Mead postpones decision on proposal
Enyo Renewable Energy, a Utah-based company that wants to develop a solar production facility in the town of Mead, hit a speed bump earlier this week.
During its regular meeting Monday, the Mead Board of Trustees voted unanimously to continue the public hearing concerning the Sugar Beet Solar Project to April 10.
Mead Mayor Colleen Whitlow said in a follow-up email that the hearing was continued to give the town “adequate time to understand why the property owners filed a disconnection action before the board had an opportunity to review the merits of the solar project this past Monday.”
Located on the town’s western boundary, the 203-acre property is zoned for residential single family and general commercial use.
The property is currently utilized for agricultural purposes and has one residence on site.
If approved, the photovoltaic solar production facility would have an estimated life span of 40 years and provide 40 megawatts of solar generation and 25 megawatts of storage. The project would include PV solar arrays, an underground collection system, a substation, a battery energy storage system and other necessary equipment.
The project’s solar panels would be gray-blue, have non-reflective surfaces and stand between 8- and 12-feet tall.
Enyo Renewable Energy also plans to dedicate 19 acres of the property as open space.
“It has been our ethos to be a good business partner to the town and citizens. Since 2021, we have updated and modified our proposal to meet all town conditions and incorporate feedback from residents,” Christine Mikell, Enyo Renewable Energy principal, said in a prepared statement.
In December, the Mead Planning Commission recommended denial of the project, citing its perceived inconsistency with the town’s Comprehensive Plan, among other concerns.
The Planning Commission also recommended a six-month moratorium on the development of solar energy facilities.
“Despite these challenges and setbacks, we ask and encourage the town’s elected officials to stay true to the vision it set forth in its own strategic planning,” Mikell said. “This vision includes diversifying the economy, creating more open space and trails, and connecting the community — all aspects our Sugar Beet Solar project would accomplish.”
The owners of the land where the solar farm would be constructed have filed a petition to de-annex the property from Mead to Weld County.
The petition is scheduled to go before a 19th Judicial District Court judge on March 23.
Enyo Renewable Energy does not own the land but plans to lease and eventually buy it from its current owners — PK Mead, LLC and PK Chavez LLC.
“We respect and honor Mead and Northern Colorado’s long tradition of being a community that embraces and supports the traditional oil and gas sector,” Mikell said. “Our desire is to be one part of the entire business community that contributes to the fabric of this community and Mead’s economy.”