Residents split over Bright Ridge plan; planning commission schedules May 29 tour
May 21, 2024 | Washington County, Virginia
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Public comment at the Washington County meeting on May 21 featured sharply divergent views on the Bright Ridge solar proposal.
Lake Wagner, a fourth‑generation farmer at 236 Barter Drive and president of Green Valley Poultry Farm, said he negotiated a lease with Catalyst and supports the project. "With Catalyst, they reached out multiple times... it's a very unique solar development ... it's genius," Wagner said, and said the 35‑year lease provided financial stability for his egg farm.
Opponents raised multiple concerns. Bill Beach (15542 Windale Road) said 35‑year leases could lock land away from other long‑term county uses, criticized developer experience and questioned who would pay for cleanup if an owner defaulted. "If he sells it to a Chinese firm... I don't think you can actually protect yourself from that," Beach said. Several speakers, including Gene Copenhaver and Rita Caudell, said they learned late about the project and warned that surrounding neighborhoods could be encircled by solar acreage, causing property‑value losses and construction‑period disruption.
Other residents raised health and nuisance questions. Jarell Sanchez cited guidance suggesting 1.2–1.5 miles as a recommended separation distance and said he was "totally against" the project; multiple speakers complained about flies and odors associated with nearby poultry operations and worried construction and inverter noise could harm quality of life.
Supporters, including Mike Anderson of Meadowview, argued the project could expand agricultural income through grazing and bring temporary construction jobs to the county.
Commissioners and staff took several administrative steps at the close of the public comment period. The planning commission voted unanimously to recess the meeting and tour the Bright Ridge solar project on May 29, 2024; later the meeting was adjourned.
What happens next: Catalyst plans to submit a special‑exemption permit application to the planning commission in June and promised additional public meetings, including the May 30 open house at John Battle High School. Commissioners signaled they will seek legal guidance and may ask the county attorney additional questions about liability, insurance amounts and enforcement provisions in the ordinance and in lease agreements.
Lake Wagner, a fourth‑generation farmer at 236 Barter Drive and president of Green Valley Poultry Farm, said he negotiated a lease with Catalyst and supports the project. "With Catalyst, they reached out multiple times... it's a very unique solar development ... it's genius," Wagner said, and said the 35‑year lease provided financial stability for his egg farm.
Opponents raised multiple concerns. Bill Beach (15542 Windale Road) said 35‑year leases could lock land away from other long‑term county uses, criticized developer experience and questioned who would pay for cleanup if an owner defaulted. "If he sells it to a Chinese firm... I don't think you can actually protect yourself from that," Beach said. Several speakers, including Gene Copenhaver and Rita Caudell, said they learned late about the project and warned that surrounding neighborhoods could be encircled by solar acreage, causing property‑value losses and construction‑period disruption.
Other residents raised health and nuisance questions. Jarell Sanchez cited guidance suggesting 1.2–1.5 miles as a recommended separation distance and said he was "totally against" the project; multiple speakers complained about flies and odors associated with nearby poultry operations and worried construction and inverter noise could harm quality of life.
Supporters, including Mike Anderson of Meadowview, argued the project could expand agricultural income through grazing and bring temporary construction jobs to the county.
Commissioners and staff took several administrative steps at the close of the public comment period. The planning commission voted unanimously to recess the meeting and tour the Bright Ridge solar project on May 29, 2024; later the meeting was adjourned.
What happens next: Catalyst plans to submit a special‑exemption permit application to the planning commission in June and promised additional public meetings, including the May 30 open house at John Battle High School. Commissioners signaled they will seek legal guidance and may ask the county attorney additional questions about liability, insurance amounts and enforcement provisions in the ordinance and in lease agreements.
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