VERONA – The Augusta County Board of Zoning appeals did not approve the Elm Spring II Solar project.
Board member Monica Rutledge moved to approve the project and Board member Mark Glover seconded. They were the two affirmative votes. Chairman George Coyner II and Board member Thomas Bailey voted against. Board member Thomas Thacker abstained from the vote, as he has the same attorney as the solar project.
According to County Attorney James Benkahla, the BOZA need to pass by a majority vote. As the vote total tied two-to-two, the application failed.
The board held a public hearing with five speakers in favor and two against. Previously, the Augusta County Planning Commission declined to recommend the project in a four-to-three vote on June 11.
The solar energy system would have been 23 acres of panels in the fenced-in portion of the land near the already approved Elm Spring Solar I project. With the visual buffer areas, the project is just over 81 acres. According to the at the planning commission presentation, RWE Clean Energy, LLC is the second largest solar owner and operator in the United States, with about 2,000 employees.
This is a breaking story. Expect full coverage from The News Leader shortly.
Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com . Subscribe to us at newsleader.com .
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta zoning board issues verdict on Elm Spring solar project
Most Popular
Comments / 0