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LaSalle County ZBA deadlocks on Otter Creek solar recommendation after technical testimony and strong public opposition
Summary
After hours of testimony from Avangrid and technical experts on drainage, property values and decommissioning, the LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals voted against recommending the Otter Creek (Otter Creek Solar) special-use permit; the developer can seek county board approval on Dec. 8, 2025.
The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals heard multilayered technical testimony, expert reports and sustained public comment on Nov. 19 on Petition 25-26, a request from Avangrid/Aurora Solar to construct the Otter Creek solar project in Allen Township. The petitioner proposed a roughly 150-megawatt solar farm across about 2,100 leased acres with participation from 21 landowners and requested a four-year permit term to allow construction to begin as late as 2029.
Avangrid project developer Sheena Christian told the board the project is designed to meet LaSalle County zoning standards, protect topsoil and drainage, and provide local benefits including lease payments to landowners and an estimated $1 million in annual tax revenue in the project’s first year. ‘‘I’m here this evening seeking your vote for a positive recommendation to the county board for special use permit for the Otter Creek solar…
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