In a bid to address community concerns and provide clarity on solar development initiatives, Knox Smart Development hosted a town hall meeting on Feb. 24, drawing attention to the effects of solar projects on the local landscape and landowners.
The event, led by Knox Smart Development Managing Member Jared Yost, featured guest speaker Kevon Martis, a County Commissioner from Lenawee County, Michigan, who also serves as the Zoning Administrator for Deerfield Township, Michigan.
“In my county alone, we're looking right now. I'm aware of 15,000 acres of solar,” he told audience members.
“So as we look at your options moving forward, you may be concerned about 1 or 2 projects right now, but realize your county's actions and the Power Siting Board's actions. We'll also be looking down the road. It may be many more projects. The money that's being poured into this space by federal policy is tremendous, and there's many people looking to take advantage of that.”
He encouraged local authorities to consider regulations that balance private property rights with community interests.
“The right to swing our fist ends where our neighbor's nose begins. And that's the basic premise of land use policy,” he said.
Martis reiterated in Ohio that the decision on solar and wind projects ultimately rests with the community, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and community engagement in shaping the future of energy development in Knox County.
He encouraged local leaders to gauge community feedback, even if it means putting referendum items on the ballot.
Martis emphasized the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes regarding solar projects, especially when it comes to community representation in regards to the 1,500 acre Frasier Solar Project planned for Clinton and Miller Townships.
“What can you and your commissioners and Knox County do?” he said. “For projects that are grandfathered in. They still remain before the power siting board. As I said, you want people who are making your policy decisions to like you. You want to make well-reasoned arguments based in science, and you want to demonstrate, like you are today, that there's strong community opposition to this development here, that you see it as adverse to your land use plans going forward as a community.”
Addressing specific legislative mechanisms, Martis discussed Senate Bill 52, which was passed after the Frasier Solar Project was greenlit. SB 52 allows commissioners to designate areas within the county as off-limits to wind and/or solar development. He emphasized that such designations could be subject to referendum, providing residents with a means to voice their opinions on proposed developments.
Drawing from his experience in Michigan, Martis cited instances where communities successfully opposed solar and wind projects through township referenda. He underscored the referendum process as a unique opportunity for commissioners to gauge public sentiment accurately.
However, in Michigan, the state led by Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has removed local control from deciding where solar projects can be developed.
“In Michigan, we've had 29 township referenda and wind energy, which is partially the reason Governor Whitmer's taking away our rights because they're tired of the people speaking 29 referenda in a row, and the wind companies have never won 29 out of 29,” he said.
Martis also advocated for alternative locations such as brownfields and rooftops.
The entirety of the Knox Smart Development town hall meeting from Feb. 24 is available online here.
On its website Knox Smart Development says solar “lowers neighboring property values” and that “solar panels can leach harmful metals and chemicals into groundwater.”
KSD’s website also notes areas of Brown County, where solar projects have since been banned, that continue to “struggle with a solar installation property that is FLOODING.”
The Ohio Power Siting Board has scheduled a local public hearing on April 4 to gather sworn testimony on the Frasier Solar Project proposal. The hearing is set to take place at the Knox Memorial Building.
