Today marked the court's status hearing regarding the veto of Resolution 24-27, which the Will County board had previously approved with a 12-9 vote in favor of halting the planned expansion of 143rd Street in Homer Glen, Illinois. Initially, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant signed and submitted this resolution but later retracted her support with a veto. In response, some county board members initiated a lawsuit against Bertino-Tarrant that has been pending in the court system for nearly a year.
During today's proceedings, the status hearing resulted in a dismissal of the case. The court determined that there was no formal resolution allowing the board to pursue a lawsuit collectively, and since they failed to submit an amended complaint, the case was closed.
As a result, the veto remains in effect. Any future efforts to suspend the 143rd Street project will require legislative action.
In summary, the 143rd Street road expansion remains as planned (5 lanes), and if residents have any questions please reach out to the Village of Homer Glen to clarify.
House Rule 19a is the reason HB1397 (a “QUICK TAKE” bill for “land grabs” in Will County) is currently re-referred to the Rules Committee.
Update of QUICK-TAKE WILL COUNTY (house bill HB1397)…HB1397 is an attempt to legalize illegal land acquisition aka “land grabs” through state-level quick-take powers. This sets a dangerous precedent, if it happens in Homer Glen, it can happen anywhere! Currently the bill was re-referred to the Rules Committee. (READ ABOVE Rule 19a)
Just in case, for future purposes, if the bill becomes active, here’s how to file a “witness slip”…
https://ilga.gov/
Next court date for the pending suit regarding the veto of resolution 24-27 is April 3rd, 2025, Thursday.
UPDATE: Summary of the Will County court date from January 30th, 2025, regarding the veto of Resolution 24-27 by Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant.
The judge was deciding on whether to appoint a special prosecutor, and he stated, “When we have a state’s attorney who represents county officials, and there is a potential conflict, a colorable claim; the issues presented become very circular in nature.” The judge looked at several other cases, and named them, to determine if a special prosecutor was necessary.
Motion to dismiss is pending, so the judge was careful to choose his words. He didn’t want to say there is “no colorable claim”, or “no standing”, and he didn’t want to say, “the motion to dismiss is granted or denied”, He does want to say, however, “it appears there is a conflict.” He said “the proper ability of [all plaintiffs] to come in on this matter in their official capacities…there has been no resolution to have those people come in, in the official capacity. And therefore, the official capacity is not found. And I cannot grant a special prosecutor on something that the parties are not here in their official capacity.” The judge went on to say, “Therefore, I do believe that I misinterpreted the law (in the appointment of a special prosecutor), and I reverse myself on that, and decline to have a special prosecutor.”
Attorney Laduzinsky, who represents members of the Will County Board, stated that he will be filing a motion with respect to an amended complaint. And he will have his “clients be citizens of Will County and test in the actions. And there may be some additional residents that join in the lawsuit.”
Motion to Dismiss is ON HOLD. Next court date April 3rd, 2025, Thursday.
Meanwhile, negotiators may try to contact you about your land. You can tell them there is an ongoing case, and ask them to document that in their notes. You may also consider contacting an attorney for a consultation on how to protect your rights as a land owner!
143rd Street UPDATE in Orland Park, Illinois:
Here's a short video of the eminent domain/land owner rights meeting I held with attorney Bill Ryan for the 143rd Street stakeholders. I hope it was informative and provided some insight into your property rights.
Per the eminent domain attorney, for the Village of Homer Glen to ask residents to “sell” their land to them, rather than residents “selling” to the county, they (the Village) are still able to continue on with a road expansion (on their own) and/or sell the land back to the county. Once your private property is acquired by either the Village or County, it can be used for a road expansion project.
Additionally, 143rd Street residents should be aware that the injunction within the Will County court now has a date set further out (12/11/2024), which means from now until then you have the RIGHT to tell any entity to STOP ASKING for your property!
OCTOBER 14th, MONDAY 4:30PM, private gathering for only the Homer Glen residents impacted by the 143rd Street Expansion. Please call or email Heidi with details.
