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This is OUR back yard

 

As some of you may know, there are plans to build a large solar farm in eastern Sumter County. The size and scope of the farm are of great concern to me. As currently proposed, the solar farm will encompass close to TEN THOUSAND ACRES. It will begin at the intersection of Ga Hwy 195 and Lamar Road and encompass both sides of Lamar Road almost to Spring Creek. This solar farm can be measured not just in acres but in miles!

Most if not all the property is owned by individuals who do not reside in Sumter County or by corporations with no ties to Sumter County. (So it won’t be in THEIR back yards…)

What effect will this solar farm have on the property values of those who live nearby? What effect will it have on wildlife and the environment? What will this company pay in taxes to Sumter County?

The Sumter County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting regarding the matter this coming Thursday, August 22 at 6:00 p.m. A vote to approve the proposed project is expected at a meeting of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 10 at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Sumter County courthouse. (EDITOR’S NOTE: This meeting was attended by several people who spoke out against the solar farm proposal).

I encourage everyone to attend these meetings to learn more about this proposal in order to make an informed decision to support or oppose the project. This is in OUR back yard!

Patrick Duff

Leslie