A large group of residents made their voices heard at the Tuesday, Aug. 13, meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council where they expressed strong opposition to a proposed solar farm project at the north end of the city.
Approximately 50 people attended the session to address concerns about the project, which is proposed for the area around Stockyard Road and U.S. Route 68.
The focal point of Tuesday’s discussion was a hearing regarding the annexation of a parcel of land owned by Scott Duff. The annexation is an initial step in moving forward with the project, which is being organized by Hodson Energy. Hodson energy opened a storefront in the Main Street Marketplace in July of 2023.
During a July city council meeting, Kyle West, a developer representing Hodson Energy, presented the project to the city council, arguing the proposed site is ideally suited for a mixed-use industrial zoning location. West emphasized that the site’s location, while still in the city’s vicinity, does not encroach upon prime farmland and will drive significant revenue for the city.
However, the proposed solar farm is encountering significant resistance from local residents. This opposition is not an isolated phenomenon. The community’s opposition to solar farm projects has been apparent in recent months.
The ongoing debate over the Open Road Renewables project near Indian Lake, a much larger initiative involving a 500-megawatt solar panel installation, has already stirred considerable controversy. Critics of the Open Road project have voiced concerns over the conversion of farmland and the long-term efficacy of solar panels.
While the Hodson Energy project is much smaller—12 times smaller than the Open Road initiative, with a 40-megawatt capacity—opponents have shown no signs of easing their stance. Despite its limited impact on farmland, the project has become a focal point for local opposition, just like the opposition towards the larger Open Road proposal.
West highlighted that the site chosen for the Hodson Energy solar farm is not only suited for solar energy but also avoids prime agricultural land, distinguishing it from other contested projects. He said that the project has the potential to deliver substantial economic benefits to the city.
As the city council deliberates the future of this proposal, the debate underscores the growing tension between advancing renewable energy projects and preserving local agricultural interests. The council’s decision on the annexation of parcel of land will be telling in determining whether the solar farm will become a reality or if it will be thwarted by community opposition.
