Beecher Board Declines to Support Indiana Avenue Solar Project

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | October 27, 2025

Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board effectively withheld its support for a proposed community solar farm on Indiana Avenue, as a motion to send a letter of non-objection to Will County failed by a 2-4 vote. Trustees expressed reservations after learning the project did not include a direct financial contribution to the village, unlike another solar project approved the same night.

Black Swan Solar Project Key Points:

• A motion for the village to send a letter of non-objection for the Black Swan Development solar project failed on a 2-4 vote.

• The project, located southeast of Beecher, is a 5-megawatt community solar facility proposed on 26 acres of a 60-acre parcel.

• The developer offered residents enrollment in a community solar program providing a discount on electricity bills, but no direct payment to the village.

• By not sending a letter, the village remains neutral on the project, which will still proceed to Will County for a special use permit.

The Beecher Village Board on Monday, October 27, 2025, declined to formally support a proposed commercial solar facility southeast of the village, letting a motion for a letter of non-objection fail for lack of support.

The project, proposed by Black Swan Development, would be located between Indiana Avenue and Corning Road on a 60-acre parcel owned by Engler Properties LLC XVI. Pedro Rodriguez, representing the developer, explained that the 5-megawatt “agrovoltaic” solar farm would occupy approximately 26 acres and would be situated over 2,000 feet from the road to minimize visual impact.

Because the property is within Beecher’s 1.5-mile planning jurisdiction, the developer was seeking a letter of non-objection from the village before applying for a special use permit from Will County.

During the discussion, trustees questioned the direct benefit to the community. Rory Walker, another company representative, explained that as a community solar project, it would offer local residents who sign up for the program a discount of 10-15% on their ComEd bills.

However, when asked if the project included a direct financial contribution to the village, similar to a $100,000 agreement offered by a different solar developer later in the meeting, the representatives stated it did not.

The motion to submit the letter of non-objection was made by Trustee Roger Stacey and seconded by Trustee Erik Gardner. When it came to a vote, they were the only two in favor. Trustees Joe Tieri, Jessica Smith, Todd Kraus, and Brian Diachenko voted no, causing the motion to fail.

Following the vote, the village attorney clarified that the board’s action does not constitute an official objection. Instead, the village will remain neutral by sending no letter at all. The decision means the project will need to clear the standard voting threshold at the Will County Board, rather than the higher threshold required when a municipality officially objects.