Road Projects Face Delays as Commissioner Reports Solar Leases on Needed Land

GREEN GARDEN TOWNSHIP — The planned Sheer Road bridge replacement project has been pushed back to 2026 due to utility issues, and negotiations for needed easements are complicated by solar farm leases on adjacent properties, Road Commissioner Jim Hilliard reported at the March township board meeting.

“Sheer Road bridge setback due to Com Ed utility poles not being moved until September moving completion into 2026,” Hilliard explained in his report to the board. The project has already undergone engineering and planning, but the utility delays will push construction back by approximately a year.

Complicating matters further, Hilliard reported challenges in “negotiating with landowners easements for Sheer Road bridge in which three parcels have leases for solar.” When questioned by Supervisor Murday about whether the leases were purchased, Hilliard responded that “the deeds from the County showed filed lease with the landowner and landowner did not want to discuss.”

This information led to questions from township officials about potential unknown solar development. Murday stated his purpose in asking was “to see what else is looming out there that the Township has no knowledge of pertaining to solar farms.” He requested parcel numbers to track the properties and expressed concern “there are lease agreements out there that we have no knowledge of.”

Hilliard also reported that bids will soon go out for a box culvert project on Dralle Road and for repairs to roads that are “falling apart.” His update included information on routine maintenance activities, including in-house body work on trucks, removing plow equipment and cleaning, trimming trees, and clearing ditches.

In response to resident Buddy Schultz’s repeated complaints about the flagpole at the township garage, Hilliard stated he “would love to replace and will price it out for next meeting.” Schultz, who raised the issue during public comments, indicated he “would like a new one and pole and is willing to purchase the flag.”

Resident Linda Owens inquired about “the grant for solar lights on stop signs and if it was going to happen,” though the minutes do not record Hilliard’s specific response to this question.