Lakewood Officials Oppose Proposed Solar Farm, Zoning Vote Scheduled

Officials in Lakewood, Illinois, are formally opposing a proposed solar farm that is set to be reviewed by the McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals on September 10, 2023. The facility, proposed by Skystone Solar, a subsidiary of Cultivate Power, seeks to establish a 26-acre commercial solar energy site at 11305 Ballard Road. Village trustees have expressed concerns regarding the impact of the solar farm on future land development and local property values.

According to the village’s petition, the solar farm is located within 1.5 miles of Lakewood’s boundaries and “will jeopardize future land uses.” The trustees believe it will create “an immovable barrier relative to future development.” The village has already approved plans for residential subdivisions southeast of the site and intends to expand water and sewer infrastructure along Ballard Road to support commercial growth.

Concerns regarding environmental impacts are also significant. Residents have voiced worries about the potential effects on local water sources, wetlands, existing oak trees, stormwater management, and property values. At a recent Village Board meeting, a resident stated, “The solar facility will have a negative impact on the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the village.”

Paul Bottum, development manager for Cultivate Power, defended the project, stating that it would comply with regulations, including maintaining minimum setbacks of 50 feet from property lines and 150 feet from residential homes. He emphasized that landscaping buffers would be implemented to obscure views of the solar panels, which could reach a height of 12 feet at maximum tilt. The project is designed to operate independently of the village’s water and sewer systems.

The village faces challenges due to an Illinois law that restricts local governments from regulating solar farms. If a proposal meets county planning and zoning requirements, the zoning board is legally obligated to approve it, according to local officials. The anticipated power output of the solar farm is approximately 5.4 million kilowatt-hours annually, which could supply energy to about 750 single-family homes. The estimated cost of the project is $5 million, and it is expected to create 20 local jobs during construction while significantly increasing property tax revenue over its operational lifetime.

A report from the McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District revealed that approximately 43% of the area comprises “highly erodible soils.” While flooding is not expected, there remains uncertainty about the potential impact on the 1.7 acres of wetland in the vicinity. The report recommended planting native prairie mixes between the solar panels and within the established buffers to enhance water infiltration and reduce runoff.

Additional assessments in the Skystone application indicated no negative implications for neighboring property values. Despite this, Lakewood officials expressed frustration over receiving limited notice from the county regarding the proposal.

“I am generally pro-solar and anti-NIMBY,” said Lakewood Trustee Trisha Babischkin. “However, in this particular case, I have to remind people of what my father always said: Anytime you have to make a rash decision, the answer always has to be no because it’s never a good decision if it’s rash.”

Ultimately, the final decision regarding the solar farm rests with the McHenry County Board. “Regardless of our opinions about where the solar farm goes, it’s not something we have any power over right now,” noted Trustee Liz Delzell. “We’re not the final authority on this.”

The hearing by the county zoning board is scheduled to commence at 1:30 p.m. at the county administration building located at 667 Ware Road in Woodstock.