Livingston Co ZBA Approves Iberdrola's Streator Deer Run Project

From the Pantagraph:

The Livingston County Zoning Board of Appeals recommended the Streator Deer Run Wind Farm for a special use permit.

The issue now goes to the Livingston County Board to consider, likely at a special meeting in September.

Spanish wind farm developer Iberdrola is requesting a special-use permit to build a $694 million, 165-turbine wind farm scattered across 17,000 acres in the northern Livingston County townships of Sunbury, Newtown and Esmen.

The ZBA started the process on Iberdrola’s application in June at the Country Mansion in Dwight. After a series of hearings held this summer, the ZBA voted to recommend the permit at its meeting Wednesday.

The county board’s agriculture and zoning committee is expected to review the zoning board’s recommendation at its meeting Monday at the Livingston County Courthouse in Pontiac.

County zoning officer Chuck Schopp said depending on how the committee votes, it is possible the county board will consider the application at a special meeting.

Opponents to the wind farm application previously said they are concerned about property values and protecting the atmosphere of living in the country.