Planning commission reviews 1.99 MW community solar concept for Crosby Road

The Kent County Planning Commission heard a concept site plan review for TPE KE 65 LLC’s proposed 1.99‑megawatt community solar facility at 5643 Crosby Road in Rock Hall. Staff said the project would use about 18.83 acres of the 110.46‑acre parcel, incorporate a 35‑foot perimeter landscaping buffer to screen a fenced facility and route most on‑site electrical wiring underground with a Delmarva Power interconnection point just off site.

Volkine, the associate planner, told the commission the concept materials show compliance with county setback and site‑plan standards but asked the applicant to provide final stormwater and decommissioning plans and the required financial sureties before final approval. "Wiring needs to be underground unless approved by the planning commission," Volkine said while summarizing outstanding items.

Applicant representatives described community outreach efforts, including mailed notices and a Sept. 15 public meeting, and said subscribers would receive roughly a 5–10% discount off Delmarva Power’s residential retail rate. Engineer Christopher Martin said the team had coordinated with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Historical Trust and reported no expected impacts to rare or endangered species.

Resident and solar-policy consultant Cora Dixon urged the commission to consider additional county benefits, including a machinery/equipment business property tax on generation equipment and opportunities for agrivoltaics and local workforce training. "It's a great opportunity to have an additional financial benefit in addition to the tax increase that is expected," Dixon said during public comment.

The commission requested clarification about several poles shown near the road and whether the planning commission has authority to approve above‑ground connections at the Delmarva interconnection point. Staff recommended that the applicant proceed to preliminary site review after addressing stormwater, decommissioning and the wiring ownership/ownership‑boundary questions.