Solar Farm Plan Debate Heats Up in Bedminster

Hearings began last week on the proposed 38-acre solar farm a developer hopes to build in Bedminster, which has prompted opposition from members of the community who fear the project will detract from the township's rural atmosphere.

About 100 people attended the township’s land use board hearing last Thursday on the proposal that calls for the installation of 40,484 solar panels on Kirby Farm that would supply power to a nearby Bridgewater business, according to MyCentralJersey.com.

While opponents argue the project would have "negative impacts" on residential real estate values, the developer testified the solar panels would cover a small portion of the property that would not be visible to motorists and the plan included planting crops or allowing sheep to graze on the open land.

The next meeting on the issue will be held Nov. 14 at Bedminster School.