New Leaf Solar CUP

The New Leaf developer described the shared-solar program, screening, setbacks, groundwater and flood studies, and third-party findings of no property value impact.

The property owner said the project fulfills her late husband's hunting-property vision, requires no city services, and wouldn't disturb neighbors.

Returned to oppose, citing signed petitions, the 300-year-old Western Branch Baptist Church that wasn't notified, and property value drops he estimates at $13,000-$70,000.

Submitted ~150 signatures and spoke emotionally about wildlife, flooding into the swamp behind his home, a well 66 feet from the access road, and lightning-strike fire fears.

Learned a week after closing on her family home that the solar farm would be visible from her backyard; her autistic son depends on the quiet, and she fears property value loss.

Pleaded with the commission to preserve the land, citing fire hazard, pet hearing, and the destruction of the community's peace and pride.