OREGON — The Ogle County Board on Tuesday denied two proposed community solar farms while approving an industrial rezoning request for Constellation Energy.
The board unanimously rejected a request from USS Stillman Creek Solar, LLC to build a 5-megawatt solar farm on about 26 acres near North Stillman Road in Scott and Marion townships. Thirteen residents spoke against the plan during a July 24 zoning hearing, citing concerns about property values, farmland use and drainage. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended denial after finding the project failed to meet county standards for adequate utilities and protection of surrounding agriculture, and the County Board accepted that recommendation.
Board members also unanimously denied a separate proposal from BAP Power Corp, doing business as Cenergy Power, for a 5-megawatt solar farm at 9336 East Hales Corner Road in Scott Township. That project drew opposition from 10 residents and support from one at a June 26 hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals found the project would negatively affect property values, conflict with farmland and homes, and dominate the neighborhood. The County Board voted to reject the special use permit following those findings.
While both solar projects were turned down, the board approved a rezoning request from Constellation Energy Generation, LLC for about 185 acres on North Black Walnut Road in Marion Township. The land was rezoned from agricultural to industrial use on a 16-5 vote after a July 24 public hearing where one resident spoke against it. The board found the request met county standards for compatibility with nearby land use, access to services and consistency with long-term development plans, clearing the way for potential industrial development on the site.