Article Summary:

The Village of Monee will receive a $250,000 donation from TPE IL W1202, LLC, after the Village Board authorized a community benefit agreement for a planned 5-megawatt solar energy facility. The funds are intended to support community development and offset administrative burdens related to the project.

Community Benefit Agreement Key Points:

• The agreement secures a one-time $250,000 payment to the village from the solar energy company.

• The payment is tied to the “Commencement of Construction” of a commercial solar facility on a parcel near the village.

• The agreement outlines the village’s support for the project, which has already received a special use permit from Will County.

MONEE — A future solar energy project will provide a significant financial boost to the Village of Monee after the Village Board approved a community benefit agreement Wednesday night.

Trustees voted to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with TPE IL W1202, LLC, the company planning to build a 5-megawatt commercial solar facility on a parcel within 1.5 miles of the village. The agreement stipulates that the company will make a one-time donation of $250,000 to the village.

According to the agreement, the payment will be made prior to the “Commencement of Construction.” This is defined as the point when the project has all necessary permits, receives its first shipment of solar modules, and begins installation.

Village Attorney Larry Gryczewski, who referred to the project as “Turning Point,” noted that the company has been cooperative. “The company will pay the village the quarter million dollars when construction starts,” he said. “They will also agree to the site plan as we requested.”

The agreement acknowledges the project’s benefits, such as renewable energy and tax revenues, while also recognizing that it may increase administrative burdens on the village. The donation is intended to contribute to “the welfare and betterment of the Village community.” The project already received a special use permit and zoning variances from Will County in 2023.