[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6204015,"mediaKeyId","3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a","parentId",3780811,"title","Will County grants multiple short extensions for commercial solar projects; staff outlines ComEd interconnection steps","audioSeconds",833,"startMs",5267000,"endMs",6100000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a&start=5267&end=6100","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a/thumbnail_5267000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6204015/Will-County/Illinois/Will-County-grants-multiple-short-extensions-for-commercial-solar-projects-staff-outlines-ComEd-interconnection-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204015-2434f1a0a67ebbfe89ebb6355931fde6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486672&Signature=a7pxZHTN2KnF0B8LuByM5pRFfQAoBFniu5IQODHGnrVxmE1ClvvgpU9jTGwBGhcJrQu5EUuYfUiIN1rHNal09pXxR8vQKx55Sm-gHLJaxQs3UkwiDiod0QSLX6Qrf-mbpf7V4g~X5~zUefcQLuS2iK67dGMYR4ZkVG4xxnTZ~CSzCiGZ4lIwqf5lwMhk6K3fl-El5MW9~~jBuj5Ff314CM1Qz0bX4-WRMsufTWIPq1t5OwrtLtplqT4O7p4wdPrNCjRxwC-h4eh7fc2TH0zNUO1pdCGvcVTuMPjoJI8u4P6Yr-kj2V6U~QGaM3Lx0BkZ4dLLps3iZ7T3sdG0k-IrZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Will County, IL","date","2025-06-12T08:34:08.38Z","article","The Will County Land Use and Development Committee granted extensions for several authorized commercial solar projects and discussed details of utility interconnection and above‑ground vs. underground power equipment required to tie new solar arrays to the grid.

Extensions approved: Committee members approved extension requests so several special use permits for commercial solar energy facilities will remain in force while applicants complete permitting and interconnection work. Among the projects mentioned: an extension for a Turning Point Energy project in Peotone Township (ZC23036), a landfill‑site project in Channahon Township (ZC23012) that would receive a 180‑day extension to December, a landscape/solar site in Homer Township (ZC23018) extended through November 14, and a project at the northwest corner of West Munns Road and S. Cottage Grove Avenue (ZC230006) extended through February 17 of next year. Committee votes on the individual extension requests carried.

Why it matters: Special use permits for commercial solar projects in Will County typically expire if a building permit is not issued within two years. Developers asked for more time to complete site‑level engineering, environmental permitting and utility interconnection studies. The committee’s actions give applicants additional time to secure the technical and contractual work necessary for construction.

ComEd interconnection briefing: County staff summarized a briefing from ComEd on the interconnection process. Staff said ComEd identifies a five‑step interconnection pathway: an initial application, a feasibility study, a system impact study, a facility study and an interconnection agreement. County staff relayed ComEd’s guidance that developers often incur application and study fees at each stage and that the full process commonly takes around 180 days.

Undergrounding and distribution voltage: Staff reported ComEd told the county that 12‑kV distribution lines can be placed underground when practical, but that burying higher‑voltage 34‑kV lines is often economically impractical because of equipment and cost. County staff noted the county zoning ordinance favors underground connection of on‑site lines and that the county has routinely conditioned approvals to require underground on‑site wiring unless the electric provider requires above‑ground equipment. Staff further explained that if an interconnection agreement is executed before a developer secures entitlements, the developer can still renegotiate with ComEd to change the connection method, though changes may carry additional costs.

Next steps: Projects with extensions will continue permitting and the county will expect applicants to submit evidence of progress (for example, filing the application with the electric utility) before additional extensions. Staff recommended that, where feasible, the county continue to encourage undergrounding of on‑site wiring and to require clear coordination with the utility as part of the site‑permit process.

