In a 5-0 vote last night, the Rochelle elementary board approved a 3-year tax abatement for the possibility of a new commercial greenhouse which will grow lettuce. Absent from last night's meeting were board members Shirley Reif and Steve Builta.
Known as "Project Green", the company will begin with around 20 employees and yearly salaries between 30,000 to 120,000 dollars. The capital investment will be 7 million dollars
in the 120,000 square foot building.
Gredco Director Jason Anderson said last night's vote was very important for the company possibly coming to Rochelle. He said that the tax abatement is very important to companies building new facilities.
This would be the 2nd hydroponic farm in Rochelle if the company builds the facility in the Hub City. The other greenhouse is located west of Rochelle along Route 38 as MIghtvine plans to grow tomatoes.
Anderson said that this would be phase 1 of 3 phases for the company. In the future, they may also grow strawberries.
The board heard 2 presentations last night dealing with data information on reading and math involving students in the district along with the Hub Project.
Superintendent Todd Prusator said that progress continues to be made in reading and math compared to numbers the past few years.
The Hub Project has been in the district for 2 and a half years. It's held before and after school for students.
Employment last night included John Gonzales and Jennifer Seebach as special education teachers at the Middle School.
The board met in executive session to talk about personnel. No action was taken.