South Boston planners endorse solar project after revisions made

ConEdison Clean Energy’s facility on Robin Hood Road clears hurdle


The South Boston Planning Commission voted Wednesday night to recommend a special use permit for ConEdison Clean Energy Businesses’ proposed 5-megawatt solar project at the southeast end of Robin Hood Road.

Planners acted after hosting a public hearing that allowed citizens to voice their concerns about the solar energy generating facility. It would take up approximately 87 acres, 37 acres inside the project fence line. Some 21 acres will be reserved for conservation.

In December, planners held a public hearing on an earlier version of the project, which the commission voted to reject. ConEdison Clean Energy has since revised details of the first application and held community discussions to address any possible concerns among South Boston citizens. Two major topics of concern involved the inconvenience created by construction and visibility of the panels.

Jeff Lord, vicepresident of project development for ConEdison, stated, “It is a residential street. We recognize that. It’s a nice street. We want to keep it that way.”

The project is a part of Virginia Shared Solar Program, which requires that 40 percent of solar energy recipients be low-income customers who can save on their electric bills through the program. However, ConEdison wants 100 percent of recipient to be low-income, said Lord. The organization has an agreement with Southside Outreach to promote the project to low-income residents, potentially serving between 1,000 and 1,500 individuals.

Lord noted that ConEdison will hire a general contractor who will oversee any possible local subcontractors to “use as much local labor as possible” for the town’s benefit.

Among the application adjustments, the primary change involves the complete removal of anything related to the project south of the adjacent Norfolk Southern railroad tracks. This version of the project is designed to fit into an area north of the railroad, according to Lord.

In addition, the facility won’t have lighting unless it is required by the state building code. During construction, any vehicles will be maintained, and there will be designated contacts for local emergency services and general project information to address concerns of nearby residents.

Personnel will not be allowed to work overnight. Upon completion, ConEdison will regularly update the town on the project status, and the town would designate when the project is considered completed.

There will also be adequate sanitation facilities at least 150 feet away from any nearby residents. Vegetation will be planted in between homes and the site to block panels from public view, and chemical herbicides will not be used on the land. The panels are estimated to last approximately 35 years. Lord noted that in his research there was no evidence that solar projects diminish property values to nearby residences.

Lindsey Nelson, senior associate developer from ConEdison, mentioned that the transmission lines are at least 75 feet high, and their visibility matches that of the panels. “If you can’t see the transmission lines, you won’t really be able to see the panels at all,” he said.

A traffic control plan will be put in place to manage construction traffic for the benefit of nearby residents. Any deliveries to the site will go through an appointed traffic monitor who will speak to any delivery people before allowing them to enter the site. “We are in control of the comings and goings,” said Lord.

Matt Hastings with Summit Engineering discussed storm water impact on the area, a plan that is required by state law. “As water falls on this site, it funnels to different points. With our project as proposed, we have to capture the runoff.”

This was a matter of concern at the previous hearing. To catch runoff, Summit Engineering plans to build storm water ponds which are built in basins in the ground. Hastings noted that once the basins fill with water, they usually dissipate and return to normal levels after a day or two.

During citizen comments, Dean Jones spoke in favor of the project, by discussing concerns such as construction noise and visibility of panels. “Every project has positive and negative points. With a solar project, once it is completed there won’t be any noise or smoke.”

Mike Harris from Yancey Supply pointed out the productive aspect of the site. “I think this is a very good project because the land hasn’t been used.”

Earl Howerton from Southside Outreach emphasized the project’s benefits for low- and moderate-income families. “When I heard about the solar project, I didn’t know too much about it, but I asked questions. I think this solar project is perfect for this spot.”

In opposition, Roger Slagle expressed concerns about visibility. “I do not think a solar field should be allowed in the town of South Boston. [The view]’s plain as day. I don’t think this will be good for the community in the long haul.”

Robin Hood Road resident Wayne Grayson added, “From the back of my house, my backyard goes down into the drainage. It’s all wooded for 300 to 400 feet. My main concern is Robin Road itself. Our road is not in the best shape right now, and I think it’s something to be taken into consideration.”

Another Robin Hood Road resident, Veresia Mosely, brought up road conditions and the impact on citizens’ livelihood. “People walk their dogs. How are you going to monitor these activities? It’s an inconvenience to the neighborhood.”

In response, Lord noted that a community meeting was  held to address citizen concerns prior to the hearing. “We thought it was important to go out and knock on all the doors.”

He explained that the project’s road bond, which will be estimated and approved by the town to repave the entire road, can be used to address any issues as construction goes along. As for noise, he said the panels don’t generate noise, but the inverters give off a slight hum that can be heard as much as an outdoor air conditioner unit.

Planning commission member Beverly Crowder asked why the specific area was chosen. Lord responded that the natural slope of the land hides panels from view while also placing the distribution line in an area accessible to residents.

South Boston Town Council member Sharon Harris, who also sits on the planning commission, asked about supplementing vegetation after the project is completed, and Lord said the vegetation would be maintained regularly. In general, once the project is completed, the projects are monitored remotely and checked once or twice a year for maintenance.

Anthony Womack noted the amount of attention and time that ConEdison has put into listening to nearby residents and the commission. After several members brought up who has accessibility to the site, Zoning Administrator Hope Cole suggested that the recommendation be approved, with the added condition that no deliveries will be made to the site after 3 p.m. No deliveries would be made on Saturdays. The decommissioning plan would have to be updated every five years as well.

Commission member Ken Buckley motioned to approve the project. Harris seconded. The motion carried with one no vote from Crowder. The matter now goes to South Boston Town Council for the final say.

 

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