⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Committee

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for "Project Renaissance"

PROPERTY: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

FINAL RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential BESS project located at 1480 Renaissance Drive in Park Ridge, Illinois. The site presents a compelling financial advantage due to its qualification as an IRA Energy Community, but it also carries significant, unquantified risks related to grid interconnection and local permitting. The current recommendation is MAYBE, pending the immediate investigation of critical path items outlined below. Proceeding without clarifying these major unknowns would represent an unacceptable level of development risk.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Feasibility: The site has excellent access. It is located in a suburban office park with frontage on Renaissance Drive, a wide, paved, public road. Proximity to the I-294 Tollway ensures that delivery routes from major transport corridors are straightforward. The existing road network appears fully capable of handling heavy haul trucks required for BESS components.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the site appears to be exceptionally flat. A preliminary review of satellite imagery confirms minimal elevation change across the parcel. This is a significant advantage, as it will likely eliminate the need for extensive and costly civil grading work.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Access for critical equipment such as multi-ton transformers, battery containers/enclosures, and large cranes is considered low-risk. The primary logistical challenge will be coordinating delivery windows within the active office park, but physical access constraints are not anticipated. A formal route survey is still required to confirm bridge load limits and turning radii.
• Easement Concerns: Requires Verification. While access to the site itself is secured via public right-of-way, the parcel is in a developed area. There is a high likelihood of existing utility easements (power, water, sewer, communications) crossing the property to serve the existing office building and neighboring parcels. A title report and ALTA survey are essential to identify these easements, which could significantly constrain the final buildable area.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. This is a critical data gap. If the site is located within a 100-year floodplain (e.g., Zone AE), it could necessitate elevating all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, adding substantial cost, or potentially rendering the site non-viable. An immediate desktop FEMA map review is required.
• Wetlands: Requires Verification. The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A desktop review of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the first step. Given the developed nature of the site, extensive wetlands are unlikely, but even small, isolated wetlands could trigger significant setbacks and permitting requirements, severely impacting the layout on this ~3-acre parcel.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The data indicates no critical habitats or protected areas on or near the site. This is a positive finding that significantly de-risks the project from a federal endangered species perspective.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: The subject property is not identified as a brownfield. There is one Superfund/brownfield site within a two-mile