New Kent Planning Commission sends favorable recommendation for solar facility to county leaders

New Kent’s Planning Commission unanimously approved a favorable recommendation to the county’s board of supervisors to grant a conditional use permit (CUP) to a Richmond company for the construction of a solar facility.

Commissioners voted 10-0-1 (District 2 Supervisor Tommy Tiller abstained) to allow Virginia Solar/Sunworks LLC to bring the facility to the Barhamsville area. Only one change was made in the permit to restrict pile driving hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Virginia Solar/Sunworks representative Matthew Mears reiterated an April presentation to commissioners on the facility. The site is expected to occupy 250 acres of a 484-tract of land in Barhamsville, sandwiching Route 249 (New Kent Highway). Power lines to operate the facility will connect to the Lanexa substation.

A public meeting on May 10 for residents in the area was provided by the company to address concerns, but Barhamsville residents still voiced more during the May 16 public hearing.

“I think it’s going to be an eyesore,” said Larry Dzula. “I don’t think you can cover all the spots that they said they can.”

“I think our end of the county gets what other areas in the county don’t want,” added Isabel White. “Looks like to me that it is not a benefit to us.”

Mears returned to the podium, reassuring the company will provide an aesthetic surrounding to the facility and that it will be far enough from the road not to hinder nearby lots or drivers along the main roads.

The 20-megawatt facility is expected to generate 13 direct jobs, one indirect job, and one induced job during the construction phrase, and an additional indirect and inducted job during post-construction.

Economic impact to New Kent will be $1.3 million per year for the next 35 years ($43 million) and allow 240 workers on-site during the construction phrase, with most expected to be local suppliers and contractors.

If approved by county leaders, construction is scheduled from March 2017 to December 2017 with peak operating months beginning in July 2017 and concluding in September 2017.