Residents have mixed reaction about large-scale solar farms in Sedgwick County - KAKE

Residents have mixed reaction about large-scale solar farms in Sedgwick County - KAKE

Residents have mixed reaction about large-scale solar farms in Sedgwick County

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KAKE) - Should large-scale solar farms be allowed in Sedgwick County? Thursday night, the public told officials what they think.

Because of a moratorium, there can't be any solar applications until March 20th. So, Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita want to know what should happen once the moratorium has passed.

“I just moved back from California. There are solar farms and wind farms. They're ugly, they're huge. I don't want those farms here,” said an unnamed person who spoke during public comment.

“Everybody says what they don't want. Where do you want that electricity to be generated,” said Sedgwick County resident, Stan Bergkamp.

Back in March homeowners were concerned about a potential solar development just to the north of Colwich. People living near there were among those at Thursday night's meeting.

“Across the road from me there, across the road from me there, and 2000 feet from my south fence line,” said Leory Bosch.

Bosch says he's against the idea for more than just looks.

“My concern, is it's extremely bad for Sedgwick County as a whole. Any kind of utility-scale solar is going to stifle growth and development,” said Bosch.

Current rules say solar farms can't be higher than 35 feet and structures have to be set back from the boundary at least 40 feet. The public has until the end of the month to let officials know if they think those rules should change.

“We've heard from members of the community who want to have them because they're interested in being able to lease their land for it. We've heard from people who are cautious about it because they're concerned about what it would look like from their property if it was nearby,” said Scott Wadle, Wichita and Sedgwick County MAPD Director.