Meeting:  Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 pm, Port Penn Firehouse, Large Scale Solar Energy System Meeting

The Port Penn Community is a cherished sanctuary of country estates and farms. We are deeply rooted in a way of life that treasures open spaces, rural traditions, and close-knit bonds that have been developed over generations. For all of us here, a proposed Large Scale Solar Energy System at the south side of Port Penn Road threatens not only our way of life but the ecological balance and resources we depend on daily.

This proposal, identified under NCC Land Use Application 2026-0426, is slated for a location just past the fork where Pole Bridge Road meets Port Penn Road, on your right as you head into Port Penn. The location chosen for this solar farm is in stark contrast to the existing community character. The UDC code mandates that land use should conform to the neighborhood it is intended to serve, and, clearly, this project disrupts the harmony and continuity of our cherished community.

We are a community sustained by well water, a sensitive and vital resource in our region. There are numerous concerns among residents regarding potential impacts to our water supply, the integrity of our landscapes, and the unforeseen consequences of altering our ecosystem with such an intrusive operation. Large solar panel installations often bring about changes in land heat dynamics and water runoff patterns that could threaten our local agriculture and farming practices.*

Furthermore, many residents are wary of the visual and aesthetic impact—a stark industrial contrast against the rolling fields and scenic views that define Port Penn. There is a palpable fear that this project will erode property values and deter others to come into our community.

We are not opposed to renewable energy or sustainability efforts; rather, we seek a balanced approach that prioritizes location and community input. There are alternative solutions and locations that might be more suited to this proposal without jeopardizing the heart and soul of our area.

We urge the NCC Land Use Department to reconsider this application, explore other potential sites for the project, and engage with our community to collaboratively find solutions that align with both environmental sustainability goals and local development codes. Every voice matters in preserving the integrity of Port Penn.

Please sign this petition to protect our unique community and ensure responsible and thoughtful development that respects our history, lifestyle, and environment.  Thank you.

Concerned Community - Port Penn Road, Pole Bridge Road, Dutch Neck Farms, Pine Valley Farms