Solar farm hearing chance to speak up

Opponents and proponents of a solar energy farm on the edge of the Town of Berlin will have an opportunity to express their opinions on the project in a May 6 virtual hearing.

An announcement by the Maryland Public Service Commission on Tuesday invited members of the public to join the ZOOM session, which begins at 7 p.m., if they wish to be heard.

The Worcester County Commissioners back in October unanimously rejected plans by Colorado-based TurningPoint Energy to build a 5 MW, 35-acre solar generating facility on land not far from the intersection of Old Ocean City Boulevard and Main Street.

They argued that the pie-shaped parcel is zoned for residential use with an R-2 designation, which does not allow solar installations. They also said allowing an exception to the zoning would remove from the town’s land inventory property needed to accommodate residential growth.

Even though the commissioners’ decision was forwarded to state officials, its effectiveness is questionable, because Maryland courts  have said the PSC holds sway in siting utility projects regardless of zoning.

Opponents of the project should keep that in mind as they contemplate whether to log in to the online hearing and let their opinions be known. More voices will have more impact.

Here’s how to register:

Sign up by Monday, May 5 through the Calendly app on the Commission’s website: www.psc.state.md.us

Under “Featured Topics” on the right side of the webpage, click on “Public Comment Hearing Sign Up.”

Click on “Case 9772,” and the hearing date and time (May 6 at 7 p.m.).

Click “Next,” enter name and email

Click “Schedule Event.”

Once the sign-up process is complete, registrants will receive a Zoom link.