Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors press council to block proposed gravel‑pit expansion, citing groundwater and air concerns
Summary
Several residents urged the council and planning commission to oppose annexation and operation by Super Aggregates near McConnell Road, warning of dust, silica, groundwater impacts and threats to nearby fens and neighborhoods; staff said the planning review will likely take months and will not reach council immediately.
Multiple residents testified during the Feb. 3 Woodstock City Council meeting to oppose a proposed gravel pit/aggregate expansion on McConnell Road and in the Lily Pond area. Speakers including nearby homeowners and environmental advocates cited research submitted to the council from the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois (materials dated Jan. 12, 2026) and warned the operation could harm groundwater infiltration rates, water quality (chloride, phosphorus, petrochemicals), and fragile natural preserves such as Boone Creek Fen.
Speakers recounted personal experience with dust, noise, animal deaths and road wear from existing pit operations and urged the council to deny annexation or impose strict operational limits if the project proceeds. Several asked about road‑maintenance obligations for heavy‑truck traffic; staff responded that such terms would be part of any future agreement and that the current planning commission review would likely take three to five months before reaching council consideration.
Mayor Turner and staff stressed the process will proceed via plan‑commission review and a formal public record; no zoning or annexation votes occurred at the Feb. 3 meeting. Residents pledged to continue engagement at planning‑commission hearings and to submit technical materials for review.