312.656.3748 Heidi@hadleytrees.com
Dear 143rd Streeters in Homer Glen, Illinois, who are affected by the road expansion, do not sell to Will County. They will intimidate you. They will contact you. Hold off. Many entities are planning things behind the scenes to help you. Please stay strong.
The hearing for the LAWSUIT regarding the 143rd Street VETO is on DECEMBER 11, 2024, 9:30AM, room 902, Will County Courthouse: 100 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL
THIS DATE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Click here for the Daily Southtown article by Michelle Mullins regarding the September 11th, 2024, Village of Homer Glen Meeting.
Lao Tzu said, "If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading".
We are at a pivotal point in our already chaotic lives.
No one is immune from having their home life disrupted and property encroached upon. Whether it’s a minor nuisance of a town ordinance, or if it’s big government imposing extravagant expansions that push you out of your comfort zone…literally forcing you into speaking on public record at meetings fighting for your rights or figuratively pushing you by messing with your warm fuzzy feelings you enjoy from your tranquil, safe and cozy chair…people are being strained in copious ways.
Why is this acceptable?
Road expansions can be a sign of “development”, yet they are also ruinous to neighborhoods and communities for the benefit of future commercial enhancements. Road expansions are not a welcoming sign for the people and their livelihoods along its path. For example, in Homer Glen, Illinois, an area deeply rooted in its preservation of “nature in harmony”, there are few corridors labeled as “commercial”. One is 159th Street which was dubbed “Homer Glen’s Economic Engine of the Future” and was widened to 4 lanes in 2015-2017. Another is Bell Road which was said to be a “highly visible and recognizable corridor” which is still under construction on the southern end. And then there is 143rd Street which is declared as a “mix of residential and local neighborhood commercial development”.
The concern with 143rd Street is that it was residential first and foremost before any entity started labeling it as commercial. It encompasses not only people, subdivisions, and other housing structures, but also farms, livestock, water sources (creeks), and agriculturally zoned areas. Moreover, the Homer Glen Transportation Plan (2007) states, “Most of the commercial land use will be along 159th Street and Bell Road” (p 104), which makes one wonder why they have integrated the highly populated 143rd Street into this “commercial corridor” pursuit.
In Homer Glen’s Transportation Plan, (March 2007), it says that “Residential streets provide access to residences within a neighborhood. Streets are considered residential or local streets, unless designated as arterials or collectors in this Plan”. (p 25). If you look at an aerial map of 143rd Street, and study each road that ties into it, count the number of subdivisions, houses, and more. There are at least 1,500 homes that are directly impacted by this proposed Will County expansion.
Widening from 2 lanes to 5 lanes is not only excessive and damaging to the residents and town, but also confusing. Why didn’t the Village of Homer Glen follow their transportation plan (p 56) and add the traffic signal and left turn lane as proposed on 143rd Street and Creme Road? It states it was one of their priorities for 2016, and the cost would be $334,795 (with the village being responsible for only $110, 482 of that.)
Also note that on page 73 of Homer Glen’s Transportation Plan, it states, “The Village also has planned for commercial land use along the major arterials of 159th Street, 143rd Street, and Bell Road. This commercial land use will improve the tax base of the Village by generating additional sales tax. It also will generate additional traffic on these roadways. Some mixed-uses (commercial and higher density residential) are planned along 159th Street. Encouraging mixed land use should assist in the reduction of traffic. The widening and expansion of these roadways will be dependent upon the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Will County. The Village should work closely with these agencies and work directly with them on the roadway designs.”
Are the people willing to allow the intrusive and destructive road projects to go on? It appears the village has not protected its community.
The Village of Homer Glen was created by the residents who wanted to preserve it’s unique and valuable resources; it very well may be the residents who ultimately save it…are you one of them?
-Heidi Hadley Pacella
Here are the emails that confirm the current expansion plans for 143rd Street in Homer Glen, IL, are the “original” 5 lane plans.
