Committee Proposes Incorporation to Block Solar and Data Center Sprawl

Green Garden Township Board Meeting | Feb. 9, 2026

Article Summary: During the Green Garden Township Board meeting on Monday, the Watershed Committee proposed transitioning the township into an incorporated rural district. The proposal aims to give the township local control over zoning to stop large-scale solar farms and a newly proposed data center.

Solar and Development Key Points:

• New Threats: Officials reported that “Geronimo Power” is interested in building a data center in the township, in addition to the previously discussed 6,000-acre solar proposal.

• Incorporation Strategy: The committee proposed transitioning Green Garden into an incorporated “rural district,” arguing this would allow the community to control its own zoning and boundaries independent of Will County ordinances.

• Legal Action: The committee announced plans to meet with county officials regarding Ordinance 155-9.25; if the ordinance is not amended, the committee intends to sue Will County.

• Community Mobilization: A petition drive is underway, and residents are encouraged to attend an upcoming open house regarding the data center proposal at Joliet Junior College.

The Green Garden Township Board on Monday, February 9, 2026, received a stark update regarding industrial development, with a committee member proposing that the township incorporate as a “rural district” to fend off large-scale solar and data center projects.

Thomas Becker of the Watershed Committee addressed the board and residents, outlining a strategy to protect the township’s agricultural character. Becker reported that in addition to the massive solar facility previously discussed, a company identified as “Geronimo Power” has expressed interest in placing a data center within the township.

“Just like vultures, they’re coming here because they see the… prize,” Becker said. “We have to have a way to stop that.”

Becker argued that current state and county laws grant the solar industry disproportionate power. He specifically cited Will County Ordinance 155-9.25, which allows for the aggregation of properties into large zones. Becker stated his intention to challenge the ordinance with county officials.

“If they won’t do that, then we will sue Will County,” Becker said.

The primary solution proposed by the committee is a structural change to the township’s government. Becker advocated for transitioning Green Garden from an unincorporated township into an incorporated rural district. He argued this move would grant the local government control over land use and zoning, effectively shielding it from county-level decisions that favor industrial development in rural areas.

“It’s not to change it. It’s to save the real life that we have,” Becker explained. “If we shift to an incorporated district… we don’t change and become a village. We simply protect our boundaries.”

Becker emphasized that the goal is not to industrialize or develop the land, but to lock in its current rural status. He noted that neighboring Manhattan Township officials have expressed interest in the concept as well.

The committee is currently circulating petitions and yard signs, which feature QR codes linking to the township website for more information. Becker urged residents to stay informed, noting an open house regarding the data center proposal is scheduled for Thursday at the Joliet Junior College auditorium.