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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20 Public Comments for PCFrom:Shannon Conner To:Tyler Klein Subject:FW: "[External]"New eComment for Planning Commission Date:Wednesday, June 03, 2020 8:05:05 AM     From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com>  Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 9:32 PM To: Karen Vacchio <kvacchio@fcva.us>; Shannon Conner <sconner@fcva.us> Subject: '[External]'New eComment for Planning Commission   SpeakUpNew eComment for Planning Commission Doni Taylor submitted a new eComment. Meeting: Planning Commission Item: 6.E) Ordinance Amendment to the Frederick County Code – Chapter 165 Zoning, ARTICLE I General Provision; Amendments; and Conditional Use Permits; Part 101 General Provisions, §165-101.08 Violations and penalties; enforcement. eComment: The solar panel farm would be right next to our property it definitely won't enhance property values I 1 View and Analyze eComments This email was sent from https://granicusideas.com. Unsubscribe from future mailings From:Shannon Conner To:Tyler Klein Subject:FW: "[External]"New eComment for Planning Commission Date:Wednesday, June 03, 2020 8:04:40 AM     From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com>  Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 10:39 PM To: Karen Vacchio <kvacchio@fcva.us>; Shannon Conner <sconner@fcva.us> Subject: '[External]'New eComment for Planning Commission   SpeakUpNew eComment for Planning Commission Robert Creighton submitted a new eComment. Meeting: Planning Commission Item: 6.C) Conditional Use Permit #03-20 for Foxglove Solar LLC eComment: Our residence in directly across the road from Property ID 84-A-40 and closest to the road of all the effected residences. I would generally oppose this as it will obviously change the landscape even with the planned barrier plantings. However I believe the owners, my neighbors, have the right to use their property as they see fit and gain whatever benefit they desire within reason from their ownership. If any development is to take place there, this may be the least intrusive. Here is my concerns; 1) the traffic during construction regardless of whether winter or summer, wet or dry, will create havoc on the Clark Rd unimproved, gravel road. As it is now during dry times the speeding vehicles and sometimes large trucks raise considerable dust that blankets our home and property. When wet, especially after the grading takes place, the road is a mucky gray mess. I can only imagine what this will look like especially during the construction phase. That being said I do believe that this project, if it occurs mandates the road be paved before the construction takes place to mitigate the issues mentioned. 2) I am concerned during the construction phase that so many non local residences will be in and out that this may pose a security risk for all the nearby homes and this needs to be addressed. 3) The proposal shows that there is a set back which needs to be adhered to and the plantings HAS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED as promised. Respectfully submitted, Robert Creighton CW4 USAR Retired. View and Analyze eComments This email was sent from https://granicusideas.com. Unsubscribe from future mailings From:Shannon Conner To:Tyler Klein Subject:FW: "[External]"New eComment for Planning Commission Date:Wednesday, June 03, 2020 8:04:17 AM     From: noreply@granicusideas.com <noreply@granicusideas.com>  Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:42 AM To: Karen Vacchio <kvacchio@fcva.us>; Shannon Conner <sconner@fcva.us> Subject: '[External]'New eComment for Planning Commission   SpeakUpNew eComment for Planning Commission Amanda Compton submitted a new eComment. Meeting: Planning Commission Item: 5) Citizen Comments eComment: I have been a property owner on Hites Road for 10 years and I strongly OPPOSE the construction of this site. My property (#41 on the map) is near the construction entrance and there will be heavy traffic as a result of this large project. I have National Champion horses and this may upset them, causing harm as they are flight animals and highly reactive to noises. The building of the site will disrupt what is currently a very quiet, safe, rural neighborhood. Many people, including myself, run and bike along this route. The increased traffic, by larger vehicles, will be a danger to do so. ESPECIALLY at my property is at the top of a hill on Hites, which reduces the visibility and has already been a close call just exiting the driveways for myself and neighbors nearby, due to the lay of the road. I fear the project will negatively impact home values in the area, which had already dropped since we purchased our home and 7.4 acres, due to the recession. PLEASE reconsider the construction of this project away from our neighborhood. View and Analyze eComments This email was sent from https://granicusideas.com. Unsubscribe from future mailings Winchester Equipment Co. 121 Indian Hollow Rd. Winchester, VA 22603 Bus: (540) 667-2244 or (800) 323-3581 winchesterequipment.com Bobcat of N. Virginia Bristow, VA 20136 bobcatofnvirginia.com Bobcat of Tidewater