Help stop the construction of a solar farm on land zoned for agriculture!  

We, property owners of Nicholson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, are forming a petition; we strongly oppose the proposal by Greenkey Development (Georges Creek Solar) to construct a 128-acre solar farm on agricultural-zoned land. This project poses significant risks to our community and the environment.

Reasons for Opposition:

1.     Inadequate Setbacks:

•   The proposed solar farm is planned to have 50’+ from residential property lines. 50’ is insufficient to protect homeowners from noise, visual impacts, and safety hazards.

2.     Environmental Risks:

• The solar farm's proximity to Georges Creek raises serious concerns about potential chemical runoff that could jeopardize local wildlife and water quality.

3.     Impact on Agricultural Land:

• This development would take place adjacent to farmland and homes that have been maintained by families for generations. Preserving our agricultural heritage is crucial for future generations.

4.     Need for Stricter Regulations:

• February 2025, the Fayette County Zoning and Planning Department has proposed an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Utility-Scale Solar Facilities. According to their website, this amendment aims to enhance standards for solar facilities. We believe stricter regulations are necessary, and because of the new proposed amendment, it’s evident that Fayette County Zoning and Planning does too. Therefore, to allow Greenkey Development to proceed with this large-scale solar farm is irresponsible and dangerous for the residence of Nicholson Township.
• Statistics on solar panel fires raise alarms about the safety of such installations. In the event of a fire, the close proximity of this solar farm to residents could put lives at risk especially since firefighters need specialized training to safely respond to fires involving solar farms and solar-powered structures.

5.     Community Heritage:

• The rolling fields designated for this solar farm are not only beautiful but also integral to our community’s identity. Protecting these lands is vital for maintaining the character and sustainability of our township.
• Property values are at-risk. Studies have shown that proximity to solar farms within a three (3) mile radius can decrease property values significantly. This means less financial security for families who have invested their life savings into their homes. Furthermore, the disruption of natural scenic views, glare from the panels, and health concerns associated with solar facilities can deter potential buyers and diminish the economic value of properties in our community. 
• We believe that this project will not only disrupt lives, but also harm local wildlife, decrease property values, and compromise the health, wellness, and safety of residents of Nicholson Township.

Our Request:

We urge the Fayette County Zoning Hearing Board to deny the request for a special exception for the solar farm. We need to protect our farmland and keep the residents of Nicholson Township safe. 

Public Hearing Details:

We encourage all concerned residents to attend the public hearing on April 30, 2025, at 10:30 AM in the Lafayette Room in the Gallatin Building, 2 West Main Street, Uniontown, PA. This is an important opportunity for our voices to be heard.

Signatures:

We request that all who oppose this project (not limited to Nicholson Township residents) add their names to this petition to demonstrate our united stance against the solar farm installation. Thank you!