WIFR coverage of denial of special use

Denial of special use permit in Boone County raises eyebrows

The debate heats up at a Boone County Board meeting over a special use permit. Some say the denial of it was an act of racism.

Community members say the pledge at the meeting(Stephanie Quirk)

By Stephanie Quirk

Published: Apr. 21, 2022 at 10:34 PM CDT

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - What started as an application for a special use permit turns into a debate among community members. Many believe the man who was denied, is being discriminated against.

Thursday night at the Boone County Board Meeting, groups of people arguing on both sides gathered to share their public comments.

According to Boone County Board Member Cherie Bartlet, two out of the four special use permits applied for since 2019 were approved. Both holders, are white men.

The two denied are Hispanic, one being the man who was voted down today. Many community members at the board meeting Thursday night say this decision is plainly based in racism.

Above is from:  https://www.wifr.com/2022/04/22/denial-special-use-permit-boone-county-raising-some-eyebrows/

A description of the proposal is available from Boone County Board at:  https://go.boarddocs.com/il/boone/Board.nsf/files/CDLK3H4F2EC0/$file/AdvisoryReport_Nevarez_Special%20Use_ZBA.pdf