The Manchester City Council is joining the Delaware County Board of Supervisors in taking a stand against the pipeline.
Last night, the Council approved a resolution voicing their opposition to the Heartland Greenway CO2 pipeline project being proposed by Navigator. The company is hoping to construct an underground pipeline carrying liquid carbon dioxide from the Dyersville ethanol plant through farmland along and just north of Manchester’s city limits into Buchanan County and other counties across the state.
Landowners just outside of Manchester have approached the City with considerable concerns about potential health and safety risks to Manchester residents and the community.
And Manchester Mayor Connie Behnken says the City is “behind our farmers”.
Concerned citizens will be hosting an informational meeting about the proposed pipeline with guest speakers this Thursday night at 7 pm at The Gathering Place in Manchester. Community members are encouraged to attend.
In other Manchester City Council news, the Council reviewed an updated concept of the Shelly Park redevelopment project. The City has received a petition from over a dozen residents who don’t want to see the large old cottonwood tree come down or see the old wooden gazebo removed. City Manager Tim Vick:
In addition to removing the tree and the gazebo, the design also calls for removing the concrete steps and light poles and relocating the drinking fountain. A new handicap-accessible walking and biking trail will be constructed, with lookout points and, eventually, a new covered shelter. The Council is still looking for ways to incorporate shade into the new design of the park and possibly adding a second shelter as well.
The Manchester City Council also discussed changing the city’s ordinance regarding setbacks for dog kennels in commercial areas, making an upgrade to the City’s meter reading equipment and restricting parking in the 300 block of Harris Street from 7:30 am to 4 pm on school days.
photo courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH
