Supes Strike Down Solar Farm 3-1

The proposed solar farm at Greenpoint Nursery in northeast Novato was shot down by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday who argued the project would impact the rural quality of the area.

In a 3-1 vote, the supervisors rejected the project that would have provided an alternative source of energy for 200 Marin County homes.

“Our rural character is important," and a solar farm is not consistent with rural surroundings, said Supervisor Judy Arnold, according to the Marin Independent Journal. “Community character is important in our (county) plan.”

Supervisors Katie Rice and Kate Sears also voted ‘no’ on the project, while Supervisor Steve Kinsey voted in favor. Supervisor Susan Adams was absent.

Proponents of the project argued that it was a small-scale project that would produce clean energy locally with minimal visual pollution for residents and passerby. 

But residents living close to Black Point said the project was inconsistent with the rural setting of the area, would ruin views and decrease their property values.

To read more about Tuesday’s vote, click here.