Lightsource bp plans to build a a multi-million-dollar solar farm on Colorado and Clay streets on the south side of Merrillville.
Town leaders expect the solar farm to provided thousands of dollars in property tax revenue and create dozens of jobs during construction. The Town Council approved a variance that will allow the panels on the two industrial-zoned parcels.
“This is an exciting project that will not only help the environment, but it also will bring a variety of economic benefits to the town of Merrillville,” Town Council President Rick Bella said in a press release.
The project initially called for a third lot near 97th Avenue and Grand Boulevard, but residents were opposed to building on a 160-acre site that was classified residential, said Town Councilman Shawn Pettit. Lightsource bp then withdrew the request on the third site.
Company representatives said the once-$100 million project would bring in less than the $1 million in annual property taxes originally estimated with the three-parcel plan. Although, Attorney Richard Anderson, who is representing Lightsource bp, said the rewards would still be significant.
“It will be substantial, obviously, you can tell that,” Anderson said. “There’s still more than 300 acres” included in the development.
A buffer zone also will be created around the parcels, including a berm with trees, shrubbery and an agricultural-style fence. The plan is for the site to be a haven for pollinators with natural undergrowth below the solar panels to help water management.
“A lot less traffic than another industrial user … so it’s good for the traffic flow, too,” Anderson said.
Merrillville Planning and Building Director Sheila Shine said Lightsource bp is known for its “responsible” projects throughout the country.
