Speed limit request dominates City Council meeting

By Talbot Fisher    January 21, 2026

Share : |

Public comment focuses on South Lake Storey Road

Tuesday evening’s Galesburg City Council meeting opened with a public plea to lower the speed limit on South Lake Storey Road, a concern that became a recurring theme throughout the 45-minute session.

Janine Glass, the sister of Marte Glass, addressed the council during public comment. Marte Glass, 72, died Nov. 30 from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash Nov. 22.

The crash occurred on South Lake Storey Road, where Glass said her sister was struck head-on by a speeding vehicle traveling in the wrong lane.

“She was hit so hard that her neck was broken,” Glass said, adding that her sister went into cardiac arrest and had to be revived with CPR at the scene.

Glass urged the council to reduce the speed limit on South Lake Storey Road from the current 45 mph to 35 mph, with a further reduction to 25 mph around curves.

Petition urges lower speed limits

Glass presented the council with a petition containing approximately 40 signatures from residents along South Lake Storey Road and in nearby subdivisions who support a reduced speed limit.

“I went out Saturday afternoon in the cold to get signatures,” Glass said after the meeting. “I felt it was important to get the input of the people who live in the subdivisions.”

A resident of the Lincolnshire subdivision also spoke, recounting an earlier crash in which his wife was injured when a speeding motorist struck her vehicle as she pulled onto South Lake Storey Road.

A Knoxville resident who regularly uses Allison Campground on South Lake Storey Road told council members that the road’s curves make it difficult to safely pull out with a trailer, particularly given the speed of traffic.

Glass also expressed concern about distracted driving, noting that many frequent users of the road are young adults attending Carl Sandburg College.

City asks county to review speed limits

Although South Lake Storey Road lies within Galesburg city limits, it is designated a Knox County highway, and speed limits are set by the county. According to information released by the city ahead of the meeting, and reiterated by City Manager Eric Hanson, the city’s Traffic Advisory Committee has recommended that Knox County consider lowering the speed limit, citing safety concerns and the planned construction of the shared-use Lake Storey Path.

Seventh Ward Council Member Steve Cheesman endorsed the request during closing comments, calling the current conditions “another accident waiting to happen.”

Unanimous council action

All measures brought forward for a vote passed unanimously, 6-0.

The council approved $17,781 in tax increment financing funds for Judy’s Kitchen LLC to support a $118,543 project at 51 N. Prairie St. The project includes installing a first-floor kitchen and demonstration area for preparing breakfast items and is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Judy Wang, the owner of Judy’s Kitchen, said after the meeting that she looks forward to cooking in view of customers rather than in the building’s lower level.

Council members also approved an agreement with the Western Illinois Regional Council for administrative assistance related to a $986,200 grant for storm sewer improvements. The project involves approximately 700 feet of storm sewer near Monmouth Boulevard and West South Street.

Ordinances, resolutions and bids

The following items were approved:

• An ordinance authorizing the installation of stop signs on West North Street at intersections with Highland and Marston avenues.
• A resolution supporting and committing local funds for a Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program planning grant related to future reconstruction of the South Street underpass. The $3.65 million planning study would be funded 80 percent by the grant, with the remaining 20 percent split between the city and BNSF.
• A $26,000 bid from Lockwood Excavating & Construction to demolish 363 E. South St. This will allow future development related to the South Street underpass project and the National Railroad Hall of Fame.

Consent agenda

The council also approved several measures as part of the consent agenda, including:

• A supplemental motor fuel tax maintenance resolution for 2026, reserving $300,000 for sealcoating work, primarily in southwest Galesburg.
• Bids for water treatment chemicals used by the city’s Water Division. The phosphate inhibitor, which helps lower lead and copper levels in the city’s drinking water, will be provided by Hawkins Inc. at $0.6699 per pound. Gas chlorine will be provided by Alexander Chemical Corp. at $1,710 per ton.
• An appointment memo reappointing David Carlton, Ken Springer and Phillip Wolford to the Airport Advisory Commission. The terms of the three will expire in September 2028.

Closing comments

During closing remarks:

• Fifth Ward Council Member Heather Acerra thanked those who made public comments and expressed excitement over the Judy’s Kitchen project.
• Sixth Ward Council Member Greg Saul noted the recent passing of Donald E. Fike, who has been called the “godfather” of helping those with developmental disabilities in Galesburg. He also recognized the recent retirement of Lt. Steffanie Cromien and Sgt. Chris Hootman from the Galesburg Police Department.
• Seventh Ward Council Member Steve Cheesman echoed the recognitions made by Acerra and also noted the MLK Day Community Breakfast. He added that the recent class of Gale Scholars were able to attend the Knox College convocation featuring Melvin L. Rogers of Brown University.
• First Ward Council Member Angelica Mangieri announced she will be holding open town hall meetings with residents every fourth Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Galesburg Public Library.
• Second Ward Council Member Wendel Hunigan recognized the recent induction class of the Galesburg Athletic Hall of Fame.
• Mayor Peter Schwartzman reiterated his goal of reducing homelessness in Galesburg in 2026, noting that daily communication with multiple agencies continues to take place.