HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Houston County commissioners unanimously struck down Silicon Ranch's plans for a 4,700 acre solar development on a private site near Oaky Woods wildlife management area.
The decision comes a little over a week after the county's zoning and appeals board voiced opposition to the solar plant. Several people were concerned about how the project would affect wildlife in the area.
John Trussell, University of Georgia Master Naturalist, is one of the folks in opposition of development near and on Oaky Woods grounds. He said he left Tuesday's meeting feeling relieved.
"We greatly appreciate that they listened and I think they made the right decision for now and they've given us all more time to look at this issue and try to reach a compromise or decision that's beneficial to everyone," Trussell said.
Trussell, says while he supports the use of solar grids, Oaky Woods just isn't the right site.
"Solar is fine, this is not the right location for it. It should not be put there because it is a very valuable wildlife habitat area," Trussell said.
He wants to preserve the small population of black bears in Central Georgia that populate the property.
"We don't want them to become scavengers off of our waste. They need their own land and the need need to eat wild food. We don't want them to become a nuisance," he said. "When we move to their environment, we become a nuisance to them."
Commissioner Gail Robinson made the motion to disapprove project plans and the vote that followed was unanimous. She tells 13WMAZ after reviewing evidence, the board felt the project challenged the county's comprehensive land use development plan.
That plan specifically states any use should not violate neighborhood character nor adversely affect surrounding land uses. Robinson added that lawsuits against Silicon Ranch in other counties also influenced their verdict.
Trussell says the next goal is to reach a deal with the private investors who own the land the farm would have sat.
"Hopefully that's going to involve us putting together a package to purchase a property with a lot of nature conservation groups and have this property eventually added to Oaky Woods," he said. "I think that's the, that's the answer that would benefit everyone."
He says he hopes they'll secure the purchase package soon.
13WMAZ reached out to the solar company for a statement but did not hear back on whether they'll decide to appeal.
