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Residents press Manteno trustees on safety, jobs and transparency of Goshen project
Summary
Multiple residents told the Village of Manteno they remain concerned about safety, promised job counts and transparency related to the Goshen project; commenters cited an ongoing lawsuit, emergency-response questions, and disagreement between local handouts and state grant figures.
Several Manteno residents used the Nov. 17 public comment period to press trustees for more transparency and safety information about the Goshen project, saying prior presentations left key questions unanswered.
Sandy Chish said the Planning & Zoning handout and Goshen presentation were "one-sided" and did not adequately address safety, FCC licensing, emergency communications, or the project's emergency action plan. Chish compared handout figures showing 274 employees to the state's grant funding agreement, which she summarized as promising 1,651 employees by Dec. 31, 2029, and an additional 961 by Dec. 31, 2034, and said she would return with more documentation.
Rory Hodges raised concerns about battery storage safety, recounting conversations with regional fire officials who warned that certain battery fires require specialized foam and hazmat procedures and that residues can remain in the environment. Hodges also said there is an ongoing lawsuit involving Goshen and asserted that other states have removed the company from operation.
Anne Gates said she had been told of alleged fear and intimidation tactics directed at opponents of Goshen and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Gates also flagged curriculum materials Goshen proposed for K–12 students as a potential path toward employment with the company and urged review.
Trustees acknowledged the public concerns. Several trustees referenced the pending lawsuit and said the courts will determine legal outcomes; they emphasized the village must defend itself in litigation and that the board will follow court decisions. Trustees invited further documentation and said staff and counsel can review the specific safety and communications questions raised.
No formal decision was made at the meeting about Goshen; residents said they will return with additional evidence and requested more detailed answers from the developer and village staff.
