Small Mississippi community debates price of progress

Summary

Carmen Shirley interviews residents of Barnett Community, who express concerns over the development of a solar farm by Cane Creek Solar. The community feels uninformed and impacted by the project, with residents like 90-year-old McQueen witnessing the destruction of her plum trees. Despite Pine Gate Renewable's statement of a diligent process and openness to conversation, residents, including Rosie Bumpers, remain skeptical about the company's intentions, fearing for their community's well-being and the stress of the development.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Cara Shirley engaged with residents of the Barnett community to discuss their concerns about a solar farm being constructed near their homes.
• 🏠 Residents expressed that they were not informed about the solar farm project until heavy machinery appeared, indicating the start of the construction.
• 📢 The community's initial reaction was one of surprise and lack of communication from the company, Cane Creek Solar.
• 🌞 The solar farm has led to significant changes in the landscape of Barnett, transforming a vast area of pine trees into a large-scale solar panel installation.
• 😕社区居民对太阳能农场对他们的居住环境造成的影响表示不满，包括对自然景观的改变以及可能的健康和生活质量问题。
• 🏘️ 居民们对太阳能农场的建设感到愤怒和无助，认为这是大型企业以牺牲社区利益为代价追求利润的又一个例子。
• 🌿 一些居民提到，由于太阳能农场的建设，他们失去了曾经宁静的社区环境，感到自己的家园不再像以前那样。
• 💧 居民们还提到了太阳能农场建设导致的环境问题，比如雨水径流和碎片污染了他们的池塘。
• 📈 尽管居民们对太阳能项目持怀疑态度，但Cane Creek Solar公司表示他们对长期承诺持开放态度，并愿意与社区进行对话。
• 🔍 Pine Gate Renewable公司回应了有关居民财产被毁的质询，表示他们将审查问题并愿意与土地所有者进行对话以解决任何问题。

Q & A

Who interviewed the residents of the Barnett community?

Cara Shirley interviewed the residents of the Barnett community.

What significant development occurred in the Barnett community a year ago?

A year ago, a solar farm was discovered being constructed in the Barnett community.

How did the residents of Barnett community find out about the solar farm?

The residents found out about the solar farm when Cane Creek Solar started using heavy-duty machinery to begin the project.

What was the community's initial reaction to the solar farm project?

The community was surprised and upset as they weren't informed about the solar farm project prior to the construction.

How has the Barnett community's environment changed due to the solar farm?

The community, once surrounded by an ocean of tall green pine trees, now has a 650-acre sea of utility-scale solar panels.

What is the current status of the construction of the solar farm according to the residents?

According to the residents, the balance of construction for the solar farm is in the rearview, suggesting it is nearing completion.

What has been the impact of the solar farm on the community's lifestyle?

The solar farm has caused changes in the community's lifestyle, with some residents feeling that it has disrupted the peaceful nature of their environment.

What was the reaction of the landowners when they discovered their trees were cut down for the solar farm?

The landowners, including a 90-year-old woman, were devastated and felt helpless as their trees were cut down without their consent.

What actions have the residents taken to address the issues caused by the solar farm?

The residents have tried to communicate with the company and have expressed their concerns about the changes in their community.

What is the stance of Pine Gate Renewable, the company behind the solar farm, on the community's concerns?

Pine Gate Renewable expressed in an email their motivation to understand and partner with local organizations and are willing to have conversations to address concerns.

What is the next step according to Sean Anderson from Pine Gate Renewable regarding the Barnett community?

Sean Anderson stated that he is willing to talk with the community of Barnett once the project is complete to ensure they are having the necessary conversations.