Residents hear pitch about Cold Spring Solar Farm

A smattering of residents met with officials from Averon Energy Tuesday night at Greencastle City Hall to hear about a proposed 200-megawatt, 1,200-acre solar farm on private land in Russell Township. 

Those with Averon were met by supporters, who wore I Support Solar stickers, and at least one person who showed up in a Stop Industrial Solar shirt that matched a sign outside city hall. 

Paul Cozens, project manager for Averon Energy, said the event went "great."

"We wanted to give everyone one more opportunity before we go to the county on the first to ask more questions so we can make sure we answer everyone's questions. The meeting on the first is not, technically, a public hearing, so we wanted to make sure there was another opportunity for people to come ask any questions they may have. It's been a success so far tonight," Cozens told The Putnam County Post. 

Cozens said many of the questions presented Tuesday night were the same Averon has heard asked in the past. 

The meeting on the first is the Putnam County Commissioners meeting Monday, April 1. During the morning meeting, the Commissioners are expected to vote on rezoning the land from Rural Preservation to Natural Resources. The vote will play a key factor in whether or not the solar farm will move forward. Cozens said Averon will be prepared to answer any question that may come its way. 

He admitted Averon is optimistic the commissioners will vote in favor of the rezoning and the focus is strictly on moving forward with the project and not on a no vote from the commissioners. 

Since 2022, talk of the solar farm has flourished in Putnam County, and recently, the proposal has not fared well with the Putnam County Board of Zoning Appeals and the Putnam County Plan Commission. 

Last year, the BZA voted against a special exception to the property, and in February, the Putnam County Area Plan Commission denied an application for rezoning with a 6-3 vote. 

The proposed solar farm has received a tax abatement from the county council, and a $6 million economic development agreement with the commissioners, while officials have said Cold Spring Solar Farm would bring in more than $40 million paid in taxes and 214 direct jobs. 

Since the proposed project came to light, Averon has tried to get involved in the community, something officials said will continue. 

"Averon and Cold Spring Solar are committed to working in partnership with county leaders and the community. We are confident that our project will benefit all residents of Putnam County and look forward to providing additional information on solar technology and our project. Cold Spring is grateful to the Board for their understanding and consideration," Cold Spring spokesman Nick Gentry told The Putnam County Post shortly after the denial from the Area Plan Commission. 

Cozens echoed those sentiments, saying Averon is planning on being a part of the community for a "long time."