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Rush denies 35-acre solar farm

The Rush Township Zoning Hearing Board denied special exception and variance requests made by developers seeking to construct a commercial solar farm on 35 acres of land in Hometown.

The decision followed a 2-hour long hearing Tuesday that brought dozens of residents.

After the ruling, the crowd erupted in cheers.

The developer, Pitch Mountain PV I, Chicago, a division of NG North America, had planned to construct a 6-megawatt farm on two adjoining parcels at 0 Claremont Ave.

The site is near Walmart in Hometown, and owned by Cathy and Carl Briesch of Hazle Township.

The parcels contains a combined 1,975 acres but developers said the solar farm would take up about 1.7% of the land.

The land is zoned woodland preserve and highway commercial. It is accessed by a dirt road near the intersection of Tide Road and Progress Avenue.

Joene Gileguy-Konan, representing Pitch Mountain, said the land is near commercial and industrial land, and would not impact any residential properties.

Resident Shawn Fenkner, however, said his property borders the site.

Developers also said that the site wouldn’t be visible from surrounding areas, and would be surrounded by a security fence. Based on the elevation and grade of the property, some residents said they believed the farm would be visible.

Zoners and residents expressed concerns about runoff that would result after the property had been cleared and the pitched panels were installed. There was also concerns about whether emergency vehicles would be able to access the site.

Others talked about increased traffic during construction, rattlesnake habitats that would be impacted, and loss of the forest.

The developer was waiting to submit stormwater management plans to the Department of Environmental Protection, and would not begin leasing the land from the property owners until the construction had finished.

More than a dozen residents spoke against the plans.

“I can’t believe you’re asking for permission” for the project without providing more information, resident Michelle Griffiths said. “Come back when you have a complete application.”

Resident Kate Zukovich was concerned about losing trees on 35 acres.

“That’s major in this area. It’s going to affect everything around it,” she said.

“We don’t want this in our backyard,” resident Lori Kane said.

Mary Ann Deeble, another resident, said she knew the decision on the variance and zoning requests was up to the zoning hearing board but asked the audience for its input.

“Everyone here against it, raise your hand,” she said.

Most, if not everyone, in the crowd raised their hands.

Zoning Hearing Board Chairman Wayne Postupack motioned to deny the requests. Almost simultaneously, members Thomas Klein Jr. and Jack Cusatis seconded the motion. It approved unanimously.