Old Myrtle Road solar CUP

New Leaf Energy's developer detailed community outreach, noise modeling 15 dB below limits, and added landscaping, but acknowledged nearly all feedback received was concerns.

The landowner argued her property rights and said the screened project wouldn't change the community's character.

Adjacent owner cited endangered species, flooding at every rain event, panel heat, road conditions and fire hazards near 12 homes and a church.

Opposed construction traffic feet from the 1779 Western Branch Baptist Church and its 200-year-old cemetery; said the congregation opposes the project.

Said the developer solicited the site by mail, and warned of noise and falling property values in a close-knit rural neighborhood.

Said the project enriches the landowner but not Suffolk, and worried it opens the door to more industrial projects and data centers.

Cited fire threat, noise, property values, shallow wells, wildlife and road damage; asked the applicant to withdraw the permit.

Presented peer-reviewed research on solar array density, runoff and micro-weather effects, saying some fears are overstated but others unaddressed.

Rebutted stormwater fears: four engineered BMPs will detain and release runoff slower than existing conditions.

Argued community-scale shared solar differs from utility-scale projects and this timbered, screened site benefits Suffolk residents' power bills.