Chesapeake council rejects solar farm proposal, approves changes to taxi regulations: By Katherine Hafner :The Virginian-Pilot :Sep27,2016

CHESAPEAKE: A solar farm will not be coming to southern Chesapeake anytime soon, council members decided Tuesday night. The council voted 5-2 without discussion against a permit for North Carolina-based SunEnergy1’s proposed 241-acre facility along U.S. 17 at Ballahack Road. Council members Ella Ward and Lonnie Craig voted against the denial, and members Roland Davis and Debbie Ritter recused themselves because of potential conflicts of interest. Before the vote, nine people spoke in favor of the farm, touting it as a move toward energy efficiency and pointing to benefits through a potential partnership with Tidewater Community College. Three nearby residents spoke against the project, calling it a waste of usable farmland. The Planning Commission had recommended approving the farm. On Tuesday, the council also approved changes to how the Police Department regulates taxi cabs.

Chesapeake council delays vote on solar farm for a third time: By Katherine Hafner: The Virginian-Pilot:Sep 13, 2016

CHESAPEAKE: Council members postponed a decision on a proposed solar farm for a third time Tuesday. North Carolina-based SunEnergy1 asked the council to delay the voteas company officials work with neighbors on Ballahack Road about landscaping and with Tidewater Community College for possible job opportunities. The 241-acre, 20-megawatt farm has been proposed for the southeast corner of U.S. 17 at Ballahack Road. The council will take up the issue at its Sept. 27 meeting. The council also delayed votes on selling almost 300 acres of land to the Navy to avoid encroachment at Hampton Roads Naval Support Activity, Northwest Annex..