Washington Township Board Opposes New Solar Farm Proposals
Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | Nov. 2025
Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees on Monday formally voiced its opposition to two proposed solar farm projects located within 1.5 miles of the Village of Beecher. Supervisor Mike Stanula announced plans to draft letters of opposition to the Will County Board, reaffirming the township’s stance against solar developments in the area.
Washington Township Solar Zoning Key Points:
-
Location of Proposals: Two solar companies are seeking to build farms within 1.5 miles of the Village of Beecher limits.
-
Village vs. Township Stance: While the Village of Beecher recently approved the “Earthrise Energy” project and rejected the “Black Swan” site, the Township Board opposes all solar farm projects in the jurisdiction.
-
Next Steps: Supervisor Mike Stanula will send formal letters of opposition regarding the two new applications to the Will County Board.
The Washington Township Board of Trustees on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, discussed the potential development of two new solar farms and reaffirmed its opposition to such projects within the township.
Supervisor Mike Stanula reported that two companies are currently looking to build solar farms within 1.5 miles of the Village of Beecher limits. Because of the proximity to the village, the village board has the ability to discuss and make recommendations to the Will County Board regarding approval.
According to Stanula, the Village of Beecher did not approve the “Black Swan” site but did approve the “Earthrise Energy” project. However, the Township Board maintained a stricter stance during Monday’s meeting. Stanula noted that the township has opposed all solar farm projects in the township historically and will not support the two new applications.
The board agreed that Stanula would draft letters opposing the projects and forward them to the Will County Board, which holds the authority to approve or deny the special use permits required for solar farms.
Trustee Tracy Heldt noted during her report that she attended a recent economic training meeting sponsored by the Will County Center for Economic Development. She reported that many local officials spoke against solar farms at the event, with suggestions that ordinances be considered to require solar panels on the rooftops of new businesses rather than losing farmland to solar sites.
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions
Beecher Village Board Approves Street Sweeping Contract and State Right-of-Way Resolution
Beecher Elementary Principal Resigns Amid Slew of Personnel and Contract Approvals
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Barn Fire on Whispering Hills Lane Claims Livestock, Draws Extensive Mutual Aid Response
Will County Public Works Committee Shelves License Plate Reader Agreement Amid Bipartisan Privacy Concerns
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Overrides Staff to Approve New Lenox Accessory Building Variance
Beecher School District Bolsters Security with Lighting and Keyless Entry Systems
