PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. (25News Now) – The Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-2 Wednesday to recommend denying a special use permit for a proposed commercial wind farm in northwestern Peoria County.
The vote follows weeks of hearings on the Four Creeks Wind project, developed by Repsol Renewables through Four Creeks LLC. The board determined that the petitioner had not satisfied several criteria required for approval under the county’s zoning ordinance.
Closing arguments from both parties took place Wednesday morning at the Holiday Inn in Grand Prairie in Peoria.
Since early September, the board has heard testimony from supporters and opponents of the project, weighing concerns about its potential impact on surrounding properties, infrastructure and land use.
Among the criteria the board determined were not satisfied were requirements that the project:
- Not negatively affect the use and enjoyment of nearby properties or substantially diminish surrounding property values
- Provide adequate measures for entering and exiting the facility to minimize traffic congestion on public roads
- Remain consistent with the objectives of the county’s current comprehensive plan
- Comply with applicable zoning regulations and requirements, except where modifications are approved by the County Board
However, the board found that the project satisfied other criteria, including requirements that it not endanger public health, safety or general welfare, interfere with the orderly development of surrounding properties, or lack adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and other necessary infrastructure.
The proposed wind farm would span portions of Brimfield, Millbrook, Princeville and Jubilee townships.
Repsol Renewables’ plans call for up to 113 wind turbines across approximately 27,000 acres, with turbines reaching heights of up to 657 feet.
The project could generate up to 663 megawatts of electricity for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) grid, with the potential to power more than 160,000 Illinois homes annually.
The Zoning Board’s vote is a recommendation and does not constitute a final decision on the project.
The Peoria County Board is expected to consider the recommendation at its Nov. 5 meeting, when it will determine whether to approve or deny the special use permit.
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