Will County Board approves Earthrise 'Pride of the Prairie' solar special‑use permit after hours of public comment

The Will County Board on May 21 approved a special‑use permit for the Earthrise "Pride of the Prairie" commercial solar project after an hours‑long public comment period that drew dozens of residents, township officials, union representatives and the project developer.

Opponents who spoke during the meeting argued the project—described repeatedly in testimony as a multi‑thousand‑acre proposal spanning many non‑contiguous parcels—would permanently convert productive farmland, harm wetlands and nearby wells, and drive down property values. "This project will permanently change Will County and not for the better. Vote no," said one resident, Mark Zuller, during public comment.

Legal counsel for a group of adjoining landowners, attorney Steve Becker, told the board his clients believe the state solar statute and the county’s solar rules are vulnerable to constitutional challenge and that the Earthrise application is "woefully incomplete." Becker warned the board it could face litigation whether it approves or denies the project.

Representatives for the applicant countered that the county’s land‑use staff had reviewed the materials and issued a staff recommendation for approval. "Following a full, thorough review, county staff confirmed that the application was complete and that the studies and supporting materials satisfied the requirements of the ordinance," said developer representative Harry Marwell, who introduced a licensed wetland scientist to summarize a site delineation.

Township officials and local trustees pressed the board to delay action until the state legislature could consider changes to the statute they say limited local control. Kelly Baltus, clerk for Manhattan Township, urged postponement "until state legislators have the opportunity to advance corrective legislation restoring meaningful local control."

Board members debated whether land‑use staff had the authority to accept the application without full field wetland delineations, final road‑use agreements with township road commissioners, and precise panel counts. Member Dan Butler moved to postpone the item "until all requirements of the permit are met," arguing those prerequisites were mandatory under the county code. The motion sparked lengthy procedural exchanges and roll calls.

Ultimately the board proceeded to vote on the special‑use permit. The clerk announced, "With 12 in the affirmative. The motion carries," in relation to ZC25‑129.

Supporters who addressed the board argued the project would bring renewable energy capacity, address affordability and grid reliability issues, and create union construction jobs. "Local 150 stands behind this Earthrise Pride of the Prairie project," said a representative from the operating engineers union.

What happened and why it matters: The meeting highlighted a growing clash between local objections—centered on farmland, wetlands, and community character—and a state statutory framework that petitioners and some boards say constrains local review of large commercial solar developments. Speakers on both sides emphasized real‑world stakes: neighbors cited impacts on daily life and wells; proponents emphasized broader energy and economic goals.

Next steps: The ordinance and special‑use approval authorizes the project as described at the hearing subject to the conditions adopted with the permit. County staff said that wetland delineations, decommissioning plans and any required surety bonds or road‑use agreements will be completed and enforced during permitting and before construction permits are issued.

Quotes that capture the meeting’s tenor: "If you vote for this, we will come back" (Jeff Becker, Watershed Committee chair); "Staff recommended approval" (developer representative Harry Marwell); and the clerk’s procedural announcement, "With 12 in the affirmative. The motion carries."