Boone County committee approves special-use permit for 1.6 MW solar project with right‑of‑way conditions

The Boone County Committee of the Whole voted to approve a special‑use permit for a 1.6 megawatt AC ground‑mounted solar project south of U.S. Route 20, adopting amended staff conditions addressing access and future right‑of‑way needs.

The decision follows public testimony from nearby residents who opposed roads cutting through established neighborhoods and a multi‑meeting review by county planning bodies. The committee adopted three staff draft conditions related to: (1) a $500,000 cash contribution to Belvidere Township for a special improvement account intended to support future right‑of‑way construction, (2) a requirement that the parcel be platted prior to building permit with a minimum right‑of‑way width identified in exhibit A, and (3) a replat and dedication of a north–south right‑of‑way at the time of decommissioning, per exhibit B.

Why it matters: County engineering staff and residents said the project raised traffic and safety concerns because proposed internal roads could connect to neighborhood streets that currently have only single…