Des Plaines aldermen opposing compost facility plan
Des Plaines aldermen are opposing a developer's proposal to build a 25-acre organic composting facility across from Oakton Community College.
Alderman unanimously approved a resolution Monday seeking to persuade Cook County commissioners to halt the plan to construct the facility at 9800 East Central Road on land previously used as a landfill.
Glenview-based developer Patriot Acres LLC wants to build the organic composting facility on a section of property previously used as a landfill. Camp Pine Woods of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Des Plaines River straddle the 160-acre parcel owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Zoning board members recommended the plan with the requirement the developer could not expand the operation beyond 25 acres in the future.
Cook County zoning board members recommended the plan for approval in March, but Des Plaines, Glenview and Mount Prospect city officials lobbied county commissioners and the developer to slow approval of the project until neighboring residents can be informed.
Mayor Matt Bogusz said the process for approving the facility should have been more transparent to include residents.
"To me, more disturbing than the actual issue, is the process," Bogusz said.
On Monday, 6th Ward Alderman Malcolm Chester reiterated concerns voiced by residents, arguing that the facility could cause environmental and odor problems for Des Plaines residents.
The developer plans to annually convert up to 200,000 cubic yards of food scraps and yard trimmings into compost for sale to landscaping businesses or plant nurseries. The food waste would be primarily from grocery stores or restaurants unable to sell produce.
The developer intends to meet with residents to explain the project and listen to concerns, but no meetings have been scheduled.
Patriot Acres informally presented the idea to Oakton trustees last fall during the public discussion portion of a meeting. The school and developers found areas of alignment on potential educational opportunities at the facility, but no formal agreement was reached.