(These emails were answer by WCDOT Jeff Ronaldson, who is merely doing his job. For now, I suggest that any “complaints” or “concerns” or “questions” be sent to countyboard@willcounty.gov and publiccomment@willcountyillinois.com )
Any 143rd Street residents and stakeholders who are being pursued by Will County for land acquisition either through mail, phone calls, or emails, please…if you care about your home and community do not respond or sign anything. The injunction (lawsuit) is still active. Please stay informed and check with your neighbors (and this website) for further updates/instructions.
September 4th, 2024
For 143rd Street Homer Glen current UPDATES watch the village meeting from August 28th, 2024:
The lawsuit which Homer Township prepared against Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, regarding her veto of Resolution 24-27 for halting the 143rd Street road widening project as planned, has a status date of September 12th, 2024.
Homer Glen, Illinois, has been targeted for unnecessary road expansions.
Exactly one year ago today, on July 26th, 2023, the people in Homer Glen, Homer Township, and other surrounding areas in Illinois, found out about a detrimental Will County road project that would’ve jeopardized not only residents homes and properties, but the historical significance and environmental value of the 3.75 mile long corridor known as Parker/Chicago Bloomington Trail/Hadley Roads. Through hard work, neighbor meetings, coordination with local officials and dedication to a good cause…the road expansion was halted…and the corridor was kept as-is.
…the Homer Glen environment committee asked for this full-sized sign to be put up at the beginning of the Parker-Hadley corridor. If it wasn’t for this sign, many people would have missed that July 26th, 2023, public info meeting…
UPCOMING MEETING DATES IN THE AREA where your stance on 143rd should be heard:
* Homer Township Board Meetings
Once a month. Start time 7:00PM. Sign in to speak on Public Record.
14350 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen
*(Please verify this date beforehand, sometimes meetings are changed to another Monday, or, sometimes to another location.)
Village of Homer Glen Meetings
Twice a month, the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Start time 6:30PM. Sign in to speak on Public Record.
CURRENT UPDATES FROM HOMER TOWNSHIP:
The lawsuit filed on behalf of 143rd Street Stakeholders, with the townships guidance, has a “Status” date of September 12th, 2024. As stated in Michelle Mullins Daily Southtown article from 4/23/2024, “The County Board members [who] were affected by the executive’s actions would be the best ones to challenge her directly through a lawsuit”. It is typical of these dates to be pushed into the future without any real progress. Additionally, the Township has stated they will take over a portion of 143rd Street (about 2 miles) & they asked the HG Village to take over the remaining 1 mile. But, this cannot be done while a lawsuit is active.
CURRENT UPDATES FROM THE VILLAGE OF HOMER GLEN:
The HG Village meeting on August 28th, 2024, had the 143rd Street Project on their agenda. There was public comment and discussion, but still, the village has not done anything besides “monitor” a stalled senate bill for quick take and “not show their hand” as far as what legal action they will take to protect the residents and their homes.
At the HG Village meeting on 6/12/2024, the Village Manager stated that they are monitoring “State Bill 3408” (Quick Take Bill) which was “stalled & did not move on from the session”. (This bill has not moved since March, 2024). The Village states they sent out letters of opposition to the Illinois senators and reps regarding this bill. Heidi FOIA’d the Village for the letters of opposition & received electronic copies of a letter which has twelve different recipient names on it. A copy of the letter is included below, along with the 12 state rep names. These were electronically sent by the Village, not “snail mailed”, to the reps.
I highly recommend everyone WRITES, CALLS, MAILS and EMAILS ALL STATE SENATOR members, not just the ones the Village chose, to inform them that SB3408 is unjust & not needed. Additionally, tell them that the 143rd Street expansion would destroy not only your home, property, quality of life, but your community. There will be no more “nature” or “harmony”.
Click HERE to get the names, emails, and addresses of Illinois state senator members. Click HERE to get the names, emails, and addresses of Illinois state house members. (Every state has house members for their district.)
Please also note: in Michelle Mullins Daily Southtown article from 4/23/2024, the Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike said “If the veto is allowed to stand, the mayor said she will ask the Homer Glen Village Board to seek an injunction.”
This was over 4 months ago…has the Village of Homer Glen filed an injunction?
