County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
Today Jun 3
87° 66°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Bears want more after Illinois House passes megaproject tax incentive bill
By Jon Styf | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House of Representatives passed a megaproject bill that would set up the Chicago Bears for...
DHS wants millions more from taxpayers after federal SNAP changes
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking millions of extra dollars from state taxpayers due to...
Illinois Millionaires Tax doesn’t get support
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed millionaires tax was shot down late Wednesday in the Illinois House of Representatives. Democrat leadership...
Pritzker bans insider trading by state employees, faces hypocrisy claims
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New rules for employees of the state of Illinois will prevent betting on the outcomes of current...
Autism care providers, parents urge change in ownership mandate
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Autism care providers and parents say a crisis is looming for Illinois’ network of services. Dr. Rebecca...
Illinois Quick Hits: Bears want more from state
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears say a megaprojects bill passed by the Illinois House needs additional amendments in order...
Will County Board Approves Controversial Solar Farms Following Court Mandate
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: Under the strict constraints of a court-issued writ of mandamus, the Will County Board grudgingly approved multiple special use permits...
Bears, megaprojects tax incentive bill heads to Senate after clearing House
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House has passed legislation to provide tax incentives for the Chicago Bears and other megaprojects...
House Dems pass redistricting amendment GOP says will lead to more gerrymandering
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Democrat state legislators say they are one step closer to standing against attacks on voting rights after...
Illinois Quick Hits: Governor announces green tax credits for film and TV
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced a new 5% tax credit to incentivize green film and television production....
‘Plaintiffs’ lawyer paradise:’ IL lawsuit-friendly courts jack up costs, report says
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois is falling behind the rest of the country at reforming its court system, and in some ways is headed in the...
AG candidate seeks to reform SAFE-T Act
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois attorney general candidate launched a new initiative to reform the SAFE-T Act. The law enacted...
Op-Ed: Senate Bill 3070 provides sensible solution for students, manufacturers
By Ben BarnettThe Center Square Illinois manufacturers face a serious problem. We have modern, high-tech facilities running at full capacity, but we struggle to find the young talent needed to...
