⚡ 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 APN 09221100050000 (Park Ridge, IL)

This report provides a comprehensive due diligence analysis for a potential distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at 1480 Renaissance Dr, Park Ridge, in Cook County, Illinois. The analysis is based on the provided property data and preliminary desktop research. Significant data gaps exist, which are highlighted as key risks and form the basis for the recommended next steps.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The site has excellent access. It is located on Renaissance Drive, a well-maintained, multi-lane public road within a commercial office park. Based on satellite imagery review, the road network appears robust and designed to handle commercial traffic, including tractor-trailers. This is a significant advantage for the delivery of heavy equipment.

Terrain & Equipment Access: The topography in this region of Illinois is exceptionally flat. The subject parcel, currently an office building and associated surface parking lot, is level and at grade with the surrounding infrastructure. This will minimize civil engineering and site preparation costs, as extensive grading will not be required. The existing road network and wide entrance aprons appear fully capable of accommodating the delivery of large components such as 53-foot battery containers, medium-voltage transformers, and switchgear via flatbed trucks. A detailed route survey is still recommended to confirm the absence of any low-clearance bridges or weight-restricted roads on the final approach.

Easement Concerns: As the property has direct frontage on a public road, a dedicated access easement is not anticipated. However, a full title report is required to identify any potential utility easements (e.g., for existing underground utilities) or restrictive covenants associated with the office park that could limit development or dictate equipment placement. The current parcel size discrepancy (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres) must be resolved; this analysis assumes the 2.97-acre parcel (APN 09221100050000) is the target, which appears to be the office building's direct lot.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: The FEMA flood zone designation is listed as Unknown. This is a critical data gap and a potential fatal flaw. An immediate review of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is required. If the site is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (e.g., Zone A or AE), development costs could increase substantially due to the need to elevate all equipment above the Base Flood Elevation, or the site may be rendered undevelopable.

Wetlands: The presence of wetlands is Unknown. A desktop screening using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) is the immediate first step. While a developed commercial site is less likely to contain jurisdictional wetlands, it is not impossible, especially in drainage areas. If NWI screening indicates potential wetlands, a formal wetland delineation would be required, and any identified wetlands would trigger significant setbacks, reducing the buildable area.

Habitat &