CURRENT UPDATES FROM WILL COUNTY:
On August 27, 2024, emails between Heidi and WCDOT Jeff Ronaldson confirm original 5 lane plans, and they are currently in the land acquisition stage.
On July 16, 2024, emails between Heidi and Jeff Ronaldson (WCDOT) (Will County Department of Transportation) state: “the [143rd street] project continues to move forward. I have no information on any lawsuit other than it does not impede daily activities.” And, “Until **SB3408 passes, any eminent domain court cases will just take the normal scheduled route with possession of the takings requested occurring at the end, instead of the beginning of the cases.”
**SB3408 (Senate Bill) Introduced 2/8/2024 by Sen. Patrick J. Joyce
SB3408 Amends the Eminent Domain Act. 735 ILCS 30/25-5-130
Provides that quick-take powers may be used for a period of no more than 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act by Will County for the acquisition of certain described property for the purpose of road construction. Repeals the new provisions 3 years after the effective date. Effective immediately. Specifically for County Highway 37 (143rd Street).
The chief sponsor of this bill was changed to:
Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D) on 3/12/2024
harris@senatedem.ilga.gov
930 W 175th St.
Suite 3W
Homewood, IL 60430
(708) 893-0552
(708) 566-4108 FAX
Here is a list of the representatives that the Village of Homer Glen emailed regarding SB3408:
Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III (930 W 175th St Suite 3W Homewood, IL 60430)
Senator Bill Cunningham (10400 S Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60643)
Senator Patrick Joyce (179 S. Wall St., Kankakee, IL 60901)
Senator Emil Jones, III (845 W. 115th St., Chicago, IL 60643)
Senator Mike Hastings (20855 S. LaGrange Rd, Suite 102, Frankfort, IL 60423)
Senator John Curran (1011 State St., Suite 205, Lemont, IL 60439)
Senator Sally Turner (120 S. McClean St., Suite E, Lincoln, IL 62656)
Senator Laura M. Murphy (1645 S. River Rd, Suite 7, Des Plaines, IL 60018)
Senator Neil Anderson (103 N College Ave #201 Aledo, IL 61231)
Representative Slaughter (1234 W 95th St., Chicago, IL 60643)
Representative Sheehan (11019 Front Street, Suite 1W, Mokena, IL 60448)
Representative La Ha (106 Stephen St., Suite 102B, Lemont, IL 60439)
The letter below was emailed out by Homer Glen Village to those above 12 reps:
This map was created by Homer Township Highway Commissioner, Brent Porfilio, to show the 1.2 miles of road in Homer Glen, IL (143rd Street) and the 2 miles in Homer Township.
Here is an article from 1999 when the residents of Orland Park, IL, were dealing with the road expansion (when 143rd went from 2 lanes to 4 lanes, from Harlem to LaGrange). It is interesting to read IDOT’s daily vehicle prediction.
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH 143RD Street?
Back in March 2024 we posted about the new 143rd Street bridge going over the DuPage River (Phase I) that is being constructed in Plainfield, Illinois. Please view the maps below that we created so you may get a better understanding of why 143rd Street in Homer Glen, Illinois, is so important in the eyes of the developers. (Plainfield & Orland Park are proposing to utilize Homer Glen as a pass-thru.) Also read this article posted today about the Plainfield 143rd Street East Extension.
The 143rd Extension Project aims to improve transportation infrastructure and connectivity. It involves expanding 143rd Street and constructing a new bridge over the DuPage River, extending eastward towards I355 and Archer Road (Route 171). [The Plainfield bridge project is NOT a county project, hence, the county DOT will not have any information to share with us.]
During the Will County Executive meeting on February 15th, 2024, Mark V. Revis, District 8 (Plainfield), voted in favor of the 143rd widening project between Bell Road and Lemont Road in Homer Glen, IL. Mr. Revis expressed his support for the project, stating that it would benefit his community by opening up traffic towards Homer Glen and improving connectivity.
It is worth noting that some residents observed Mr. Revis as the only Will County Board member interacting with the Mayor of Orland Park, IL, engaging in handshakes.
