Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026
JOLIET, IL – The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with Acting Chairman John Kiefner presiding in the absence of Chairman Hugh Stipan. The meeting proceeded with a bare quorum of four commissioners.
The commission moved quickly through an agenda that included a major solar development in Peotone and a residential variance in Manhattan. Commissioners approved a 5-megawatt solar farm in Will Township and granted variances for a residential pole barn expansion in Manhattan Township, overriding staff recommendations on the latter.
News Briefs
New Lenox Variance Case Postponed
A scheduled hearing for a variance request in New Lenox Township (Case ZC-25-131) was postponed. The case involves Adam and Angela Kramski of 1171 Banbury Lane, who are seeking a variance to increase the maximum accessory building area from 1,800 square feet to 2,126 square feet for a proposed 30×40 detached structure. The commission voted 4-0 to continue the case to the March 3, 2026, meeting.
New Commissioner Appointment Imminent
During the announcements portion of the meeting, staff informed the commission that the Will County Board is scheduled to vote on appointing a new commissioner this Thursday. This appointment is expected to bring the Planning and Zoning Commission back to full strength for future meetings.
Solar Glare Deemed Insignificant
As part of the approval for the BAP Kwain Solar Project in Peotone, a glare study conducted by Barrett Energy Resources Group was submitted to the county. The study utilized the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) and identified that pilots landing on Runway 27 at Bult Field Airport could experience “green” glare for approximately 128 minutes per year. The report noted that under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy, green glare is considered a low potential for after-image and is deemed insignificant for aviation safety.
Latest News Stories
Pittsburgh nurses lead charge for paid leave, for everyone
Existing-home sales edge up in April as affordability improves
Accused correspondents’ dinner shooter pleads not guilty to all charges
Illinois Quick Hits: Diesel passes $6; unleaded price drops
U.S. Senate panel to examine fertilizer costs, food prices
Green Garden Solar Project Cleared to Implement Higher “Agrivoltaic” Standards
Everyday Economics: Stable but weak under the surface
Committee: Facilities Department Reports $92,000 in Energy Savings, Completes Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout
Lemont Pulls Away from Lincoln-Way West in 10-3 Non-Conference Defeat
Nebraska voters to elect party representatives
U.S. farmers struggling with high price of fuel, fertilizer as bankruptcies rise
Trump, Xi meeting to be packed with slew of hot topics