An environmental study is needed before future development can proceed on the site of a former downtown Galesburg hotel.
The city of Galesburg is expected to apply for a Community-Wide Assessment Grant to conduct Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments on several properties, including 29 Public Square, location of the former Broadview Hotel.
Steve Gugliotta, Director of Community Development, tells WGIL, “If the city is successful in receiving an EPA Community Wide Assessment Grant, it would provide the opportunity to determine if there is existing contamination of hazardous substances and/or petroleum contamination.
“The results of such an investigation will help determine the options available for an appropriate path moving forward.”
The Community Wide Assessment Grant would be in the amount of $500,000.
The city spent just more than $400,000 to demolish the dilapidated former Broadview Inn & Suites and accompanying restaurant in April 2023.
PHOTOS: Demolition continues on former Broadview Hotel in Galesburg
Former filling station once occupied the site
Gugliotta said while developing plans for the demolition of the former hotel, it was noted there were seven monitoring wells in the southwest area of the property. It was learned the site was entered into the IEPA Site Remediation Program by a previous owner, but IEPA said no reports were submitted after the initial application.
A 1927 Sanborn map revealed a filling station was on the property approximately where the monitoring wells are currently located.
The Knox County Trustee was recently awarded ownership of the 1.70 acre site on the square. According to Gugliotta, they are awaiting receipt of the final order before recording the deed.
The Knox County Trustee acquires ownership through the tax deed procedure, which means they buy the unpaid taxes on properties. After three years of purchasing back taxes, and if the owner does not redeem those back taxes, the Trustee is able to obtain a tax deed that is free and clear of all taxes and liens. The Trustee then sells those properties, putting them back into productive use.
City could seek ownership of the property
Gugliotta said the city is in communication with the Knox County Trustee on the possibility of obtaining ownership.
The property is currently zoned B3, Central Business District. The B3 District provides for those uses customarily expected to be located in an urban downtown environment such as retail, residential, governmental, office, cultural, hotel, entertainment and ancillary uses. This district also serves to maintain the traditional business core of the city, and allow a mix of businesses, office, governmental and residential uses to encourage social, cultural and civic functions.
The other targeted site for a Community-Wide Assessment Grant are the parcels at 175, 179 and 193 N. Cherry St. which currently contains dilapidated structures formerly known as Tucker Printing.
The city also will consider applying for a Site-Specific Cleanup Grant in the amount of $500,000 to complete the remediation at the former Knox Laundry site at 57 S. Kellogg St./332 E. Ferris St.
