The proposed location of the solar farm is currently zoned for residential use. Solar farms should be built in an industrial area or at the bare minimum not in a residential area in the middle of town.

I, along with numerous other residents in our peaceful town of Streator, IL, USA, live proximate to the proposed site for an industrial solar farm, a site worryingly nestled within our residential surroundings. This plan, already once voted down by our plan commission, has been dusted off and is on the table once again.

Installing an industrial solar farm in the heart of our town could bring about undesirable changes, including diminishing the value of nearby properties. We have invested time, money and love into creating our homes and this development threatens our tranquil community environment. Furthermore, solar farms are an aesthetic concern; their metallic structure and the large swaths of land they require could turn our residential area into an industrial looking landscape. It can change the entire character of our town, which we dearly love and are proud of.

In addition to these concerns, research has suggested that improper disposal of solar panels can lead to environmental degradation. They may release hazardous waste into the soil, such as heavy metals and toxic materials (source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA).

The harmful implications of the proposed solar farm far outweigh the benefits in our particular case. It's crucial for the decision-makers to take into consideration the voices of the many residents like myself who stand to be affected by this proposed project. We urge the powers that be in Streator to reconsider this proposal for the sake of our homes, our community and our beloved town.

Stand with us today. Sign the petition.