⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

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: 09-22-110-005-0000)

RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a distribution-scale (≤5MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis reveals a site with strong financial incentive potential and good physical characteristics, but this is counterbalanced by significant regulatory and interconnection risks that must be immediately investigated. The project is viable only if these primary risks can be mitigated early in the development process.

1. Site Access & Topography

• Road Access & Feasibility: The site has excellent access. It is located in a modern office park directly adjacent to Interstate 294, with access from Renaissance Drive, a paved public road. This high-quality infrastructure is well-suited for commercial and heavy vehicle traffic.
• Terrain Characteristics: As is typical for the Chicago metropolitan area, the site's topography is presumed to be flat to gently sloping. This is ideal for BESS development, minimizing earthwork and grading costs. Requires Verification: A formal topographic survey will be needed to confirm precise elevations and drainage patterns.
• Heavy Equipment Access: Access for heavy equipment, including cranes, transformers, and containerized battery systems, appears feasible. The existing road network was designed for commercial office buildings and should accommodate delivery vehicles. A detailed logistics review should be conducted to verify turning radii and identify any potential overhead power line obstructions on the final approach to the parcel.
• Easement Concerns: The parcel is located within a developed commercial subdivision. It is highly likely that existing utility, access, and/or drainage easements encumber the property. Requires Verification: A title report is immediately required to identify any easements that could restrict the buildable area and impact site layout.

2. Environmental Constraints

• FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown. This represents a critical data gap. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A, AE), development costs could increase substantially due to the need to elevate equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, or the site could be rendered undevelopable if located in a floodway. A FEMA FIRMette review is a top priority.
• Wetlands: The presence of jurisdictional wetlands is unknown. A desktop screening using the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) database is the first step. Any indication of potential wetlands would trigger the need for a formal field delineation, which could result in significant setbacks and a reduction of the buildable acreage.
• Critical Habitat / Endangered Species: The initial screening shows no designated critical habitats or protected areas on or immediately adjacent to the site. This is a positive indicator, though a formal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC report should be run as a standard diligence measure.
• Brownfield/Superfund Status: