Parents, district officials urge legal review after Will County approves quarry near Liberty Elementary

Plainfield, Ill. — Parents, caregivers and district officials used public comment at the Plainfield SD 202 Board of Education meeting to urge the school to pursue legal review after the Will County Board approved a special-use permit for a surface mine they say sits too close to Liberty Elementary.

Michelle Cottrell, a Plainfield parent, asked the board to "consider seeking judicial review under Illinois Municipal Code 65 ILCS 5," and said the permit was approved despite a recommendation against it from the Will County Zoning Board and extensive community opposition.

Why it matters: Speakers said the mine will be within roughly 1,000 feet of Liberty Elementary, that blasting can send "fly rock" more than 2,500 feet, and that dust and vibration pose particular risks for children, especially students with sensory sensitivities. Commenters tied the issue to student safety, building damage and long-term health concerns.

At the meeting, a board member (unnamed during public comment) and other attendees praised Superintendent Dr. Lehi Wood for attending the Will County meeting and speaking against the project. Dr. Wood's attendance was explicitly thanked by Michelle Cottrell during her remarks.

What speakers said

- "This mine will not produce gold or rare minerals. It will extract limestone rock or gravel. This is not a scarce resource. There is no justification in place for this kind of industrial operation next to an elementary school," Michelle Cottrell said, arguing the site choice posed psychological and physical risks for children.

- Aaron Sylvester Cottrell said blasting and vibrations would make school life harder for his younger brother, who has autism, and for other students with sensory challenges: "...he's sensitive to noise, vibrations, feels stronger to him. And it could lead to the point where he can't function."

- Board commentary at the meeting noted the Will County Board vote was 12-10 in favor of approving the permit; board members and residents in the room told the district they had already spent money repairing school buildings because of quarry-related impacts near other sites.

District and community context

At the meeting the board heard that Plainfield SD 202 has already spent about $1.5 million to raise the foundation at Liberty Elementary because of prior quarry work and an additional $500,000 on upgraded windows at Plainfield East High School, remarks recorded in the meeting said. Commenters said hundreds of residents attended the Will County hearing and more than 1,900 people signed a petition opposing the quarry proposal.

Next steps

Speakers asked the board to explore judicial review under 65 ILCS 5 and to continue public advocacy against the permit. At the meeting one board member said they agreed with the public commenters but did not announce a formal board action on the mine during the session.

The board did not vote on a motion to seek judicial review on the record during this meeting.

Ending

Parents and district staff left the meeting urging further legal and public action; those requests were recorded as public comments rather than board directives or formal motions.