East Peoria considering legal action over solar farm project - CIProud.com

East Peoria considering legal action over solar farm project

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After the Tazewell County Board voted Wednesday to approve two solar farms that were both denied a month prior, East Peoria Mayor John Kahl expressed disappointment in the board’s decision regarding the Catmint project.

Board Chairman David Zimmerman explained on Thursday that traditionally, municipalities have control on projects within a mile and a half of their borders, but solar farms are a different story under Illinois law. He said that with the potential of legal action being taken by the state, the board felt pressured to approve both projects.

Kahl, however, disagrees with that assessment. He said the state law that was invoked doesn’t say anything about the planning boundaries for municipalities or special use extensions.

“Nowhere in state law does it read that the energy companies are entitled to unlimited extensions of a special use. Nowhere. And nowhere in that state law does it state that the county shall grant an extension,” he said.

The Catmint solar farm would be placed north of the Springfield and Eisele road intersection in Groveland Township.

Kahl added that the project was approved in 2023 but had to have its special use permit extended this year, which he said the board “rightly” denied last month. He was left confused when he heard the item was put back on the agenda this week.

Another reason why Kahl is against the decision is because of the bind he believes this will put the city in terms of future expansion. With the city being landlocked in the directions of north, east, and west, that leaves south as the only direction they could go for residential or commercial property.

Because of this, he confirmed that conversations have been made with the city attorney and could lead to legal ramifications.

“We’re clearly not going to sit by idly and allow this to move forward when it would clearly impede any future growth on the city’s behalf,” Kahl said.

He added that state law wasn’t the reason for the approval of the projects either, as the reason given had to do with county code and setting precedent. He said if state law was the reason, the project would not have been approved due to “impeding on the city’s rights.”

Kahl said that at Wednesday’s meeting, he said not to reconsider and to join him the following day and speak to state representatives. Those representatives, Kahl said, told him that East Peoria appears to be correct from a legal standpoint.

He also showed dismay at the lack of thought given to nearby residents of the Catmint project location, who have aired concerns about the project.

On the other hand, he commended the Coyote Road project which is being built on farmland in Delavan and Malone Townships. He said that the developers spoke to local residents and understood the area. He also noted its location being in a more remote part of the county.