, the regional economy, and the unparalleled natural beauty of Simsbury,” the business warned.
“The ‘backyard’ of this mountain consists of rolling hills and pristine vistas. Replacing these natural views with 20 acres of industrial glass and metal fencing would be an unsightly scar on a beautiful backdrop,” the company wrote.