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Ladd trustees approve enterprise zone expansion for Marquis Energy amid public opposition
Summary
The Village of Ladd Board of Trustees voted 6–0 July 28 to expand the 2017 enterprise zone for Marquis Energy after a presentation by company and NCICG representatives; residents had urged the board to protect schools and questioned the public benefit without a specific project.
The Village of Ladd Board of Trustees voted unanimously July 28 to approve an amendment expanding the village's 2017 enterprise zone to include Marquis Energy.
Trustee Jan Martin moved to approve the enterprise zone expansion and Trustee Brad Nicholson seconded; the board carried the motion in a roll-call vote: Thrasher — yes; Victor — yes; Flanigan — yes; Martin — yes; Nelson — yes; Nicholson — yes (6–0). Representatives from Marquis Energy and the North Central Illinois Council of Governments — Drew Schumpf and Kevin Lindeman — answered trustees' questions about tax abatements, potential school impacts and possible residential provisions related to the expansion.
The vote came after three members of the public urged caution. Sherry Mowick of Hamilton expressed opposition citing concerns about higher real estate taxes and the potential for future data centers on expanded enterprise-zone land. Sue Furantini of Ladd said the change could strain local schools and noted existing incentives have not yet produced new businesses; Britney Bloomquist of Hennepin questioned the public benefit of expansion without an identified project and urged the board to demand accountability and regional flexibility.
Attorney Patrick Barry confirmed that zoning approvals would still be required for any specific development on the property, a point Trustee Bernie Victor pressed during discussion. The expansion approval advances the enterprise zone amendment; the record does not show additional conditions attached to the motion.
