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Beecher trustees reject Black Swan Solar non‑objection, approve Earthrise project with community‑fund commitment
Summary
At the Oct. 27 meeting the Beecher Village Board voted against submitting a letter of non‑objection for a Black Swan Solar proposal but unanimously authorized entry into a community development agreement and a letter of non‑objection for an Earthrise Solar project, citing annexation and boundary concerns and a pledge of community funds.
At its Oct. 27 meeting the Village of Beecher Board split on two commercial solar proposals in the village’s planning jurisdiction, rejecting a non‑objection for a Black Swan Solar project and approving authorization for an Earthrise Solar community‑fund agreement and letter of non‑objection.
Representatives Rory Walker and Pedro Rodriguez of Black Swan Solar presented a plan for land southeast of Beecher between Indiana Avenue and Corning Road and said participating customers would receive a ComEd bill discount through a county‑wide program. The company told the board the array would have a 25‑year operational life and that, after that term, modules would be removed or disassembled and the site restored as practicable. Trustee Stacey moved to submit a letter of non‑objection to the Will County Land Use Department for a Special Use Permit; the motion failed, with Trustees Stacey and Gardner voting yes and Trustees Tieri, Smith, Kraus and Diachenko voting no.
Ryan Dunfee of Earthrise Solar presented a separate proposal for land northeast of Beecher around Eagle Lake Road and Ashland Avenue. Dunfee said the project would not annex parcels to the Village of Crete and noted the Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended a non‑objection with a stipulation that pre‑annexation agreements be executed for parcels south of Offner Road in Washington Township. Village Attorney Tim Kuiper said the proposed agreement could be revised to address annexation concerns. The board authorized entering the community development fund agreement once finalized and instructed staff to submit a letter of non‑objection to Will County; that motion passed unanimously.
Earthrise representatives told the board the project could be completed by 2028 and that community development funds would be available in 2028 but could be used earlier and reimbursed when funds are released. The board said it will finalize project identification and agreement details before the next meeting. The Planning & Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet Nov. 20 to continue related review.
