Despite objections, Lake County zoning board OKs solar farm near Antioch
A proposed commercial solar farm near Antioch won the backing of Lake County’s Zoning Board of Appeals, but opponents including Antioch officials still hope the project can be derailed or relocated.
Ironwood Renewables LLC of LaFayette, Louisiana, wants to install a solar system covering just over half a 69-acre farm field at the southeast corner of North Grand Avenue and Beach Grove Road.
The zoning board’s 5-1 approval Thursday concluded a public hearing that began in July, spanned three sessions, drew hundreds of attendees and included hours of presentations and testimony.
The proposal also prompted residents on North Grand Avenue bordering Bluff Lake to voluntarily annex into Antioch via a connection through Lake Marie and Bluff Lake.
“Many residents expressed strong concerns, and their perspective were heard and taken seriously,” said ZBA Chair Gregory Koeppen.
“Ultimately, the board's responsibility was to evaluate the proposal based on the standards set forth in state law, and the majority concluded that those requirements had been met,” he added.
Opponents argue the solar farm represents an industrial use in a rural area zoned for housing. They say it would create potential risks to well and lake water, dominate site lines and pose other concerns.
Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner said he isn't opposed to solar facilities but the site is “completely wrong” for a solar farm. The village is investigating whether a land swap is possible, he said.
“We do not support the project in this area,” he added. “We're trying to find a reasonable alternative to make the property owner whole.”
Residents decried a 2023 state law they contend diluted the county's power in the matter.
In a social media post after the decision, neighborhood organizer Tom Gibadlo said a “poorly conceived” state law governing the sites will put residents and lakes at risk.
The zoning board's decision can be appealed in Lake County court under an administrative review law.
The county zoning board added enhanced landscape buffer requirements to the proposal to help screen the solar far to address concerns.
Koeppen said Ironwood in its submitted materials and hearing testimony showed it met standards the board is required to evaluate.
County zoning boards have limited authority to impose additional conditions or requirements on solar energy projects, he added, but municipalities have greater flexibility.
“It is my hope that the General Assembly will revisit this issue and consider adjustments that would allow counties to operate under similar guidelines as municipalities,” Koeppen said.