To follow the Plainfield EAST Extension Project click HERE
To follow the Plainfield WEST Extension Project click HERE
143Rd Street Road Widening Project UPDATE 6/19/2024
Per Homer Township: their collaborative effort with the Will County Board in the lawsuit filed against Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s “VETO” regarding the 143Rd Street resolution in Homer Glen, Illinois, has been ongoing in the court system. The case has had motions for “Substitution of Judge” and currently has a status date of July 25th, 2024. If 143Rd Street residents are still receiving land acquisition packets from the county, please call the township (708) 301-0522 or go to the Homer Township building at 14350 W. 151st Street Homer Glen to give them a copy of your packet/papers. Do NOT sign ANYTHING.
“Tagged Trees”
Please note: We have spoken to The Morton Arboretum regarding the tagged trees along Parker/Chicago Bloomington Trail/Hadley Roads and they suggest…
Leave the tags on the tree.
Do not use any pruning spray or any tree “medicines”.
Confirm with the Village of Homer Glen that it is “ok” to remove the tags, the village should put this in writing.
If you choose to remove the tag, consider leaving the nail in place. It’s best not to inflict any unnecessary maneuvers to the tree. Do not use a hammer to withdraw the nail.
Certain trees are “bleeders” (excessively weeping sap). Do not be alarmed by this, it’s natural.
Consider “blocking out” the tag by using a Sharpie or paint, to diminish the glare from the sun shining on it.
My personal suggestion is to view the tag as a “piercing”. Just like humans get their ears pierced, trees can also get punctured. Trees can naturally “consume” the tag and remain healthy. In fact, The Morton Arboretum suggests leaving the tags ‘as is’ because they can grow around the metal tag/nail. (If you must remove the metal tag, carefully snip it off with a manual metal cutting tool, such as a shear or scissors.)
If you already removed the tag (and/or nail) have no fear. Chances are that everything will be alright. If you are doubtful & have concerns about your trees health, I suggest emailing The Morton Arboretum at: plantclinic@mortonarb.org (please be patient with a response, it may take a few days.)
143rd Street Expansion Project Update in Homer Glen & Homer Township, Illinois:
Per Homer Township’s meeting last night, May 13th, 2024, they announced to take over their 2 miles of 143rd Street (after any repairs by the County) as well as to take over the 1.2 miles of the Village of Homer Glen’s portion. The Township urges 143rd Street stakeholders to reach out to the Village to inquire if they will match the Townships efforts by filing a lawsuit as well as filing for a JT (jurisdictional transfer.)
Also - the Township reminds 143rd Streeters to not sign any documents. If you have questions please call the Township since they are the entity that has filed suit. Homer Township Office phone # (708) 301-0522
Click here for the Township’s meeting from May 13th, 2024
(Time stamp 13:13 starts the 143rd Street information. Also, useful tax info at time stamp 11:30)
143rd street stakeholders: This is an email update from Homer Township from today May 7th, 2024…
CLICK HERE FOR “Quick Take” Land Owners Guide to Land Acquisition by Illinois Dept. of Transportation (this brochure gives general info and is not legal advice. Please obtain a qualified attorney for legal advice. This information may have been recently updated by current laws.)
Please note…the Village of Homer Glen is a “home-rule” community. “Home Rule expand[s] communities’ powers to enact ordinances for the efficient operation of their communities”.
Click Here For: Plainfield, Illinois, 143rd Street Corridor EAST Extension
Click Here For: Plainfield, Illinois, 143rd Street Corridor WEST Extension
Click Here For: Orland Park, Illinois, 143rd Street Expansion
It’s official! The Jurisdictional Transfer of Will County Route 1 has been signed & filed.
Congratulations to the Village of Homer Glen for taking responsibility of their portion of the historical corridor!
Scroll down to click the black button to view the JT documents.
Congratulations to the Township of New Lenox for taking responsibility of their portion of the historical corridor!
Scroll down to click the black button to view the JT documents.
