Zoning Board of Appeals 9/29/26 - Session 3 Recording

The Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals continued its September 29, 2026, public hearing on the proposed Four Creeks wind energy project. An expert witness discussed aircraft lighting systems, turbine wake behavior, modeled blade-throw and ice-shed risks, setbacks, and aviation safety, including pilots’ use of charts showing obstacles and minimum safe altitudes. The testimony characterized modeled risks at the proposed setbacks as very low and addressed how weather and flight rules affect aviation hazards.

Public comments included opposition from a nearby resident concerned about impacts to residents, property values, birds, and the distribution of project benefits, and support from a labor union representative who described potential local construction employment and apprenticeship opportunities. The board took no vote or procurement-related action in this excerpt; no contracts, purchasing decisions, or budget allocations were identified. The hearing was recessed until the following morning.