DANVILLE — A stretch of low-yield farmland north of Danville could soon generate electricity for local customers following approval for a proposed community solar farm Tuesday.
The council voted 11-2 to approve a special-use permit for Pivot Energy’s proposed 2.75-megawatt project on nearly 17 acres.
“It’s been a very low-yielding property. About five years ago, I had soil samples taken,” said Larry Dennison, the landowner. “Its results came back about $5,000 an acre to bring it up to standards in fertilizer, which makes it not feasible for reinstating it into any kind of crop production.”
According to Ellis McMillion with Pivot Energy, the farm could produce about 6,000 megawatt-hours of electricity a year — enough to serve roughly 600 households — and that eligible subscribers could potentially save about 10% on their electricity bills.
Alderman Doug Ahrens opposed the permit. He argued the land could be used for retail development instead.
“I just don’t feel this is the best location, considering most of Vermilion, or all of Vermilion, does not possess a parcel of this size,” he said.
Alderwoman Tricia Teague supported the permit.
“Since it’s been proven as non-productive, he, as a private landowner, should have the right to do what he wants to do on his own property to make it productive for him,” she said.
The landowner added more support for the land becoming a solar farm.
“I think a solar farm myself would be a great idea,” Dennison said. “They’re clean. They’re quiet. They’re non-toxic. They simply absorb sunshine and produce energy.”
Teague also added that lowering energy costs for a retailer is a great way to keep them in the city.
“Lowering Menards’ energy costs would help retain Menards,” Teague said.
Additionally, final approval was given Tuesday to keep the Greenhouse Megastore under the ownership of the George family.
Ben George said the store used to employ around 70 people and hopes to get back to that number.
“Our desire and hope and aspiration was to grow it back to that size and add jobs here into the community,” George said. “Right now, it’s around 35. Before we sold, there were over 70 employees.”
Logan Cronk gave the council the agreement details.
“This agreement essentially outlines a $125,000 reimbursement once Greenhouse Megastore provides proof that they have acquired all of the assets that they promised to do so,” Cronk told the council. “On top of that, there is an additional $125,000 sales tax abatement.”
Cronk also touched on importance of keeping the Greenhouse Megastore.
“We just felt like it was an opportunity for us to try to fight to keep the business and the employees here,” Cronk said.
“We were successful… and we’re excited to be able to keep the business afloat here in Danville and to regrow it here in Vermilion County,” George said.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
This site is for CNHI, LLC employees only.
Please enter your cnhinews.com credentials to access this site.
If you have any questions please contact help@cnhionline.com

source