Rockford could backtrack on former Kmart, U-Haul property vote

Rockford Ald. Gina Meeks, D-12, is having second thoughts about her vote to reject a plan to redevelop a former Kmart property. And she may not be alone.

Rockford City Council voted 10-2 to deny a special use permit and code variations sought by Orput Companies Inc. for the redevelopment of the U-Haul-owned 15-acre property at the corner of State Street and Mulford Road.

Ald. Jonathan Logemann, D-2, said nothing has changed since the vote was taken previously and reconsidering it would send the wrong message.

"It's frustrating to have this conversation again," Logemann said. "I think it sends a bad signal — like there are aldermen who are not doing their homework or who can get their arm twisted pretty easily."

The developer beefed up the plan to turn the building into a climate-controlled self-storage facility surrounded by retail buildings and restaurants by hiding truck rental on the far side of the property, adding water detention, extending sidewalks beyond the property and putting in an art park.

It wasn't enough to overcome concerns some aldermen and some nearby property and business owners raised about a chilling effect self-storage could have on the area.

But Meeks said although storage is less than ideal, the rejection has risked keeping a sea of blighted concrete at one of Rockford busiest corners for years longer, when it could be redeveloped now.

"I was dead set on not wanting storage in that area," said Meeks, explaining that since the vote she has had a change of heart as she further considered the big picture. "I just really want to reconsider the option because I want to see that development there. I can look past the storage to see that development happening."

City Council is expected on Monday to vote on whether to reconsider the matter. If approved, aldermen could take another vote on the development agreement, special use permit and code variations the developer sought at a subsequent meeting.

Ald. Janessa Wilkins, D-7, on Thursday said she would support reconsideration because not all aldermen were present for the initial vote. It failed when it was supported by only Ald. Kevin Frost, R-4, and Gabrielle Torina, D-5, with Tim Durkee, R-1, and Bill Rose, D-9, absent.

Rose did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Ald. Jeff Bailey, D-13, declined to comment.

Wilkins said she has not decided if she would change her no vote.

"I'm still doing my due diligence on that," Wilkins said. "I don't know yet. If I had to vote today, I would keep my vote the same from what it was before. But I'm not sure yet."

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.