Another topic that was brought up was called the “Good Neighbor agreement” payment. When asked if there were any strings attached, they said, yes, you can no longer fight against industrial solar coming into North Beaver Township (NBT). It was quickly pointed out that this is essentially “hush money” but the reps responded it was not, and that those against it may call it hush money, but they didn’t feel it was.
If it isn’t hush money, then why are they making you sign an agreement not to fight against them? This doesn’t sound like it is for any inconveniences. Remember, they mentioned their goal is to get 50% to approve of industrial solar, so what do you think this “so called” money is for? Someone mentioned they offered $25,000…Do the math! This means you will live with an eyesore, inconveniences, decrease in property value, and possible noise pollution for the next 30 years and in return get only $833 a year that you have to pay taxes on.
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Since there were 5 solar reps present, at times there were many conversations going on at once. This means not everyone was able to hear all the discussions. Below are highlights what was shared with us.
First and foremost, it was said that no one was against industrial solar, but it was said that all were against where they were trying to put them. All land they are currently leasing is zoned agriculture and the solar company stated their goal is to change the township ordinance to industrial so they can put their industrial solar panels on prime farmland. The solar reps even stated the solar fields were considered industrial. When asked why they did not approach land that was more appropriate (commercial/industrial/not prime land), they did not come up with solid answer, and at no time did they state that they couldn’t. Instead, they side stepped the questions with technical terms or just completely ignored the questions. Another source said they heard industrial solar was not on commercial land as there were no transmission line on commercial land. They were also questioned several times why they didn’t put it on the stripped ground or commercial land in Mahoning twp. The solar rep said they had looked at that option, but when shown how close it is to the transmission lines, they said they would look into it again. Someone else shared they had heard that the solar reps have told the lease owners that they did extensive research and there is not enough commercial land in NBT to make it profitable enough for them. Our team is working on organizing the information that several sources shared with us about the solar company's open house that was held last Wednesday. Check back next week for details of what happened during this event.
Isn't it odd that the industrial solar company claims that solar won't hurt the homeowners house values. If that were true, why are they offering "hush" or "compensation" money?
Please be aware the the industrial solar people have been trying to do a divide and conquer tactic, now. They have contacted local individuals to talk to them one on one basis. They have offered money to "compensate" them, or in other words, to hush up. They were seen taking pictures of the list of names who had attended the one township meeting. If they do like they have done in other areas, they will hold a town meeting. Hopefully, residents are not swayed with the pitiful amount of money they are offering to hush up.
North Beaver has just had their second big wind storm. Imagine what industrial solar fields would look like. In Hamilton, TX it only took 30 to 35 mph winds to topple industrial solar panels. You can watch a video here.
There were reports of winds up to 75 mpg in North Beaver Twp. |