Rivian expansion approved by Normal’s Planning Commission, now goes before town council

Posted on October 11, 2024

NORMAL – A facility that would be built on the west side of Rivian Motorway was unanimously supported by Normal’s Planning Commission Thursday night.

The expansion would help Rivian Automotive with materials and other logistical travel.

The meeting featured several residents who live near the proposed site, bringing up concerns about drainage, light pollution, and other things.

Town Planner Mercy Davison downplayed those concerns after the meeting.

“With modern lighting design, people are able to do development now without causing the kind of light pollution they used to, which is also important to people in rural areas. It really should be the best version of this possible,” she said.

Rivian will also use native plants to supplement the forestry, and the commission also noted its distance from nearby residences.

This now goes before the town council for final site approval, which will likely be taken up at its next meeting on Oct. 21.

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