Ending: The committee agreed to the extensions and discussed the potential to clarify the county’s standard permitting condition on on‑site utility connections; staff said they would take the committee’s interest in undergrounding into account with future cases and condition language.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Will County Land Use & Development Committee Regular Meeting June 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Land Use committee approved short extensions for several previously approved commercial solar facilities and discussed ComEd’s interconnection process and when on‑site electrical lines must be buried.","taxTitle","Will County, Illinois","taxId",2549,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6204020,"Committee overturns Planning & Zoning denial; appeals panel recommends larger barn for Crete property",4888,3372000,8260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a&start=3372&end=8260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a/thumbnail_3372000.jpg","/articles/6204020/Will-County/Illinois/Committee-overturns-Planning-Zoning-denial-appeals-panel-recommends-larger-barn-for-Crete-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204020-520b5c19cd287241b17d245962d8364e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486672&Signature=mWVe0O4O5ZAiY4WA9JMS1FfYBIrXN2f4FljvpZcxMpDy7br5Joov3gQGFGAvs2RphYm4Ea8cRz6aqFvfsNxGR94BiKSZVKAn1AChtifEUKuhDHzogIf8t5Ef3QaECsMZc5C8T0xIXwMGpTsnHiPNOM1y-jhzb8h5OSA-X~yZ0q4wM~CQCiZnzgb3lKzU1gAnOYzyvM7xm4g~vQg2PjieX~cUi6k1eZsBfNUufME1PObeTtiIJH7WzZUFVHJPOxdQXpDQ7nujHdiAb2WYkYkG1znT7jTOEtU9p-HfZADL~vXs4do27hOtx1Ml2zZCuCQDR4e21JGH4E5kMVNDke4lmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted to overturn a Planning & Zoning Commission denial and recommended that the full county board approve a variance allowing a larger accessory building on a Crete Township property at 24948 State Line Road.

The committee’s vote reverses a 3–2 denial at the Planning & Zoning Commission and sends the appeal to the full county board, where a three‑fourths majority of the board will be required to grant the variance. Committee members debated whether granting the variance would reward past violations or improve the situation by providing proper shelter for the animals.

Applicant and proposals: Hernando Torres, speaking on behalf of the owner, asked for a variance to allow animal‑confinement structures and other accessory buildings totaling 4,253 square feet; the R‑1 zoning district normally limits accessory building area to 1,800 square feet. Torres told the committee he planned a 64‑by‑50‑foot barn with five stalls, tack room and hay storage, and said he had reduced his herd after earlier enforcement contact.

Neighbors’ concerns: Multiple nearby residents — several of whom testified in person — described problems they attribute to the property owner’s prior actions: loud late‑night music, burning of material that produced offensive odors, alleged damage to a shared fence line and the removal of berry bushes on a shared border. Neighbors said they feared a larger barn would make it easier for the property to host large gatherings in the future.

Committee discussion: Committee members acknowledged the neighborhood tensions but also noted that an enclosed, purpose‑built barn would address several problems mentioned in neighbor testimony — specifically, uncontrolled animals, inadequate shelter and yard‑line mess. One committee member summarized the tension succinctly: “You’ve really ticked your neighbors off. You gotta fix this,” and urged the applicant to address outstanding concerns.

Formal outcome: The committee voted to overturn the Planning & Zoning Commission decision (committee vote recorded as 5–1) and to recommend approval of the larger accessory building, subject to the county process; the matter is now set to go to the full county board where 17 of 22 votes will be needed to permit the variance.

Sources and evidence: The transcript includes testimony from Hernando Torres describing the barn size and intended interior uses and multiple neighbors who described noise, burning and fence disputes. County staff summarized the standard accessory building limit for R‑1 and noted that several nearby properties already exceeded accessory building allowances.

Ending: The committee’s action does not itself grant the zoning relief; it forwards the appeal with a positive recommendation to the full county board. Neighbors and committee members will have an opportunity at the full‑board level to make their case.","After extensive public comment and neighbor objections, the Land Use committee voted to overturn the Planning & Zoning Commission decision and recommended approval of an appeal to allow a larger accessory building on a Crete Township property used to house animals.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6204024,"Will County committee approves two Frankfort‑area bar special uses amid debate over video‑gaming density",1137,2003000,3140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a&start=2003&end=3140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a/thumbnail_2003000.jpg","/articles/6204024/Will-County/Illinois/Will-County-committee-approves-two-Frankfortarea-bar-special-uses-amid-debate-over-videogaming-density","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204024-511da7cc63bdf8c30cde159a1568a346/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486672&Signature=XoFPw48Doys9-~fdCHMXhjt1mdGCo4AHoz~X03EAxJxsRL4BXp9nfyGYK4kvj2Dd0GJWQ46kBwMhAYGWM2IWMmqbbQ~eGC1IjvCzM-Q6HDVLnOw4ZlYpchKma~82Fz3UxQ-zL9yzAYC12PUs3xlD1bwksJhrUxQM8GpsTGgrnAXrb4aohU7V0WTShP4hXwaZEKBbQ5qVbm3DsfWG~MHML8h-AY0DizTenqudGJYITIa8yEF2fV2AZmBaMpynD~zY1VpV5OND~zt2MlF4TJfRkYoCPMwmViYgPi3Y4RydkGvQeNAp9qDQtt5uUIzqTkl~Ob8UNLiclZB5UEjsKhWZ0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved special use permits for two proposed bars in unincorporated Frankfort-area locations while several committee members and residents debated whether the county should limit concentrations of establishments that host video gaming machines.

