The Penn Forest Zoning Board has denied the Plainfield Solar, LLC and Lynx Associates, LTD substantive validity challenge for a solar farm in Albrightsville.

The challenge stated that the “zoning ordinance and map did not provide for its fair share of this use, the zoning ordinance is unconstitutionally exclusionary and that the applicant is entitled to site specific relief.”

The hearing was held before the township zoning hearing board with attorney Greg L Mousseau.

In July, attorney Shawn N. Gallagher, representing Plainfield Solar LLC, questioned Jesse Montgomery, CEO of Clean Shift Energy of North Carolina, which owns Plainfield Solar.

Montgomery testified that factors in selecting the site included the property’s suitability for development, proximity to electrical infrastructure and the ability to sell energy. The proposed project is located at 0 N. Meckesville Road, Albrightsville.

During questioning by township Solicitor Tom Nanovic, Gallagher acknowledged that the applicant did not have a copy of a lease agreement with the property owner, Queen of Peace Missionary Associates.

“We do not have the lease but have authority from Queen of Peace,” Gallagher said.

Nanovic also questioned testimony regarding the total acreage of the property and the amount that would be used for the project, saying the figures presented did not appear to align.

According to Montgomery, the project would utilize 327 acres that were reportedly clear-cut in 2021. The site would contain approximately 113,000 solar panels measuring 8 feet tall and 7 feet wide.

Montgomery testified that construction would take approximately 12 months and that the facility would be monitored remotely 24 hours a day, seven days a week after completion, with no permanent on-site staffing.

He said an estimated six to 10 trucks would enter and exit the site daily during construction and that “120 jobs will be provided during peak building.”

In August the hearing was continued with township solicitor Tom Nanovic doing the questioning for the township.

Beginning in September 2025, the zoning ordinance was updated, allowing solar as an accessory use in I and C1A zones. The property being discussed was in an R-2 zone.

Audrey Wargo, chair of the zoning board, noted the decision was made by a unanimous vote to deny the challenge. “We had to wait until we received all the transcripts from all the hearings and all the conclusions and findings of facts, one packet from each party.”

The board discussed the findings and made a unanimous vote to deny the challenge.

Either party can appeal, in which case the decision would most likely go to the local court and be determined there, according to Wargo.