A requested zoning change from rural residential to light industrial for a proposed solar array project by BTB Energy Solutions did not receive recommendation during the Thursday evening (Aug 1st) Danville Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. This means the proposed zoning change would now need a super majority, 10 votes out of 14 City Council members, when it goes before the full Council on August 20th.
BTB was planning to purchase farmland off Jones and Brewer Roads, west of Danville Metal Stamping and Lynch Road, and north of I-74. The voting by the Commission included “yes” votes for a recommendation from Pete Goodwin, Adam Brown, and Tammy Wilson; and “no” votes for a recommendation from Michael Hall, Aaron Troglia, and Troy Savalick. Commission member Ashton Greer was absent.
Concerned citizens who spoke against BTB Energy Solutions’ requested zoning change included Daniel Boyd (1st Picture) and Martha Jones (3rd Picture).
One of the about half-dozen who showed up to protest the project was Daniel Boyd. He was very firm after the meeting that this is his home for the rest of his life, he loves it there, and he does not want any changes.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: And I’m going to retire there and stay at this home forever. And I lift weights in the backyard in my gym, and I get the view of the woods and the cornfield; and I really enjoy the aesthetics of the beautiful scenery. I live here with my wife, and I’m having a great time here. But, it’s going to ruin my day if they start putting solar panels in my back yard.
(1st Picture) Consultant Greg Crowe speaks on behalf of BTB Energy Solutions. (2nd Picture) Danville Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk listens during meeting.
The property in question is within 1 1/2 miles of city limits, and therefore the city has jurisdiction over this type of project. Danville Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk says the city did their job informing the public, and the residents exercised their right to speak.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: Actually it’s state statute for the city to mail out letters to adjacent property owners so they can come and speak their piece at these (meetings), because these impact those that are closest by. I’m happy to see them come and speak out tonight.
Daniel Boyd concluded that after he and his neighbors who turned out for the meeting found out what was happening, they did not sit still.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I was out in my yard one day and some girl came out and gave me this paper. She asked me what I thought of it. I said “I’m going to do my research first.” And I did my research and it’s like “No way!”
Boyd also stated that although short term studies have shown no health risks from living next to major solar projects, he would prefer to see long term studies confirming the same thing. The person speaking on behalf of BTB stated that he was not aware of any such studies, but did say that he does not believe the State of Illinois would be strongly encouraging such solar projects for the future if long term studies determined eventual danger existed.
