Knox County landowners are expressing their concern over an industrial solar company's plan to lease the surrounding land for 40 years. John and Norma Parker question the benefits of the project and its potential impacts on the local environment and wildlife.
The Parkers have been residents of Blackjack Road for 12 years, having purchased their property from Norma's parents, who lived there for 23 years prior to them. Norma expressed her appreciation for the natural beauty of the land in a letter, highlighting the picturesque views of the changing seasons and the peaceful scenes of wildlife.
Knox County landowner Norma Parker's view will forever be spoiled by the planned installation of industrial panels. Image by Norma Parker
"We love the view and the changing of the seasons. From green corn to gold and harvested fields to green beans, it alternates every year. Our view is breathtaking," Norma said. "We sit on the front porch now and watch the deer graze in the fields across the road. We’ve seen eagles fish out of the little stream. Birds fill the air with song. It’s truly tranquil."
Within the past year, the Parkers learned that an industrial solar company was planning to lease the land surrounding their property, which would last for 40 years. To Norma, 40 years would mean the end of the land's natural beauty.
"The ever-changing country view will be solar panels from here on out," Norma said. "I have no idea who would be interested in reviving it after 40 years, as the population will have only known metal machinery in what I can only assume to be an unkept grassy field full of ticks and fleas."
According to Knox Pages, the latest developments in Knox County, Ohio, have highlighted the growing debate surrounding solar energy projects and their potential impacts on the local community. From the commissioners' considerations of the Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) proposal for the Frasier Solar project to the concerns raised by the citizens' group Preserve Knox County Ohio, the issues have taken center stage in discussions about the county's future.
In an August meeting, Knox County commissioners revealed their intention to accept a PILOT proposal from Open Road Renewables, subject to the approval of the Frasier Solar project by the Ohio Power Siting Board, Knox pages reported. The proposed arrangement involves significant annual payments to the county and local taxing districts in lieu of standard property taxes. The commissioners' decision, made after careful evaluation of inputs from local school authorities and Career Center representatives, underlines the complex interplay of revenue dynamics and community interests.
Meanwhile, the citizens' group Preserve Knox County Ohio voiced their reservations about the Frasier Solar project, emphasizing concerns about the project's timing, location, and the choice of developer, according to Knox Pages. Their appeal for careful planning and a more opportune evaluation of utility-scale solar projects underscores the need for a balanced approach to sustainable energy initiatives.
The group's call for increased community involvement in decision-making processes and the commissioners' efforts to remain informed and engaged with the Ohio Power Siting Board illustrate the ongoing efforts to address the concerns of both the local residents and the broader community.
As discussions and debates continue, the county remains at a critical juncture, striving to balance economic development and sustainability while preserving its rural character and safeguarding the interests of its citizens. With multiple stakeholders and interests at play, the path forward for solar energy projects in Knox County will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of significant public interest and scrutiny.
"I am totally for advancement and change, but I really don’t see how this will profit anyone other than the solar bigwigs and the land owners," Norma said in her letter.