Virginia Beach, VA 23464 bobcatoftidewater.com Bobcat of Richmond Ashland, VA 23005 bobcatofrichmond.com Valley Equipment Co. Harrisonburg, VA 22802 valley-equipment.com April 29, 2020 Mr. Robert Propes, Project Development Manager, Urban Grid Companies RE: Fox Glove Solar Project Dear Mr. Propes, On behalf of Winchester Equipment Company let me lend our support for the upcoming Fox Glove Solar Project in the Middletown area of Frederick County. It is exciting to see ‘green projects’ and agricultural land combined to benefit current and future generations. In addition to the benefit of green energy, there is an economic multiplier effect of the construction phase of the project for many businesses in the community. Our company also supports the project because of the benefits that the landowner will accrue as the project develops and eventually comes online. Certainly, the overall economic and environmental impact will benefit many during the various life stages of the project. Further, there will be no obligations for school, water and sewer expansions. Looking forward to a project that really does help the farmer land owners and our community in such a low impact way! Sincerely, Douglas C. Rinker, Chairman of the Board SALES ٠ SERVICE٠ RENTALS ٠ PARTS winchesterequipment.com From:Al and Betty Snapp To:Tyler Klein Cc:Rpbert.Propes@urbangridco.com Subject:"[External]"Conditional Use Permit Application #03-20 for Foxglove Solar, LLC Date:Monday, June 01, 2020 11:12:07 PM We will be unable to attend the Public Hearing on the above Conditional Use Permit application and submit to you our comments on the proposed solar power generating facility on our property on Clark Road identified with Property Identification Number 84-A-40. After much thought and information gathering, we concluded that quiet, passive, emission free solar fields would be more productive and beneficial to us and others than 15-20 lots with residences. We have seen far too many acres of farmland turned into subdivisions requiring additional expenditure for infrastructure and services, (schools, fire and rescue, law enforcement, as well as a negative impact on wildlife), A solar generating facility would produce none of those problems. We are glad our property can be used to support, sustainable, clean energy, and consider it the highest and best use of our land at this time. Respectfully submitted, Alfred L. Snapp, Jr. President Betty V. Snapp, Secretary Alfred L. Snapp & Son, Inc. Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Sarah Jenkins 111 Glendale Circle Winchester, VA 22602 540.539.8398 sjenkinf@gmail.com 2 June 2020 Members of the Planning Commission, I write to you today asking that you do not recommend the approval of Conditional Use Permit #03-20 for Foxglove Solar, LLC. The planned location for this solar power generating facility would permanently alter the historical and environmental value of nearly 700 acres of rural land in our county. As the population in the Back Creek District Magisterial District continues to grow, uninterrupted parcels of rural land are becoming ever more precious to the people of our county. As Foxglove Solar, LLC states in their Impact Analysis Statement, large parcels of rural land are hard to find in Frederick County. This area is already home to a large electric plant as well as a series of high voltage electrical lines. Please do not subject it to the development of another large power facility. This part of Frederick County is one of the last bastions of rural life in our community, and I ask you today to preserve it. The economic impact of this plant on surrounding agricultural operations will be significant. Land currently leased by surrounding farms will be lost, resulting in the loss of income generated from apple harvests, cattle, and hay for families that have been farming the area for generations. The historical significance of the area around Vaucluse Spring and Hites Rd. cannot be ignored when making your decision. This area of Frederick County was home to the first European settlers in our area. Several historic sites are listed in the documents that accompany CUP #03-20, including areas of importance to Native American, early settler, and Civil War history. It is almost a guarantee that an archaeological study of the area will result in Foxglove Solar, LLC being unable to develop the area to suit their needs. The final issue with the development of a solar power facility in this area is an environmental one. In addition to the protected and threatened species listed as inhabiting the area, this section of our county is home to non-threatened species that are important to the biodiversity of the area. Consider the environmental impact of the proposed barrier that would surround this property. The construction of this power plant will limit the availability of food and water for these species, as well as the opportunities for breeding and migration necessary to maintain healthy populations. Solar power is indeed the wave of the future, and the industry is an important one. I ask, however, that you do not recommend the Board of Supervisors’ approval of this location for a large-scale solar power facility in our county. Please, help me to protect this area for future generations. Sincerely, Sarah Jenkins Red Bud District Questions from concerned citizens regarding the Floxglove Solar Project 1. Laydown Yard- moving the Laydown Yard from the area directly adjacent to Kline’s Mill Road to an area further inside the proposed project that would not be as readily observed by neighboring homes from Klines Mill Road; or moved to an area off the Vaucluse Road where homes and traffic would not be as affected. 