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
Trump considers military action to stop Christian genocide in Nigeria
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square President Donald Trump has directed the Department of War to prepare for possible action in Nigeria to target Islamic militants committing genocide against Christians. “If...
94% of sanctioned scholars suffered from free speech attacks
By Tate MillerThe Center Square A Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression survey shows that 94% of sanctioned university scholars have experienced a negative impact following the attacks on their...
Illinois soybean farmers face uncertainty amid MAHA push against seed oils
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square Illinois soybean farmers face a potential market shakeup if public sentiment, and eventually policy, turns against seed oils, experts warn....
Family-based visa quotas cause system backlogs
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square One of the most prevalent ways for immigrants to gain legal status in the United States is through family-based visas. However, backlogs in the system...
Death threats against ICE officers up by 8,000%, DHS says
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Death threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are up by 8,000% compared to the same timeframe last year, the Department of Homeland Security...
After 50 years of struggles to save Spotted Owl, FWS plan is to kill 500k Barred Owls
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Spotted Owl is again in the headlines again. U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., filed a resolution to reverse a Biden administration plan to kill...
Association says housing aid to continue through December
By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square Federally-funded housing assistance will continue to be paid through December, a national housing association director told The Center Square Friday afternoon. Previously, those who rent...
WATCH: Father of Housing First points to success; We Heart Seattle highlights failures
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square On an overcast mid-October day, just inside the Third Avenue offices of We Heart Seattle, Executive Director Andrea Suarez and two of her staff members...
Colorado sues over Space Command HQ moving to Alabama
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado has sued the Trump administration over its decision to move the U.S. Space Command Headquarters out of the state. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he looks forward to signing public transit...
IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite a myriad of ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Corrections, state senators approved the nomination...
Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s power grid is entering a new era of soaring demand – the full extent...
Judge orders Trump to use emergency fund to disburse SNAP benefits
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, while a second...
Early morning vote advances Illinois’ ‘Terminally Ill Patients Act,’ sparks outcry
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A controversial bill allowing terminally ill patients in Illinois to self-administer life-ending medication passed the legislature...