The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on May 19, 2025, where significant discussions centered around a proposed solar farm and various zoning requests.

The primary focus was on a request from the City of Fayetteville, through Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC), to rezone approximately 45 acres from Planned Neighborhood Development (PND) to Agricultural Conditional Zoning (A1C) for the establishment of a solar farm. The site, located near Carvers Falls Road, is currently wooded and adjacent to the Simmons Airfield and Polk Army Airfield, raising concerns about its proximity to military operations.

David Deschamps, representing PWC, emphasized the project's alignment with renewable energy goals and its potential to reduce electricity costs for residents. The solar farm is expected to generate a 30% reduction in electricity rates compared to current providers. The proposal includes measures to address community concerns, such as maintaining a 50-foot buffer of existing trees and additional plantings to minimize visibility and noise, as well as ensuring that lighting does not interfere with aircraft operations.

Despite the planning board's unanimous support for the project, some community members expressed concerns about environmental impacts, including water runoff and noise from inverters. The board acknowledged these issues but ultimately recommended approval, citing the project's alignment with the North Central Area Land Use Plan, which designates the area for open space.

In addition to the solar farm discussion, the meeting included several zoning requests. One request involved changing zoning from Rural Residential (RR) to Planned Commercial (MPCCZ) for a commercial parking lot intended for larger vehicles, which also received support from the planning board. Another request sought to rezone land from A1 to R40 for residential development, which was deemed consistent with the South Central Area Land Use Plan.

The board's decisions reflect a commitment to balancing development needs with community concerns and environmental considerations. The solar farm project, in particular, highlights Cumberland County's efforts to embrace renewable energy while addressing the needs of its residents.