TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15, 2024
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to commence statutory procedures to lease up to 73± acres of District real estate located south of the Lockport Powerhouse between the Des Plaines River and the Main Channel in Crest Hill, Illinois, known as Main Channel Parcel 13.02
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Dear Sir:
New Leaf Energy, Inc. (“New Leaf”) has expressed interest in leasing up to 73± acres of District real estate located south of the Lockport Powerhouse between the Des Plaines River and the Main Channel in Crest Hill, Illinois, known as Main Channel (“MC”) Parcel 13.02, for solar development.
MC Parcel 13.02 is currently vacant. Based on a preliminary review by the District and New Leaf, the site is potentially suitable for solar development. The beneficial factors include the existing topography, which is large and relatively level; the site can be adequately secured; and there is a nearby electrical connection to the power grid.
The District’s technical departments have reviewed this lease request and have indicated that the subject site is not currently needed for corporate use, and that they have no technical objections thereto.
Upon receiving authority to commence leasing procedures, the District will coordinate with the lead applicant to perform further due diligence into the feasibility of solar development at this site. If the proposed use is viable, authority will be sought from the Board to advertise this site (or a portion thereof) for lease.
It is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and direct the General Counsel to commence statutory procedures to lease up to 73± acres of District real estate located south of the Lockport Powerhouse between the Des Plaines River and the Main Channel in Crest Hill, Illinois, known as Main Channel Parcel 13.02.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:BJD:KHY
Recommended, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for February 15, 2024
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