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.
Latest News Stories
Traffic Alert: Wolf Road water repairs rescheduled for Tuesday
MOKENA – Drivers traveling through Mokena should prepare for delays on Wolf Road tomorrow, as village officials have rescheduled planned water system repairs. The Village of Mokena announced that the infrastructure...
Ex-Illinois candidate sides with Vance after Duckworth–Rubio clash
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, is facing fresh criticism after Vice President J.D. Vance likened her...
Illinois Quick Hits: Judge rules Cook County misspent $243M
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A circuit court judge has ruled that Cook County spent $243 million in violation of the Illinois...
Will County P&Z Forwards Monee and Manhattan Residential Projects
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The PZC approved zoning requests facilitating residential improvements in Monee and Manhattan. The approvals allow for the construction of...
Village Board Approves $2 Million in TIF Reimbursements for Amazon, Logistics Center
Village of Monee Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: The Monee Village Board authorized two significant Tax Increment Financing (TIF) payout requests totaling over $2 million for industrial developments....
Monee Township Board Approves Bonuses for Administrative Staff
Monee Township Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: Following a brief executive session, the Monee Township Board voted unanimously to award year-end bonuses to three administrative staff members....
Will County P&Z: Wilton Township Wedding Venue Secured for 2026 Season
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: For the third consecutive year, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a temporary use permit for...
Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is ‘piece of toilet paper’
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing members of the city’s police department to...
Lawmaker, officer: ‘Blue Envelope” could help navigate autism during stops
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker who also serves in law enforcement says proposed legislation creating a “Blue Envelope”...
Will County P&Z Grants Variances for Unpermitted Structures in Crete and Manhattan
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved variances for property owners in Crete and Manhattan who built agricultural structures without...
Provision Market Reports Service to Thousands; Historia Café Progress Update
Village of Monee Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: Provision Lab representatives presented annual statistics showing their food pantry served over 650 unique households in its first year and...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for Jan. 13, 2026
Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 The Will County Board Landfill Committee met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to address operational improvements at the Prairie View Landfill...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Crete-Monee School District 201-U for Jan. 20, 2026
Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to handle regular business, approve financial reports,...