BASTROP, La. (KNOE) – A Bastrop resident raised concerns about a new solar farm’s location during Thursday’s city council meeting, but officials declined to address the issue without their attorney present.
Bishop Charles Bradford asked about administrative requirements and standards at the solar farm before the council stopped him.
“Bishop, we cannot answer some of those questions because our attorney is not present,” a council member said. “He drafted that ordinance, so I think he would be the one to answer the ordinance. I’ve read over it, but I don’t feel comfortable with trying to answer the question.”
Bradford said the location is his primary concern.
“Solar panels can go out in the rural area as they choose, you know, there’s a source of energy, but you don’t catch them inside the heart of the city in a poor low-income area,” Bradford said.
The solar panels are located outside Bastrop City Hall, across from apartments and a senior living area.
Bradford said he worries about potential risks to nearby residents.
“We don’t want them sitting right next, adjacent to the fence, sitting next to the apartment where the kids are playing on one side of the street,” Bradford said. “Our water supply line is within 100 feet. I mean, solar panels, if they bust and sink into the ground in our water system, you got a community poison.”
The city council and mayor did not respond to requests for comment.
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