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Residents press McHenry County board over proposed Railway Solar project as members warn state law limits local control
Summary
Residents told the McHenry County Board on Jan. 15 they oppose a proposed Railway Solar community project sited on an aquifer recharge area, raising water‑quality and health concerns. Board members and county counsel said recent state law changes limit local zoning authority and that arguments will likely hinge on LaSalle factors in any court challenges.
At the McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole meeting on Jan. 15, dozens of residents urged the board to reject a proposed Railway Solar community installation sited near homes and a sensitive aquifer recharge area.
Paul Mckarowitz, a representative for Railway Solar, told the board the project is "community solar" intended to feed the local distribution grid and that the developer is prepared to work with neighbors. Multiple residents countered with detailed objections. "The state says a 150 feet is safe. How do they know that?" said Michael Stumbaugh, who described the site as close to…
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