LaSalle council approves zoning change and special-use permit for Illinois Cement; one alderman abstains

LaSalle City Council voted to approve a zoning change to M-2 heavy industrial and to grant a special-use permit for a proposed mining operation tied to Frank L. Bendanco and Illinois Cement LLC during its meeting at City Hall. The council approved the planning commission’s recommendation and then adopted the ordinance authorizing the zoning change and special use.

The vote follows a lengthy planning commission review and public comment. Supporters at the planning commission level and representatives for the applicant said follow-up conversations and mitigation commitments were part of the recommendation. Several residents who spoke at public comment said dust and health impacts remain a concern. “Limestone dust is dangerous. It’s dangerous to breathe,” said Cathy Bastic, a resident who attended the planning commission meeting and addressed the council.

Council members emphasized that the planning commission had debated the application thoroughly. A resident who attended that meeting clarified the commission’s sequence of votes, saying the first ballot was a 4–4 tie and that, after further discussion, the commission’s recommendation ultimately passed unanimously. On the council floor, Alderman Herndon abstained from the final vote; the mayor noted that Herndon is an employee-owner of the cement company, and Herndon did not participate in the vote for that reason.

The ordinance approved by the council authorizes the zoning reclassification to M-2 heavy industrial and issues the special-use permit for the proposed mining operation and related activities on the described parcels. City staff said the council’s approval will be implemented with conditions and continued follow-up; the mayor and staff said they expect to monitor compliance and to require any agreed mitigation measures to be followed.

Public commenters asked the city to require dust monitoring, regular meetings between neighbors and the operator, and enforceable limits on fugitive dust. The planning commission and the applicant had discussed a commitment to monthly meetings and other mitigation measures; the council said it would require follow-up if the operator and residents agree on formal mitigation steps.

The council’s action on the ordinance was taken by roll call. The record on the final ordinance vote shows Alderman Reynolds, Alderman LaVary, Alderman Jepsen, Alderman Crane and Alderman Bassettor voting “aye”; Alderman Herndon recorded an abstention. The motion passed.

The council did not specify additional conditions at the time of the vote beyond continued follow-up by staff and the applicant; council members said details and enforcement mechanisms would be clarified in subsequent administrative steps.