Per the Township of Homer, here is the update regarding the 143rd Street Expansion:
Please continue to stay connected to your neighbors and community to share and receive information. The photo above is a nine foot tall sign made by resident Kim Pady. She has attended county meetings, village meetings, and township meetings regarding the opposition to the 143rd Street Project. Everyone has a part and place in the community - let’s keep moving forward and helping each other.
Remember when…
Orland Park, Illinois, Mayor Keith Pekau mentioned how the 143rd Street Expansion Project is supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, the Will County Governmental League, Metra, US Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, and numerous state and federal elected officials? You don’t? Just look up the February 6th, 2024, Chicago Tribune Daily Southtown article by Michelle Mullins.
What is the Will County Governmental League?
They have “Transportation Committee Meetings” four times a year.
They “identify and analyze legislation as well as state and federal agency rules that impact Will County municipalities and the well-being of Will County residents and employers.” (per their webpage)
They are an STP (Surface Transportation Program) authority.
They host training programs for public works directors, staff, and engineers.
Do they support the 143rd Street Expansion? Click on their webpage and “contact” them & ask!
Does Tammy Duckworth really support the 143rd Street Expansion? Email and ask her:
https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/connect/email-tammy
Does Richard Durbin really support the 143rd Street Expansion? Email him and ask him:
The Herald News {Will County} an article by Bob Okon
Click the circle and “like” our facebook page
Click the circle and “like” our Facebook page.
Stay informed by reading through comprehensive plans, transportation plans and road widening projects in your community. On this website, under the tab “Projects Laws Rights” there are additional documents. (On your smart phone, click the three black parallel lines at the top right). Or, click a black button below to read one of the many documents.
To view another road project (IL RT 53, River Rd. to Patterson Rd.) Click HERE
Stay informed and pass it on. Also, find more news under “143rd Street Updates” or click this button for an article:
Currently, as of 10:45AM March 21st, 2024, the Will County Full Board discussed Resolution 24-27 at their meeting…the Board voted 10-9 to override the veto - but because it requires a three-fifths vote, it failed.
THE NEXT WILL COUNTY “EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING” (ASSIGNMENT MEETING) IS APRIL 4TH, 2024, THURSDAY, @10:00AM
THE SECOND “EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING” (BOARD AGENDA SETTING MEETING) IS TAKING PLACE ON APRIL 12TH, 2024, FRIDAY, @10:00AM (not on Thursday 4/11/24)
I'm sharing with you a map that complements the article below. Notice how 143rd Street extends east of Route 59, to Route 126, with a brand-new bridge spanning the DuPage River.
The 143rd Extension Project aims to improve transportation infrastructure and connectivity. It involves expanding 143rd Street and constructing a new bridge over the DuPage River, extending eastward towards I355 and Archer Road (Route 171).
During the Will County Executive meeting on February 15th, 2024, Mark V. Revis, District 8 (Plainfield), voted in favor of the 143rd widening project between Bell Road and Lemont Road in Homer Glen, IL. Mr. Revis expressed his support for the project, stating that it would benefit his community by opening up traffic towards Homer Glen and improving connectivity.
It is worth noting that some residents observed Mr. Revis as the only Will County Board member interacting with the Mayor of Orland Park, IL, engaging in handshakes.
Remember when…Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated she is committed to working with elected officials and pledged a transparent government to support communities?
She’s not keeping her promise…she SIGNED Resolution 24-27 then VETOED it a couple days later.
Email her at jbertinotarrant@willcounty.gov and demand she reinstates Resolution 24-27 so that the community & WCDOT can reassess and redesign the 143rd Street Expansion Project in Homer Glen, Illinois, in order to ensure it’s safe, and has a NEED & PURPOSE. ALSO- email the WC States Attorney James Glasgow & demand he upholds the Resolution! jglasgow@willcounty.gov
Today, March 14th, 2024, the Executive Committee Meeting was held and addressed the veto of Resolution 24-27 (Resolution 24-27 is: “Directing the Will County Division of Transportation to Cease Moving Forward with the 143Rd Street Expansion Road Project as Currently Planned”).
