Residents urge Joliet council to reopen river death investigations and block truck-stop impacts

Several speakers used the Nov. 4 public-comment period to press the City of Joliet for further action on public safety and neighborhood impacts.

Doris Jones urged the council to reopen investigations into multiple deaths and drownings found in the Des Plaines River dating from 2021 through 2024. Jones said she believes the sequence of deaths connected to properties owned by the housing authority and public locations near the river warrant renewed investigative attention. She asked the city to "reopen all the cold cases because we believe it's not just a coincidence." The remarks included references to prior media coverage and an earlier attorney-general inquiry; Jones stated skepticism about some official determinations of overdoses or accidents.

Diane Matter spoke about traffic and safety concerns tied to a planned Love's truck stop near New Lenox Road and Oak View Avenue. Matter asked whether a cul-de-sac and a 13-foot concrete barrier are feasible to protect nearby residences from heavy truck and warehouse traffic; she said residents had opposed the special permit and raised air-quality and spill risks.

Theresa Howard Collins, representing History on Wheels and the Future African Descendants Military and Historical Museum, announced a community Thanksgiving turkey giveaway on Nov. 15 to provide more than 100 meals for veterans' families and thanked community supporters.

The council did not take immediate action in response to the public comments during the meeting; public commenters requested follow-up and investigative attention.