The LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 20 voted to recommend that the County Board approve petition 25-20, a special-use request by Daniel and Jessica Alozio to create two lots less than 35 acres in the A-1 district at approximately 1732 North 410 First Road in Freedom Township. The petitioners told the board the split would create a roughly 2.2-acre lot for their middle son, who helps with livestock and farm maintenance.

Why it matters: The request is a family-driven lot split to support continued on-site farm assistance; county staff performed a site review and raised routine concerns about access, drain tile and the placement of the new house relative to natural drainage features.

Key facts
- Petitioner Jessica Alozio said the son and his young family currently help with livestock and that the son works as a paramedic for the city of Ottawa; the petitioners said they intend to dig a new well and install a new septic system for the new dwelling.
- LaSalle County Soil and Water staff said the parcel scored 241.72 on a local site assessment (out of a 300-point scale used for croppable acreage evaluation) and recommended the petitioners coordinate with the road commissioner on access placement and be mindful of drain tile and natural drainage before siting a foundation.
- The board completed the findings-of-fact required by ordinance and voted to recommend approval; the petition is scheduled for County Board consideration on Sept. 8, 2025.

Next steps
If the County Board approves the special use, the petitioners must secure well and septic permits and a building permit before constructing the house. The board record shows the family intends to begin site work in spring and to continue farming parts of the parcel after the new house is built.