New Leaf solar project isn't right for Fried Township

By Kari Orr Diop, Jamestown Today at 7:05 AM Listen Comments Share Share this article Opinion Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. The Trust Project What is this? There are voices opposed to the proposed New Leaf industrial solar project in Fried Township not reflected in the reporting. I intend to be that voice. It’s not appropriate to place an industrial solar project covering miles of prime farmland in a serene rural area. ADVERTISEMENT The promises by a for-profit corporation will fall short. They do not care about the impact, people, or the land. They care about money. We are not impressed with cash in exchange for destroying farms. Sacrificing the environment, wildlife and the rural landscape is not worth it. Corporations targeting small townships with little or no zoning boards to make money is disgusting. If we allow this, more will come, and the land will never return as it stands today. I am shocked that a local, well-resourced landowner is looking to profit at the expense of his longtime, adamantly opposed neighbors. Neighbors have property rights too, property values to protect, future generations to consider, and a peaceful life to preserve. Conversations have been occurring neighbor to neighbor, face to face, but the misguided money grab continues. Where do property rights end for the landowner trying to lease their land for 30-plus years and where do rights begin for everyone else? More residents are opposed than in favor. One landowner does not make decisions for the township. My family chose a home in Fried Township to enjoy the countryside, not acres of panels. We believe in saving farmland from any opportunistic industries here to make a dollar. We believe in neighbors protecting neighbors. We believe in nature, community and peaceful existence. Fried knows this is not right. Many feel powerless. We call for a BAN on industrial-level projects of any kind in Fried Township. ADVERTISEMENT If it’s not impacting you today, it may in the future. If you believe in nature, open space, farmland and consideration for each other, stand and resist. Speak out. Any action helps. We can do it. Comments Share Share this article Opinion Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags READERS VIEW STUTSMAN COUNTY SOLAR ENERGY GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Letters Hogs help create room for the next generation 40m ago · By Justin Quandt, Oakes, North Dakota Letters CO2 levels in our atmosphere increasing 47m ago · By Ron Sadler, Jamestown Letters Fund school meals, but not at the expense of certain areas 59m ago · By Bob Toso, Jamestown ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads North Dakota Voters in 2 North Dakota counties reject property tax increases 2d ago · By Jack Dura / North Dakota Monitor North Dakota North Dakota's Pembina Gorge State Park completes first season 4d ago · By Maxwell Marko Local The Jamestown Sun's Wednesday print edition expected to be delivered Thursday 16h ago Lifestyle What if this winter’s forecast holds true? 4d ago · By Don Kinzler