Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Article Summary: The committee authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases to acquire necessary right-of-way for improvements to Francis Road and Marley Road. The county has been unable to reach agreements with several property owners.

Francis and Marley Road Condemnation Key Points:

• Project: Improvements to Francis Road (CH 64) and Marley Road in New Lenox.

• Action: Authorization of eminent domain proceedings for specific parcels where negotiations stalled.

• Parcels Affected: Properties owned by the Victor Platos Trust, Stevenson/Anthony, Maciukenas, Caputo Trust, and Blankenberger.

• Purpose: To secure land for turn lanes, traffic signals, and drainage improvements.

The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, passed a resolution authorizing the State’s Attorney’s Office to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire land for the improvement of Francis Road and Marley Road.

The project, located in County Board Districts 2, 4, and 5 near New Lenox, involves roadway reconstruction, the addition of turn lanes, traffic signal installation, and drainage upgrades.

According to the resolution, the county’s negotiators have been “unable to reach an agreement of fair market value with present owners listed.” As a result, the county is moving forward with eminent domain power to acquire the necessary fee simple title and easements.

Specific parcels listed in the resolution include land owned by the Victor Platos Trust, Mark J. and Mark E. Stevenson, Daniel and Margaret Maciukenas, the Louis Caputo Revocable Living Trust, and Joseph P. Blankenberger.

The committee also approved a separate resolution appropriating $175,980 in transportation funds to cover the costs of these acquisitions.