New Lenox area residents cite safety concerns, property values in opposing commercial solar facilities

The Will County Board voted decisively against two proposed commercial solar energy facilities during its May 15 meeting, marking a continued pattern of local resistance to large-scale solar development in residential areas.

By a vote of 16-5, the board rejected Pentagon Properties’ request for a special use permit to build a 10-megawatt solar facility on vacant property along South Galaga Road in New Lenox Township. A second proposal by John Hazard for a solar facility on Wilmington-Peotone Road in Florence Township failed by an even wider margin of 16-5.

The rejections came after extensive public hearings featuring testimony from dozens of residents, village officials, and emergency services personnel who raised concerns about fire safety, property values, and compatibility with planned residential development.

“This property is absolutely ripe for residential development,” said Chair Frankie Pretzel, who represents the New Lenox area. “Next year we’re going to start the widening process of Galaga Road. This is going to give direct access to I-355.”

Fire Safety Concerns Take Center Stage

New Lenox Fire Marshal James Brown testified that his department lacks proper equipment to handle solar panel fires and expressed concerns about the facility’s proximity to two major high schools and Silver Cross Hospital.

“We currently do not have the right equipment to handle fires from solar panels,” Brown told the board. “This would be the first development in our district, so that’s going to impose a hardship on taxpayers because we would have to find money in our budget to purchase equipment.”

Brown also noted the facility’s location between Providence Catholic High School and Lincoln Way West High School, warning that emergency response could be compromised. He referenced a mulch fire from about 18 months ago that nearly forced closure of operating rooms at Silver Cross Hospital due to smoke.

Village Opposition

Robin Ellis, assistant village administrator for New Lenox, testified that the village board unanimously objected to the solar proposal, citing incompatibility with the village’s comprehensive plan and concerns about future residential development.

“This project is not consistent with the village’s comprehensive plan nor is it consistent with the county’s land resource management plan,” Ellis said. The village has invested $4.5 million to extend Nelson Road specifically to support residential development in the area.

Resident Property Value Concerns

Ray Stanford, representing the Fieldstone subdivision, presented research from multiple states showing property value decreases of 1.5% to 6.9% for homes within proximity to solar facilities.

“100% of available residents were opposed to this being in place and 100% of residents are convinced that this project would depreciate their property values,” Stanford said, referencing a neighborhood petition.

Legal Framework Debate

The solar rejections highlight ongoing tensions between local control and state renewable energy mandates. County attorneys noted that multiple court cases are pending regarding counties’ authority to deny solar projects under current state law.

Chair Pretzel criticized state legislation that limits local discretion: “I strongly believe that the state legislature got this one wrong and shame on them for putting us in this position month after month.”

The meeting demonstrated continued board solidarity in opposing solar facilities near residential areas, with members citing constituent concerns and questioning the wisdom of permanent land use changes for what they view as temporary energy solutions.