By Stephen Nelson
The recent Planning Commission meeting was a stark contrast to the November 21 special meeting of the Manteno Planning Commission that lasted more than four-and-a-half hours and, at times, became quite contentious, when opponents of the project, which would bring an electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant owned by Chinese interests to the village, attempted on several occasions to shout down those who support the facility.
In contrast, at the November 27 meeting, the commission gave unanimous approval by a 7-0 vote for a necessary rezoning from commercial to industrial to Gotion. The meeting, which was held at Manteno Elementary School, lasted about 15 minutes.
The rezoning, which will allow the plant to move forward, now must be approved by the Manteno Village Board. That vote is expected at its next meeting scheduled for December 4.