Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Special Planning and Zoning Commission for May 12, 2026

Will County Board Special Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | May 12, 2026

The Will County Board Planning and Zoning Commission convened for a special, court-ordered meeting on Tuesday to hear cross-examination and evidence regarding the controversial 6,099-acre Earthrise solar project (ZC-25-129). Following hours of intense questioning over environmental safety, wetland delineations, and public outreach, the commission voted 1-4 to recommend denial of the special use permit. The applicant’s site plans and environmental safety claims were heavily scrutinized by plaintiffs and residents from Green Garden, Manhattan, and Wilton townships. The recommendation for denial now proceeds to the full Will County Board.

PZC Amends Solar Conditions Prior to Denial Vote: Before taking their final vote to recommend denial of the Earthrise solar facility, the PZC unanimously agreed to amend three conditions attached to the special use permit. The amendments, requested by Earthrise to mirror the recently approved Plum Valley Solar project, included explicit approval for the CAB above-ground cabling system (Condition 3), a declaration that gravel fire lanes would be considered pervious surfaces (Condition 5), and a requirement that road use agreements be executed “consistent with the Will County ordinance” (Condition 6).

Manhattan Township Pleads for Legislative Delay: During public comment, Manhattan Township Clerk Kelly Valtus read a letter to the commission requesting the county delay any final decisions on the solar project until state legislators can pass a trailer bill amending Senate Bill 25. Valtus argued that SB 25 stripped local control over massive industrial solar projects, preventing townships from enforcing comprehensive plans. “SB 25 was not crafted with local communities in mind, but with the interest of large profit-driven entities,” Valtus read.

Labor Unions Support Solar Project: Despite the overriding local opposition that led to the commission’s denial recommendation, representatives from local trade unions attended Tuesday’s meeting to voice unwavering support for the Earthrise project. Patrick Costy of the Laborers Union and Pat Young of Operating Engineers Local 150 both stepped to the podium to back the facility, citing the significant job creation it would bring to Will County. “Despite your vote today, which is only a recommendation, we support this application and we will proudly continue to support the application,” Costy said.