Public hearing for Berlin solar project that could span 113 acres

BERLIN, Md. – Community members were invited to another public hearing organized by the Maryland Public Service Commission. The meeting was to allow them to comment on a proposal by Soltage MD DevCo and Berlin Living LLC to build an 18 MW solar generating facility in the town of Berlin.

Council member Steve Green, attended the event to represent the town on the matter. “We are not taking a position for or against,” said Green.

The developer would construct 6 solar generating facilities, on the intersection of Route 50 and 113. The estimates done via the application suggest the project site to be at least 113 acres.

Many residents gathered at the event, but some did not walk away with the clarity they wanted. One of them being Marie Velong.

“They could have done a better job explaining how this will work, and what they are doing towards solar, and bringing solar into our community.”

Velong is for the potential of solar, saying it would provide clean energy. However, she wishes the developers were more transparent on the project.

Green went up to the podium to the audience and Public Utility Law Judge Christine Burke, who will preside over the case.

“To make sure the citizens of Berlin knew the town is not being silent in terms of the process, and there have been consultations with the engineers bringing the project forward.”

There are benefits of the project, which include clean energy, creating over 100 jobs, and bringing almost $9 million to the town.

Green is not convinced that it will help the town. “I have not seen anything to prove the numbers that we are seeing tonight. I’d like to think they were put up in good faith, but I do not see a $9 million dollar tax boom to Berlin.”

Residents have until August 28th to send any further comments before the judge makes her official decision.