by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—In an effort to meet a November deadline imposed by the board of supervisors, the planning commission on Thursday, September 15, continued its work to revise solar and camping ordinances. An additional work session is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, September 26, at the Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office, 195 Judicial Place, Heathsville.
The commission began its solar discussions by reviewing a map showing a one-mile-buffer from tidal waters. According to county planner Stuart McKenzie that setback would eliminate 65% of the county’s land area from solar development. Much of the remaining allowable area, approximately 66 square miles, is zoned agriculture (A1) with a few parcels of light industrial (M1), general business (B1) and residential (R1).
When discussing impacts to residential areas, McKenzie said “distance should help, but it’s not going to make everybody happy….
