PEORIA COUNTY (25News Now) – In a tension-filled room Thursday night, the Peoria County Board approved a special use for the Four Creeks wind project 12 to 5.
The Four Creeks, LLC wind project, developed by Repsol Renewables, would span four townships in northwestern Peoria County.
There will be 113 turbines spanning 27,000 acres, some as tall as 657 feet.
Spectators from each side, for and against the project, had passion for their cause. The crowd loudly cheered for speakers and when a county board member announced support for their views.
Supporters of the project want family farms to have extra cash, clean energy in the area, and lower power bills.
“Peoria County is lucky to get this project. It will cement Peoria County as an agricultural leader,” said Peoria County Resident Rick Fox.
Opponents predict doom and gloom for the county: high property values, noise concerns, and disturbance of nature.
“You’re going to ruin Peoria County. You guys will ruin Peoria County with this vote,” said Peoria County Resident Madeline Peterson.
The special use ultimately passed with almost 40 conditions. The company will have to reimburse county expenses, the county can inspect the project at any time, and a post-construction sound study will be repeated every five years to name a few.
A few county board members asked the public to keep their stances on this issue from coming between family and friends.
Earlier Thursday, the land use committee voted 6-3 to recommend a special use with conditions to the county board.
In October, the zoning board of appeals recommended denial following weeks of hearings.
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