Held over vote in asphalt proposal results in a ‘no’ vote from Winnebago County ZBA

By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
Rockton residents packed the Winnebago Country Courthouse on Floor 8 on Tuesday evening, Jan.17 where a continuance on a proposed asphalt plant allowed the petitioner, Northern IL. Service Company to complete their presentation of witnesses.
On Wednesday evening, Feb.8 the scene was similar only the room was fuller this time as Rockton residents who were patiently waiting for results of a vote made by the ZBA for or against the proposal.
A series of meetings have taken place after the petitioner Wayne Klinger of Northern IL. Service Co. applied for a map amendment to rezone 32.58 acres from Ag.-Agricultural to IG-General Industrial. The property owner is Mi-chael and Ann Black.
Two parcels of property are located between 11184 and 11298 N. Main St. in the Rockton Township right next door to the Rockton Rock Quarry. If granted a special use permit would allow a batch plant, asphalt concrete crushing and storage facility, in the General Industrial District.
Previous meetings to this extension of the petitioner’s request took place in mid-December; one at the Rockton Village who sent a letter of opposition to the proposed plant. Residents also appeared before the Rockton Township board.
Per a recommendation made by the Rockton Township Planning and Zoning Advisory board a public hearing was held on Dec.8. At that hearing a board voted to recommend a position opposing the proposal to the Rockton Township board.
On Dec.14 the Rockton Township Board voted to oppose rezoning of the properties from AG to IG and to oppose granting the Special use Permit to allow operation of an asphalt plant on the properties.
Rockton Township voted against the proposal and gave a recommendation for a resolution to be a legal objector.
Two prior meetings have also taken place at the Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals.
Residents have appeared before the Rockton Village Board of Trustees and the Rockton Township to state opposi-tion to the asphalt plant.
The Village of Rockton has sent a letter of opposition to the proposed asphalt plant which was presented at a prior Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
Reasons behind resident’s objections increased

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