Green Garden Township officials are researching incorporation as a “rural district” in an effort to stem the proliferation of solar fields nearby.
The issue was on the agenda at the March 9 meeting of the township board.
In Illinois, an “incorporated rural district” is described as a small, legally defined municipality, such as a village, located outside of major metropolitan areas, or an area zoned for low-density residential and agricultural use. Public improvements like municipal water and sewer often are not a part of it.
Township Supervisor Dean Christofilos confirmed that incorporation is being explored.
“We will discuss the topic on whether to pursue the steps required for incorporation, including researching the benefits, drawbacks and challenges,” he said.
“If the board approves moving forward to pursue the initial steps of incorporation, the final decision will rest with the electorate — the registered voters of Green Garden Township — through a ballot vote.”
Christofilos said the incorporation process would include a resident petition, court approval, and a referendum.
“The primary reason for considering incorporation is the significant number of proposed utility-scale solar projects that would convert large portions of Green Garden Township farmland – approximately 2,500 acres – into industrial solar facilities. Incorporation could allow us to retain local control over land use decisions.
“These solar projects would be scattered throughout the township and would significantly alter the character of our rural-residential community, limiting future rural growth and changing the composition of our township.
“Over the past three years, residents have expressed dissatisfaction with state laws that many feel favor the solar industry and limit local control in unincorporated areas,” he added. “Many residents believe that solar developers currently have more influence over land use decisions than the community itself.
“Incorporation could provide Green Garden Township with greater local control over land use planning and future development decisions. Many residents believe that forming an incorporated rural district could help protect our 35 rural-residential sections from what many call ‘solar sprawl’ and preserve the rural quality of life that defines our community.
“We believe industrial-scale solar development should be strategically located within designated industrial zones — not placed indiscriminately across productive Green Garden agricultural land.
“Our comprehensive land use plan includes an industrial section where solar development is more appropriate.”
Incorporation as a village typically requires a substantial commercial and industrial base to support necessary services, like police protection or water and sewer improvements. But Christofilos emphasized that “residents have consistently expressed that they do not want Green Garden to become an urbanized south suburb or compete with surrounding municipalities.
A smaller district would require a more modest operating budget.
“The goal is to remain a rural district that preserves our agricultural roots and rural-residential lifestyle while building a sustainable financial foundation.”
Christofilos noted that Green Garden Township “currently has some commercial and industrial presence.”
“As a rural incorporated district, we would have the opportunity to strategically grow and strengthen our tax base in ways that align with our rural character.
“Potential opportunities include developing agritourism and supporting locally desired businesses such as a farmer’s market, a meat-processing butcher shop, a country café, and a bakery featuring homemade goods.”
Christofilos said some landowners and officials from neighboring unincorporated townships have already expressed interest in potentially annexing into an incorporated Green Garden in the future.
He declined to name others who may be interested.
“It is too early in the process,” he said, “and they may or may not want me to say until they have time to also do more research and communicate to those who need to know. I want to respect their confidence.
“With approximately 3,900 residents, Green Garden Township is well-positioned to explore rural incorporation. Building strong relationships with neighboring townships will be essential as this process develops.”
Christofilos noted that, as a legal and electoral process, incorporation could take approximately 1–2 years, depending on court proceedings, petitions, and potential developments related to pending solar projects.
“Because we are still in the exploratory phase, we do not yet have a firm timeline. The process will require careful planning, legal review, and community engagement.”
This is not the first time township officials have considered incorporation.
“Incorporation has been discussed periodically over the years. However, the recent increase in utility-scale solar proposals has renewed the conversation,” he said.
“Many residents feel the township faces a critical choice: incorporate and retain local control over land use decisions, or remain unincorporated and allow large-scale industrial development to shape the township’s future.
“It is too early to know if residents will favor incorporation. I do know that most residents are not in favor of the overwhelming influx of solar farm projects. As discussions continue, we will seek clear and broad resident input on how incorporation can positively affect our community and help to stand against planned solar sprawl on many acres of our farmland.
“Elected officials must act in the best interest of the community, which requires thorough research, transparent communication, town hall meetings, and, ultimately, a vote of the electorate.
“Since 2021, residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about industrial uses near their homes and properties. Changing our legal status from an unincorporated township to an incorporated rural district could offer stronger protections for home and property investments and retain local control over land use decisions.
“This would be a significant step and will not be taken lightly. We are committed to moving thoughtfully and responsibly.
Christofilos thanked Tom Becker and the Watershed Committee “for their research and efforts in keeping residents informed about ongoing solar project developments.”
Updated information is available on the Watershed Committee page on the Green Garden Township website or Green Garden Township Board Facebook page.