[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6122502,"mediaKeyId","2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba","parentId",2694800,"title","City Council approves Prairie Landing PUD amid resident objections over tree removal and an ongoing property lawsuit","audioSeconds",2810,"startMs",280000,"endMs",3090000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba&start=280&end=3090","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba/thumbnail_280000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6122502/Joliet/Will-County/Illinois/City-Council-approves-Prairie-Landing-PUD-amid-resident-objections-over-tree-removal-and-an-ongoing-property-lawsuit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122502-af803edae117c12405a3ef204047a887/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199424&Signature=i-i86kPWQNVKfDqDnXVtJgo~FOJuIVwt0V4yU-YQMYGI2CcgwJJAV-qOZACW8q4i8RuN~DczBTH1YYT9zbIezggT6GrKD~W6SsP1BK7UKNx21eNvCw7vXMcUoFnB2WzsMW~e-EEvSa5U2etbE~EGFlFDiSDdq2QqQXN7kTclyk6SqjJ6p7GpzvgDwaSTrieEvfO7aM-9W9AVEN7eLcHHzt7UuSjXqgomUjIUfq56lkolRmdltx0Lgqq3kGk0R7qrz7YTRBZ8TYYoWFeS6LEgsi0VKs1KG8OQJojBLhpaYrL2LKiw0UXpYAl91ORsq8r8nooRcN3lIXTpqXtBnBxCaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Joliet, IL","date","2025-03-19T13:28:16Z","article","The City of Joliet on March 18 adopted ordinances approving the Prairie Landing preliminary planned unit development (PUD-12-24) and the rezoning of about 17.9 acres at 2200 Essington Road to R-2 single-family residential.

Residents raised objections during the meeting’s public comment period about trees and a pending adverse-possession lawsuit affecting a strip of land adjacent to the proposed development. Maria Lach, a nearby resident, asked whether the plan could be approved while title to part of the land was still in court. Attorney and representative for the developer Steve Bauer said TR Horton is not involved in that litigation and that the area in litigation has been excluded from the parcel TR Horton is under contract to purchase. Bauer said some trees on the project will be preserved and that the developer does not want to remove trees “unless you have to.” He added that when trees must be removed the city’s tree-preservation requirements would apply, including replacement or payment into a tree bank fund.

Council members also disclosed a potential conflict: the purchase vehicle for the land is Westside Joliet Real Estate LLC, and council members said Mayor Mary Darcy has an ownership interest in that LLC. The mayor recused himself from dais activity connected to that interest; the council proceeded with the ordinances after a motion and roll-call vote. The ordinances were adopted by recorded unanimous ayes from the members present.

Why it matters: The vote authorizes a major residential development and rezoning while leaving at least one outstanding private legal dispute unresolved. Residents and the developer differ on which trees will be preserved; city staff and the developer signaled that any required removals will trigger replacement or tree-bank mitigation under the city’s tree-preservation rules.

Council and staff said the portion of land that is the subject of the adverse-possession action is not plotted as home lots in the developer’s engineering plan and that, if litigation affects ownership, the project can proceed without that remnant or be reconfigured to accommodate the final title outcome. The developer characterized the contested strip as north of the main access roadway and not essential to the proposed lot layout.

Direct quotes limited to speakers on the record: Steve Bauer, representing TR Horton, said: “TR Horton has no involvement in the suit,” and later, “We don't have any desire to remove more trees than are necessary.” A resident, Maria Lach, said she would “go to the highest court” to press her property claim if necessary.

The council’s approval included a standard plan-review and subdivision-approval sequence: preliminary PUD approval and rezoning ordinances were adopted. Councilmembers who voted aye were recorded in the roll call; Mayor Darcy’s involvement was disclosed and he was not active on the dais for this matter.

Ending: The development can proceed under the approved zoning and PUD, subject to final engineering and platting. Because the adverse-possession litigation remains pending, staff and the developer said the project may be adjusted if the court decrees ownership changes for the small disputed area. Residents said they will continue to press for guarantees about which trees will remain.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Joliet Council Meeting March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Joliet on March 18 adopted ordinances approving the Prairie Landing preliminary planned unit development and rezoning at 2200 Essington Road despite resident concerns about tree removal and an ongoing adverse-possession lawsuit.","taxTitle","Joliet, Will County, Illinois","taxId",2650,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122487,"Votes at a glance: key contract awards, loan acceptances and ordinances approved March 18",245,2605000,2850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba&start=2605&end=2850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba/thumbnail_2605000.jpg","/articles/6122487/Joliet/Will-County/Illinois/Votes-at-a-glance-key-contract-awards-loan-acceptances-and-ordinances-approved-March-18","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122487-1e763100b4ee64638a7a68bfd8c16759/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199424&Signature=aUFgLCz~y4hskXHUo39R6BzVCGyXi4wUFnUFJM73OTQyM5fTtuoj~gO716DYosPROOvF4E-MD04aJcqA9u6JLnHUh36az0aYdEADCIvPlgr9WZSwHCi6oTcsiF96pjanG6kT4ErNedKk2huw-O3V60-op7MCwv9Li~xv88MEnDqVPEZNoTVu1WTPrkLNyLKqcuyZ2fRqkfheYDyqTe1cLTV20Xch-Z8H9Mbq17Iha5T9a-TxocOPnawNJuJaI-lCUGYNPMgQnolBp0HyBV-keIf3ypnLfpgpPdpdnMMN6jLTS9QR61ilHxkAKfgh3sJkjAp6KjczX9Bm43xjG1VEXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its March 18 meeting the City of Joliet council approved a consent agenda covering multiple contract awards and passed several individual items. Key outcomes:

