Galesburg.com
Aluminum Castings' rezoning request decision delayed
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
2 min read
The fate of Aluminum Castings’ request to be rezoned to a heavy industrial site will have to wait until July as the council waits on a report from the company regarding its plans to increase production at the existing location.
Alderman Peter Schwartzman, Ward 5, had raised concerns during the rezoning ordinance’s first reading over whether an expansion at their facility at 340 S. Kellogg St. would cause harm to local residents and downtown business patrons. He proposed questions to Aluminum Castings President Bret Markum at the council’s June 4 meeting. Because it was only a first reading of the ordinance, Markum was not prepared to respond, so Schwartzman submitted his questions in writing. Among the information Schwartzman is requesting is: emissions reports and information, health risks associated with the facility and the extent to which Aluminum Castings wants to expand.
Sue Davidson, Galesburg public information officer, said the report could be submitted to the city as early as Friday. City Manager Todd Thompson said in an email city staff is assisting the company on answering the alderman’s questions. The earliest the council could take action on the ordinance and Aluminum Castings’ report is the July 2 meeting, Davidson said
Aluminum Castings has planned a $2 million expansion at its current facility that will double the employee count and modernize the facility. The company also has bought property adjacent to its current building.
Schwartzman said he learned that the company and city officials had been in talks about the rezoning issue prior to the idea being taken up by the council. He said Thompson referred to the issue as nearly a done deal, which Schwartzman said concerned him.
Schwartzman and Galesburg locals have suggested the city help facilitate a move for the company to one of many vacant buildings already zoned for heavy industry. Markum said his company would consider relocating to Peoria, the home of its parent company, rather than relocate in Galesburg.
Alderman Peter Schwartzman, Ward 5, had raised concerns during the rezoning ordinance’s first reading over whether an expansion at their facility at 340 S. Kellogg St. would cause harm to local residents and downtown business patrons. He proposed questions to Aluminum Castings President Bret Markum at the council’s June 4 meeting. Because it was only a first reading of the ordinance, Markum was not prepared to respond, so Schwartzman submitted his questions in writing. Among the information Schwartzman is requesting is: emissions reports and information, health risks associated with the facility and the extent to which Aluminum Castings wants to expand.
Sue Davidson, Galesburg public information officer, said the report could be submitted to the city as early as Friday. City Manager Todd Thompson said in an email city staff is assisting the company on answering the alderman’s questions. The earliest the council could take action on the ordinance and Aluminum Castings’ report is the July 2 meeting, Davidson said
Aluminum Castings has planned a $2 million expansion at its current facility that will double the employee count and modernize the facility. The company also has bought property adjacent to its current building.
Schwartzman said he learned that the company and city officials had been in talks about the rezoning issue prior to the idea being taken up by the council. He said Thompson referred to the issue as nearly a done deal, which Schwartzman said concerned him.
Schwartzman and Galesburg locals have suggested the city help facilitate a move for the company to one of many vacant buildings already zoned for heavy industry. Markum said his company would consider relocating to Peoria, the home of its parent company, rather than relocate in Galesburg.
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