Living in Savannah Village, I cherish the serene beauty of our community. However, the proposal to construct a 30-acre, 6-megawatt solar panel field adjacent to our homes is a grave concern. This proposal is in direct opposition to our Village Comprehensive Plan and the future intended land use (rural preservation) for the proposed property. In addition, a commercial solar power plant is not a permitted or conditional use in the A-1 district and the land itself is not suitable for this project. The property contains wetlands, and the zoning code prohibits uses on land held unsuitable due to flooding, drainage, soil, or other conditions affecting public health, safety, and welfare. This site clearly meets that threshold. Approval could set a worrying precedent for other A-1 zoned properties in Waunakee. 


The construction of this solar field raises several issues that directly impact our community. Firstly, this installation will directly impact our property values. A recent study found that the value of homes within half a mile of solar fields may decrease by up to 7.9%, and homes within 3 miles see an avg. decrease in property values of 4.8%. When we apply these figures to the local housing market in Waunakee and Westport using Zillow to determine housing valuation, the results are staggering. The projected total loss in residential property value is estimated at over $150 million dollars. This will also translate into a significant loss of property tax revenues to our towns, or an increase in our tax rate to offset our housing valuation losses.

Secondly, the visual intrusion of a large-scale solar panel installation will significantly alter the natural aesthetics of our village, diminishing the reason many of us chose to live here. Additionally, the increase in noise and traffic from construction as well as the increase in train noise due to deforestation and removal of natural ground cover will disturb the tranquil environment we currently enjoy.


And, Waunakee will not directly benefit from the energy generated from this project as energy will go to MG&E- who does not supply electricity to Waunakee. So we shoulder the burden, with no benefit to the town.

Moreover, environmental concerns must be addressed. The proposed site contains wetlands and is in the watershed area for Six-Mile Creek - meaning potential downstream impacts to our lakes. Filling wetlands and/or covering wetlands with solar panels can have irreversible impacts on the wetland ecosystem. The clearing of 30 acres of prime farmland and wetlands and building of an 8-foot exclusion fence around the panels will lead to significant habitat destruction and disruption to local wildlife.

As residents, it's crucial that we advocate for environmentally responsible alternatives that do not compromise our local ecosystems.

While renewable energy is vital for our future, it must be balanced with responsible and considerate planning. There are possible alternatives, such as finding less intrusive locations nearby that do not impose directly on residential areas.

Let us stand together to protect the charm and tranquility of Savannah Village.

Please join me by signing this petition to halt the current proposal and seek a more suitable solution.