Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves truck terminal, two commercial solar special uses and a special‑use extension; members debate farmland loss
Summary
The board approved several land‑use items including a truck terminal special use, two commercial solar facilities, and an extension of a prior special‑use permit; one member voiced concern about farmland being converted to development and solar.
The Will County Board considered land‑use items and approved several zoning actions at the April 17 meeting, including a special use permit for a truck terminal, two special use permits for commercial solar energy facilities (with variances), and an extension of a previously authorized special use.
Zoning case ZC24081 (Litmax MultiService, truck terminal at 22645 Cherry Hill Road, New Lenox Township) was approved following a recommendation from the Land Use and Development Committee. Chair Pretzel moved the item and the board carried the motion.
Two commercial solar facility requests were also approved. ZC24120 (Jacob O. Farms LLC; vacant property on LaGrange Road near LaGrange and West Manhattan‑Monee Road, Green Garden Township) sought a special use permit and variances for ground cover plant height and reduced mowing frequency. The Planning & Zoning Commission and Land Use and Development Committee approved the special use with conditions and granted variances; the full board approved the zoning motion (roll call recorded 13 in the affirmative).
ZC24102 (Helen A. Stumbrus Land Trust / Synergy Power; 5949 West Eagle Lake Road, Will Township) requested similar variances; the item drew significant discussion on preservation of farmland. Member O'Gala stated Will Township opposes solar in that area due to long‑range agricultural plans and said he would vote no to protect farmland. The board nevertheless approved the special use and variances (the clerk recorded a majority in favor; members noted conditions attached by committee).
The board also granted the first extension request (25‑706) for a special use permit, ZC22050 (Bankston Land Management LLC / Wildflower Farm, Green Garden Township), after staff from Land Use explained local ordinance rules on extension authority (ordinance allows the applicant two years plus possible 180‑day extensions; this was the first extension).
Board members emphasized that approvals included conditions recommended by land‑use committees. Several members used the floor to press for stronger agricultural preservation tools at the state level and for county mechanisms to slow loss of productive farmland.
