The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss several significant zoning cases that could impact local development and land use. The meeting highlighted two primary cases: a property division request and a proposal for a solar energy facility.
In the first case, Jesus Precedo presented a request from property owner Bridal Milton to divide a parcel into two separate lots. The property, which was split by the realignment of Mantino Road in 2010, is seeking a zoning map amendment from A1 to E1 to comply with the minimum requirements for the new parcels. The northern parcel will be approximately 5.46 acres, while the southern parcel will be 6.54 acres. Staff analysis indicated that the proposed division aligns with existing agricultural and residential uses in the area, and no objections were raised during the meeting. The commission unanimously approved the map amendment, facilitating the property division.
The second case involved a proposal for a 3.5 megawatt AC solar energy facility on a 21-acre site owned by Felipe and Juan Resendes. The project, presented by Jeremy Price of RPL Solar 17 LLC, aims to install approximately 7,263 solar panels. The facility will include landscaping to mitigate visual impact and has undergone noise and glare assessments, both of which met regulatory standards. However, the Creek Township expressed opposition to further solar developments in the area, although this did not constitute a legal objection. The commission ultimately approved the special use permit for the solar facility, along with variances for plant height and mowing requirements, despite some concerns about enforcement of these conditions.
Lastly, the commission addressed a temporary use permit for a mobile office trailer requested by Rovanco Piping Systems, following a fire that destroyed their manufacturing building. The temporary office will accommodate displaced employees while reconstruction occurs. The commission approved this permit with conditions to ensure compliance with building codes and a timeline for removal after the construction project is completed.
Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to balancing development needs with community concerns, as evidenced by the thorough discussions and approvals of the proposed projects. The decisions made during this meeting will likely influence land use patterns and energy production in Will County, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt to changing economic and environmental landscapes.