Kankakee Times

Shouts of "traitors!" and murmurs from the Manteno community echoed through the room after the Manteno Planning Commission voted unanimously Nov. 27 to change the zoning for the proposed Gotion lithium ion car battery plant facility site from light industrial to heavy industrial.

The controversy surrounding the plant has resulted in concerns about health, safety and the potential environmental impact.

Amanda Piker, a representative of Concerned Citizens for Manteno, shared her frustration and disappointment after the vote.

"It's clear after the Planning Commission unanimously voted to rezone the land to heavy industrial we have an uphill battle but the Concerned Citizens of Manteno have faith this can be stopped,” Piker told Kankakee Times.

The Planning Commission members and Phil Kambic from the Economic Alliance, cheered the vote.

“They all jumped up and started high fiving each other. And then on the planning commission, they were smiling. They enjoyed every minute of it,” Piker said.

Piker highlighted the lack of support for Gotion among the Manteno community members who expressed opposition to the Chinese Community party company.

“There was not one person from the community who spoke in support of Gotion,” Piker said.

Despite three hours of testimony against Gotion, the Planning Commission, including Chairperson Emily Fisher-Gentry, voted in favor.

Piker said she reached out to Fisher-Gentry's optometry office after the vote.

“I did call her office today to state that I'm leaving her practice,” Piker said.

Legal action appears to be the next step for Concerned Citizens for Manteno, as they argue that the approval violates the village codes prohibiting heavy industrial development.

The codes, drafted many years ago, were cited during the meeting, with the attorney who drafted them speaking against the Gotion plant.

The controversial approval of the Gotion plant has galvanized the community, turning their attention toward electoral activism as they seek to voice their concerns and shape the future direction of Manteno.

Looking ahead, Piker emphasized the group's determination to effect change at the ballot box.

They plan to focus on the upcoming April 2025 elections, aiming to replace the mayor and trustees who supported the Gotion plant.

Concerned Citizens for Manteno are already organizing, with candidates lined up to contest key positions in the next election cycle.

During the Manteno Planning Commission meeting’s first half, held last week, attorney Robby Dube, representing Manteno residents opposing the proposed Gotion battery plant, raising concerns about the use of highly toxic materials in the plant's production process.

Dube questioned Gotion representatives about materials such as synthetic graphite, lithium-ion phosphate and NMP emphasizing their toxicity and potential environmental risks.

He cited a Village of Manteno ordinance, stating that the use of highly toxic materials is expressly prohibited.

Dube urged the Planning Commission not to approve zoning that involves such materials until their safety is confirmed by the Illinois EPA, highlighting legal risks associated with violating city code.

Members of the Concerned Citizens for Manteno group are initiating a local boycott of businesses owned by individuals supporting the proposed Gotion plant in the area.

Fisher-Gentry Eye Care is one of those businesses.

Concerned Citizens of Manteno is organizing a family-friendly fundraising event on Dec. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Steam Hollow Brewery.

The event, designed to bring the community together, will feature various activities, including basket raffles, a split-the-pot game, "Tuck the Duck," a hot chocolate bar, ornament decorating, a bake sale, pictures with Santa and a craft sale.

The fundraiser aims to raise awareness and support for the movement opposing the proposed Gotion plant in Manteno.