Mark S. Evanko
West Amwell
On behalf of our residential West Amwell community who have voiced their opposition to the proposed “variance” application regarding the commercial solar power plant being proposed in a rural residential zone, thank you for allowing our team to be “heard” in The Beacon.
The final vote for this “variance” application is scheduled for March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Amwell Township municipal building. The last scheduled special meeting held on March 7 provided a few noteworthy events that I am providing here a summary “open letter to the West Amwell Township residents” prior to the final vote.
This letter addresses the commercial solar power plant “variance application” in a rural residential (4) zone, 1465 Route 179, Block 3, Lots 12 and 14, Township of West Amwell.
Over the past five to six months, the zoning board has heard testimony from a commercial solar power plant applicant regarding the request application for a “variance” to approve this installation adjacent to a residential community.
The Planning Board rejected the initial application due to the fact that the proposed rural residential (4) zoning did not permit a commercial solar power plant application. They sent the application to the zoning board to request a “variance” for approval.
A group of residents retained legal counsel, a professional appraiser, and site planner/engineer to review the merits of the application. In summary:
— The commercial solar power plant as proposed will be visible from adjoining residences;
— The adjacent residential community land values would be negatively impacted should a commercial solar power plant be approved on this land;
— Seventy-nine West Amwell Township/Lambertville residents signed a petition requesting the West Amwell Township zoning board to deny the requested “variance”;
— At each of the monthly hearings, the residents have continuously voiced their opposition to the application.
The “variance” process is one where an applicant can voice their “plan” to attempt to justify why the original Planning Board zoning should be modified. In this case, we have 79 recorded opposed vs. two (applicant plus one) for.
While, the outcome may seem straightforward, the residents are concerned. At the March 7 “special hearing” during which the residents again expressed their formal verbal opposition, our West Amwell Township zoning board attorney would not allow the 79-resident petition to be submitted to the zoning board!
We believe the voice of the people, in this case the petition, will be heard loud and clear. The people have spoken. Many are in fear of a “variance application” that could very well erode the very financial stability they have worked to achieve.
West Amwell/Lambertville is an extraordinary community of hard-working, tax-paying, God-fearing people and we intend to keep in that way. Your support at the next meeting would be appreciated.