The committee voted to approve a special use permit for an outdoor beer‑garden expansion (7905 West Lincoln Highway) and separately approved a special use for a bar with on‑site liquor and video gaming planned for 19816 South Harlem Avenue. Both special use permits passed the committee and move to the full county board.

Why it matters: Committee members and neighbors raised two recurring concerns: whether the proposed outdoor entertainment and expanded bar uses have adequate parking and how close multiple new bar/gaming venues might be to each other. Members said the county recently lifted a countywide prohibition on certain video gaming, and some said they are concerned about the “density” effect if several such venues locate in a single plaza or neighborhood.

Site specifics and conditions: For the Lincoln Highway expansion, the applicants described existing parking that they counted as 81 spaces and said they would expand parking if needed; the owner said the adjacent rental house could be removed to create more parking. Staff noted that parking and building‑code issues will be reviewed during the building‑permit phase, and that any expansion must comply with the county noise ordinance (no outdoor sound between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.). The applicant agreed to the special use conditions recommended by staff, which included compliance with the noise code and a requirement related to liquor‑control licensing.

Public and committee concerns: Several committee members urged caution about allowing multiple video‑gaming sites in close proximity. One member noted the recent change allowing such gaming as an ‘‘unintended consequence’’ that could lead to a high concentration of gaming machines, saying the committee should consider whether additional spacing or limits are needed. Resident speakers at the Lincoln Highway hearing described past loud events, burning and yard‑line disputes; they said they preferred smaller permitted expansions and asked for enforceable parking and noise conditions.

Applicant statements: Erin Gallagher, representing the Harlem Avenue petitioner, described extensive outreach and said there were no objections from notified neighbors and that the planning and zoning commission and township had supported the application. Gallagher also described the business as an upscale wine and whiskey‑focused establishment and said the applicant planned moderated hours and a kitchen solution to limit staffing burdens. Anastasia Russenellos, registered agent for the Lincoln Highway property, said the family has owned the property for decades and is prepared to expand parking if required by code.

Formal outcome: The committee approved the Lincoln Highway beer‑garden special use (committee vote 6–0) and the Harlem Avenue bar special use (committee vote 6–0). Both approvals include staff‑recommended conditions regarding noise, parking review at the building‑permit stage and compliance with liquor licensing.

Ending: Approvals move to the Will County Board for final action. Committee members said they will continue to consider whether additional county rules about the spacing or density of gaming‑enabled establishments are needed.","The Land Use committee approved special use permits for two bars in the Frankfort area and debated concerns about parking, noise and the concentration of establishments that host video gaming.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6204030,"Will County committee approves rezoning, special use for Monee truck terminal over neighbor concerns",584,1220000,1804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a&start=1220&end=1804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3780811-f454919cf7b2f65fcda5cb6dd03bd07a/thumbnail_1220000.jpg","/articles/6204030/Will-County/Illinois/Will-County-committee-approves-rezoning-special-use-for-Monee-truck-terminal-over-neighbor-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6204030-630c3d3dd6453b49dec858f1d652eb6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486672&Signature=CwBDwjZr~uqg4DHvJHb4n9mcFQtUAeEfNzPmYWVS-qqwVce6KMPiFfeGXUGs73cXjJVsTSPicksO-JfU8HM0dRfzrCUL2rOI2otGmO5N83TLR7jEH0rrHNqF7EpllTvHA-SlRRYScstPpzU4VecNsu4oks3KblR4jXAmZDxvMXFGVm06RtUcpxegxLEbucPU0GAuNVZPPvSqMPTSX-fr7Q2iX7S4GyvlcLKkK1jiIgg2YUPK8yNBBqPh4Qaw03Y0D4cTAMA2DzbbpVB311tOrdICEmmHRuhOJwblefcB4c5HJCK8LUNRbHlRlbbSEoauAayl6KpWXvBqT6xd3pSXuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted to approve a map amendment and a special use permit for a proposed truck terminal on vacant land north of the Amazon facility in Monee Township.

