Council endorses next step for Solarg factory inducement at former Johns Manville site

Waukegan aldermen unanimously approved a resolution to advance discussions and negotiate a redevelopment inducement for the 1831 N. Pershing property after a presentation by Derek Van de Voorst of Solarg, a solar‑module manufacturer.

Van de Voorst described Solarg’s polymer‑based modules as lightweight, fully recyclable and free of the toxic materials commonly found in conventional panels. He said the company is considering an option to purchase about 280 of 340 acres at the former Johns Manville site and would begin with a roughly 250,000‑square‑foot plant that could ultimately produce about 2 million panels a year and employ up to 500 full‑time workers.

“We are really excited about being able to take a Superfund site and make it into something that’s very, very positive,” Van de Voorst said, noting plans for on‑site solar fields to drive toward a net‑zero factory operation.

Council members repeatedly praised the proposal’s economic potential but also probed environmental and cost issues. Alderman Florian, who said a family member worked at Johns Manville and suffered asbestos‑related illness, said the redevelopment would be ‘‘an amazing transformation’’ for families affected by the plant’s legacy. Alderman Hayes asked whether the 500‑job figure referred to construction or long‑term manufacturing jobs; Van de Voorst replied the 500 represented full‑time manufacturing jobs following phased expansion.

Solarg acknowledged the site’s Superfund designation and complex remediation needs. Van de Voorst described multiple regulatory and stakeholder actors — federal and state agencies, the current site owner and community groups — and warned the sale and redevelopment would be more complicated than a greenfield alternative. He and city staff said additional technical and legal work would be required before a final redevelopment agreement is drafted.

Council members noted prior pre‑authorization of roughly $150,000 for due diligence/design work and acknowledged a reported funding gap identified in the project documents. The resolution approved on Jan. 5 advances negotiations and authorizes city participation in further redevelopment discussions with county and state partners.

Next steps: staff will continue due diligence, participate in negotiated confidential disclosures (NDAs) and return to council with a redevelopment agreement and specific financing details for further votes.