St. Joe County area plan commission makes favorable recommendation on solar amendments - WNDU

St. Joe County area plan commission makes favorable recommendation on solar amendments

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) -On Tuesday, St. Joe County moved one step closer to creating some rules on solar projects in the area moving forward. After the council gave a favorable recommendation to the solar tax amendment by a vote of six to zero.

The debate on solar energy in the area has been a fiery one, and at the area plan commission meeting, it led to an immense turnout from North Liberty residents protesting the idea of solar farms coming to their area.

“We bought our property in liberty township because of the natural resources on the property,” said Linda Matzat, a North Liberty Resident. “So ya I’m big on natural resources and would hate to see anything disrupt the wildlife that we have been working to attract and provide for.”

The meeting revolved around a proposed ordinance that would create amendments to the ordinance in place. Some changes include adding a minimum setback of 150 feet between non-participating neighbors, as well as having companies receive a special permit on agriculture land. This also makes the company go through 2 public hearings before being voted on.

But for some North Liberty Residents more can be done.

“I think it’s a wonderful start for us, they have the special use in this but as you know it has to go through the county council,” said Amanda Mitchell, leader of Rethink industrial Solar. “There’s a couple homes that will be completely surrounded on all 4 sides if this project goes through so think about that 150 foot from your home or driveway it will be like your own little home or compound, and for some of us on three or two sides, 150 foot is drastically changing our community.”

While the opposers were out, there are also those who see the benefit of solar projects in the county. Citing the need for clean reliable power in the county with data centers and other projects coming to the area.

“Indiana imports 16% of its power in from other states, why wouldn’t we want to be mor self-reliant,” said Lisa Dan, Indiana director for the center of energy education. “Especially with data centers coming into St. Joe County, as well as the giant battery plant that will be bringing in more power. We must be able to have those resources for ourselves.”

The county council will hold a final hearing and vote on these proposed solar amendments at a meeting held on July 9th.

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