Crete Township Solar Project Approved Despite Township Objections

A 21-acre commercial solar project in Crete Township received a favorable recommendation from the Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday, despite an official objection from the township.

The project, proposed by agent Jeremy Price of RPIL Solar 17, LLC, is planned for a property on Bemis Road, approximately 1,780 feet north of Stoney Island Avenue. The plan includes a special use permit for the solar facility and variances to allow for taller ground cover and fewer annual mowings than the county ordinance typically requires.

Staff member Jesus Briseno reported that Crete Township submitted comments stating it “is opposed to any further solar development occurring within the township for various reasons.”

However, unlike two other solar projects that were recommended for denial earlier in the meeting due to widespread municipal opposition, this project garnered support from its immediate neighbors. Briseno noted that staff received a letter of support from the applicant and a letter of no objection from an adjacent property owner.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended approval of the project and its variances with a unanimous 6-0 vote.

Jeremy Price, representing the applicant, highlighted the project’s location. “It’s based in an agricultural area and surrounded on three sides, actually four sides by agriculture,” he said.

The committee voted 3-2 to recommend approval for the project, with members Sherry Newquist and Herbert Brooks Jr. dissenting. The project will now advance to the full Will County Board for a final vote.