- Consent agenda (Council memos 184–201): Approved as a block. Items included landscaping and maintenance contracts, traffic signal materials purchase orders, stadium audio and painting contracts, a meter asset management program and other routine procurements. Roll-call: motion carried.

- Council memo 203-25 (Heggie Park phase 1 water-main improvements): Contract award to PT Farrell Construction Company, $7,895,977.38. Approved by roll-call.

- Council memo 204-25 (Amendment No. 1 for 2026 water-main rehabilitation detailed design): Baxter & Woodman Inc., $1,292,000. Approved by roll-call.

- Council memo 205-25 (Predevelopment loan draw 11 to Riverwalk Homes LLC): Authorization to fund $598,665.91. Vote recorded: Quillman Aye; Reardon Aye; Clement Aye; Guerrero Aye; Hugg No; Navarro Abstain (ethics); Mudrin Aye; Mayor Darcy Aye. Motion carried.

- Ordinances associated with Prairie Landing Subdivision (PUD-12-24 and Z-3-24): Adopted. Council recorded ayes; mayor disclosed interest in purchasing entity and recused from dais activity.

- Ordinances and resolutions: Multiple additional ordinances and resolutions passed, including budget housekeeping to move unspent 2024 project funds to 2025 (214-25), IEPA loan borrowings for the alternative water source program (215-25), acceptance of a $1.9 million state legislative pass-through for community mental health (217-25), farm-lease execution for a city parcel (218-25), and easements granted to the Illinois Department of Transportation for several state highway improvement projects (219-25, 220-25). All were adopted by roll-call votes as shown in the meeting record.

Why it matters: The approvals move forward capital projects, enable loan closings and finalize administrative housekeeping to carry unfinished projects into fiscal 2025. The predevelopment loan action recorded a recorded dissent (one no and one abstain) and is therefore noted separately.

Ending: Staff will proceed with contract execution, loan closings and required administrative follow-ups documented in the agenda memos. Several items may trigger subsequent reporting or construction coordination.","Council approved its consent agenda and a series of contracts, ordinances and resolutions including contract awards, loan acceptances and budget housekeeping items. This roundup lists each item, the motion outcome and key vote tallies where recorded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122493,"Residents press the council on term limits, Millsdale Road safety and water access in public comments",3158,1240000,4398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba&start=1240&end=4398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba/thumbnail_1240000.jpg","/articles/6122493/Joliet/Will-County/Illinois/Residents-press-the-council-on-term-limits-Millsdale-Road-safety-and-water-access-in-public-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122493-e332c8ccfe658bbe820bc0f284974386/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199424&Signature=KsJq~e7iYp2ubBJIlipul3Hp~HzXbarV~PMo-u2UU4uA-rvLzfXEkKAij9Xc3MvgCkT1YFPc8tFow6-Cw8O~K-zZBzDQBAUzIztaJrj7qigOWPCJfqvhcSbftTA0yQWvmvqwLB95kfGOAvR~Hjwnfo9gLZCfnqiR9Pl3O2rhfNUwLHJJPGCLx7YQ1Woy4-8~ichwB0H5QTkzzcHtfhGnABc0c8KP45WOJTatR5TnJrcYhNgFQE6~Q~TL40gHbFwV0He8AHrHDOLDFPHtDKPCrP1q-weLw4V0bT~n1TU-Bf~ShQ-~RZM0kIDQa0TM-jBOsisQd3cKr-Xwe6NS8OLNLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the March 18 public-comment period, a range of residents raised three recurring civic concerns: support for term limits for elected officials, traffic and safety problems on Millsdale Road, and local representation and historical recognition along Chicago Street. Separately, one resident said city crews had obstructed his water access and asked for immediate help.

Term limits: Multiple speakers urged the council to place term limits on the ballot or otherwise support an ordinance. George Sheridan and other commenters said surveys and research they have collected show broad voter support; Dr. Glenda Wright McComb, a candidate for council at large, asked the council to “hear the voice of the people” and respect residents’ wishes. Speakers suggested potential changes to the city’s ethics and disclosure rules and said a ballot measure would not affect incumbents already seated.

