If approved and constructed, the solar installation could produce enough electricity to power about 5,300 homes. Council has expressed concern about the bid in past meetings.
In its February 12th meeting, Council unanimously approved the Lexington Preservation and Growth Management Program, establishing a formal process for
Following a fatal gas leak in Cardinal Valley, the new ordinance would require carbon monoxide detectors in all commercial and residential buildings in Fayette County.
If approved and constructed, the solar installation could produce enough electricity to power about 5,300 homes. Council has expressed concern about the bid in past meetings.
In Tuesday, February 17th's Work Session, Council will reconsider a lease agreement with Social Impact Solar/Edelen Renewables for a solar project at the Haley Pike Landfill. The vote was postponed from last week's Work Session after council members raised concerns about the lease rate and community benefits agreement.
The solar company says it needs to begin construction by July to qualify for federal tax credits that are being sunset by recent federal legislation. Edelen Renewables was the sole respondent to the city's September request for proposals after submitting an unsolicited bid earlier in the year. Council's Environmental Quality and Public Works Committee reviewed the proposal in November.
The proposed lease would cover approximately 357 acres of the landfill with a 67.4 megawatt solar energy facility that could produce enough electricity to power about 5,300 homes.
Under the lease terms, the city would receive $85 per acre in the first year with a minimum increase of 1.4% per year. This would generate an estimated $30,000 in the first year, in addition to around $43,000 of water quality management fees.
The lease would also require the developer to establish a Community Benefits Plan that would run for the first 15 years of the lease. That plan would have a proposed payment of $125 per megawatt produced.
Council members questioned whether the city is undervaluing the property at the proposed $85 per acre rate.
Members also raised concerns about the proposed community benefits payment.
Adam Edelen of Edelen Renewables told Council that building on a former landfill is significantly more expensive than on open land. The company must use specialized ballast systems on the 123 acres of capped landfill to avoid puncturing the cap.
In its February 12th meeting, Council unanimously approved the Lexington Preservation and Growth Management Program, establishing a formal process for
The Central Kentucky Climate Action Plan combines the efforts of urban and rural municipalities to push for climate action.
In the Tuesday, January 27th Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee meeting, Council will hear a presentation about the potential costs for developing new infrastructure in the parts of the Urban Service Area that were expanded in 2023.
In its Tuesday, January 20th, meeting, the Urban County Council will review a draft of the ordinance that would revise the expansion process for the Urban Service Area (USA). The plan was unanimously approved by the General Government & Planning Committee in December 2025.