Chair Judy Ogalla is the head of the Executive Committee, and the purpose of the committee is to help the WC Board prioritize issues and discuss important topics. This is why Chair Ogalla had Agenda items 7-11 (click here to see those) - in other words, today Chair Ogalla received approval to hire legal counsel to represent the Will County Board, she received approval to direct the Will County state’s attorney to file litigation to challenge the county executive’s ability to veto a resolution, as well as to file litigation to decide that Resolution 24-27 (signed on February 16, 2024), is valid, and, to file litigation to enforce Resolution 24-27.
Please save the date of March 21st, 2024, Thursday, 9:30AM start time, for the Full Board Meeting at:
302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL
2nd FL
*****An email update was sent, please check your spam/junk folder.*****
Here is the signed Resolution 24-27 (which halts the 143rd Street Project “as planned”) that the Will County Board voted in favor of on February 15th, 2024, & Executive Bertino-Tarrant signed, sealed & approved of on February 16th, 2024
To read this Thursdays Agenda for Will County’s, March 14th, 2024’s, Executive Committee Meeting please click the blue words. Or, on your mobile device click the 3 lines in the top right corner & click “WillCo Agenda & Doc’s” - then click “MAR 14, 2024 WC Executive Meeting AGENDA PACKET”
Note Agenda items #7-11 (page 1-2)
And pages 54-58
Calling all WILL COUNTY residents!
On March 5th, 2024, there was a Will County Special Board Meeting scheduled for 10:45AM.
A quorum was not formed (meaning: the minimum number of Board members to hold a meeting.) Because of this, the meeting was canceled.
A press release was issued later that evening, on March 5th, by Steve Balich, Will County Board member and Homer Township Supervisor:
—————————————————————————————————
Are you impacted by the 143rd Street Project? If so, please email Heidi@Hadleytrees.com with your name, street and phone number.
This information is needed immediately!
On February 15th, the Will County Board voted in favor of CEASING the 143rd Street EXPANSION PROJECT as it is currently planned! This Resolution passed with a 12-9 vote. Unfortunately, soon after, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant vetoed this, and now there is a Special Board Meeting on March 5th, 2024, 10:45AM. (see above for the outcome of the March 5th meeting.)
Getting involved, communicating, and being an active part of the community MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
Thank you to Steve Balich (Homer Township Supervisor & Will County Board Republicn Leader), Christina Neitzke-Troike (Village of Homer Glen Mayor), and the Will County Board members who can make an impact halting this road project “as planned”. Also, thank you to Jeff Ronaldson, WCDOT, who has spent countless hours on the 143rd street project and will hopefully, re-design the current plans, per the residents needs.
Can’t attend a Will County meeting? Send a comment at this email by 3pm the day BEFORE the scheduled meeting: publiccomment@willcountyillinois.com
Recap: THE 143RD STREET PROJECT WAS VOTED ON February 15th, 2024 BY WC BOARD MEMBERS AS WHETHER TO PAUSE THE PROJECT AS PLANNED! IN A 12-9 VOTE, THE BOARD LISTENED TO THE PUBLIC OUTCRY, AND WILL NEED TO REASSESS THIS 33 YEAR OLD ROAD CONSTRUCTION IDEA. (Please note, this webpage lists events in chronological order, so all CURRENT events are at the top of the page. As we all know, events change daily. It’s Parker-Hadley’s intention to keep the people updated and informed.)
TO VIEW WC’s AGENDA PACKET, click the button below. (IT’S 413 PAGES, IN CASE IT TAKES AWHILE TO LOAD. Start on page 194.)
Why is Orland Park, IL so interested in 143rd Street in Homer Glen, IL?
"Central Location: Orland Park, IL, Strategically Positioned at the Intersection of Six Major Interstates"
“ Enhanced Accessibility: Reconstructed Major Routes Open Doors for More Shoppers to
Orland Park, IL."
"Final Phase of 143rd Street Widening: Enabling Convenient Access to Orland Park's Shopping Center for Consumers from the North and Northwest Suburbs."
