Galesburg

Galesburg to Rethink Budget Process

Rich Egger — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:57:26 +0000

It’s not always easy to implement change when things have been done a certain way for many years. But Galesburg will give it a try with its budgeting process.

Mayor Sal Garza does not anticipate the city will generate more revenue through change. He said the immediate goal is to smooth out the process.

“So toward the end of the year we’re not wrestling with some of these issues that should have really been decided upon much earlier,” Garza said.

Plans Continue for Galesburg Land Swap

Rich Egger — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:27:05 +0000

The City of Galesburg and the library are preparing to exchange some parcels of land.

The library would receive two city-owned lots that are next to the land where a new library will be built on West Main Street. A hotel once stood on the site but it closed years ago and has since been demolished.

The city would receive one library-owned lot next to the former OT Johnson site. The department store building burned down several years ago.

Mayor Sal Garza said both the city and the library would benefit.

Galesburg Business has a Happy Holiday

Scott Stuntz — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:51:01 +0000

A company that started this past year in Galesburg’s sustainable business center is having a happy holiday season. Sitka Salmon Shares sells portions, or shares, of a fisherman’s catch to customers across the Midwest.

Galesburg Implements Emerald Ash Borer Readiness Plan

Rich Egger — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:42:45 +0000

Galesburg is urging residents to take a proactive approach now that the Emerald Ash Borer has been detected in the city.

Larry Cox, Director of Public Works, said property owners should determine whether they have any ash trees. If they do, the trees should be checked for signs of the destructive pest.

Galesburg Hotel Development Clears Hurdle

Rich Egger — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:23:12 +0000

Galesburg aldermen voted 7-0 with one abstention to rezone land at North Seminary Street and Highway 34 to allow for construction of a hotel, some retail space, and owner-occupied duplexes. However, developer Todd Raufeisen must still clear some hurdles before construction can begin.

Mayor Sal Garza pointed out the rezoning of the land is the only thing that was approved.

“At this stage, we weren’t doing the specific review of all the facilities, the locations of them and all of that,” Garza said.

Galesburg Rezoning Decision Forthcoming

Rich Egger — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:47:49 +0000

Aldermen have a couple weeks to decide whether to allow a proposed hotel development to proceed on North Seminary Street at Highway 34.

Mayor Sal Garza said there is a great deal for aldermen to consider. He said development of the four-story hotel would create jobs, generate revenue for local governments, and it could spur further economic development in that part of town.

Galesburg Meeting on Seminary St Project

Rich Egger — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 19:21:26 +0000

A developer wants to rezone some land on North Seminary Street in Galesburg. The plan is generating enough interest that the city has scheduled a public meeting to talk about it.

The meeting is scheduled for September 11, 5:00 pm, in the Costa Catholic Academy Auditorium. Raufeisen Development will give a presentation on its plan before the floor is opened for a question-and-answer period.

The plan is to change the land from Single Family zoning to a mix of Two Family and General Business District.

Project Dog Park in Galesburg

Rich Egger — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 19:16:41 +0000

There is no dog park in Galesburg -- but a group of volunteers hopes to change that.

Project Dog Park's Obi Oki said dogs love to run but there is no place for unleashed pets to do so right now.

“I just think it would be wonderful if they could get out and run and do what they do naturally in a protected area,” Oki said.

Project Dog Park and the city will hold a public meeting on September 11. It begins at 4:30 pm in the Sandburg Mall Community Room. The purpose is to gather input on the location, rules, configuration, and other aspects of the proposed dog park.

Galesburg Mayor to Veto Marijuana Law

Rich Egger — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 22:58:56 +0000

The recently approved marijuana ordinance in Galesburg has gone up in smoke.

The law would have allowed police to issue a ticket to those caught possessing up to 2.5 grams of pot. Offenders could pay a fine instead of going to court.

But Mayor Sal Garza will veto the measure and is recommending changes he feels will improve it.

The mayor wants to start an education program for those under age 18 who are caught with small amounts of marijuana. He also wants to increase the fine to cover the cost of implementing the program.

Galesburg Bridge Project Moves Forward

James Lenz — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Galesburg has acquired land adjacent to the current Soangetaha overpass. The move will allow the current bridge to remain open while its replacement is built.

The BNSF railroad owns the current bridge on East Main Street. It's between Galesburg and East Galesburg.

Mayor Sal Garza says it is at the end of its service. life.

He says, “That has gotten to a state where it's just limited in terms of the capacity of weight that is safe."