TOWN OF TRENTON, Wis. — The Town of Trenton plan commission tabled a decision on whether to approve a conditional use permit for a solar panel project that most Prairie Meadow neighbors don’t want built next to their property lines.
Neighbors first brought the issue to TMJ4 News’ attention at “Let’s Talk West Bend” in June. The issue was tabled on Monday.
The subdivision sits in West Bend, while the proposed solar panel project would be in the Town of Trenton — two different governments right next to each other.
Brandon Schneiberg is among the neighbors opposed to the project.
“There is no positive to this project for us,” Schneiberg said. “We’re not thinking this is a place to raise a family anymore. We feel like we are being forced out of our own homes, unfortunately.”
Schneiberg’s family purchased their home in December, and he said they are already thinking of selling it.
“We’re going to have to deal with the construction noise, after that 12 months, it’s the property values…” he said. “it’s living with the glare of the panels.”
SunVest Solar is pitching the project. The company sent a statement saying it has listened to neighbors, increased the distance between the project and the homes, added trees and received DNR approval.
Still, neighbors David Wallace and Ingrid Wallace don’t feel the farm field is a good fit.
“I’m not in favor of it,” David said. “It’s just not something that I’d really do.”
“I’m kind of sad that farmers are selling their land for something like that,” Ingrid said. “I think it’s more important to grow food instead of solar panels.”
The farmland property owners Dennis and Lynn Schloemer declined to speak on camera but said neighbors are not entitled to a view of the land they never owned.
The plan commission could approve the permit in November, after which it would go to the full board.
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