County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project
June 3, 2025/
The committee authorized the State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80.
Eight property parcels are involved in the condemnation proceedings, including properties owned by the Joliet Park District, Commonwealth Edison Company, and several private property owners.
The Francis Road project will reconstruct the roadway to current standards and improve drainage in the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 pending completion of right-of-way acquisition.
County officials said attempts to negotiate voluntary acquisitions were unsuccessful, necessitating the legal condemnation process.
Latest News Stories
WATCH: US DHS looking to buy more property in Chicago for Trump law enforcement efforts
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The federal government is looking into buying more property in Chicago to continue conducting federal law enforcement...
Hundreds of National Guard activated in Illinois
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Hundreds of National Guard soldiers are activated in Illinois for the next two months to assist in...
Illinois quick hits: Texas Guard arrives in Broadview; former governors join case against Trump
By The Center SquareThe Center Square Texas Guard arrives in Broadview Just as a federal judge prepares to hear arguments Thursday morning about the use of the National Guard in...
Officials, police criticize Chicago ICE stand-down; CPD says officers responded
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers and police are outraged after reports that Chicago officers were ordered to stand down...
WATCH: Pritzker tells Trump ‘come and get me;’ SCOTUS hears ballot counting case
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares reaction to...
Deniz Aslan Appointed Interim Director of Curriculum at Summit Hill 161
Summit Hill School District 161 Board Meeting | September 17, 2025 Article Summary: The Summit Hill District 161 Board of Education appointed longtime educator Deniz Aslan as the Interim Director...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Public Library District for August 28, 2025
The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees approved its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, advanced a long-awaited reading room renovation, and authorized spending on key facility maintenance projects...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for August 19, 2025
The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees made a firm financial commitment to its pursuit of a future tax referendum at its meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The...
Frankfort Library Approves Funds for New Heaters, Tree Removal
Article Summary: The Frankfort Public Library Board of Trustees approved nearly $20,000 in spending for essential building and grounds maintenance, including the replacement of several heating units and the removal...
Summit Hill 161 Welcomes Will County Sheriff’s Deputy as New School Resource Officer
Summit Hill School District 161 Board Meeting | September 17, 2025 Article Summary: Summit Hill School District 161 officially introduced Will County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Farkas as the district's new...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for August 21, 2025
The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners reviewed a clean annual audit, heard a detailed presentation from the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA), and approved several administrative measures at...
Frankfort Fire Board Adopts FY 2026 Budget Amid Rising Insurance Costs
Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has unanimously adopted its budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2026 fiscal year. The approval came after a public hearing...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for September 18, 2025
The Will County Board navigated a contentious meeting on September 18, 2025, marked by narrow votes on two highly debated land use issues in Crete and Homer Glen. The board...
