Elected officials approve two solar farms with blessing of local labor unions

Posted on June 17, 2022

solar panels — *Board members granted a special use permit for an estimated $7 million solar farm in Dale Township, southwest of Bloomington, about a half-mile from Fox Creek Elementary School. (WJBC file photo)*

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Board on Thursday signed off on construction of two solar farms after receiving assurances that the developers will hire local workers.

The board voted unanimously after a leader of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said unions had reached an agreement with Cypress Creek Renewables.

The board delayed action last month because union leaders said the company was reluctant to hire local employees.

Board members granted a special use permit for an estimated $7 million solar farm in Dale Township, southwest of Bloomington, about a half-mile from Fox Creek Elementary School.

The company intends to build 12 foot high solar panels that would produce power for about 400 homes.

The board renewed the special use permit for solar panels at another site just southwest of the intersection of Business Highway 51 and Margaret Street, near I-74 in Bloomington Township.

The solar farm there hasn’t been built yet even though Cypress Creek was granted a special use in 2020. That permit expires next month, so the company had to apply again for government approval.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…