Manhattan Officials Vote To Join ‘Stop NorthPoint’ Lawsuit

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen and the Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to join the Stop NorthPoint lawsuit, which is pending against NorthPoint Development, LLC and several other defendants, “reinforcing Manhattan’s commitment to protecting local interests and preserving the integrity within the boundaries of the Village,”officials said.

The lawsuit, spearheaded by Stop NorthPoint LLC, aims to halt the development of a massive trucking and warehousing complex proposed by NorthPoint Development based on claims of public and private nuisance, the Village said in a release.

Opponents believe that the project, which would span nearly five hundred times the size of Chicago’s Soldier Field, poses significant threats to the environment as well as the health, safety and quality of life for residents in Manhattan.

“Our decision to join this lawsuit reflects our dedication to safeguarding our community’s future,” Adrieansen said. “The proposed development by NorthPoint threatens not only our environment but also the safety and well-being of our residents. I along with our Village Trustees want to ensure that our voices are heard, and our community is protected.”

The lawsuit highlights several concerns, including:

• Environmental Impact: The development’s proximity to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie raises environmental and ecological concerns.
• Infrastructure Strain: Officials say the project would place an undue burden on local roads and infrastructure, potentially leading to increased traffic congestion and safety hazards.
• Community Well-being: Officials say the scale of the development threatens the quality of life for residents, with potential negative impacts on property values and local businesses.

Earlier this year, the Illinois Appellate Court remanded the case back to the Will County Circuit Court. A trial date has not yet been set.