KDC Solar Farm Will 'Change Bedminster Forever,' Resident Says

To the Editor:

I am very passionate about protecting the environment and the values of my property (located alongside the Kirby Estate) in the Township of Bedminster and for those reasons I have attended many Township meetings throughout the year. The journey has been, let's say, a learning experience. I now have a clear understanding on why the KDC application, if granted, will change the Township of Bedminster forever. I  believe that not only will this change Bedminster but it will open the gateway to changing all Farmlands and Open Space in the State of New Jersey. Let me note that I am a supporter of the NJ Highlands Regional Master Plan’ Planning Area in Bedminster Township.

I do not understand how our town got to this unfortunate place. I attended the meeting of the Land Use Board which was held at the Bedminster School on November 14, 2013. 

KDC should be ashamed of themselves for opening the meeting by stating that "we want to hear from the public" and then acting throughout the rest of the meeting as if that thought was the farthest from their mind.  I URGE all residents to read the transcripts of both the October 3rd and November 14th meetings in their entirety to get an idea of what is really going on here. (Please be aware that Transcripts are posted on Bedminster.us as well as on PreserveBedminster.com.) The dialog, questioning and facts are astonishing! I think it is a shame that our voices cannot be heard when the issue at stake is one to substantially change our zoning.  Does it really matter if we support Stop Somerset Hills Power Plant, SSHPP? Who in their right mind supporting this would not applaud Attorney Michele Donato for her efforts to protect Bedminster. I would like to personally thank the Forbes family for their Attorney, Richard Sasso as well.

I live in a small ranch in the R10 rural residential zone and I, by myself, certainly cannot afford to hire legal services. Because I choose to donate to an organization that supports SSHPP, post a lawn sign, put a sticker on my car, send letters and emails for awareness and attend a fund raiser to keep Michele supporting Bedminster on this long road ahead of us, it should not mean that I can never ask my own questions. To have such a rule is ludicrous, and to me is a disgusting tactic being used by KDC. It appears KDC and their star witness, Tom Lynch a resident of Bedminster, don’t really care about the residents in Bedminster or all others who came to participate and who traveled from other townships, some even as far away as Connecticut!  

If you believe in protecting our Master Plan and saving Farmlands and Open Space in New Jersey you must pay attention to this case. The issues may be presented in such a manner that you too may find yourself wanting to ask questions!  And yes, this is an industrial scale Power Plant proposed in Bedminster. This is simple, Sanofi in Bridgewater is on commercial property and KDC and the Kirby family are wise enough to know this just does not make sense! 40,484 solar panels in a rural residential zoned scenic gateway, really?  If my neighbors, the Kirby family applied to place solar panels on their R10 rural residential zoned lot and it complied with our Ordinance, I would support them 100%.

Please attend the next meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Bedminster School so you willfully understand this application, and be able to make your own decision. There is no such thing as a NIMBY when the Township of Bedminster's integrity and precious Farmlands and Open Space are at risk.

Jill Barone
Bedminster