Manhattan Township to Draft Solar Farm Ordinance Amid Growing Interest

Manhattan Township Meeting | August 2025

Article Summary: In response to increasing interest from solar energy developers, the Manhattan Township Board has scheduled a special meeting for August 19 to discuss and create a new ordinance addressing requirements for solar energy facilities. The move signals the board’s intent to proactively manage the placement and development of renewable energy projects within the township.

Solar Farm Ordinance Key Points:

• The board voted to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to specifically address solar farm regulations.

• The goal is to create a new ordinance that will establish clear requirements for any future solar energy facilities developed in the township.

• The decision was prompted by what the minutes described as an “increasing interest” in developing solar farms in the area.

• Township Assessor Joe Oldani provided the board with a list of already established solar farms in Will County to provide context.

The Manhattan Township Board on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, announced it will hold a special meeting to establish regulations for solar farms, a direct response to a growing number of inquiries from renewable energy developers.

The board scheduled the meeting for Tuesday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Township Building. The sole purpose of the meeting will be to draft an ordinance that outlines the requirements for constructing and operating solar energy facilities within the township. This proactive measure aims to provide a clear regulatory framework for a land use that is becoming more common across the region.

The decision came after Township Assessor Joe Oldani provided the board with a comprehensive list of existing solar farms throughout Will County. The list included details on each farm’s location, leasehold, and energy capacity, illustrating the increasing prevalence of solar development in the area. The discussion highlighted the need for Manhattan Township to have its own set of rules to guide potential projects.

While no specific projects were discussed at the August 12 meeting, the board’s action indicates a desire to prepare for future proposals and ensure that any solar development aligns with the township’s long-term planning goals and protects the interests of residents.

The special meeting will be open to the public, providing residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposed ordinance and offer input as the township navigates the expansion of renewable energy. The board aims to create a balanced ordinance that can accommodate the benefits of solar energy while addressing potential impacts on land use, aesthetics, and neighboring properties.