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Will County Board members will re-vote next Thursday on five solar farm projects they denied over the last two years following a judge’s ruling this week ordering them to issue the special use permits for the projects.
Will County Judge Bennett Braun, a Frankfort Republican, ruled Wednesday on the five cases and set a status date for April 16.
Members of the county board’s Executive Committee Thursday discussed the judge’s ruling during a lengthy closed session but did not take any action. However, board Speaker Joe VanDuyne confirmed the five cases will be on the county board agenda next week.
Van Duyne, a Wilmington Democrat, also will present a resolution at next week’s meeting asking state lawmakers to restore the county’s citing authority over solar and wind farms. Recent changes in state legislation restricts a county’s or municipality’s ability to deny solar or wind proposals if the development meets state standards.
“The state of Illinois has put us in this county in a very peculiar situation,” said VanDuyne, who was among the majority of county board members rejecting the solar farm proposals.
The five proposals up for reconsideration include developments near New Lenox, Shorewood and Wilmington.
“We appreciate the judge’s ruling and acknowledge the challenges elected officials face in balancing various interests,” said Jeremy Price, director of development for Renewable Properties, which proposed an 85-acre solar farm near Wilmington. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Will County, and are excited by the opportunity to help diversify and increase energy production.”
The city of Wilmington objected to the request because it was too close to existing residents and could be annexed to the city for a future residential use. City officials said the solar energy facility would be an eyesore and potentially create glare or contamination concerns, county documents said.
Several county board members have lamented the loss of local control, but still rejected some proposals. Steve Balich, a Republican from Homer Glen, has said he would vote against each solar facility until the state law is changed.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter. Freelancer Michelle Mullins contributed.
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