Solar Developer Commits Up to $800,000 for Smith Road Improvements
February 11, 2025/Comments Off on Solar Developer Commits Up to $800,000 for Smith Road Improvements
Summit Ridge Energy, a solar farm developer, has committed to providing up to $800,000 for the engineering and construction of improvements along Smith Road, Manhattan Township officials announced Tuesday.
The significant financial contribution is part of a road use agreement negotiated between Highway Commissioner Jim Baltas and Township Attorney Cass Wennlund. The funds are intended to subsidize upgrades needed to accommodate the developer’s project.
According to the meeting minutes, the $800,000 commitment is not sufficient to cover the entire scope of the planned project, which involves widening Smith Road from Cedar Road to Kankakee Street. However, officials stated that the funds will “subsidize the majority of the project.”
The agreement provides a substantial boost to the township’s infrastructure efforts, leveraging private development to fund public road improvements. Details regarding the timeline for the Smith Road project and how the township will cover the remaining costs have not yet been announced.
Community Events
MondayDecember 8, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
FridayDecember 12, 2025
SaturdayDecember 13, 2025
MondayDecember 15, 2025
TuesdayDecember 16, 2025
Latest News Stories
Fiber Optic Internet Competition Coming to New Lenox
NEW LENOX – Residents may soon have a new choice for high-speed internet, as Champaign-based Pavlov Media announced its intention to build out a fiber optic network across the village....
Monee Officials Issue Pool Safety Alert Amid Summer Heat
Article Summary: Following an increase in new pool installations, Monee's Building Services department is reminding residents of mandatory permit and safety requirements. Officials are emphasizing life-safety measures to prevent drownings,...
Village Board Approves Millions in Spending on Roads, Parks, and Museum
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board authorized millions of dollars in spending on Monday for its annual road program and for continued investment in its newest community amenities,...
Meeting Summary: New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education for June 17, 2025
The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education handled significant financial business at its June 17 meeting, approving a tentative budget for the 2025-2026 school year and renewing insurance...
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 28, 2025
The New Lenox Village Board meeting on Monday was marked by ceremony and significant action on major developments. The board honored the new Pope Leo XIV and retiring Police Chief...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board for July 23, 2025
The Monee Village Board of Trustees heard a detailed presentation for a major industrial redevelopment, approved a significant payment for its nearly-completed public works facility, and gave final clearance for...
Fatal Crash, Second Collision Snarl Wilmington-Peotone Road
A fatal crash on Wilmington-Peotone Road Tuesday morning was complicated by a second, separate collision in the same area, prompting an extended closure of the roadway as emergency crews work...
New Lenox Fire Board Denies Variance Over Extreme Hydrant Distance, Citing Safety
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously denied a homeowner's variance request on Monday, citing significant public safety concerns over the property's extreme distance...
New Lenox Fire District Secures $35,000 Grant for UTV in Solar Farm Agreement
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is set to receive a $35,000 grant to purchase a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) as part of a community benefit...
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Fire Protection District for June 16, 2025
The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees took decisive action on a residential fire code variance and discussed a new community partnership for a planned solar farm during...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Township for June 2025
Manhattan Township Meeting | June 2025 The Manhattan Township Board passed its two largest annual fiscal items on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, unanimously approving township and road district budgets that...
Kankakee Street Bridge Project to Go to Bid in July; Baker Road Bridge 45% Complete
Manhattan Township Meeting | June 2025 Article Summary: Manhattan Township’s infrastructure program is moving forward on multiple fronts, with the Baker Road Bridge reconstruction now 45% complete and the larger Kankakee...
Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference
The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced a major overhaul of the county's purchasing code Tuesday, but only after a split vote and a pointed debate over a separate,...
Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks
Will County finance officials on Tuesday detailed the policies governing how the county tracks its physical and digital assets, explaining the $5,000 threshold for items that are formally capitalized and...
Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees
Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy confirmed Tuesday that property owners have a free online payment option available and advised residents to avoid the high convenience fees associated with using credit...