Solar Farm Applicant Scheduled to Come Before Zoning Board April 27

The Holmdel Zoning Board of Adjustment is expected to hear from a developer who seeks bulk variances to build a proposed 4.8 mega-watt solar panel facility on a 34-acre tract of land located at 970 Holmdel Road. The meeting is Wednesday, April 27 at 8:00 p.m.  

Chicago-based Cornerstone Power Development, LLC, is seeking land use variances to construct 208 ground-mounted solar panels on 16 acres of the farmland, just north of Vonage Headquarters. Additional on-site equipment includes four inverters, electrical equipment and a switchgear.

Testimony will feature an Environmental Impact Statement report prepared by Whitman of East Brunswick, and a Fiscal Impact Study report by Beacon Planning and Consulting Services of Colts Neck.

Last week, the Holmdel Environmental Commission submitted their concerns to  Zoning Board officials after reviewing CornerStone's application. HEC members discussed the potential environmental hazards of solar panel components, the possible effects of soil erosion into the adjacent Willow Brook and wetlands, and the pressing need for a Township large-scale solar farming ordinance that's compatible with Holmdel's existing Master Plan.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting is open to the public.

Public input will be allowed during the public comment portion of the meeting.