MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) – Discussions will continue on a proposed solar farm in rural McLean County even as a government panel delayed the hearing process.
The company wanting to build the Blooming Grove Solar Energy Center asked for the continuance, and the McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the delay on a proposed 200-megawatt solar project in Lexington and Chenoa Townships.
Illinois-based Invenergy, LLC, the company behind the effort, has leased land from a dozen property owners. The company said the center would generate enough power for 37,000 homes.
Lexington Mayor Spencer Johansen does not want to see a project like this get in the way of development. He wants to see Lexington grow, and he thinks the city will need somewhere to do that.
“I have nothing against Invenergy. I have nothing against solar power. I think we need to look at alternative ways. I just think that we need to start looking a little bit farther away from the communities’ properties,” Johansen said. He added that Invenergy has been good to work with so far.
The city passed a resolution requesting Invenergy consider other locations to the proposed layout. In response, the company requested the continuance to consider any potential changes.
“Blooming Grove Solar Energy Center will support a stronger economy for McLean County—including new jobs, local tax revenue, and income for local farmers—as well as a stronger grid for Illinois. As long-term partners in this community, we look forward to continuing to work with the mayor and ultimately bringing the project’s benefits to life,” said Hasan Grosic, developer of Blooming Grove Solar, in a prepared statement.
Johansen and Invenergy are in agreement about pushing a public hearing on the solar project until Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. The zoning board will eventually make a recommendation to the county board.
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