Millsdale Road safety: Joe Jenkins said truck and cut-through traffic on Millsdale Road remains hazardous and urged a permanent closure or other remedies. Council and staff replied that the city owns the road, that a turnaround is the intended long-term fix, but that ongoing litigation with HRE Partners is delaying construction of a permanent solution. Police enforcement actions were cited: staff said the police department previously issued nearly 70 tickets during a 48-hour enforcement period, but sustained enforcement is limited.

Chicago Street legacy and representation: Trista Brown and others urged city leaders to do more to celebrate and preserve African American heritage on Chicago Street, including banners and markers honoring local figures. Council members said a consultant workshop tied to a grant will meet stakeholders to gather ideas and implement elements of the grant project.

Water access complaint: Brian Bentonhausen said a concrete block had been placed above his water valve and that the city had denied him access to water; he asked for immediate restoration of service. Council and staff asked for his contact details so staff could follow up and indicated they would have personnel check the situation after the meeting.

Other: A resident reported repeated early garbage pickups and rude behavior by collection crews; staff asked for the resident’s address to investigate with the contractor. The council reiterated it will follow up on these operational complaints.

Ending: City staff committed to follow up on specific operational complaints (water access, garbage collection) and to continue negotiating a Millsdale Road fix while litigation is pending. Speakers urged structural changes such as term limits and greater cultural recognition; council members said those policy ideas can be pursued in committee and encouraged further public participation.","Multiple residents used the public-comment period to press for term limits on elected officials, to ask for action on dangerous traffic at Millsdale Road, to urge greater recognition of south-side Chicago Street history, and to report a denial of water access at a private property.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6122498,"Council approves $7.9 million Heggie Park water-main contract and accepts IEPA loans for water projects",163,2637000,2800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba&start=2637&end=2800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2694800-9cceaa10c914f1be1b2338ede8bdd0ba/thumbnail_2637000.jpg","/articles/6122498/Joliet/Will-County/Illinois/Council-approves-79-million-Heggie-Park-water-main-contract-and-accepts-IEPA-loans-for-water-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6122498-64c2e88040e59f9e8eb21de54cb08aea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199425&Signature=m5MyDyAe5zsEOIz5vUrl6SIulilK7P2bd9mwMcg4Q5ixjg4xvP04mSB9usN4dDeVLY3x~XkuRf6VERqThoBr92gfvFqrrUJ09ZduQVA-wDLjBT2WyoxszDA8TrLNhRPLVjGSCc9oSfxbIDR6t4WExKNDbYjs-aCVGrFD-IpCtftrTvwe-DPfVB3o~1YRiH7N~f8g3DSwaz-peYLJs7by4bKO7tZblm65ew2ikAb~nNG~7H7WeeFxzafqj45keyV7cixesRnz5llcQ3b6mgcPB9k7BR8s5v~ZFqtOqrEcNRyvvxp3gZFwhpanXmuvI6FBDZvezMzKUg0rc9r6UCTAEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Joliet on March 18 approved multiple water-infrastructure measures, including a $7,895,977.38 contract for the Heggie Park phase 1 water-main improvements and an amendment to hire Baxter & Woodman Inc. for detailed design of the 2026 water-main rehabilitation program.

Council memo 203-25 authorized award of the Heggie Park phase 1 water-main project to PT Farrell Construction Company for $7,895,977.38. Council discussion noted the contract’s elevated cost reflected complexities including crossing the Canadian National railroad and work in a wooded, hilly area.

Council memo 204-25 approved Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement for the 2026 water-main rehabilitation program, awarding detailed design services to Baxter & Woodman Inc. for $1,292,000. City staff described this as engineering for a larger, city-only program to reduce water loss and prepare for the alternate-water-source program.

The council also approved resolutions to accept Illinois Environmental Protection Agency low-interest loans for water projects, including resolutions recorded on the agenda as L176076 and L176079, and passed multiple related change orders and final pay estimates for water-main projects discussed in committee.

Why it matters: The contracts and loans fund multi-year investments in the city’s water distribution infrastructure, including replacement and rehabilitation projects designed to reduce water loss and prepare for the city’s alternative water source program. Several items were large in scope and will require multi-year engineering and construction efforts.

Direct attributions: Finance and public-service committee members reviewed the packages; a council member noted the crossing of the CN rail line as a complicating factor. The award to PT Farrell and the Baxter & Woodman amendment were approved on roll-call votes.

Ending: With council authorization and IEPA loan acceptance, staff will proceed with contracting, engineering and construction scheduling. The city indicated it will use IEPA loan proceeds and capital budgets to fund design and construction phases, with additional coordination for right-of-way and railroad work where needed.","The council awarded a $7.895 million contract for Heggie Park phase 1 water-main improvements, approved a $1.292 million detailed-design amendment for the 2026 water-main rehabilitation program, and accepted low-interest IEPA loans for 2025 water projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City Council approves Prairie Landing PUD amid resident objections over tree removal and an ongoing property lawsuit

Votes at a glance: key contract awards, loan acceptances and ordinances approved March 18

Residents press the council on term limits, Millsdale Road safety and water access in public comments

Council approves $7.9 million Heggie Park water-main contract and accepts IEPA loans for water projects