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To the editor:
Well over 100 community members from the Summitville and Franklin Township area showed up for an informational meeting at the St. John's Church Hall in Summitville held by the newly-organized FAKS-PAC, which stands for Franklin Against Kensington Solar Political Action Committee.
Area farmer and lead organizer of the group, Diane Brown, served as the primary spokesperson at the town hall style meeting. She shared with those in attendance the organization's new mission statement, making it clear that the primary mission of this community-based group was to "stop this over-sized, industrial scale solar project that the community simply does not want."
Brown highlighted multiple areas of concern over the solar facility known by the name "Kensington Solar." It was pointed out that the solar project slated for the Summitville/Franklin Township area would cover 1/6 of the entire township.
"The panels would cover a space equivalent to 856 full sized football fields," according to Brown. She indicated there will be "39 miles of unsightly chain link fencing, with barb wired tops." And, the solar panels themselves are projected to be up to 13 feet tall while the substation will have transmission structures that reach 70 feet in height. Brown asked, "Can you imagine what this will do to our serene and picturesque community?"
The CEO of Summitville Tiles, Dave Johnson, was present to represent the township's oldest business, which was founded by Johnson's grandfather, F. H. Johnson, in 1921. "When my grandfather incorporated the village of Summitville, this little village had the distinction of being the smallest incorporated village in Ohio," Johnson noted. He went on to say, "as the village's first mayor, Grandfather Johnson offered free land and free brick to anybody that moved to the village and build a home here -- and he would be rolling in his grave to think that this monstrosity of a solar project would overcome this village and everybody in and around it."
Three state representatives were also on hand to address the matter: Rep. Shane Wilkin from Highland County, Rep. Bob Smith of Summit County, and Al Cutrona of Mahoning County, who also happens to be a landowner in the area immediately adjacent to the proposed solar project. Rep. Wilkin shared his "nightmarish" experiences with Liberty Energy, the same company that is proposing the Kensington solar project in Summitville. He warned everybody to be "armed with the facts" when they appear before the PUCO Siting Board because the board "will be listening."
Former Manager of Summitcrest Farms for 39 years, Henry Bergfeld, spoke against the project, claiming that it flies in the face of everything Fred and Pete Johnson stood for, whose motto at Summitcrest was "improve the land, improve the breed." What does this solar project do but destroy the land and undermine livestock development? This project is a disgrace," Bergfeld stated.
County Commissioners Mike Halleck and Tim Weigle were in the audience as observers. It was reported that State Rep. Tim Ginter and State Senator Michael Rulli have already written letters of opposition to the project as has Congressman Bill Johnson. It was reported that there are now over 225 signatures on a petition opposing the project, all of which will be presented to the County Commissioners and the PUCO Siting Board.
Folks in attendance were urged to financially support this fight, which may include the hiring of an experienced attorney. FAKS shirts were already printed and being distributed. Opposition signs will soon be placed all over Franklin Township to make it clear this project is not wanted by the people who live and work here, according to Brown.
There will be informational meetings scheduled as things develop. Everybody was asked to "stay tuned."
DIANE BROWN,
Salineville