Board approves two solar-permit extensions; member warns of community impacts

The Will County Board on June 18 approved first-extension requests for two commercial solar energy facilities (SCXT26-017 in Wesley Township and SCXT26-018 in Jackson Township), both presented by Chair Pretzel with Land Use committee recommendations and motions to approve by the full board.

Chair Pretzel described the matters as first-extension requests for commercial solar projects with four conditions attached; he moved approval of each item and the motions carried after roll call. Land Use reported favorable committee votes prior to the full board consideration.

Member Butler used a later remarks period to criticize the county's permitting and review process for large solar developments, saying rural residents in Green Garden Township are losing open agricultural land. "25% of that open space that we try so hard in our forest preserves to preserve has just been taken up by a huge corporation," Butler said, arguing that applications mischaracterized wetlands and that road commissioners communicated with developers without written agreements. Butler said many residents might relocate because the character of their community would be permanently altered and urged more careful review in future decisions.

Other board members did not reverse the approvals on June 18; the extensions were granted with the conditions reported by the Land Use committee. The board did not adopt additional countywide policy on solar siting at this session; members indicated individual concerns would be addressed through committee review and future agenda items when necessary.