The Minonk City Council publicly acknowledged that it will be
having discussions with developer Randy Hellyer concerning a proposal
to build a racetrack in the section immediately north of Minonk.
The Peoria Journal Star reported the racetrack proposal last
Saturday. The council chambers was packed with curious citizens
to see if any major announcements would be made. A television
crew from Channel 25 in Peoria was also there to interview the
developer and the mayor.
After the council meeting, an executive session was held with the developers to discuss details of the proposal.
The contents of the announcement made by Mayor Mark Spencer is given below.
"The
City of Minonk is currently involved in discussions with a developer to
locate a multi-million dollar auto racing facility in section six,
directly north of Minonk. For over a decade, companies involved in waste disposal have owned this property and had considered using it for a landfill. If we are able to reach an agreement with the developers, we will be able to put an end to the landfill threat forever. While this is benefit enough, locating the proposed racing facility in Minonk will provide us with tremendous economic rewards. The positive economic impact will contribute significantly to both the city's and other taxing bodies bottom lines. This
development will have the potential to bring new businesses to town, as
well as, have a positive impact on our existing business community. We are meeting with the developer in executive session tonight. However, we will not take any action, nor make any additional statements on this issue. We hope to make a more detailed public announcement in the next 2 to 4 weeks. If and when this announcement is made, for public review and comment, we will then make a decision whether it is in the best interest of our community to move forward with this project."
The
proposed $13 million project is estimated to create an additional
$150,000 a year in real estate taxes and create 296 seasonal jobs and 7
full-time jobs.
Fund raiser set for gazebo in Westside Park
Westside Park Pavilion Committee member Dave Uphoff asked for the
council's approval to start a fund raiser to build a gazebo on the site
of the old bandstand. There currently is a flower garden on that
site. Uphoff said that the committee felt that the addition of
the gazebo will complement the newly constructed pavilion and give a
finishing touch to the park. He said that $10,000 will be
needed to build the gazebo. The council approved the request for
the fund drive.