A solar farm could be coming to Monee and, if that’s the case, village officials want to be ready.
Village Attorney Larry Gryczewski told the board of trustees last week that Turning Point Energy is showing renewed interest in the solar field it proposed almost three years ago.
Representatives of the Denver, Colorado, firm met recently with Gryczewski, Village Administrator Ruben Bautista, and Economic Development Director Bill Barnes for discussion of the proposed project that has lain dormant since 2022.
“We’ve had discussions with them…and the one thing we take out of that meeting is that we should have an ordinance on file,” Gryczewski said.
“The ordinance will give us the ability to control at least the aesthetics – the landscaping, things of that nature that are important to us.
“But the gentleman from Turning Point has been receptive.”
Gryczewski said he could have a draft of the ordinance ready for the next board meeting.
According to Ruben Bautista, Turning Point’s original proposal includes a program to offer reduced electrical rates to local seniors.
“In early 2022, the Village of Monee was approached by Turning Point Solar, a Colorado-based company, with a proposal to develop a solar farm on a 40-acre parcel of agricultural land outside of the village limits,” he said.
“The company’s vision was to install an underground electrical infrastructure to connect the solar farm to ComEd’s power grid.
“The village board reviewed Turning Point Solar’s presentation, which highlighted the environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness of solar energy.
“Additionally, the company proposed a program to offer reduced energy rates to approximately 200 local senior citizens.
“As part of this proposal, Turning Point Solar expressed interest in annexing the land into the village. The proposed location for the solar farm is on Will-Center Road, approximately 1,000 feet south of Court Street, on the east side of the road.”
Since then, the village has awaited an update regarding their annexation request.
“It’s important to note there are currently no solar farms within the Village of Monee,” Bautista emphasized.
“However, we are aware of several solar companies that have submitted applications to Will County’s Land Use Department for projects within a 1.5-mile radius of the village. The village actively is monitoring these developments to ensure any proposed solar farms comply with local zoning ordinances and environmental regulations.
“We have been sending our Economic Development Director, Bill Barnes, to these meetings and have joined our concerned efforts with Monee Fire Department Chief Carl Nieland, to share our growing concerns on potential public health and/or safety risks these solar farms may present.”
Developers also have been asked for any recent studies concerning these issues.
“The Village of Monee is committed to balancing the need to research renewable energy,” Bautista added, “and continue with providing the protection of our community’s health, safety, and quality of life.”