Quincy A 34-acre solar farm was approved by the Adams County Board Tuesday night by a vote of 17 to 4.
The vote came after the board meeting was postponed last month due to the project along Ghost Hollow Road near 34th Street not receiving enough support for a special use permit.
However, the county’s authority to halt the project was superseded by Illinois state law, which made it possible for such a project. The county might have been exposed to legal action from the developer and the property owner if the permit had been denied.
In a statement and during the meeting, Pivot Energy urged all board members to reconsider their stance and support the project, which they claim will save hundreds of customers tens of thousands of dollars in future energy costs.
According to Brittany Krebsbach, Pivot listened to the concerns of the neighbors and will keep working with anyone who lives close to the project, even if she was not permitted to give an interview to Muddy River News.
According to her official statement, Adams County will gain from the Pivot Energy Ghost Hollow Solar project by gaining more tax income, community investment, and locally produced, dependable renewable energy. The site plan that was accepted takes into account the input that we got from local stakeholders and neighbors.
Increased environmental and archeological attention, as well as setbacks and vegetative screening, are among the changes.
Steve McQueen, a board member for District 4, stated that the state government passed a statute that, in his opinion, amounts to extortion.
However, Pivot received an apology from fellow District 4 board member Jeremy Farlow for first voting against. After discussing with his child that it was improper to reject the developer if they were abiding by the regulations, he claimed to have changed his mind. According to Farlow, the state is the actual enemy.
According to property owner Matt Holtmeyer, he ought to be allowed to do whatever he pleases with his land.
“I didn’t make this choice lightly,” Holtmeyer said the board. It will be really difficult to see. It will be neatly concealed. You’re standing up to the government. It also acts against me by preventing me from using my land as I see fit.
Holtmeyer informed Muddy River News that he was not yet prepared to do interviews.
This is the outcome of the voting.
First District
Yes, Brett Austin
No, Tim Siemer
Callaway, Keith Yes, in protest.
Second District
Fletcher, Barb Indeed.
Hinkamper, Ryan Indeed.
Sorensen, Mark Yes, at times of crisis.
Third District
Bellis, Dave Indeed.
No, Mark Dietrich
Kerkhoff, Marvin Indeed.
District Four
Cooley, Travis Indeed.
Farlow, Jeremy Indeed.
McQueen, Steve Under duress, yes
Fifth District
Yes, under protest, Tim Finlay
No, Jon McCoy
Yes, Robert Reich
District 6
Yes, John Gunther
McCleary, David Indeed.
Poulter, Brad Indeed.
District 7
Yes, Brent Fischer
Hinkamper, Russ Indeed.
No, Joe Zanger
