Labette County zoning battle heats up over future energy projects
PARSONS, Kan. — The controversy over zoning in Labette County continues to be a battle.
Labette County Commissioner Cole Proehl wants citizens to know the potential impact of the adoption of the county maps and zoning regulations by the Labette County Zoning and Planning Board.
The county has an agreement with “Plus Power” and its battery storage facility to bring payments of roughly 25 million dollars directly to the county.
Proehl says future solar, wind, and battery projects are now in jeopardy based on the current zoning ordinances.
He also says he believes there should be countywide representation on the zoning and planning board, and a sense of compromise for the community regardless of where you stand on the matter.
“Blanket yes, for all wind, solar is just as dangerous as a blanket no, we have to compromise. We have to work together and we have to be a community,” said Cole Proehl, Labette County 3rd District Commissioner.
Proehl adds he’d like to see more voices on the planning and zoning board.
Currently, there’s one representative in district one, and none in district three, with the most being in district two.
They were chosen by a public vote, and all nominated by one commissioner.
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