Morrissey on hot seat: Votes yes on asphalt plant
January 28th, 2008 at 11:16pm Chuck Sweeny
Ald. Jeff Holt’s flip-flop put Mayor Larry Morrissey on the hot seat Monday night, and Morrissey had to jump.
Holt, D-8th, flipped on Jan. 14 in favor of allowing an asphalt plant to be built on the floor of Rockford Blacktop’s Mulford Quarry. But he flopped Monday night and voted against the ordinance to formalize the zoning change.
So, instead of a repeat of Jan. 14’s 8-5 yes vote, aldermen voted 7-6 for the ordinance. Morrissey asked Legal Director Pat Hayes how many votes were needed. Hayes said 8.
The only eighth vote available would have to come from Hizzoner.
Morrissey promptly voted yes.
That was greeted by hoots, boos and cynical “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” from a crowd of county residents who live near the quarry. Because the anti-asphalt plant people are mostly county residents, they’re of little risk to Morrissey’s political future as mayor.
But they could have been a big problem for Holt, who is leaving Rockford for the confines of the Cherry Valley area, where those anti-quarry people live. If Holt wants to continue his political career, it’s not nice to anger Mulford’s Wildwood Avengers.
Flip-flopping is not new for Holt. Remember, he was FOR the city’s sales tax refrendum before he was AGAINST it.
Now we’ll see whether Rockford Blacktop’s promises of a clean, odorless plant come true. The city has put 19 conditions on the plant, and the IEPA will strictly monitor it. Still, it is an asphalt making factory, not a bakery, or the minty-smelling gum factory over on Forest Hills.
Has has anyone talked to the many home owners around the Nimtz Road quarry, where Blacktop’s asphalt plant has been located for 22 years? I’d like to know if the current plant has been a problem for people who moved there well after the plant went in. Let me know.
Ald. Linda McNeely, D-13th, was absent from both votes on the asphalt plant. Does anyone know why she missed both those meetings?
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13 Comments Add your own
1. Quintessential Ray | January 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Chuck, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. I personally have no problem with asphalt. It’s the smell of progress!
I was confused by your last comment, though, about the missing alderman. You’re asking us? Don’t you have some hardworking serious young journalist who can get some answers? Or are they too busy shooting video? Where are your sources at?
Back in the day the RRS was all about getting to the truth. What gives?
2. Brew in the Haus | January 29th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Any chance you might just call her and ask?
3. Chuck Sweeny | January 29th, 2008 at 10:19 am
I intend to do just that. I’ll let you know what I find out.
4. Quintessential Ray | January 31st, 2008 at 8:30 am
Chuck - What’d you find out?
5. Brew in the Haus | February 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
What did you find out, Chuck?
6. Quintessential Ray | February 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
So chuck-
What do you have for us, buddy boy? Anything on this hot, breaking story?
7. Leaf like a Tree | February 5th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Does Chuck ever do any real reporting?
8. Quintessential Ray | February 5th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Tree -
I’m beginning to think Chuck doesn’t actually exist. I think we’re discussing things with a robotic computer. What you think?
9. Leaf Like a Tree | February 6th, 2008 at 10:45 am
It is very clear he has no interest in the interactive nature of the Internet. All he wants to do is pontificate.
10. quintessential ray | February 6th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Well you know, computer automatons are impressed with their own voices.
11. Quintessential Ray | February 8th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Yoo hoo? Chuck?
12. Quintessential Ray | February 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Chuck on the 29th of jan you said you would find out the answer to your question. Since then, nothing. Just wondering if you’re OK? Have you been sick?
13. Quintessential Ray | March 3rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Yep, Chuck, just checking in. Still no word, I guess.
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