Bolingbrook Quarry Project On Thursday's Will County Board Agenda

BOLINGBROOK, IL — A proposed rezoning and associated special use permits for a mining/quarrying operation in Wheatland Township is on the agenda for Thursday's Will County Board meeting.

The Board had previously voted back in January to delay discussion and a vote on the quarry project, and pushed the matter to March.

The project calls for a rezoning, and several special use permits for mining/quarrying with blasting or other use of explosives, concrete and asphalt mixing, and clean construction or demolition debris fill operations. The project has been under discussion at various county committees since the fall.

The land is currently zoned A-1 (agricultural) and needs to be rezoned to I-3 (industrial). The property is located in Wheatland Township, at the southeast corner of Essington Road and 127th Street. It has a Bolingbrook address, although it is not in the Village of Bolingbrook.

In September 2024, the Village filed an objection to the project. At the time, Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta said the project could "severely impact the welfare, safety and the quality of life in the surrounding Village."

The property is also close to District 202's Liberty Elementary School.

When reached for comment on Tuesday, Alexander-Basta reiterated her concerns.

"As Mayor of Bolingbrook, I strongly oppose the proposed quarry operation in Will County. This project poses a serious threat to the quality of life for our residents, particularly those living in close proximity to the site. Increased dust, noise, and heavy truck traffic will not only disrupt daily life but also create long-term concerns for families in our community," she told Patch.

Patch has also received several emails from area residents in recent days expressing concern for the project.

Alexander-Basta said another concern is the safety risk to schools.

"The proposed site is near educational institutions where children should be able to learn and play without the dangers of excessive truck traffic, airborne pollutants, and potential accidents. The well-being of our residents—especially our youngest and most vulnerable—must come first," she said.

She called on the Will County Board to listen to residents "and prioritize the health and safety of our communities and reject this proposal. We must prioritize people over profits. "

The Village of Plainfield has also filed an objection to the project. Because of the objections, the County Board will need a 3/4 super-majority to approve the zoning map amendment instead of a simple majority vote. District 202 has also submitted a letter of objection.

The votes for the special use permits could still pass in a simple majority vote.

In October, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission denied the project. The matter then went to the Will County Land Use and Development Committee, and the committee decided to delay discussion until Jan. 2 on the matter.

According to discussion at the land and development meeting, the project does call for surface mining and underground mining under Lily Cache Creek. County officials said during the January meeting that blasting of limestone would happen up to twice a week.

The applicant has proposed a berm to the north and west of the property, as well as the northeast corner of the project to address some concerns, according to discussion at the meeting.

The committee approved the zoning map change, in a 3-2 vote; and the committee approved the special use permits for mining, for concrete and asphalt mixing and for the clean construction or demolition debris, in 3-2 votes.

Over 1,900 people have signed a Change.org petition against the quarry project. The petition cites concerns about the business owner, RE Land IL IV, Inc.; the risk to public health and safety, erosion, and possible contamination of Lily Cache Creek, among other complaints.

The County Board meets at 9 a.m. on Thursday, in the County Board Room, 302 N. Chicago St., in Joliet.