by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—At the request of supervisors, the Northumberland planning commission on Thursday, October 17, recommended the prohibition of solar generating facilities within three-quarters-of-a-mile of tidal waters throughout the county.
During a public hearing on a proposed revision to the solar facility zoning ordinance, Pamela Hagy said the county should carefully consider the viewsheds in the county as it considers solar projects given the county is now part of a designated National Heritage Area. She also shared concerns about the state stepping in regarding regulations and restrictions at the county level and suggested using the National Heritage Area designation as leverage with the state.
“I think a farmer should be able to do whatever they want with their farm,” but she would rather see them installed on roofs than in farm fields.
County planner Stuart McKenzie said the change would not affect solar installations for those generating energy for themselves, but rather those “larger facilities where….
