A big thanks to all who spoke and submitted comments for the March 8 public hearing for Cape Solar, the proposed 559-acre utility-scale solar project located on Highway 340, north of Luray. Everyone spoke with strength and clarity about their concerns that ranged from direct impacts of the development on prime soil and water quality to concerns about negative impacts to the county’s two main industries of tourism and agriculture.
Thank you, too, to the planning commission members for listening and voting to recommend denial of the special use permit!
In the absence of a solar ordinance, I also appreciate the 36 thoughtful conditions that the commission recommended to guide this development in the case that it is approved by the board of supervisors.
The county hasn’t set a date yet for the next and final public hearing on the Cape Solar proposal, but as soon as it does, we will be sure to let the community know.
And in the meantime, it is my hope that Page County decision-makers will now shift focus to the adoption of a comprehensive solar ordinance so that any future solar development proposals are designed and developed in a way that protects the county’s rural and scenic working landscapes.
Again, many thanks to everyone who provided feedback to the planning commission—your continued attention and involvement are helping to guide these impactful decisions.
Page County’s YouTube channel for viewing recordings of public meetings was taken down. In the absence of an immediate solution by the county, I recorded this meeting and posted it on our own Alliance YouTube account here in case you missed the meeting and are interested in hearing your neighbors’ comments.