A solar array project near Archer that would feed power to Gainesville Regional Utilities is one step closer to seeing the light of day following approval by the Alachua County Planning Commission despite opposition from residents in the area.
The planning commission reheard presentations on the Sand Bluff Solar array in a six-hour meeting Wednesday evening, after it previously approved the project in February. Another meeting had to be scheduled following the February one because additional nearby property owners had to be notified of the public hearing and workshops.
Planning board members voted 4-3 on a motion to recommend to county commissioners that the solar project be approved after the applicant, Miami-based Origis Energy discussed the project’s merits and several community members spoke out against it. The local chapter of the NAACP and the Sierra Club also have submitted statements opposing the project.