The Laker/Lutz News

solar farm

Pasco County Commission denies solar farm appeals

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The Pasco County Commission has denied two appeals seeking to block the construction of a solar farm on pastureland, outside Dade City.

Gordon and Kathleen Comer, and Sandra Noble, who live near the proposed solar farm site both challenged the Planning Commission’s approval of a special exception permit for the project.

Attorney Gordon Schiff represented the Comers and attorney Rena Frazier represented Noble during the Pasco County Commission’s Sept. 4 hearing on both appeals.

Those living near the proposed Mountain View Solar Farm said the project will destroy the area’s scenic views. (File)

Attorney Cate Wells represented Tampa Electric Company (TECO).

First Solar Electric, which has a contract with TECO, wants to install about 460,000 photovoltaic solar panels on about 205 of 350 acres of pastureland, on both sides of Blanton Road. Portions of the site are bordered by Frazee Hill and Platt roads.

The solar farm, known as the Mountain View Solar Project, would produce power to be fed to  TECO’s power grid.

From the onset, the proposed project has been controversial.

Opponents packed the meeting room during the Planning Commission’s hearing, with speakers contending that the solar farm would destroy one of the county’s best assets – its scenic views.

At the appeals hearing, Frazer said the solar farm is a major utility that should be located within a master-planned development.

Both Schiff and Frazer said the project should be denied because it violates the county’s Northeast Rural Protection plan.

Wells, representing TECO, said the solar farm will be buffered by trees and shrubs, and will have little impact due to traffic or noise.

Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon Florida, who spoke in support of the project during the Planning Commission hearing reiterated that support.

Lee said TECO has been generous in protecting wetlands and creating a 660-foot buffer zone for an eagle’s nest in the southeast corner of the site.

When the Planning Commission approved the special exception permit for the Mountain View solar farm, the county’s ordinances did not directly address solar farms.

County Commissioners subsequently approved an ordinance, in June, relating to the placement of solar farms.

Pasco County now allows solar farms as special exceptions in agricultural zones, and as permitted uses in some commercial and industrial zones. Future decisions on permitting are now decided by county staff and the Planning Commission, with the County Commission involved only when there are appeals.

During the Sept. 4 appeal hearing, both Schiff and Frazer said that Commissioner Ron Oakley should recuse himself.

“There was an article published right after the Planning Commission decision and Commissioner Oakley made a comment, and the comment was substantial enough to show that he exhibits bias in this proceeding,” Schiff said. “He favors approval, in fact he wants approval.

“In this case, Commissioner Oakley should recuse himself, and if not, he should be disqualified,” Schiff added.

Elizabeth Blair, senior assistant county attorney, said the issue had been researched and it was determined that Oakley had no bias and should participate.

Both Schiff and Frazer said the solar plant should be denied because it is inconsistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Both asked commissioners to reverse the Planning Commission’s decision and deny the application.

Frazer noted the solar farm cannot be adequately buffered because of the area’s terrain.

“The elevation of the land is such that the panels cannot be hidden,” Frazer said.

Wells, representing TECO, cited the County Commission’s June adoption of the ordinance relating to the placement of solar farms.

“The ordinance was intended to be remedial in nature, to clarify existing law and, as such, applied retroactively to all applications or appeals pending as of the effective date of this ordinance,” Wells said.

Noble has filed an appeal, challenging the county’s June ordinance, relating to the placement of solar farms.

Published September 12, 2018

Solar farm approval recommended

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Despite opposition from area residents, a proposed solar farm of Blanton Road in northeast Pasco County is a step closer to approval.

Pasco County’s Development Review Committee has recommended approval of an amended ordinance that opens the way for the project’s development.

Committee members agreed with the county’s planning department that the solar farm, located on agricultural land, would be consistent with Pasco’s land development code.

Pasco’s Planning Commission approved the project in April, in a 6-3 vote.

Tampa Electric operates a solar plant at Big Bend. The company is proposing to build a solar farm, on rural land, off Blanton Road, outside Dade City. (File)

The matter now goes before the Pasco County Commission for a public hearing in New Port Richey, set for May 22. The final vote on the issue is set for June 5 in Dade City.

Tampa Electric is proposing to install about 464,000 photovoltaic solar panels on about 350 acres, off Blanton Road and Frazee Hill.

The project is known as Mountain View Solar.

About a dozen people objected to the project during public comment at the development review committee’s May 10 hearing.

They cited the loss of scenic views in an area known for rolling hills and open spaces. They called for additional county study and workshops to give residents an opportunity for input regarding how and where solar farms should be approved.

County officials acknowledged that the code doesn’t specifically list where “solar electric power collection facilities” are permitted. Decisions were made based on a section dealing with uncertain classification rules.

As a result, solar farms were deemed suitable for agriculturally zoned areas, but they also need a special exemption permit. County officials said the approval process gives residents opportunities to raise objections and provide input on the project.

