One month later, Tazewell County reverses decision on East Peoria solar farm. Here's why

After narrowly voting last month to deny a special use permit extension to Catmint Solar, LLC for the construction of a five-megawatt solar farm, the Tazewell County Board reversed that decision during Wednesday’s meeting.

The board passed a resolution to reconsider Catmint’s request and grant a one-year extension for the project in Groveland Township. Catmint will construct the solar farm on a roughly 32-acre parcel of land north of the Springfield Road-Eisele Road intersection in East Peoria.

During the public comment period, East Peoria residents Matt Hoffman and Carol Vance spoke out against the action. East Peoria Mayor John Kahl also said the solar farm’s location would impede the city’s planning boundaries.

Background:A solar farm project in East Peoria is delayed. Here's why and what's next

“I understand why you want your project to move forward,” Kahl told Catmint representatives in attendance. “Obviously, it’s a gain for you. But I will tell you as an elected official, don’t discount people who oppose it because they have to live by it.”

Sean Pluta, an attorney representing Catmint, and Dewey Klurfield, senior development director for Catmint Solar’s parent company Cultivate Power, were present to argue their case for the extension. Pluta said since the Board granted the initial special use permit last year, construction has been delayed in receiving documents necessary to proceed. He asserted, however, that Catmint remains capable of completing the solar farm.

“Since receiving the permit, Catmint has made substantial and reasonable progress in developing the project by completed fieldwork and site engineering," Pluta said, "and meeting with state and local agencies who need to approve the construction and development process."

In voting against the resolution, board member Russ Crawford cited concerns that Catmint’s solar farm would block East Peoria’s economic growth. He also indicated that last month’s decision to deny the extension was correct.

“It seemed like everybody voted their conscience last month,” Crawford said. “They looked at the research, they looked at the facts, they looked at the petition, and they listened to the objections. They followed all the protocols of a good county board member. They represented their constituents.”

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