The Macomb Planning Commission voted unanimously last week to recommend to the city council that it approve a special use permit to allow a rooftop solar array at Heritage Tractor on East 1600th Street. Community Development Director Cesar Suarez said his staff is recommending approval of the petition because it meets all standards for a special use.
'This would generate electricity and save on energy costs,' he said.
Suarez said the East 1600th Street address is just inside the city's zoning buffer. City Attorney Lisa Scalf said there are no close neighbors and that the solar panels would be in a fixed position and about 15 feet high.
Commissioner Jim Miner said he believes the panel should take an overall look at the presence of solar energy facilities in McDonough County. Chair Jim Buwick said city residents have expressed concerns to him about the increasing use of solar in Macomb. Miner added, 'We need to look into handling solar in a controlled sense.'
Scalf said state and county solar controls are stricter than those of the city. 'Solar will be part of the city's comprehensive plan,' she said, 'but the work may take another two years.' Miner responded, 'If several commercial businesses want to get into solar, we're not ready for that.'
The planning commission voted to approve and forward to the city council a request for a special use permit to allow additional side yard parking at 1362 Parkview Dr. Property owner Sherrie Ramirez said an area of 12 feet along the side of her house would allow for parking pads and angle parking. Suarez said other parking options have been explored but the plan submitted is a marked improvement and the staff recommends it.
Also at last Wednesday's meeting, Scalf was asked for a progress report on a city request to merge the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals. She responded that the idea has relatively low priority. Suarez explained that Macomb needs to hire a planning coordinator and work needs to begin on the new city comprehensive plan.