But, residents said the current process is insufficient.

“It’s almost a shotgun effect, instead of thinking and planning for it,” said resident Paul Boetcher.

Others agreed.

“This involves the whole county,” said resident Nancy Hazelwood. “It’s just not our area. How many solar farms are you going to put in each district? How are you going to control that?”

Resident Judy Geiger said the county seemed to be reacting, when there should be proactive measures.

“Hire a planner that knows solar,” she said. “Let’s do solar all at one time, instead of piecemeal.”

Electric company officials say, if approved, TECO plans to invest about $75 million in the solar farm, which is expected to produce about 53 megawatts of power.

Over the next decade, TECO plans to invest about $850 million in solar projects to produce energy for about 100,000 customers in Florida.

Revised May 17, 2018

Proposed solar farm sparks controversy

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An open house to preview a proposed solar farm in northeast Pasco County drew an impassioned crowd of residents who mostly panned the project.

Tampa Electric, known as TECO, is seeking a special exception permit to build the solar farm on about 350 acres, off Blanton Road in Dade City.

The first public hearing for the project will be with the Pasco County Planning Commission at a future date.

The solar farm, if built, would produce about 55 megawatts of renewable energy. The project represents a $75 million investment from TECO. It is part of the electric company’s master plan to expand its use of solar power.

Tampa Electric operates a solar farm at Big Bend at Apollo Beach, in Hillsborough County. The same technology will be used at a proposed solar farm in Pasco County, if approved.
(Courtesy of Tampa Electric)

By 2021, TECO anticipates investing $850 million in 10 solar projects that are expected to generate energy for about 100,000 homes.

About 120 residents attended TECO’s open house on March 8 at Pasco-Hernando State College, outside Dade City.

The electric company planned the event as a one-on-one exchange between residents and its employees, who stood next to poster boards ready to explain the project.

Midway through the event, however, resident Dot Ward climbed aboard a chair with a plea.

“I suggest we all leave and tell the county we aren’t happy,” she said.

Most appeared to share her opposition to the project, and disappointment with TECO’s event.

“This is the jewel in the crown of Pasco County,” said Pat Weaver, in describing the aesthetics and scenic views on what could become a solar farm.

“This is agriculturally zoned out here,” said Weaver, who is a former Dade City mayor. “Solar is not agriculture. It’s industrial. This is not something you can grow.”

However, Sharon Hanna-West is concerned about future development proposals, if the solar farm is rejected.

She hasn’t decided if she is for or against the solar farm, and she wants more information. She worked with other residents on the Northeast Rural Protection Overlay District.

The Pasco County Commission adopted the district in 2016 as part of the county’s long-range land use plan.

It was a victory for residents, Hanna-West said.

But, she said, “I want ya’ll to think long and hard about this blanket opposition. So, be careful what you hope.”

The solar farm would be built on two sides of Blanton Road, on the southeast corner of Blanton and Frazee Hill Road; and, on the northwest corner of Blanton and Platt Road. The site also is to the north and west of Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

About 250 acres are owned by State Sen. Wilton Simpson and his wife, Kathryn Simpson. The couple bought the property from Wells Fargo Bank in 2016 for an estimated $1.5 million.

Additional acreage is owned by James Gross & Ranch Inc., according to county records.

Many expressed concerns about noise and loss of property values.

About 464,000 panels would be installed. TECO officials said the panels swivel and follow the sun’s direction, which allows for better energy collection.

In height, the project is equivalent to a one-story structure, they said. They also said noise level is “imperceptible.”

Alma Coston, who lives near the site, was skeptical.

“They say it doesn’t make any noise. That’s a bunch of hooey,” she said.

She said people enjoy the scenic views and rolling hills.

“We’re on one of the highest ridges in Florida,” said Coston.

The regulations set out for the overlay district govern residential development of three houses or more. It also restricts mining operations or other projects that tear up hillsides or impair vistas. Portions of some roads, including State Road 52, Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, Trilby Road and Blanton are designated as “rural-scenic.”

New development isn’t prohibited but would need to meet certain standards, including buffering.

“This (solar farm) isn’t going to protect our view shed,” said Jill Yelverton, who lives directly across from the site.

She also worries about a bald eagle’s nest, located in the southeast corner of the property near Ramsey Road and Blanton. She said she has seen eaglets.

TECO officials said the nest will be protected. Design plans include a 660-foot radius as a buffer. There are no plans to ever develop that area of the property, they said.

Area residents in the past have opposed two housing developments at the site – Berry Hill Estates and College Hill.

“We don’t mind residential, at least, if it’s on one, five or 10 acres,” Yelverton said. “That would be acceptable.”

That’s the current housing pattern in the area, she said.

For more information about TECO’s proposal, visit TampaElectric.com.

Published March 21, 2018