The Gotion Battery Plant re-zoning hearing goes before the Manteno Planning Commission November 21. An expected large crowd has officials having re-located the meeting from the Leo Hassett Community Center to the Manteno Elementary School (555 W. Cook St.)

The meeting was originally scheduled for November 14 at the Hassett Community Center.

Officials say the hearing will welcome comments from all interested in speaking.

The Gotion Company requested the rezoning application to change the allowed permit from light-industrial to heavy industrial. Gotion’s plan is to build a lithium battery factory for the EV market while employing up to 2,600 employees.

Community protests, so far, focuses on safety at the plant and that Gotion has ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The community opposition has grown to include reports of legal representation to fight the project.

The Planning Commission is expected to hear all evidence, then recess the meeting until 6 pm November 27 for additional testimony before a vote.

The Planning Commission decision would then be forwarded to the Manteno Village Board for its 6 pm meeting December 4.

94.1 WGFA