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ZBA recommends approval of USS Delta 4.98 MW solar project after developer vows community benefits
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval of USS Delta Solar LLC’s 4.98 MW, 40.8‑acre solar project in Saratoga Township, forwarding staff conditions and a new glare‑study requirement to the county Land Use Committee.
The Grundy County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to recommend approval of a proposed ground‑mounted solar project from USS Delta Solar LLC that would occupy roughly 40.8 acres of a 78‑acre parcel in Saratoga Township and produce up to 4.98 megawatts of capacity. The ZBA’s recommendation, including staff conditions and an added glare‑study requirement, will be forwarded to the Land Use Committee and County Board for final action.
County staff advised the board that the project would connect to a nearby ComEd distribution line under an interconnection agreement and that USS Delta had met checklist items in the county solar submittal, including municipal notification and coordination with the Saratoga Township road commissioner. Staff noted an updated layout that shifted panels to avoid identified drainage tile and said environmental reviews showed no significant impacts to wetlands, listed species or floodplains.
Tyler Morris, project developer for US Solar, described community outreach and a proposed local benefit fund. “We set aside $5,000 per megawatt which goes to direct donations to community organizations,” he said, noting a $75,000 total for the three projects under discussion and a letter of intent to donate $15,000 to Morris High School’s hydrogen-car program. Morris also described plans to fund new distribution-line work near Route 6 that he said would add public electrical infrastructure useful to future commercial development.
Several residents and local landowners spoke in opposition or concern. Gina Ansell, a nearby resident, said she did not receive direct outreach and raised worries about visual impacts and groundwater. Attorney Claire Wilson, representing neighbors of a related Montgomery site, asked whether the City of Morris had formally objected; staff pointed to a City of Morris resolution (25‑12) opposing large‑scale solar projects within 1.5 miles of its limits, though staff said that resolution did not specifically name Delta and that Delta had not yet faced a formal project‑specific objection.
Petitioner materials and testimony acknowledged the proximity to residences and showed setbacks of about 700 to 1,000 feet in places and additional equipment setbacks to minimize noise. Staff requested ZBA consideration of the LaSalle factors; after discussion the board moved to recommend approval with the standard set of staff conditions plus an explicit glare study and mitigation requirement given concerns about aircraft and reflective properties.
The roll call for the recommendation to forward a positive recommendation recorded all present members voting yes. The ZBA record includes the developer’s site plans and drainage mitigation adjustments, the required interconnection exhibits, community engagement materials and a list of standard county conditions. The Land Use Committee will consider the recommendation Sept. 24 and the County Board will decide on Oct. 14.
If approved by the County Board, the project would still require building permits, final site‑development review, a decommissioning bond and compliance with drainage, pollinator/vegetation and FAA/lighting conditions required by staff.
