by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—Following a contentious public hearing during which the property owner was escorted from the building, Northumberland supervisors on Thursday, August 15, denied requests by Steven Jett and Pivot Energy to develop two 3-megawatt solar energy facilities.
It was the second contentious hearing for these two projects, which were previously rejected by supervisors at a March 9, 2023, meeting.
According to a presentation by Robert Hickox, project developer with Pivot Energy, the first facility, at Folly Road and Northumberland Highway in Burgess, would have used 14.35 acres of agriculture zoned land. The second facility, near Old Glebe and Blackwells Wharf roads, would have used 18.61 acres of agriculture zoned land.
According to a cover letter, Pivot Energy resubmitted their application based on an updated decommissioning plan, along with a plan addressing erosion control, sediment management and soil stabilization techniques.
But that was not enough for residents who showed up to voice opposition to the projects.
Jim Penney said he moved to Northumberland for the “beautiful vistas” but “now comes the selfish desire to ruin it with solar farms.” He suggested that solar be limited to rooftop installations.
Katie Powers said she lived “directly downhill” from the Old Glebe Point Road property and she is “an advocate for property rights, but only if it doesn’t impact your neighbors.” She added that the proposed project would be in a neighborhood. “If this goes through, we’re selling, we’re leaving,” she said.
Following the first public hearing, Jim Long made a motion to have the planning commission review the two projects for conformity to the comprehensive plan, however that motion failed 1-4.
Supervisors would go on to deny both requests in 5-0 votes, but not before Jett gave supervisors an earful. “You are my representatives and your job is to represent me against tyrannical government control over my rights. You’ve failed….
