Residents press Joliet council to investigate alleged tree damage and privacy impacts from Love’s truck stop

Several residents described what they called substantial damage and quality‑of‑life impacts from construction of a Love’s truck stop during the public‑comment portion of the May 19 City Council meeting, and they asked the city to investigate and enforce applicable protections.

Diane Manor told the council she and her husband have long lived at 1316 New Links Road and said root damage to 50‑ to 80‑year‑old trees was documented by the city arborist. She said FOIA requests for permits and inspection reports had been submitted and asked whether the city would enforce its ordinances and investigate how permits were approved without protecting trees.

“Will the city enforce its own ordinances and investigate how permits were approved without protecting our trees?” Manor asked.

Kaylee Matter spoke sharply about what she described as a “wall of silence” from staff after submitting evidence, public‑records requests and grievances. Matter said she hired an independent arborist because she believed the city had not responded and demanded a formal written response from the city manager’s office on the status of any investigation.

Tammy Kornauer, who lives in unincorporated Joliet adjacent to the site, said she was promised a berm and fence but instead can see the truck lot from her living room. “I do not feel safe at my home,” she said, and said property values had suffered.

City Manager Beth Fady thanked residents and said staff would look into the issues; she asked residents to provide contact information and said Dustin (city staff) would follow up the next morning to review permits and documentation. Council members urged staff to enforce any requirements in developer agreements and easements and to prioritize resident outreach.

No formal enforcement action or ordinance change was recorded during the meeting; residents requested follow‑up and a written status update from the city manager’s office.