THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY
ABOVE: The Danville Planning and Zoning Commission
DANVILLE — Nearby residents both support and oppose a proposed solar array project off Jones and Brewer roads, west of Danville Metal Stamping and Lynch Road and north of Interstate 74.
The Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday is expected to act on BTB Energy Solutions’ request to rezone property at the northeast corner of Jones and Brewer roads from RR rural residential to I1 light industrial zoning to allow for a large-scale, (5MW) ground-mounted
solar array.
The commission meets at 5:15 p.m. at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building, 17 W. Main St., Danville.
The property currently is used for agriculture.
According to the rezoning request from the company, “Donato Solar, along with BTB Energy Solutions Co., serve as leaders in commercial solar array
development. Donato Solar was developed in 2020 to become part of the renewable energy solution. Integrating data center operations with solar energy and lowering carbon footprints of energy intensive operations.
“Commercial solar development helps reduce energy costs, carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. At Donato Solar, there are numerous ways we can infiltrate solar into an everyday business venture. Whether that means we partner with local businesses to help lower their utility cots,
develop commercial properties with solar installation to increase economic and residential value, or hire local companies to keep the integrity of
solar arrays and grounds. Incorporating existing community partners and businesses into the long-term operations and maintenance of our solar
operations and maintenance of our solar array is a standard we will not allow to diminish. This would include, but not be limited to, large equipment rentals, rock/gravel providers, HVAC, wireless internet providers, trash removal services, fuel providers, portable septic services, housing rentals, and local retail. Donato Solar takes pride in hiring local workforce as well to boost the livelihood of the communities allowing us to build.”
The site is 20.77 acres. The array would be fenced in and not visible from the surrounding areas due to their vegetation management plan, the company says.
The rezoning request paperwork shows the company heard back from a nearby Brewer Road resident who supports the project, but Dean and Martha Jones of Jones Road don’t support it.
“I live on a centennial farm,” they stated.
They said more and more farmland is being taken away. They ask who is going to feed the country?
Other nearby residents on Brewer Road wanted additional time to look over the proposed project information.
According to the city of Danville, the proposed rezoning amendment is consistent with the goals of the city’s comprehensive plan but it’s not in general conformity with the designations on the future land use map.
