NORMAL -- A proposed asphalt plant in west Normal has little, if any, support from the City Council — something that could prompt Decatur-based Entler Excavating Co. to withdraw its request for a special-use permit.

“We’ve gotten an incredible amount of e-mail and phone contact (from nearby residents), mostly with environmental concerns,” Mayor Chris Koos said. “I don’t see a lot of support from the council. So many people are concerned. (Entler) will have a huge effort to sway public opinion.”

The town-owned property is already zoned for manufacturing, but an asphalt plant would require a special-use permit. A hearing before the Normal Planning Commission for such a permit is scheduled for June 7.

While Koos said the council would be obligated to honor a planning commission recommendation for a special-use permit for the facility, “we’re not obligated to sell the property” to Entler.

Bloomington attorney Frank Miles, who represents Entler in the Normal case and a separate one for a plant near Heyworth, said if a majority of the Normal council does not support selling the property, “there’s no sense to go to the planning commission.”

Three Normal City Council members polled by the Pantagraph — Jason Chambers, Jeff Fritzen and Cheryl Gaines — likely would vote against it if a vote was taken today.

“I always keep an open mind on things, and I’ll listen, but I obviously have my initial hesitation,” Chambers said. “If I had to vote right now, I’d vote ‘no.’”

Chambers said he is concerned about health issues and the fact that only an interstate highway separates the proposed site on College Avenue at Merle Lane from some of Normal’s biggest schools — Parkside elementary and junior high and Normal Community West High School.

“It sounds like people don’t want it there,” Gaines said. “Getting competition (in asphalt production) is important, but on the other hand, there’s a quality-of-life issue.”

Fritzen, who said he’s been overwhelmed with information from opponents but none from Entler, questions whether the plant would fit in with other uses already existing in the area.

“If I had to vote today, I’m leaning against it,” he said.

Councilman Adam Nielsen said he doesn’t have enough information and that he’s keeping an open mind. However, he also said, “I think you could stick a fork in the asphalt plant.”

Councilwoman Sonja Reece said many residents are concerned about the smell, especially when the wind comes from the west.

“People are gravely concerned,” she said. “There is validity to asking the question, ‘Is this in the right place?’”

Councilman Chuck Scott said it’s the right place for a manufacturing business but he needs a lot more information about noise, dust and the amount of asphalt to be produced before he decides if it’s right for an asphalt plant that needs a special-use permit.

Meanwhile, Bloomington attorney Bob Lenz, who represents Rowe Construction Co., said Rowe only wants to ensure Entler would have to meet the same requirements as Rowe did when it built an asphalt plant in Normal. Rowe currently has the sole asphalt plant in the county.

Mercer Turner, who represents several nearby landowners, could not be reached for comment.