Madison County Board Rejects Route 162 Solar Farm Permit

GraniteCityGossip.com, March 19, 2026

The Madison County Board has voted down a proposal for a solar farm along Route 162 in rural Pontoon Beach, ending months of discussion and neighborhood concern over the project.

The plan, known as the Arena Libra project, would have placed solar panels on farmland bordering a nearby subdivision. Board Member Denise Wiehardt, who lives next to the proposed site, said she heard overwhelming opposition from residents. She emphasized that concerns about water runoff, drainage, and environmental impact were not only widespread but deeply felt by the families who live closest to the field.

A Route 162 property owner also spoke during the meeting, arguing that the project would offer little to no benefit to the community, while primarily serving the interests of the developer. Attorneys representing the solar company maintained that they had fully complied with Illinois solar regulations and believed the permit should have been approved.

After discussion, the board voted 16–7 to deny the request.

This is not the first solar proposal to be rejected in Madison County, and officials acknowledged that the decision could lead to potential litigation.