Rochelle Council Postpones Variance for Wheatland Tube Project

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle City Council has postponed a variance request from Wheatland Tube LLC that allows an alternative construction method for a fabric covered hoop structure at 1600 Ritchie Court. The proposed 33,000 square foot structure that would serve as a drive through loading area for finished goods at the industrial facility, which operates 24 hours a day. City documents show the structure is designed to meet required snow load, anchoring and other applicable building standards, however questions were raised during the council meeting regarding snow build up between the hoop structure and an existing building. The Rochelle Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted 7 to 0 to recommend approval of the request. It was noted that Wheatland Tube would come back to the council with revisions and answers to the specific questions regarding snow build up.