Joliet's Future Is At Stake: Open House Called To Discuss These Topics

(The following press release from the city of Joliet has been edited.)

JOLIET, IL — The City of Joliet and the Regional Transportation Authority announced on Wednesday that the conceptual development plan for the downtown and areas surrounding Joliet Gateway Transportation Center is nearing completion.

The Downtown Joliet Equitable Transit Oriented Development Plan identifies policies and actions to enhance development opportunities and mobility. Mayor Terry D’Arcy noted that the draft plan underscores the need for more housing variety, which will bring more people into our downtown area.

“More people in the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods is what will add further vitality. Staff along with our consultant and community partners have been working on this planning project for over a year, and I am happy to see it get to this stage.”

The City is holding an open house so that people can examine, discuss, and comment on the contents of the draft plan.

The open house will take place on Wednesday May 14, on the second floor of the Gateway Transportation Center Train Station located at 90 East Jefferson Street. Residents are encouraged to stop at any time from 6 to 8 p.m. that evening. The City will make available free parking that evening in the surrounding parking lots. There will also be free tacos and gift card raffles. To encourage attendance, the Joliet Railroad Museum will be available to tour that evening.

Public input continues to be critical to the development of a thoughtful and realistic plan for this area.

“We hope people will pop in and comment on the plan,” City Planner Jayne Bernhard said. “Our consultant firm will make changes to the draft Plan based on input received at the Open House.” After this, the revised draft Plan would be reviewed by the project steering committee. Then the City’s Plan Commission and Land Use and Economic Development Committee will review the draft Plan. The plan will be scheduled for formal adoption by the City Council in July 2025.

Members of the public can stay informed via the project website at: https://www.joliet.gov/etod.