Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)-Â Effingham City Plan commissioners are recommending City Council approval of a special use permit for a proposed solar energy system on 30 acres north of the planned westward extension of Airport Road and west of South U.S. 45 during their Tuesday meeting.
Jamal Batar of Harvest Renewables said the project would not create glare, would not include battery storage, and would involve a $3.25 million investment to build a 69,000-volt transmission line. He said customers would receive discounted power, and the project would generate about $60,000 in annual property taxes for 30 years. The vote was 5-to-3.
Commissioners also recommended rejecting a permit for Oxford House Volta at 1004 West Virginia Avenue, citing concerns over bedrooms and vehicles. Andrew Grunloh was elected chairman.
A decision is still pending on a request for a special use permit for a proposed solar field near Dutch Lane in Effingham. The public hearing, which first opened in August, resumed Wednesday night with additional testimony from those involved.
The session stretched past 10 p.m., but the matter is not finished yet. More rebuttal testimony is still expected before the hearing can officially close. After that, the Effingham Plan Commission will discuss the request and make a recommendation to the Effingham City Council.
Those next steps are scheduled for the Plan Commission’s October 13th meeting.
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