The Peru Gazette

Peru –  The Apex Solar Power application on behalf of the Hamilton family for a Use Variance to construct a solar farm at 286 Mannix Road was tabled at the Zoning Board of Appeal’s Wednesday, October 17, 2018 meeting.  The property is zoned for agricultural and rural residential use; therefore, a use variance is required. To quality the applicant must establish that the new use will not have an adverse environmental impact and that a reasonable return cannot be achieved from the already approved uses.

The Board was satisfied that the environment impact would not be adverse; however, based on the evidence presented, the Board was not convinced that a reasonable return could not be achieved from residential development or agriculture  use. The fact that the 15-acre plot for the solar farm is part of a 196-acre parcel complicates the issue since about 100 acres are currently being used as apple orchard. Hamilton family representative Mark Hamilton told the board that the 15 acres to be dedicated to the solar farm is wet ground and has always been unfit for productive agricultural use.  The Board gave Hamilton until October 31st to present evidence that a reasonable financial return could not be achieved from the property.  The matter is expected to appear on the Board’s November meeting agenda.