By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD — A vote whether to allow a asphalt and concrete plant to open in Rockton will be back in front of the Winnebago County Board this week.

The board delayed the voted at its May 24 meeting after Gary Jury, R-7, opposed a motion to suspend rules regarding the plant this is being proposed inside Black’s Quarry, 11200 N. Main St.

The delay came a day after the zoning committee voted 6-1 against a special-use permit to allow Northern Illinois Service Co. to operate the plant.

Proponents say the operation will allow road materials to be stored locally, which will lower construction costs. Rockton residents, however, haven’t gotten behind the idea.  More than 50 people picketed outside the Winnebago County Courthouse on the night of the special-use vote. They claim there is no benefit to an asphalt plant and that the potentially long-term environmental effects are worth shooting down the plan.

The Winnebago County Board meets at 6 p.m., Thursday, on the eight floor of the Winnebago County Courthouse. R.