Solar Farm 'Not in Best Interest of the Township'

To the Editor:

Now that I am no longer a member of the township committee, I can finally speak out on the solar application that is proposed on Country Club Road in Bedminster.

The citizens of Bedminster need to know that the members of the township committee cannot opine on this issue that is before the Land Use Board.  Depending on how the Land Use Board rules on this variance application to turn 55 acres of farmland into a solar farm, that ruling may then be appealed to the governing body. If that appeal takes place, the members of the township committee must hear that appeal without prejudice, and they can’t do that if they have taken a position on the application. Though it may be frustrating, following the law this way helps protect Bedminster from costly lawsuits.

However, it is my opinion, as a private citizen, that this solar array is not in the best interest of the township. While the state has ruled that solar energy is an “inherently beneficial use,” it is my opinion that destroying farmland, disrupting animal wildlife, and altering stormwater runoff is not conducive to protecting and preserving our environment or property values.

Solar arrays can be mounted over parking lots and rooftops. To destroy farmland to mount a solar array is not “inherently beneficial.” It is, at best, a tie. Solar energy is good. So is farmland. Part of why Bedminster was ranked the Top Town in New Jersey a few years ago is that we have preserved our open space, including our farmland, and our quality of life.  This commercial development is being proposed for our R-10 zone. The “R” stands for “residential.” It simply doesn’t belong there.

Members of the public can and should stay involved with the process, attend the meetings, and learn the details of the application. The Land Use Board meets the first and second Thursday of every month. Their schedule can be found at www.Bedminster.us.  

The members of the Land Use Board are charged with upholding the master plan of the township, and the law. All I can hope is that they do their best, and having served with most of them, I am confident they will. I commend chairman Lance Boxer and the members of the board for their efforts. Ladies and Gentlemen, do your best to find a way out of this maze. 

Katy Rupert

Former Committeewoman

Bedminster