2. Relocate the proposed main entrance on Hites Road northward to the section of Hites Road that lies between or near its intersection with Clark Road and Vaucluse Road. This would allow for better traffic site distance. 3. Creating a construction entrance for the Interconnect Station off Clark Road, rather than the proposed entrance off Marlboro Road. This would allow for easier construction access. If desired, the Marlboro Road entrance could be designated as the maintenance entrance, once construction is complete. 4. One of our main concerns is the impact that the presence of the solar farm will have on our property value. Along with that, we have concerns when we do decide to put our house on the market, the ability to sell with the view of the solar farm around 5. Our property is going to have the solar farm on both the east and west side. Since we are going to be surrounded by this, we request that the Planning Commission will consider enforcing larger setbacks. At least 300 ft. setbacks should be made a condition. 6. Please also take into consideration the impacts to the surrounding homeowners during the construction phase. a. Where will construction entrances be? b. What will hours of construction be? c. Will construction take place on weekends? d. Neighbors will be subject to noise, dust and truck traffic during the construction period. 7. The back of our property often gets run off when it storms from the property behind us. We have concerns on the muddy mess and run off that we will experience as a result of the construction behind our property. 8. How long will Urban Grid be responsible for the health and maintenance of the vegetative buffer. It is all well and good to say that the buffer will be planted, but if/when some trees/bushes die, who will be held accountable to address and for how long? 9. A multi-decade lease is concerning with a company that has not been in business for a full decade. The company has been in business since 2011 so we don’t have a lot of history on their reputation. Are they in a sound financial position? What reputation does the company have with other parties and other landowners? The company has touted that they want to be neighborly so they should have no issues being flexible on setbacks. A 300 foot set back is a small percentage of the overall project. From:Everett, John P. (SES) To:Tyler Klein Cc:robert.propes@urbangridco.com Subject:"[External]"Reference: Conditional Use Permit Application # 03-20 for Foxglove Solar, LLC Date:Friday, May 29, 2020 6:25:28 AM Tyler, I spoke to Mr. Robert Propes last night and received his briefing on the project and its particular location with regard to properties in Mountain Vista (Hites View) Estates. I have also reviewed all of the available county documents on this matter. As a result of my discussion with Mr. Propes, I would like to withdraw my objection to the project as long as the area of construction stays within the boundaries outlined in the county documents. At this point, I will not presume to speak for the remainder of the residents in this neighborhood, but believe that once they see the exact location, they will not object as well. Thank you for being transparent and accommodating in this effort. V/R John John P. Everett Office of Information and Technology Office: 202-632-7390 Cell: 202-306-8914 From: Tyler Klein <tklein@fcva.us> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:20 AM To: Everett, John P. (SES) <John.Everett@va.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: '[External]'Reference: Conditional Use Permit Application # 03-20 for Foxglove Solar, LLC John - Thank you for your comments regarding the above conditional use permit (CUP) application. We will include them in the public record and share those comments with the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and applicant. All materials submitted by the applicant are available for review through Frederick County’s e-Comment portal, found here: https://fcva.granicusideas.com/meetings/65-planning-commission/agenda_items (see item # 6C). Hard copies of all application materials are also available to be reviewed in person at the County Government offices (107 N. Kent Street, Winchester) by appointment, please contact staff to set up. Those seeking to express formal comments to the Planning Commission may also do so through: 1. The County’s e-Comment portal using the link above. Please be sure to include your name, email, address, and magisterial district (Back Creek); 2. Written comments to staff via email (tklein@fcva.us) or hard copy (address below); all written comments will be compiled and provided to the Planning Commissioners in advance of the June 3rd public hearing; or 3. By attending