Chicago Tribune · Oct. 15, 2026 · Michelle Mullins
The Will County Board took up three solar projects that its Planning and Zoning Commission and Land Use and Development Committee had recommended denying. A US Solar plan for a 4-megawatt facility on about 40.5 acres near Monee in Green Garden Township failed 8-11, with three members abstaining, after township officials raised concerns about a neighboring subdivision and stormwater and the Monee Fire Protection District objected to the fire risk from tall vegetation.
Arena Renewables’ plan for two 5-megawatt plants on about 80 acres at 22939 Spencer Road in New Lenox Township passed 12-11 along party lines, with County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant breaking the tie; New Lenox officials had objected that it is inconsistent with the village’s comprehensive plan. A Cultivate Power solar farm with battery storage on 153 acres in Manhattan Township, which township officials had voted 4-0 to object to, was postponed until November. Several members said they disagree with the state law that overrides local control but have to follow it, and Democratic Leader Sherry Williams said voting against solar projects leads to litigation that costs the county money.
“Are we going to take up all the agricultural land in a township” (Will County Board member Dan Butler, via Chicago Tribune)
Read the full story at Chicago Tribune: “Will County Board rejects solar farm near Monee, approves one near Manhattan while lamenting lack of local control” (may require a subscription)
Summary by the Illinois Land and Farmland Preservation Coalition. More from our News page. See also: Lawsuits Tracker · County Fights