Special Land Use Committee Meeting

Peoria County’s Special Land Use Committee met November 6, 2026, to consider zoning case ZBA-2026-0037, Four Creeks Wind LLC’s request for a special-use permit for a wind farm in Brimfield, Millbrook, Princeville, and Jubilee Townships. The proposal covers approximately 27,113 acres, with up to 113 turbines rated at a combined 663 MW, a maximum turbine height of 657 feet, and an estimated 140 acres occupied by turbines and supporting facilities. Public comments and counsel presented opposing views on effects including noise, shadow flicker, aviation, wildlife, farmland, and nearby homes; supporters emphasized energy generation, landowner rights, construction jobs, infrastructure investment, and projected tax revenue. Proponents cited more than $300 million in property-tax revenue over the project’s 40-year life, while those opposed challenged the project’s impacts and the application’s compliance.

The Zoning Board of Appeals had recommended denial after 15 hearing days; county staff reported that it found the shadow-flicker requirements satisfied but the sound requirements unmet. After reviewing the proposed conditions and hearing staff’s explanation, the committee voted to recommend approval with conditions; the motion passed and will go to the full County Board. Conditions include additional sound studies and mitigation, ongoing sound and shadow-flicker reporting, road-use agreements, well and drainage protections, emergency-response reimbursement, FAA review of aircraft-detection lighting, and decommissioning financial assurance of at least 100% of estimated costs with periodic review and annual increases. This was a land-use permit decision, not a government procurement or contract award.