Neighbors of Bend solar farms withdraw appeal

After months of controversy, a pair of solar-energy farms proposed for Bend’s Eastside appear to be a go, thanks to the last-minute withdrawal of a land-use challenge.

Two solar farms totaling 140 acres were opposed by some neighbors, concerned the large arrays of solar panels would hurt their property values and cause other negative impacts.

They filed an appeal, and Deschutes County commissioners were scheduled to hear it on Monday.

But over the weekend, the neighbors withdrew their appeal, paving the way for the project to proceed..

“In my nine years here, I’ve never had an appellant withdraw their appeal so quickly (close to a hearing date),” said Deschutes County Commissioner Tammy Baney.

Without an appeal, the matter defaults to the decision by the county hearings officer, who approved both projects, with conditions.

Jason Carr, a representative for Cypress Creek Renewables, which is overseeing the projects, confirmed the company has reached an agreement with the neighbors, but said the parties are not allowed to disclose details of the settlement..

“Really, we’ve been just spending a lot of months working with the neighbors in the area,” Carr Said. “At the end of the day, we were just able to find an agreement that was mutually beneficial for both parties.”.

Cypress Creek Renewables estimates the solar farms will provide green energy to around 5,000 households.

“We’ll be providing clean, renewable energy that’s being produced right here in Central Oregon,” Carr said.

Carr also said the projects are slated to begin construction in 2016.

Baney said this is the final decision for the solar farms, unless there are further changes to the proposal that require a review.

“Then they would bring that to the county no sooner than the next six months and that could open it up for modification,” Baney said — another stage at which a new appeal could be filed.