UPDATE: Knox County Board Chairman Jared Hawkinson contacted WGIL Tuesday morning to clarify that the county already has plans to install 30 mph advisory speed limit signs on the curves of Lake Storey Road. According to Hawkinson, those signs were planned to be erected this week. This story has been updated to reflect that information.
A Galesburg alderman is calling on the city to push Knox County for advisory speed limit signs on the curves of South Lake Storey Road — even as the city moves to formalize a reduction from 45 to 35 mph on the stretch.
Seventh Ward Alderman Steve Cheesman raised the concern Monday night during first reading of an ordinance that would bring the city’s speed limit ordinance in line with Knox County’s March action. The county, which has jurisdiction over the road, has already changed the signage to 35 mph.
“I disagree with keeping it at 35 mph all the way, especially going into the curve,” Cheesman said. “I think a speed reduction would make it much safer.”
Cheesman said he supports the 35 mph reduction but would like the city to readdress advisory speed limits on the curves with the county. Knox County Board Chairman Jared Hawkinson contacted WGIL Tuesday morning to say the county already has those plans in place — 30 mph advisory signs on the curves are planned to be installed this week. Hawkinson noted that advisory signs do not require an ordinance or resolution since they are not enforceable.
WGIL previously reported that Galesburg’s Traffic Advisory Committee recommended safety enhancements for Lake Storey Road, including advisory speed limits on its curved sections, following a fatal crash in November 2025 and ongoing concerns about excessive speeds. Read that story here.
City moves toward sale of 13 vacant lots
The council heard on first reading an ordinance that would set in motion the sale of 13 city-owned vacant lots, with bids expected to open June 1 if the ordinance is approved. A final reading is scheduled for April 20.
The properties were acquired by the city largely through the Knox County Trustee when owners failed to pay real estate taxes for at least three consecutive years. Steve Gugliotta, Director of Community Development, said many of the structures on these lots were significantly dilapidated, and it was less costly for the city to obtain them through the trustee than through the court process. Once structures were removed, the lots were held until they could be made available for sale.
Gugliotta said buyers are typically adjacent property owners looking to expand their land — adding garage space or additional yard area. Returning the properties to private ownership puts them back on the tax rolls and promotes productive use of vacant parcels. Ten to 14 properties in a given sale cycle is fairly typical, he said, though the number can fluctuate based on what is ready to go through the process.
The minimum bid for most properties is $100. The exception is the lot at 2069 Windish Drive, which carries a minimum bid of $10,000.
Bidders have two options. A Development Plan bid requires the buyer to submit detailed plans for the property’s use within two years of purchase. If those plans are not followed, the city can reclaim the property and the buyer forfeits 50% of the purchase price. A No Development Plan bid allows purchase without submitted plans, but includes a five-year reversion agreement — if the city must spend money to address a nuisance issue on the property during that period, ownership reverts back to the city.
The proposed timeline calls for a final reading April 20, with bid notices published in late April and early May. Bids would be received and opened during the June 1 City Council meeting.
Properties proposed for sale
- Vacant lot formerly known as 694 US Highway 150 E — Parcel No. 90-19-477-005
- Vacant lot formerly known as 2069 Windish Drive — Parcel No. 99-02-152-004
- Vacant lot formerly known as 494 Clark St. — Parcel No. 99-10-326-029
- Vacant lot formerly known as 286 Fulton St. — Parcel No. 99-11-380-023
- Vacant lot formerly known as 1911 E. Main St. — Parcel No. 99-12-354-037
- Vacant lot formerly known as 751 Michigan Ave. — Parcel No. 99-13-327-009
- Vacant lot formerly known as 325 S. Chambers St. — Parcel No. 99-14-153-002
- Vacant lot formerly known as 84 Division St. — Parcel No. 99-14-226-027
- Vacant lot formerly known as 793 S. Seminary St. — Parcel No. 99-14-305-006
- Vacant lot formerly known as 946 S. Pearl St. — Parcel No. 99-14-352-012
- Vacant lot formerly known as 526 W. South St. — Parcel No. 99-15-154-058
- Vacant lot formerly known as 404 W. Brooks St. — Parcel No. 99-15-177-002
- Vacant lot formerly known as 362 W. Fourth St. — Parcel No. 99-15-380-003
FlixBus approved
The council voted 7-0 to approve a license agreement with FlixBus to provide intercity bus service from Galesburg’s Seminary Street depot. The agreement fills a gap left by a previous carrier. Full details on the FlixBus agreement are in an earlier WGIL report.
Also approved
The council approved the following items by 7-0 votes:
- A bid of approximately $89,000 for exterior masonry repairs at City Hall. The low bid was submitted by Otto Baum Company of Morton. The building, constructed in 1991, is reaching a maintenance lifecycle for its roof, HVAC, elevators, and electrical systems.
- A seal coating contract for city streets as part of the city’s annual road maintenance program.
- A seal coating contract for park roads, funded through the park fund.
- A minor plat subdividing the property at 144 N. Broad St. into two lots. The owner plans to retain the southern lot at 128 N. Broad St. and sell the northern lot. Both lots will receive separate water service lines as part of the subdivision. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0 at its March 24 meeting.
- Final budget adjustments for the 2025 fiscal year, an accounting function to ensure expenditures are recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The next Galesburg City Council meeting is at 6 p.m April 20 at Galesburg City Hall.
