Projects to be heard at BOS meeting
FT. MOHAVE – The first was rejected and the second was approved when rival Fort Mohave solar power project proposals were heard during Wednesday’s Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The Commission first took up an Elite Southwest Holdings project that is quite similar to the one it voted down last December.
Applicant Brandon Butcher expressed disappointment and frustration because he said Elite found a better location and reduced public safety concerns by switching technology involving solar power battery storage.
“I’m against this project,” said Commission member Bill Abbott, siding with residents who didn’t want the solar array as a neighbor. “I think It’s just the wrong place for it.”
The Commission voted against Elite’s request for amendments to the Mohave County general plan and the Fort Mohave area plan and the companion rezoning. The Commission then took up the second project proposed by Greenstone Land Holdings and applicant developer Derek Fromm.
The second project is planned on a parcel that is located north of Joy Lane and west of Ashley Street. Greenstone already operates two other solar facilities on a parcel directly south of the new project.
The commission voted to recommend Board of Supervisor (BOS) approval of changing the land use designation from Residential Recreation to Alternative Energy. The Commission is also recommending board approval of companion rezoning from residential recreation to energy overlay.
Both projects, and the conflicting Commission recommendations will be taken up during the April 6 BOS meeting.
The Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) has a Purchase Power (PPA) with Elite and would buy its electric output if its project is approved and developed. MEC Chief Operating Officer Rick Campos said the utility supports the Elite initiative, but has no agreement to buy power from The Greenstone-Fromm enterprise.
- Dave Hawkins
