The current landowner, Roy Sams, spoke in support of the project, emphasizing its role in preserving both the land and his family’s legacy. “My grandparents bought this farm in 1942, and it has been passed down through generations,” Sams said. “Farming is tough. This lease would allow me to maintain ownership while securing income for my family’s future without permanently altering the land.”

Several attendees echoed Mr. Sams’ position. Environmental advocate Linda Hetzel noted that solar development may actually support wildlife habitat. “If this land were developed for housing instead, it would likely remove timber and food sources. Solar farms allow ecosystems to thrive,” she said.

Rick Yoder, a supporter from Missouri Energy Professionals, urged the commission to think long-term. “What we have now isn’t going to sustain the number of people and cooling demands we’re facing,” he said, calling the shift to renewable energy both necessary and forward-thinking.

Still, opposition to the project was vocal and wide-ranging. Susan Meehan, a nearby resident, raised concerns about emergency response limitations and fire safety. “Excelsior Springs does not train for solar facility fires. There are no hydrants in this location,” she said, also questioning whether insurance would cover potential damage.

In response, McHugh said Gateway Trail Solar is working with the Excelsior Springs Fire Department to implement emergency access protocols and that the project will carry comprehensive insurance coverage. He also noted that the company will post a fully funded decommissioning bond, ensuring the site can be restored once operations end.

Joe Meehan expressed concern about how the fencing would impact wildlife access. In a written statement, developers clarified that no barbed wire would be used and that the fencing would meet safety and aesthetic standards. Other concerns centered on long-term accountability and the company’s relative newness.

Excelsior Springs City Councilman Stephen Spear, who lives near the Sams property, questioned whether the community could count on the company to remain solvent for the full 30-year life of the project. “Unless the bond is fully funded upfront, there’s no guarantee there will be money to remove the panels when the project ends,” he said.

Mallory Brown from the City of Excelsior Springs also raised concerns about the project’s impact on city expansion. She noted that the site lies in an area targeted for future growth due to the region’s ongoing housing shortage. “If developed, the solar farm prevents annexation and limits our ability to provide necessary utilities,” she said.

Gateway Trail Solar plans to present a revised Conditional Use Permit application at the Clay County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on July 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend in person or virtually at:https://www.claycountymo.gov/217/Planning-Zoning-Department.