Washington Township Board Meeting | September 4, 2024

Article Summary: The Washington Township Board has formally stated its opposition to a proposed solar farm in Beecher’s “backyard,” sending a letter to Will County Zoning and Planning to deny the request. Supervisor Mike Stanula cited concerns over the loss of farmland, environmental disruption, and the long-term reliability of solar developers.

Solar Farm Opposition Key Points:

• The board is opposing a zoning request and special use variance for the Siciliano Community Solar Garden, proposed by Wild Cat Solar 4 LLC.

• Supervisor Mike Stanula sent a letter to Will County expressing concerns about the project’s impact on the landscape, farmland, and wildlife.

• The letter states the township’s control is limited by state legislation but makes a formal recommendation against the project.

The Washington Township Board on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, took a formal stance against a proposed solar farm, directing Supervisor Mike Stanula to send a letter to Will County officials asking them to deny the project.

The project, named the Siciliano Community Solar Garden and proposed by Wild Cat Solar 4 LLC, is planned for an area described as “in Beechers’ backyard.” While the project has not yet been assigned a zoning case number by Will County, the township moved proactively to voice its opposition.

In the letter, addressed to the Beecher Plan Commission and copied to Will County officials, Stanula wrote, “We do not recommend the Zoning request nor the Special Use Variances for a Solar Farm.” He stated that such projects “continue to scar the landscape, replacing farmland which benefit our residents both regionally as well as nationally.”

The letter outlined several concerns, including the disruption of migratory birds and wildlife, loss of cropland, unnatural soil warming, and questions about the recyclability of solar panel components. Stanula also questioned the “longevity of the start-up solar developers to provide long term service and restoration of the property back to original ground.”

Stanula acknowledged the township’s limited authority over such projects due to state legislation favoring wind and solar energy. “We have our hands tied,” he wrote. “The best that we can do is to state our point of view and make recommendations.”