A debate raging in several local cities right now, should farm land be re-zoned to bring in new development? The latest controversy is in Galesburg, where city leaders said new business and housing could bring jobs and revenue to the city. However, neighbors are opposed to what else the project could bring.
A cornfield right off of North Seminary street, across the road from the new super Walmart and Menards, is where city leaders said several new developments could go. That's right next to a residential neighborhood. The Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting later this month to talk about rezoning the land for the project. Right now the 28 acres is zoned for agricultural use, but city leaders said they hope to change that and put in a hotel, duplexes, and other retail stores.
While this is good news for many, homeowners said the development is not want they want in their backyards.
"I am extremely mad, upset," Homeowner Angela Bastian said.
Bastian said that's how she felt when she learned duplexes, retail space, and even a retention pond could be going in literally next door.
"It's very disheartening, disappointing."
She said she, as well as many residents, have several concerns.
"The noise, the lights, traffic, lack of resale vale of my home, decreased property values," Bastian said.
David Webster's home sits right next to where the proposed hotel would go, which is behind a bank. He said it was one thing when Walmart and other stores went up, however another development right next to his home is too much.
"We welcome business here, and if we need a hotel, put one up, but it doesn't need to be in the backyard of a neighborhood like this," he said.
Mayor Salvador Garza said he understands people's concerns, but the city is trying to work through them.
"That's why we are taking additional measures to make sure we have residential areas between where residents are right now and where the proposed retail development is going to go, we are trying to be as sensitive as possible."
He said the duplexes will be buffer between the new businesses and the neighborhood. Meanwhile, he said the new development could be huge for the city, bringing in jobs and more revenue.
"We know that this is going to generate tens of millions of dollars of new investment which helps with the sales tax, as well as the property tax, as well as drawing more people to Galesburg for shopping," Garza said.
Neighbors are putting together a petition to protest against the development.
Meanwhile, Mayor Garza said this is not the only new development that could be coming to the area. He said several other projects are also in the works and announcements on what those are could be made soon.
Garza said the Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on September 18th, making a recommendation what to do with the property. It will then go to council.
However, before any of that happens, the city will be holding an informational meeting. That's set for Tuesday night from 5:00 p.m. To 7:00 p.m. It's at the Costa Catholic Academy in the auditorium.
