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by FOX56 NEWSROOM
DAMASCUS TWP., WAYNE CO. (WOLF) — A controversial proposal to build a large-scale solar farm in Wayne County has been withdrawn, at least for now, after township officials determined the developer's application was incomplete.
During a special meeting Wednesday night, Damascus Township supervisors were considering a conditional use application submitted by Ampliform for a utility-scale solar facility spanning portions of Damascus and Oregon townships.
However, township solicitor Jeffrey Treat advised supervisors that the application did not include a lease agreement from the property owner demonstrating that the developer had legal authority to build on the site.
Following that determination, Ampliform withdrew its application before any vote was taken.
The proposed project would have included more than 36,000 solar panels and, according to the developer, generated enough electricity to power approximately 3,000 homes.
The proposal has drawn significant public interest and debate in recent months, with residents packing township meetings.
Opponents have raised concerns about the project's size and its potential impact on the area's rural character, wildlife habitat and forested land.
According to application documents, construction of the facility would have disturbed approximately 103 acres and required substantial tree clearing. Critics argued the proposed clearing exceeded township limits.
The withdrawal leaves the project's future uncertain, though it does not prevent the developer from submitting a revised application in the future.
The proposal had been the subject of a conditional use hearing on May 20 before Wednesday night's special meeting at the Equinunk Fire Station.
No timeline has been announced for whether Ampliform intends to refile its application.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.

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