City officials in Rochelle approved an amendment last night to an ordinance dealing with commercial greenhouses.
Known as "Project Green", a company is looking at the possibility of building a 120,000 square foot building to grow lettuce and possibly tomatoes. The facility would be located on the south side of town near the ethanol plant.
The company would have around 20 employees and a capital investment of 7 million dollars. An announcement is expected the first part of August on if the business will be coming to the Hub City.
This would be the 2nd hydroponic farm in Rochelle. The other greenhouse is located on the west side of Rochelle along Route 38 as Mightyvine plans to grow tomatoes. The first crop of 2 varieties of tomatoes is scheduled to be planted next week with harvesting to begin the 1st part of October.
The city will also vacate an alley and utility easement for the new 2-story medical office building at Rochelle Community Hospital. The 8 million dollar addition will be 26,000 square feet.
Earlier in the evening, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 in favor of the proposal.
The council met for 40 minutes behind closed doors to talk about personnel. No action was taken.