Mayor Terry Darcy and the Joliet City Council on Dec. 2 approved a three‑year lease with the State of Illinois that will allow the city to continue accessing and operating the old Joliet Prison property.

The vote followed multiple public comments during which residents pressed the council to protect about 135 acres of open land east of Collins Street — land they said has been used for disc golf, alcohol sales and unauthorized dumping. Alicia Morales, identifying herself as a Joliet Township precinct committeewoman, asked the council to amend the city's resolution to pursue an intergovernmental agreement to transfer open lands to the Forest Preserve District of Will County and to limit city control to the buildings only.

Supporters of the lease, including Hugh O'Hara on behalf of the Joliet Area Historical Museum, urged approval so the museum and city can continue preservation and remediation work at the prison. "To date, we've gotten $7,100,000 spent right around there on stabilization efforts," O'Hara said, arguing that keeping the property intact has helped secure state funds.

City management explained why the administration opposed an earlier legislative effort and defended the lease on procedural and funding grounds. The city manager told the council the lease does not permit uses such as a golf course, said the city has issued cease‑and‑desist notices for unauthorized activities, and noted roughly $7 million in state and federal funding has been directed to the property. The manager said splitting the property could jeopardize ongoing negotiations and funding.

Residents urged greater transparency and additional investigation. "There are pictures, videos, reports, emails. I have everything documented," said Alma Montero, a District 4 resident, asking council to table the matter and gather more information. Christine Johnson, who described herself as a prison historian, said retired Department of Corrections staff have been denied access to the site and asked the city to address that.

Council discussion acknowledged the residents' concerns and emphasized continued work with the Forest Preserve District. After a motion and second, the council approved the lease by roll call. Recorded verbal votes showed eight members voting in favor and one opposed; the mayor voted in favor.

With the lease in place, city officials said they will continue discussions with the Forest Preserve District and involve residents in planning, while the museum and city pursue additional remediation and stabilization funding.

The council's action allows the city and museum to continue programming and preservation at the prison while questions about the adjacent open land and alleged unauthorized uses remain subject to ongoing community discussions and potential legislative action.