©2011 Galesburg Broadcasting Co.
| Hotel Developer Gets an Earful from Residents |
Residents still aren't happy even after a developer of a proposed hotel/retail/housing complex planned for near the Seminary Square Shopping Center answered all their questions.
"We're just questioning why they chose to butt a hotel up to a residential neighborhood. We want this. We ask questions about other areas that are perfect for this type of site and development. We want it in Galesburg."
That's resident Angela Bastion, one of a number of people to attend a meeting at Costa Catholic Academy Tuesday night regarding the proposed $40 million complex that will include likely a Hilton hotel, duplex homes, and some retail developments.
Todd Raufeisen of the Quad Cities is in the process of purchasing the land and getting the development going, and told residents the land he wants to build on near Midwest Bank of Western Illinois is the perfect choice, especially given the market he's trying to get.
"Our professional [hotel] guests -- our business travelers -- want access to services," Raufeisen said. "Buffalo Wild Wings, and the restaurants right across the street, along with the location between the two hospitals, and the access to [U.S. Highway] 34, is why the site was selected."
The Galesburg Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the zoning change requests for the land next week.
Residents also were concerned about why the housing planned for the area were going to be duplexes and not single family homes, and Bastion was concerned about a water retention pond close to her home. She claims it would be unsafe for her kids.
(Developer Todd Raufeisen stands in front of a map of the proposed project Tuesday at Costa Catholic Academy.)
(Residents listen to a presentation about the development. WGIL News Story and Photos by Will Stevenson.) |
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| 09 12 12 by Newsroom |
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