Constellation buying land at Timber Edge subdivision near Marseilles nuclear plant

What’s next for the Timber Edge subdivision in Marseilles is not clear, though Constellation Energy has acknowledged that it has been buying up properties in or near the development.

Constellation Communications Manager Paul Dempsey said the company is purchasing the land, but with no specific use yet named.

“As one of the largest and longest-standing employers in the region, Constellation has a long track record of supporting Marseilles, La Salle County and other Illinois communities where we live and work.

“We have recently purchased land near our La Salle Clean Energy Center to strategically market its carbon-free electricity generation for potential development with major companies capable of bringing additional jobs and tax money to the region. No decision has been made on the future use of this property.”

Marseilles Mayor Jim Hollenbeck is excited about what a new development could mean for his city.

“The city of Marseilles is just as anxious as its residents to learn what the future holds for us,” Hollenbeck said. “Hopefully, it will be the best thing that ever happened to Marseilles.”

It was a week ago that a group of curious Marseilles residents sparred with its City Council over the fact that someone they believed to be Constellation has been buying up lots in and around Timber Edge with an eye toward an as-yet unknown industrial project.

The group, having heard rumors of a data center, a hydrogen plant and other major facilities going into the properties, turned angry when Hollenbeck told them there was a meeting with a Constellation representative, but that they were unaware of any new project by that company or any other.

On Monday, some residents of Seneca inquired to their City Council about the same matter and received the same answer from Mayor Jeff Olson, that there is nothing to report.

Olson said he contacted Constellation on Tuesday morning looking for more information and was told there would be a meeting only after Constellation had completed its plan for an unspecified project.

“It’s all being very hush-hush,” Olson said. “I can understand that if you have a home in Timber Edge, of course you’d be very concerned. It could turn your world upside down if you have to move … but Constellation is not ready to reveal their plans to us and I imagine Marseilles is in the same boat as us.’

Olson said that four months ago, he, Hollenbeck and the two city councils were invited to a meeting held by the Seneca Chamber of Commerce at which Constellation representative Ryan Tozer provided information about that company and what they do.

When asked about the company’s plans for the Timber Edge area, Olson said he was told “no, that’s not what we’re here to talk about.”

“That was the only opportunity we’ve had to try and get some information. Other than that, it’s all been just speculation,” Olson said, “so when this came up again (Monday), I contacted Ryan and asked him to come to a public meeting, a joint meeting for Seneca and Marseilles residents held at a school or some larger venue to accommodate a crowd.

“He would not commit to that at this time, until they come out with their final plans. He did say he believed they’ll have their plans figured out in the first quarter and they would hold a public meeting sometime this spring.”

Olson asked he put that limited information in writing and was told that Tozer “would work on that.”

Hollenbeck said last week there are some properties being purchased that are close to Timber Edge but are unincorporated, that he would like to have those properties annexed into Marseilles in case a major development were revealed.

Such additions are not an option for Seneca, which has a boundary agreement with Marseilles that it will not expand to the west of Seneca’s current city limits. However, Olson did acknowledge any development could have an affect on the village’s schools.

“My council and the people that live here in Seneca would like to know what’s going on just as much as the people in Marseilles,” Olson said. “I just hope Constellation lives up to their word and gives us the information more sooner than later, and doesn’t leave everyone hanging out to dry about what’s happening.”