the public hearing in person on June 3rd; comments by individuals are limited to 3-mintues each. Those unable to attend the meeting in-person can watch a live stream of the Planning Commission meeting through the County’s website under the “Meeting Portal” button. Finally, I am available to discuss any comments or questions over the phone, or an in-person meeting may be scheduled (adhering to social distancing). Thank you again for your consideration. M. Tyler Klein, AICP Senior Planner Department of Planning & Development Frederick County, Virginia 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 (540)722-8248 tklein@fcva.us From: Shannon Conner <sconner@fcva.us> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:02 AM To: Tyler Klein <tklein@fcva.us> Subject: FW: '[External]'Reference: Conditional Use Permit Application # 03-20 for Foxglove Solar, LLC From: Everett, John P. (SES) <John.Everett@va.gov> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 6:55 AM To: Karen Vacchio <kvacchio@fcva.us>; Shannon Conner <sconner@fcva.us> Subject: '[External]'Reference: Conditional Use Permit Application # 03-20 for Foxglove Solar, LLC Reference: Conditional Use Permit Application # 03-20 for Foxglove Solar, LLC On behalf of the residents of Mountain Vista Estates (Chanterelle Court and Pomme Circle), I want to state our opposition to the construction of a solar power generation system on property PIN 73-A-21 that is adjacent to our development and contiguous to several of our properties. There are currently 8 properties connected to the proposed site, none of which received notice from the county. There are another 23 properties being developed within eyesight of the proposed solar site. The construction of this site would destroy the character of the neighborhood and potentially reduce property values causing a financial burden to the current and potential residents of this quiet country community. No one want this in their backyard and it provides no value to our neighborhood. Other options need to be considered. John and Desiree Everett, 150 Chanterelle Ct Jason and Jennifer Robinson, 160 Chanterelle Ct Marcus and Melana Humphreys, 131 Chanterelle Ct Josh and Meghan Peacoe, 111 Chanterelle Ct Craig and Judith Booth, 110 Chanterelle Ct John and Maria Neff, 100 Pomme Cir Charles and Laura Ridgeway, 131 Pomme Cir V/R John John P. Everett Office of Information and Technology Cell 571-409-4700 From:Shannon Conner To:Tyler Klein Subject:FW: "[External]"CUP #03-20 Foxglove Solar LLC Date:Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:58:50 AM     From: Charlie Higgs <higgs215@gmail.com>  Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 8:44 AM To: Karen Vacchio <kvacchio@fcva.us>; Shannon Conner <sconner@fcva.us> Subject: '[External]'CUP #03-20 Foxglove Solar LLC   We are writing to express our concerns about the FoxGlove Solar Farm proposal that will be brought to the Planning Commission on June 3.  As property owners that will be impacted by this solar farm, we are not fans of the idea of the solar farm being both east and west of our property.  We are not against solar power, but we are the only homeowners that will have it in our front AND back yards.  Of course, we would prefer to not see the solar farm at all on this land but if it is going to end up there, we have many concerns and as our representative, would like to make sure you take them in to consideration when deciding how proceed.   One of our main concerns is the impact that the presence of the solar farm will have on our property value.  Along with that, we have concerns when we do decide to put our house on the market, the ability to sell with the view of the solar farm around us. Our property is going to have the solar farm on both the east and west side of our property.  Since we are going to be surrounded by this, we request that the Planning Commission will consider enforcing larger setbacks.  At least 300 ft. setbacks should be made a condition. Please also take in to consideration the impacts to the surrounding homeowners during the construction phase.  Where will construction entrances be?  What will hours of construction be?  Will construction take place on weekends?  Neighbors will be subject to noise, dust and truck traffic during the construction period. The back of our property often gets run off when it storms from the property behind us.  We have concerns on the muddy mess and run off that we will experience as a result of the construction behind our property.   How long will Urban Grid be responsible for the health and maintenance of the vegetative buffer.  It is all well and good to say that the buffer will be planted, but if/when some trees/bushes die, who will be held accountable to address and for how long? The company has touted that they want to be neighborly so they should have no issues being flexible on setbacks. A 300 foot set back is a small percentage of the overall project. The company has touted that they want to be neighborly so they should have no issues being flexible on setbacks. A 300 foot set back is a small percentage of the overall project. We realize this will not impact a large number of residents in the county, but we would hope that our opinions are taken seriously. We do not want to be surrounded by 370 acres of solar panels.     