Romeoville officials review zoning proposal amid community objections and safety concerns

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss a proposed rezoning request that has drawn significant attention from local municipalities and residents. The meeting focused on the implications of the rezoning for a property located near High Road, which is currently designated for industrial use.

The discussion began with a summary of the EcoCat report, which identified natural resources in the area but concluded that the proposed development would likely have minimal adverse effects. Staff recommended approval of the rezoning, contingent upon meeting all necessary permit requirements.

Concerns were raised by representatives from the Village of Romeoville and the Lamont Fire Protection District. Romeoville officials expressed objections based on the proposed rezoning conflicting with their comprehensive plans, highlighting that High Road is not designed to accommodate heavy traffic or industrial uses. The Lamont Fire Protection District emphasized the need for adequate access to the site for emergency response, urging compliance with the 2015 fire code.

A key point of contention was the potential for the site to be developed as a truck terminal, which is permitted by right under the current zoning. Commission members discussed the implications of this designation, noting that if the property were to transition to a truck terminal, it would require additional infrastructure to support heavy vehicle access. The road district would need to evaluate whether the existing road conditions could handle such traffic.

The meeting also revisited a previous proposal from August 2024, which sought a special use permit for the site. Unlike the current map amendment, which allows for a broader range of industrial uses, the special use permit would have imposed conditions to mitigate potential negative impacts. This shift in zoning could open the door for various industrial activities, including manufacturing, without the same level of oversight.

As the meeting progressed, several community members expressed their concerns regarding the potential impacts of the rezoning. The attorney representing the property owners, Al Demanskis, provided additional materials to the commission and addressed the audience, indicating that the owners were committed to addressing community concerns.

In conclusion, the commission's recommendation for approval of the rezoning, despite local objections, underscores the ongoing tension between development interests and community concerns in Will County. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations as the commission considers the implications of the proposed changes on local infrastructure and community well-being.