In Pine Township folks packed a zoning board of appeals meeting to ask questions and speak out against a Solar farm proposed for some land on Diamond Road.

 

Although the Executive Director of Mercer County Regional Planning Commission says the county has become a hot site in the state for solar farms most people at the meeting are against it.

 

At least ten solar farms have been approved in Mercer County so far.

 

One man said he does believe it will help bring electricity and upgrades needed to the township.

 

But others worry their property values will plummet, and they fear water runoff will flood their property.

 

In addition, others worry about the reflection and safety of planes and helicopters flying over or landing at the hospital.

 

The company proposing the site told the crowd the Federal Aviation Administration reviewed the plans to make sure they don't interfere with flights. 

 

The President of the company Sunrise Diamond LLC, Dave Hommrich, said their township would have a say over water runoff mitigation plans.

 

Others worry about their peace being disrupted during the construction phase and afterward when the solar farm is operational. 

 

But Hommrich tells 21 News after the construction phase is complete the sound will be similar to hearing your air conditioning unit turn on. 

 

"It's our understanding if they don't get a variance, and if they try to get the zoning changed the property taxes could go up tremendously," Joni Carpinelli said.

 

She is worried about her 85-year-old mother who lives next to the proposed solar farm.  

 

Sanday Dininger tells 21 News she doesn't want to have to move or sell her home and she worries about health effects and looking at a solar farm all day.

 

 "At the end of my property is where it starts. I just don't feel at 85 years of age I should have eight million dollars worth of sun catchers at the bottom of my property," Sanday Dininger said.  

 

An attorney for Sunrise Diamond LLC told the crowd the solar farm is similar to a utility.

 

Pine Hill's solicitor says that's not true and pointed out it is a private for-profit company.

 

Both sides may have another round to present their sides.

 

The company and landowner plan to appeal so the matter is decided in a court of law.