Commission requests verification on White solar project’s permit status

Commissioners sought clarity about the status of the White solar project on General Thomas Highway and whether the project met Southampton County ordinance criteria (distance from town, percentages of cleared land vs. timberland and acreage). Staff said the project was "in process," that its soils/topography made it a suitable site and agreed to confirm whether a public hearing had occurred and to supply acreage and permit details at the next meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners flagged the project as a test case for how the county applies its solar and land-use ordinances and whether precedence has been set for future large land-use conversions.

What was requested and next steps: Staff agreed to verify the project's permit and public‑hearing status and to return with a breakdown of acreage and ordinance applicability at the commission's next meeting.

Provenance: Discussion of the White solar project appears in the new-business segment and staff follow-up assignment (SEG 2355–SEG 2440).