By Steven Spencer
The Jerseyville City Council approved an annexation agreement, special use permit and the rezoning of property on State Highway 16 to be used as a commercial solar energy system at the June 9 council meeting.
The Jerseyville Planning and Zoning Board met in April to discuss the matter and gave a positive recommendation to council, after a previous recommendation against the rezoning.
At the April planning and zoning meeting, Paul Irby, Senior Project Development Manager with Dimension Energy, said he believes updated changes, which earned the positive recommendation, will have additional benefits for the community.
A big piece of the annexation agreement was the inclusion of a $650,000 contribution to the city, and a community benefit program was also added.
Irby explained to the board the $650,000 contribution and the details of the community benefit program that would allow residents to sign up for the project and receive 10% or possibly more off their utility bills.
“I will say it’s the biggest one we’ve ever done in Illinois,” Irby told city council, adding that it will go to a public fund for city projects. “Basically anything that’s needed.”
Mayor Kevin Stork said the Planning and Zoning Board did their due diligence, and the talk internally has been to create a parks and rec fund.
Irby had previously stated at the April planning and zoning meeting that the $650,000 contribution and community benefit program would begin at the start of commercial operation, which is expected in 2027, and provide information on a decommissioning plan.
More details about the April meeting can be found in the April 22 issue of River County News and online at www.rivercountynews.com.
