Mount Vernon City Councilwoman Amber Keener was among those who were unable to speak at the highly anticipated Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) meeting held on April 4.
The meeting held at Knox Memorial Theater to address the contentious issue surrounding the proposed Frasier Solar Project. Turnout included 145 Knox County residents who signed up to provide testimony.
As a result of the overwhelming interest, the OPSB will hold another meeting for those who were unable to give testimony on April 4.
The Frasier Solar Project encompasses parts of Miller and Clinton Townships, as well as 100 acres within the City of Mount Vernon.
Reflecting on the situation, Keener expressed her hopes that the Siting Board would recognize local input on the project.
"I would hope that the Siting Board recognizes the division that this has caused in our community and try to find a way to allow us to move forward and heal, which I don't think is 900 acres of solar panels,” Kenner told Mount Vernon News.
She underscored the significance of community input, particularly referencing the resolutions passed in opposition to the project and industrial solar development.
“I would hope that they would take into account the 17 out of 22 townships who have written resolutions against this, as well as the county seat, Mount Vernon, writing a resolution against this,” she said.
Keener highlighted the prevalence of misinformation surrounding the project and said she anticipated that further testimonies would shed light on these issues.
In addition to environmental and land use concerns, Keener addressed the long-term implications of the project, including its impact on future generations.
She raised questions about the disposal and decommissioning plans for the solar panels, expressing skepticism about the proposed solutions.
"There were a significant number of individuals from outside the county who wanted to weigh in on this particular issue,” she said. “And I think that that is honestly a great point to note, because the energy from this particular project will not be staying in Knox County anyway. So, sure, most likely will be thought up as green credits for, either Columbus or an industry coming in.”
Keener stressed the need for balanced development, considering the city's growth trajectory and the preservation of valuable land for future generations.
She emphasized the importance of providing housing options for residents, particularly the younger generation, to ensure the sustainability and vitality of Mount Vernon.
“It's motivating for me to recognize that if we want the next generation to stay here and make Mount Vernon their home, they have to have somewhere to live and we have to build it,” she said.
Keener was the driving force behind legislation in opposition to the Frasier Solar Project. The council swiftly and unanimously passed Keener's resolution opposing the project in its March 11 meeting.
Amidst debates over the project's impact and tax revenue, community members expressed opposition to industrial solar development, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth and preservation of natural landscapes.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and OPSB Chair Jennifer French was present at the April 4 hearing regarding the Frasier Solar Project, debunking rumors of absentee voting members.
French's attendance underscores the importance of the OPSB's role in determining the fate of the project.
The April 4 hearing is one of three being held by OPSB. A previously scheduled meeting will be held at PUCO’s offices in Columbus on April 29. The other, called to accommodate the overflow crowd from the April 4 hearing, will be announced by OPSB.
