Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

The Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals held a hearing on September 19, 2026, focused extensively on the shadow flicker analysis related to a proposed commercial wind energy project by Four Creeks and Repsol. The expert witness, Dr. Storm, provided detailed testimony regarding the shadow flicker modeling, including the methodology, assumptions, and limitations of the study. Key procurement-related discussions involved the submission and adequacy of the shadow flicker model (Appendix J), the absence of certain supporting data such as Windro software inputs and outputs, and the reliance on curtailment plans to meet the county ordinance and state statute limits of 30 hours of shadow flicker per year for non-participating residences and community buildings. The hearing also addressed concerns about the number of residences affected, the geographic dispersion of shadow flicker impacts, and the transparency and completeness of the application materials. No contract awards, RFPs, or vendor selections were discussed, but the meeting highlighted compliance and mitigation issues that could influence future project approvals and vendor obligations related to operational curtailment and monitoring.