Pulaski County BZA Grants Special Exception for Moss Creek Solar

Jennifer Knebel speaks in opposition to the Moss Creek Solar development during a public hearing held by the BZA Monday. (screenshot of BZA meeting on Zoom)

Another Pulaski County solar farm has gotten the green light from the board of zoning appeals. The BZA approved a special exception Monday for the Moss Creek Solar project, with Board President Derrick Stalbaum abstaining. That was despite opposition from members of the public, as well as questions about the legality of the board’s actions from both opponents and the developer itself.

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Pulaski County BZA to Take Comments on Moss Creek Solar Project Tonight

Moss Creek Solar Map
Map showing proposed Moss Creek Solar farm’s location in Pulaski County included in the developer’s special exception application documentation.

Pulaski County residents can weigh in on a proposed solar farm tonight. Moss Creek Solar is seeking permission from the board of zoning appeals to build a 1,600-acre solar development on farmland in Beaver Township. It would be developed by NextEra Energy Resources and could be up and running by the end of 2023.

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Pulaski County Commissioners Finalize Updates to Solar Regulations

The Pulaski County Commissioners have finalized updates to the county’s solar farm regulations, but not without some concerns from Commissioner Chuck Mellon. The commissioners Monday approved the amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance recommended by the advisory plan commission on March 11. The adjustments beef up setback and screening requirements, among other things.

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Pulaski County BZA Approves another Special Exception for Mammoth Solar Project

Representatives of the Mammoth Solar project and Pulaski County BZA members listen to comments during a lengthy public hearing Monday (screenshot of BZA meeting on Zoom)

A proposed solar farm has passed another approval round with the Pulaski County Board of Zoning Appeals. Board members approved a special exception request for the Mammoth Solar project Monday. It adds almost 4,700 acres to the project’s footprint.

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Pulaski County BZA to Hold another Hearing on Proposed Solar Farm Tonight

Pulaski County residents will once again be weighing in on solar farm development tonight. The board of zoning appeals will hold a public hearing over Mammoth Solar’s request for permission to install solar panels on almost 4,700 acres of farm ground. They would be placed in three separate sections in Franklin, Jefferson, Monroe, and Rich Grove townships.

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Pulaski County BZA to Hold Another Solar Hearing Next Month

A proposed solar farm development will be back before the Pulaski County Board of Zoning Appeals next month. Board members will take comments on a special exception request for Mammoth Solar. Developers are seeking permission to install solar panels on almost 4,700 acres. They would be placed in three separate sections in Franklin, Jefferson, Monroe, and Rich Grove townships.

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Pulaski County BZA Approves Mammoth Solar Project but Adds a Number of Stipulations

Sheriff Jeff Richwine escorts a speaker from the meeting room during Monday’s BZA hearing. (screenshot of BZA meeting video stream)

A Pulaski County solar farm proposal can keep moving ahead, but with a number of stipulations. The county’s board of zoning appeals Monday unanimously approved a special exception request for the proposed Mammoth Solar project but added a list of conditions and commitments for the developer.

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Winamac Looks to Solar Developer to Help Turn Abandoned Grain Elevator into Recreational Area

This structure could be torn down and replaced with expanded parkland, with potential help from a solar energy company.

Pulaski County’s proposed solar farm may have a role to play in Winamac’s revitalization efforts. Town Attorney Justin Schramm says the town had been looking to tear down an abandoned grain elevator near the intersection of Logan and Jefferson streets and possibly redevelop the site as a park facility to tie into the adjacent Panhandle Pathway.

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Solar Project Opponents Draw Crowd to Winamac Town Park

Opponents of a proposed solar energy development rallied support Thursday, ahead of an upcoming vote by the Pulaski County Board of Zoning Appeals. Dozens gathered at the Winamac Town Park to hear about some potential drawbacks of the 4,500-acre Mammoth Solar project. Concerns included fire protection, property values, and the proposed development’s size.

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Pulaski County BZA Tables Solar Farm Decision until Next Month

An audience member shares his concerns in this screenshot of the video stream from Monday’s Pulaski County BZA hearing.

The Pulaski County Board of Zoning Appeals wants more time before deciding whether a solar farm proposal can move ahead with its permitting process. After almost two hours of public comment Monday, board members voted to table the Mammoth Solar special exception request, to give them more time to research the project’s potential impact on the environment, ecology, and wildlife, as well as residents’ health.

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Pulaski County Officials Considering Social Distancing Protocols for BZA Solar Farm Hearing

A proposed solar farm in Pulaski County is expected to draw a crowd to next week’s board of zoning appeals meeting. How to keep everyone safe from COVID-19 was a topic of discussion during Monday’s county commissioners meeting. A company called Mammoth Solar is seeking permission to build solar arrays on more than 4,500 acres of farmland. The project would be in portions of Jefferson, Beaver, Rich Grove, Franklin, and Monroe townships.

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