A petition, with 5 informative updates, can be seen on Change.org regarding the “Parker-Hadley” corridor project. (The roadway is Parker Road, Chicago Bloomington Trail Road, & Hadley Road in Homer Glen, Illinois.)
Please sign and pass it on to others.
This is a call to action for all concerned people who value our wildlife, forests, natural history, & agriculture.
Thank you for your support!
2,127 signatures!
Please spread the word!
If you cannot attend the Will County Meeting, please consider submitting your public comment here: publiccomment@willcountyillinois.com
Submit your comment through that link, and ask the county to read it at the meeting.
You can also email the Will County Board at any time with your concerns:
countyboard@willcountyillinois.com
Additionally, email the Mayor of Orland Park, Keith Pekau, kpekau@orlandpark.org and ask him why he came and spoke at the Will County meeting on Feb. 6th, 2024. Or, inquire as to the information he has on the 143rd street expansion project. Or, attend one of the Orland Park Board meetings: First & Third Monday’s of each month, 7:00PM, Location: Board Room of the Orland Park Village Hall, 14700 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, IL.
The past Will County Public Works and Transportation Commitee Meeting in Joliet, IL brought around 40 in-person comments, and about 40 more through emails that were sent in.
Additional comments were written and sent in (possibly past the due date of Monday by 3pm.)
Everyone’s participation made a difference!
STAKEHOLDERS/RESIDENTS ON the Parker-Hadley CORRIDOR: CHECK YOUR EMAILS FOR ADDITIONAL INFO and please check your spam/junk folders. Additionally, if you choose to “unsubscribe”, there’s an option at the bottom of the emails.
Thank you.
Meanwhile…along the 4-mile corridor called “WC1”…(Parker Rd., ChiBloom Rd., Hadley Rd.)
(County Highway Route 1)
The community succeeded in halting the Will County road project along Parker Road, Chicago Bloomington Trail, and Hadley Road
(roughly 3.16 miles in Homer Glen + .59 of a mile in New Lenox Township.)
Moreover, the corridor has been approved for transfer to the Village of Homer Glen, Illinois.
On December 21st, 2023, at the Will County Executive Board Meeting, the WC1 road was voted upon, to be transferred to the Village of Homer Glen, Illinois.
To see this on YouTube, click here (and scroll to the 2:27:40 time stamp):
https://youtu.be/ZCJHV5fgczc?si=Pn5FvKpeVmfU2QUk
Additionally, the southern section of Parker Road was successful in the jurisdictional transfer to New Lenox Township (.59 of a mile)
Both jurisdictional transfers were by the County, under the Illinois Highway Code, County Board District #4.
The roughly 3.16-mile corridor
that needs to be preserved consists of:
Parker Road
Chicago-Bloomington Trail
Hadley Road
An extra .59 of a mile
on the southern end of
Parker Road
is located in
New Lenox Township.
Video footage taken by artist & resident
Kyle Surges
*Prior accomplishment* REMEMBER WHEN... "Road Project CONFIRMED Paused"
*Prior accomplishment* REMEMBER WHEN... "Road Project CONFIRMED Paused"
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to come out and join the “Neighbor Meetings” - showing up and sharing your story has made an impact. Let’s continue to band together and spread the word!
Keep the roadway “as is” by maintaining its natural beauty, physical structure, and organic curves which assist in the movement of the minor rural collector road.
Click and share the Change.org petition (below in blue) which describes the Parker Hadley Road Project in detail, as well gives updates on the project.
https://www.change.org/p/save-our-historic-woodland-corridor-preserve-homer-glen-s-environmental-integrity?recruiter=1317184195&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition
Resident & Neighbor Meetings
“Neighbor Meetings” will be announced through emails.
Explore the following links to
Uncover the History of Homer Township.
Homer Glen, Illinois
Parker Hadley Preservation was created with the intent to sustain the historical integrity, conserve the agricultural establishments, and promote the natural beauty of our woodlands. This combination of characteristics makes the Village of Homer Glen exceptionally valuable, not only to the residents, but to anyone passing though.