The project, which is now in the final talks, would see the city partner with Edelen Renewables to construct solar panels across portions of the site, which is still used for some yard and construction waste.
"(It) would be one of the first infrastructure projects like this in Kentucky," says CivicLex Executive Director Richard Young. "Edelen Renewables would lease the land from the city and install a 67.4 megawatt facility. They say that it would be enough electricity to power about 5,300 homes."
The project has been championed by Mayor Linda Gorton, who has opposed industrial-scale solar operations in rural parts of the county, arguing they would cover rich growing soil and send much of the power elsewhere.
Proponents of the larger scale solar initiatives say Lexington needs to look beyond urban and rooftop solar if it wants to meet its sustainability goals.
If the deal between the city and Edelen Renewables is inked, work on the Haley Pike solar project could start as soon as spring 2026.