No Word, Big Vision

As the Joliet City Council continues to vote on a series of development and policy initiatives, one local proposal remains unanswered: a visionary Science and Technology Park pitched by entrepreneur and filmmaker Jeremy Jones.

Jones, the founder of Aranex Materials, formally submitted his plan to city leadership earlier this year. The project, which aims to position Joliet as a hub for sustainable materials, biotech, and advanced manufacturing, has yet to receive a formal response from the city—despite being acknowledged by multiple municipal departments.

“It's possible the city is simply overwhelmed,” said one source familiar with local government operations. “There are a lot of initiatives in motion, and officials may be prioritizing what they believe are the most immediate needs.”

Among the proposals that have recently gone before the council include zoning changes for dispensaries, downtown business incentives, and infrastructure updates. Yet the silence surrounding Jones’ proposal has some residents questioning how priorities are being set.

In a move that signals both patience and persistence, Jones recently applied for the Director of Cultural Affairs and Special Events position within Joliet’s municipal government—a role that would place him closer to the city’s planning conversations.

“I’m not trying to wait on a seat at the table,” Jones reportedly told peers. “I’m building one.”

Jones, a Joliet resident and community figure, has also begun collaborating with local media outlets and public access television, airing short films and documentaries that highlight regional history and innovation.

Whether the city’s silence is a matter of bureaucracy or strategy remains to be seen—but as the weeks pass, the clock is ticking for Joliet to seize a unique opportunity to invest in its scientific and economic future.

Jenn Taylor is a community writer focused on innovation, civic affairs, and regional storytelling across Illinois.