Franklin County Board of Supervisors Meeting 09/16/2025

The Franklin County, VA Board of Supervisors held a meeting on September 16, 2025, with significant focus on broadband infrastructure projects and utility-scale solar energy development. Updates were provided on the Chintel broadband project, which is nearing completion with 69% of households served and ongoing construction on additional locations. The board discussed the need to request an extension from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to complete remaining work and paperwork. Additionally, the River Street and American Electric Power partnership on middle-mile fiber installation was reviewed, with a projected completion in early 2026. The board also held a public hearing on a proposed 35-megawatt Robin Ridge Solar project, including discussion of a siting agreement, environmental and visual impact mitigations, and tax revenue sharing. After public comments expressing concerns about property values, environmental impact, and decommissioning liabilities, the board voted to deny the project. Other procurement-related matters included a special use permit amendment for a boat storage yard, a zoning amendment for a dog park development, and a public hearing on the potential sale or lease of county property. The meeting also featured presentations on opioid abatement funding and county financial reports. Motions were passed to request the broadband project extension and to approve the special use permit amendment and zoning amendment for the dog park. The solar project was denied following a board vote.