Zoning application for solar farm in North Sewickley Township denied

NORTH SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A zoning application for a proposed Beaver County solar farm was denied in North Sewickley Township, Thursday. The farm would be built on roughly eighty acres of wooded area.

The company leasing the land, Penn Renewables, made its case in front of the zoning board and members of the public. It had to show “minimal impact” to the community.

Neighbors argued it would have a major impact, citing concerns with flooding and property values. Others told the board this would be the first step in altering the rural lifestyle they’ve chosen as residents.

“There’s no good in this whatsoever,” Tina Pflugh said. She owns Milk House Meats and her farmland is adjacent to the proposed solar site along Collins Road. “It’s going to depreciate the property value. We have nothing to gain.”

After three hours of discussion, the zoning board voted to deny the company’s application.

“They were out of variance with the zoning with the three lots,” board member Matt Kotuba said.

The company isn’t done trying.

“Our feeling is that we met the conditions and requirements of the ordinance. I’ll consult with my client, but we’re likely going to appeal this, get it to common pleas court and have the judge decide,” Penn Renewables legal counsel Jay West said.

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