City Council votes against proposed solar farm in Madison, Indiana

MADISON, Ind. — As the sun sets on more than 1,000 acres of land in Madison, Indiana, there's also the sunsetting of a controversy over a proposed solar farm.

"Having to face hearing bulldozers come in and strip everything, all the trees," neighbor Paula Weatherbee said.

Aypa Power had hoped to build a solar farm along West Deputy Pike Road, where Paula and her husband Steve live.

They already enjoy the quietness and nature of the area, but they were even more upset when they were given short notice about the solar company.

"We were dumbstruck as well as others that had no clue about what was going on," Steve said.

Nearly two months later the Madison City Council voted against the solar farm by refusing to allow a zoning change on the farm land.

"We may disagree but that is no reason for any of us to personally attack another," Councilman Josh Wilber said.

He and other members shared their reasons why they either supported or were against the solar project.

One of the main concerns was the buffer zone.

"Some of these are to protect the environment, protect wildlife, create a buffer for possible industrial incidents, create residential and commercial zones," Wilber said.   

The rezoning vote failed 4-3.

Most residents at the meeting were pleased with the council's vote.

Ericka Wilson acknowledged the sense of community and civic government over the past two months.

"What we saw tonight is what happens when people come together, tell their government how they feel and do their homework and show up and are engaged in the political process," said Wilson.

The Wetherbee's were relieved about the situation. Now they and other residents can enjoy the nature around them in peace.

The power company did not speak at the meeting and WHAS11 did not see their representative in Madison.

WHAS11 did contact them for a statement and have not yet heard back.