Grundy County land-use panel recommends against several nearby solar farms amid resident safety and property concerns

The Grundy County Land Use Committee recommended against several proposed utility-scale solar projects after a night of public comment and technical presentations that spotlighted concerns about groundwater, property values, aviation safety and cumulative impacts. Committee members forwarded negative recommendations for Montgomery, Delta, Keeneland and the Goose Lake Township Solar 1 proposals to the full county board for final action.

Residents living near the proposed sites described the proposals as poorly sited and too close to homes. “We are the only residence that is looking to be boxed in by this solar farm,” said Jen Carroll, a Morris-area resident, during public comment. “They told me that it would not affect our property value. I dare them to move where I am at and tell me it's not going to affect my property value.”

The committee heard multiple technical points and assurances from developers. Tyler Morris, a US Solar representative, said the projects would raise local tax revenues and offer subscription discounts to county residents. “After the construction and it's reassessed, that tax base goes up to between $30,000 and $35,000 in the first…