Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Solar topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board declines to recommend Gore Road community solar after Morris objects
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals declined to forward a positive recommendation for a proposed 5 MW community solar project on Gore Road after objections from the City of Morris; the board voted to deny recommending the project to the county board, citing the city’s planning concerns.
The Grundy County Zoning Board of Appeals voted not to recommend a proposed 5‑megawatt community solar project — the Gore Road Community Energy Initiative (GRCEI) — after an extended hearing that included technical presentations by the developer and formal objection from the City of Morris.
ECA Solar and project counsel introduced the proposal to develop approximately 37.5 acres of a 155.47‑acre parcel near the Ritchie Bros. auction site and Interstate‑80. The applicant said the project would generate roughly 5 MW alternating current (about 990 average homes), sign a community subscription that prioritizes Morris residents, pay private costs for electrical upgrades, and enter an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement (AIMA) with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Developers also provided environmental reviews, a threatened and endangered species assessment, EcoCAT consultation, a State Historic Preservation Office clearance, a glare study (FAA‑based tool) and a sound analysis; staff noted correspondence from multiple agencies and that ComEd interconnection approval and a road‑use agreement were required before site development permits.
The City of Morris submitted a formal written objection and its planner testified that the city’s comprehensive plan designates the parcel for “limited industrial” uses; city representatives argued the parcel’s frontage and proximity to Ritchie Bros. and I‑80 make it better suited for industrial or warehousing development that would bring greater long‑term tax revenue and permanent jobs. The city also provided a resolution opposing the special use.
Project counsel and developer representatives countered that the county zoning and the applicant’s compliance with county special‑use standards support approval; they noted state case law and a prior circuit court ruling that limited municipal intervention in county permitting for solar projects. ECA Solar and witnesses detailed measures to mitigate visual and environmental impacts, including a landscape and pollinator plan, an opaque green mesh screen during plant establishment, setbacks, decommissioning assurances under the AIMA, and commitments to local union labor during construction.
After deliberation, the Zoning Board failed to pass a motion to give a positive recommendation with conditions (members split); the board then passed a motion to deny a positive recommendation and will not forward a favorable recommendation to the county board. The project may still be considered at later county hearings; the record will include city objections and staff reports.
Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend the Gore Road solar project failed; subsequent motion to deny forwarding a positive recommendation passed on roll call.
