The Board of Supervisors of Mount Joy Township will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday about a proposed solar energy installation which will cover about 1,000 acres across 26 land parcels in the township.
The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Alpha Fire Company #1, 40 East King St., Littlestown.
An aerial plan of the proposed solar installation (from https://mtjoytwp.us/wp-content/uploads/Plan.pdf)
Residents will be informed at the meeting about the proposed project and have an opportunity for public comment.
The application is from Brookview Solar of Juno Beach, FL. The company is requesting to use the land in a way not now permitted within the Baltimore Pike Corridor Zoning District.
About 530 of the 1,000 leased acres will be used for the project. The leased areas will have 12-foot tall solar panels and be surrounded with 8-foot tall security fences.
There will be access and maintenance roads throughout the interior of the project for what are expected to be weekly maintenance visits.
According to the developers the project is expected to create $10 million in property taxes while requiring little to no increase in public services.
The proposed solar farm will be to the north and south of Baltimore Pike (Route 97) between Hoffman Homes Road and Gettysburg Road. The installation will border Plunkert Rd, California Rd., and Mud College Rd. According to the application, the site is more than three miles from the Gettysburg National Military Park.
The area is about half way between Route 15 and Littlestown.
The 207-page plan for the proposed project is available for inspection. The application and an attachment to the application are also available.
More information can be found at https://www.nexteraenergyresources.com/brookview-solar.html
A copy of the proposed application may be examined without charge or obtained at cost at the Municipal Building during regular business hours.
In the event of inclement weather, the snow date for the public hearing is January 29, 2020 at the same time and place stated above.
The Mt. Joy Township Board of Supervisors will determine whether or not to allow the use. It will have “quasi-judicial capacity” in the zoning decision. This means the board is given powers and procedures similar to those of a court of law or judge, and will objectively determine facts and draw conclusions to provide the basis for their decision.
The public hearing on the zoning application will be an evidentiary proceeding which will include sworn evidence,
subject to cross examination and objection.
Before the presentation of evidence, the applicant may examine and raise standing challenges as to individuals seeking party status.
Following the conclusion of the evidentiary public hearing, non-parties will be permitted to offer comment.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.
