County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/Comments Off on County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
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.
Latest News Stories
Foxx: Prosecutors’ ‘silence’ on murder exonerations doesn’t mean ‘innocent’
By Jonathan Bilyk | :era; NewslineThe Center Square Attorneys for one of two Mexican men who claim they were illegally coerced into confessing to helping murder a Chicago couple to...
Illinois Quick Hits: ISU union workers reach deal, return to work
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – More than 300 Illinois State University employees are back on the job after ratifying a new five-year...
Trump’s Iran objective moves from ‘surrender’ to nuclear deal
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square In seven weeks, President Donald Trump's stated objective toward Iran has shifted from "unconditional surrender" to a negotiated nuclear deal. The administration has not explained...
Democrats demand answers from Trump on consumer costs of Iran conflict
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the U.S. conflict in Iran stretching past the 67-day mark, a group of senior House Democrats are questioning whether the Trump administration has any...
Illinois Dems eye $7B from new tax proposals, push ‘Billionaire Wealth Tax’
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New tax proposals being considered in Springfield could bring nearly $7 billion in revenue to the state,...
Plan would have state taxpayers provide $50M for ICE-impacted businesses
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Senate is considering legislation that would provide $50 million in state taxpayer funds to businesses...
Homan threatens crackdown if New York limits ICE cooperation
By Chris WadeThe Center Square President Donald Trump's immigration czar Tom Holman is renewing threats to "flood the zone" in New York if state lawmakers approve Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan...
Feds sue Colorado over ban on certain firearm magazines
By Derek DraplinThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Colorado for its ban on firearm magazines that hold more than 15 rounds. The...
Group calls for clear lines of authority after UVA member’s communications released
By Tate MillerThe Center Square An education defense group is calling for clear lines of authority to be codified after text messages between a University of Virginia faculty member and...
States pushing back on data center sales tax breaks as Wisconsin forgoes $1.5B
By Jon StyfThe Center Square While those supporting sales tax breaks for data center projects say they believe the breaks are necessary to compete for projects amongst the 38 states...
Midwest takes brunt of rising gas prices
By David Beasley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Midwestern states, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan in particular, were hit harder in the past week by...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago police sergeant charged with COVID relief fraud
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago police sergeant has been charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $41,000 in small business loans...
Democrats hold Michigan Senate majority with special election win in District 35
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Democrat Chedrick Greene won the special election in Michigan’s 35th Senate District by a wide margin Tuesday night, preserving Democrats’ narrow majority in the chamber....
Beecher Library Board Updates Borrowing Policy, Approves New Audio Equipment for Programs
Beecher Public Library District Meeting | March 17, 2026 Borrowing Rules Expanded: The Beecher Public Library District has broadened its borrowing policy to accept additional forms of identification and approved...