The committee approved a map amendment from A-1/R-2 to I-2 and a special use permit for a truck terminal, each by a 5–1 roll call vote. The properties are described as two parcels (one ~50 acres, the other ~6.77 acres) near West Monee-Manhattan Road; the applicant proposes a 61,200-square-foot building, 106 truck parking stalls, 53 tractor stalls, 42 trailer stalls and 50 car spaces, employing about 25 full‑time workers.

County staff said the applicant anticipates about 150 vehicle trips during the AM peak and 175 during the PM peak and provided a traffic study that staff submitted to the Will County Department of Transportation for review. Staff further noted that Coral Street — the proposed entrance — is currently unimproved and under the jurisdiction of the Village of Monee, and that village approval will be required at the time of site development permitting.

Why it matters: Committee members and residents pressed the applicant on several impacts that commonly accompany truck terminals: water quality and stormwater detention, traffic on unimproved roads, buffering for adjacent homes, and whether municipal services or annexation would be more appropriate. The village of Monee had asked that the site be annexed into the village; several nearby subdivisions were listed in staff reports and in public comment as potentially affected.

Committee and public concerns: Committee members asked about upstream objections and whether nearby subdivisions had raised issues. County staff said there was at least one adjacent property owner who spoke at the Planning & Zoning Commission hearing raising water-quality concerns and that the Village of Monee had requested annexation so the development could be in the village’s planning area. The applicant’s engineer said the development would include either a landscape berm, dense landscaping or a fence on the subdivision side and that the developer plans to concentrate construction south of the creek to avoid an expensive bridge and long permitting process to the north.

One resident asked specifically how the developer would mitigate noise, light and heavy truck operations for an immediate neighbor who keeps horses; the applicant replied that the facility is proposed to operate 24 hours a day only to accommodate truck drivers arriving at unusual hours, and that typical business hours would be more limited (the applicant said “like, 6 to 6”). The applicant also said the owner planned parking and a landscaped berm to buffer adjacent residences.

Formal outcome: The map amendment vote (A‑1/R‑2 → I‑2) passed 5–1 (Frankie Pretzel: yes; Herbert Brooks: yes; Don Bullock: yes; Raquel Mitchell: yes; Judy O'Gala: no; Denise Winfrey: yes). The special use permit for the truck terminal passed 5–1.

Background and next steps: The site will require Village of Monee approval for the Coral Street entrance and any required extensions or road improvements, and the applicant will need site development permits and engineering approvals before construction. Staff also noted conditions tied to screening and stormwater that will be enforced at the building‑permit/site‑development stage.

Member quotes and sources: County staff (Jesus, land use staff) described the vehicle counts, parking layout and the required traffic and site approvals. Bill Zaleski, civil engineer for the applicant (Advantage Consulting Engineers), described proposed buffering and explained why the developer is concentrating construction on the south side of the creek.

Ending: The committee’s approvals send the requests to the full county board for final action; the approvals include conditions tied to site development, screening and coordination with the Village of Monee and Will County departments.","The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted to approve a map amendment and special use permit allowing a truck terminal near the Amazon facility in Monee Township, despite objections from nearby residents and the village of Monee asking for annexation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Will County grants multiple short extensions for commercial solar projects; staff outlines ComEd interconnection steps

Committee overturns Planning & Zoning denial; appeals panel recommends larger barn for Crete property

Will County committee approves two Frankfort‑area bar special uses amid debate over video‑gaming density

Will County committee approves rezoning, special use for Monee truck terminal over neighbor concerns