Land Use Board to Discuss Merits of Solar Ordinance

Bedminster’s proposed solar ordinance is coming before the Land Use Board as the determination is made whether it complies with the township’s master plan.

The ordinance was introduced by the township committee at its most recent meeting, and was sent on to the Land Use Board for further discussion.

The ordinance amends the township’s land use rules to accommodate roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar power installations, as well as those mounted on parking lot canopies across the various sections of the township, from the high density housing areas to the rural residential zones, commercial zones and farmland zones.

If the Land Use Board determines that the ordinance does comply with the master plan, it will send it back to the committee for a possible approval at a planned April 1 public hearing.

If not, the administration will take another look at the ordinance and make changes accordingly.

The ordinance is being considered while a potential application for an 11-megawatt, 49,000-panel solar installation at the Kirby Farms on Country Club Road in awaiting action by the Land Use Board.

The power generated by the array would power a Route 202/206 facility operated by Sanofi-Aventis, the pharmaceutical company, that is in adjacent Bridgewater.

Residents have already been out to oppose the application, as part of a group called Preserve Bedminster, although the hearing is not expected to be heard until May 2.

The ordinance is not connected with the application itself.

The Land Use Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the municipal building on Miller Lane.