Thank You,  Charles & Lisa Higgs From:John Fletcher To:Tyler Klein Subject:"[External]"solar "farm" Date:Thursday, May 28, 2020 4:21:07 PM Sir, My name is John Fletcher and I live on Klines Mill rd in Frederick county and I understand There are plans for a solar "farm" on the Brumback property I am sending this e mail in regards to the issue. I am so against the idea it makes me sick to speak of this and the idea that our area will be tainted with this eye sore.It will not serve any good purpose for the area or the community.A cheaper electric? not hardly, more money in the pockets of the the company who purposes this mess. I am against the idea and will be at the meeting to show my disdain for the idea. This is a county setting for crops and rural living and slow pace, this is not the place for a solar "farm" Sincerely, John Fletcher From:Mike Ruddy To:Tyler Klein Subject:FW: "[External]"Woodbine Farms Solar Statement Date:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:44:18 PM Attachments:Solar Statement.PDF FYI. I talked to here a little while ago and said I would share this with each PC member next week via email, prior to the PC meeting. This is generally the statement they will be reading at the hearing. Mike. From: Carol Swanson <woodbinefarms@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 3:36 PM To: Mike Ruddy <mruddy@fcva.us> Subject: '[External]'Woodbine Farms Solar Statement Dear Mr. Ruddy, Please find attached our solar statement regarding the proposed Foxglove Solar Project which we respectfully would like to submit to each member of the Planning Commission prior to their June 3, 2020 meeting. We would appreciate your thoughts on the attachment. Kindly let me know you received the attached statement. Thank you, Carol Swanson Ladies and gentleman of the board, thank you so much for having us here this evening. My name is and I am here on behalf of Woodbine Farms. We are here today to discuss with you our objectives in collaborating with Urban Grid regarding the construction of a solar farm. Our family began farming in 1B9B on 280 acres of land. Through many years of hard work and the contributions of 6 generations of family members, we now farm 1400 acres of land in Frederick County. We work hard and take pride in providing the community with fresh, local produce. We love this community and want to see it continue to flourish and prosper. The construction of this solar facility would help our farm to continue to thrive as a farming business, a business that has represented the backbone of this area. Unfortunately, over the course of the last 5 years we have seen a steady decline in market prices in all commodities. We do not see these prices improving in the foreseeable future. The uncertainty created from the current COVID-19 health crisis also puts agriculture in jeopardy. We worry that with market prices not improving, costs of living increasing, and the new uncertainty created by the pandemic, we would need to downsize by selling land to offset these factors. Through thoughtful review of our options, we believe solar farming to be the one least adverse to our community. lt would also keep our land out of land development and housing. Over the past several years we have seen an increase in housing development in this area and it's something we hope to avoid. A solar farm would be our best option in maintaining the peacefulness and integrity of the natural landscape. The construction of this solar farm would also provide clean energy to the power grid. lt is a safe and renewable way to generate energy. We are excited for the opportunity to help facilitate this for the area. We love the land and have been farming the majority of this proposed property since the 1930s. Installing a solar field would allow us to maintain ownership of the property while leasing it for the duration of the project. Areas of land on this farm property not being used to generate electricity would continue to remain in agricultural use. There are also innovative agricultural options available within the solar panel area that allows for multiple agricultural enterprises. Some of these options include grazing sheep, pollinator habitats, and honey bee apiaries. We have been in contact with a North Carolina State Extension specialist about grazing sheep around the panels. Sheep grazing in solar facilities has been done successfully as a way to maintain the vegetation around the panels without extensive mowing or herbicide treatments The use of sheep continues the agricultural aesthetics to the land. The Virginia Pollinator-Smart Program would allow us the opportunity to raise honey bees and plant pollinator blocks on the land around the panels. We are currently establishing a pollinator block on our farm. Initiatives like these would allow us to keep this land in agricultural use. We sincerely appreciate your consideration of our proposal and hope we have provided you with insight on why we feel this venture would be in the best interest for our family, as well as our neighbors. We take great pride in being a part of this wonderful community.