Solar Project just out of Vandalia City Limits will move forward after vote by City Council on Monday

After weeks of discussion, with the matter seemingly on the verge of a lawsuit, the Vandalia City Council approved an ordinance at their meeting on Monday that will allow a solar farm project to move forward.

The project is from Birch Creek Developers and is outside the Vandalia city limits, but within 1.5 miles of the limits–which gives the City of Vandalia joint jurisdiction with Fayette County on the matter.  The project was approved by the Fayette County Board in the spring of 2023.  But, potential issues came to light when Zachary and Kadi Ledbetter brought to the attention of the Fayette County Board they had built a home at 1480 N 425 Street and knew nothing about the proposed solar farm.  This led to the matter being brought to the attention of the City of Vandalia.  Last year, Birch Creek was told by the City of Vandalia they did not need any type of permission from the City being the project was approved by Fayette County.  But, after the matter came to light, were told they would need a special use permit from the City.  They were then denied the permit by the Zoning Board.  Then, the Planning Commission voted against removing the need for the special use permit.  The matter then came to the Vandalia City Council for final approval. Before the vote by the City Council on Monday, Scott Novak of Birch Creek Development talked about the project and their work on the matter.

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The City Council was also presented with a letter from Birch Creek that was signed by both Pike Solar and Zachary and Kadi Ledbetter that stated “In early August, prior to the Zoning Board meeting discussing the Special Use Application for the solar project, Pike Solar and the Ledbetters agreed to confidential terms that resolve the Ledbetter’s objections to the Project.”  City of Vandalia Attorney Ryan Connor again reminded the City Council what they were voting on and that the objections to the project seem to have been cleared.

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The City Council voted 5 to 2 to approve an ordinance that said a project outside the city limits, but within 1.5 miles of the city’s limits, would only need a special use from the county to proceed.  Aldermen Ken Hubler, Andy Lester, Bob Bowen, Russ Stunkel and Mike Hobler voted yes while Aldermen Steve Barker and Kenny Lewey voted no with Alderman Bret Brosman absent.

The solar project now moves forward.  The project is an 18 megawatt project covering 151 acres and would be an over $20 million investment by Birch Creek.