Renewable Properties withdrew a proposal to develop a commercial solar energy facility near Hawthorn Woods, but it is suing the village.
An LLC with ties to the San Francisco-based company planned to build the plant on 38 acres, at 25428 North Fairfield Road, in the far north suburb, the Daily Herald reported.
The withdrawal effectively cancels a public hearing scheduled before the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals. Renewable Properties’ decision comes amid strong opposition from local residents and a legal battle between the company and the village.
Renewable Properties sued the village for annexing the property, placing it under village jurisdiction instead of the Lake County ZBA, which typically handles matters in unincorporated areas.
“The village has made it perfectly clear that they do not want this development and will do everything in their power to block it,” Auld told the outlet.
“We will continue to pursue all legal means to correct this forced annexation,” he said.
If the firm wins its lawsuit against the village, it intends to refile its application with ZBA.
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The proposed solar field would have covered approximately 23 acres and consisted of 11,544 solar panels, situated in an open area bordered by subdivisions. Residents and village officials strongly opposed the project due to concerns about its location and compatibility with the area.
Although Renewable Properties was disappointed, it is committed to pursuing developments throughout Illinois, the outlet said.
This was Renewable Properties’ third proposal for a commercial solar facility in unincorporated Lake County. Proposed facilities in Fremont and Antioch townships were recently approved by the ZBA.
—Quinn Donoghue