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Council approves amendment to Joliet Junior College student-housing plan after college and buyer pledge protections for students
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Summary
The Joliet City Council on April 21 adopted an amendment to the Joliet Junior College student-housing planned unit development (council memo 225-26) after college leaders and the contract purchaser described maintenance and safety agreements intended to protect roughly 45 students living in Rock Run Residence.
The Joliet City Council on April 21 voted to adopt an amendment to the planned unit development for Joliet Junior College student housing (council memo 225-26), after college officials and the contract purchaser told the council they would cooperate on maintenance and public-safety arrangements.
Yolanda Farmer, executive vice president at Joliet Junior College, told the council she spoke on behalf of College President Dr. Namur and said the college supports the amendment. "Those students remain our highest priority," Farmer said, noting about 45 students currently live in Rock Run Residence and emphasizing a memorandum of understanding between Joliet Junior College campus police and the Joliet Police Department to strengthen safety and coordination.
Jim Lutsinski, chairman of the JJC Board of Trustees, told the council the board had reviewed the proposed amendment and approved an access-easement maintenance agreement with the purchaser to support improvements along Richard T. Rivera Way. "Trustees have authority for official board action only when acting together in duly noticed public meetings," Lutsinski said, adding the board is supportive when changes "contribute positively to the community and support safe nearby living conditions."
Andrew Scott, attorney for the contract purchaser (Midwest REO 5 LLC), said the buyer’s petition signals intent to maintain the property and continue working with the college. "We will continue to welcome [students] and work with the college," Scott said, adding the purchaser expects to draw from a broader tenant pool to sustain property upkeep.
Council members discussed procedural points and public-safety implications before moving and adopting the ordinance amending the preliminary and final PUD for the Joliet Junior College student-housing subdivision (listed as council memo 225-26). The ordinance passed by roll call vote; the clerk recorded the motion as carried.
The amendment and the associated access-easement maintenance agreement are intended to formalize cooperative upkeep of Richard T. Rivera Way and to clarify expectations for tenant populations and property maintenance. The council did not specify a timetable for implementation beyond approval; staff will handle any subsequent permit or enforcement steps.
The council adopted the ordinance during the April 21 meeting; the matter will proceed under community development and building-permit processes as needed.
