Hopkinsville City Council is moving forward with an ordinance being prepared to amend the zoning code to include Solar Energy Systems (SES) after hearing comments from the public about solar panels and the possibility of solar farms in Christian County.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, Attorney Peter Schlicker, who represents BrightNight Power in Louisville, started off the discussion and said the proposed amendment before the city council provides setbacks ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 for larger solar facilities along with a process to get a variance. However, he feels the applicable standard is too restrictive and would prohibit large-scale solar farms and economic benefits.
click to download audioDan Brechwald also spoke against the proposed amendment.
click to download audioFormer city councilwoman and property owner Marby Schlegel of Pembroke Road also is not in favor of the amendment and feels the setback needs to be negotiated.
click to download audioLocal farmer Brandon Garnett of Edwards Mill Road spoke about the economic impact agriculture has in Christian County, which he noted is statistically the No. 1 agriculture county in Kentucky. He said we need farmland for future generations, not solar farms.
click to download audioWhen Phillip Garnett of Bradshaw Road addressed the council he iterated they are not against solar — it’s about farmland.
click to download audioHe noted they want regulation to keep solar companies from coming in and taking over the county’s farmland.
And Heather Cook of the Dogwood Community spoke in favor of the ordinance and said she and her family are actively fighting the solar farm “invading” her community. She noted where she currently lives they will be the most damaged because solar panels will surround her home.
click to download audioCommunity and Development Services Executive Director Tom Britton presented the proposed amendment and said it creates fair guidelines for solar energy companies.
click to download audioAfter more than an hour of questions and discussions, the council unanimously voted to have an ordinance prepared to be considered at a future city council meeting.