Lake Villa Plan Commission approves rezoning and conditional-use permit for community solar lease

On Jan. 21, 2026 the Village of Lake Villa Plan Commission voted 7-0 to approve rezoning two properties at 23688 and 23472 W. Petite Lake Road from UR1 to AG and to grant a conditional-use permit for a community solar project proposed by Lake Villa Community Energy Initiative, LLC (presented by counsel Ben Jacobi). Village Attorney Rebecca Alexopoulos read the amended motion clarifying lease and impact-fee timing before Commissioners approved the rezoning and CUP as amended.

Village Administrator Mike Strong provided an overview of the application and Village Planner Scott Goldstein reviewed conditional-use standards. Attorney Ben Jacobi described site layout, solar panel placement, fence and landscaping plans, engineering for stormwater and pollinator plantings, and presented a sound and glare study and a real-estate appraisal that, he said, showed "no consistent negative effects on adjacent properties" near comparable solar farms. The petitioner submitted presentation materials and exhibits (A–DD) into the hearing record.

Commissioners pressed the petitioner on project timeline and financial terms. Commissioner Steve Smart sought clarification about impact fees versus lease payments, referencing "including $500,000 up front and $10,000 per year for the thirty-five years." Commissioner Tracy Lucas questioned why the developer estimated that it could take up to five years to reach operation; Commissioner Lee Filas asked about company age and preferred a shorter lease term.

In deliberations Commissioners weighed the project against the comprehensive plan, possible alternatives (for example, high-density housing), and potential public benefits. Commissioner Jerry Coia urged securing concessions for the village such as utility improvements, a frontage path or enhanced landscape screening. Commissioners Brunati and Hope voiced support for the project, and Commissioner Smart said the solar field's benefits outweighed concerns. After Alexopoulos read the amended motion, Commissioner Coia moved to approve the rezoning and CUP as amended; Commissioner Smart seconded and the motion carried 7-0.

The approval includes conditions discussed in the hearing record addressing landscaping buffers, screening/fence details and clarifications on timing of lease and impact-fee payments as read into the record. The Plan Commission did not impose a shorter lease term on the record; the approved motion noted the thirty-five-year lease and payment structure as the basis for the approval as amended.

Next steps: the Commission approved the application on Jan. 21; the record indicates the petitioner will proceed under the conditions included in the approved motion and the village will track implementation items such as buffering, maintenance responsibilities and any required permits.