Residents Invited to Speak with Will County Officials Over Pizza

Will County Board members representing Homer Glen, Lockport and New Lenox invite residents to learn more about county initiatives on Sept. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Chesdan’s Pizzeria in Homer Glen. Complimentary pizza and drinks will be served, and residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and get to know their elected officials.

“We want to provide an opportunity for the public to meet with us and discuss any topic related to the county’s activities,” said board member Steve Balich (R-Homer Glen). “I believe it’s essential for residents to know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent and for elected officials to transparently account for every single one of them. We look forward to seeing many of our constituents on Sept. 22.”

One topic board members will address is the county’s plans to build a new courthouse in downtown Joliet. The current courthouse was built in 1969 when the county’s population was 250,000; today the county has nearly 700,000 residents. Its 23 courtrooms lack the necessary space and security and do not meet the minimum standards for safety and security as set by the Illinois Supreme Court.

“It’s very important that we only build a courthouse we can afford without raising taxes,” said board member Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen), chair of the county board’s finance committee. “This is one topic we will address at our meeting with residents, as we know property taxes are always at the front of people’s minds. In addition, we will provide an update on road projects such as the one at 143rd and Bell Road.”

The 143rd Street corridor project extends three miles from State Street east to Golden Oak Drive. The project includes complete reconstruction of the two lane roadway to a five lane with curbs and gutters, an enclosed drainage system, upgraded and new traffic signals at various intersections, and other additions. The total cost is approximately $15 million for design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. The entire corridor is expected to be completed by 2020.

Residents can meet with District 7 board members on Sept. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Chesdan’s Pizzeria and Grille, 15764 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen, next to the Big R Store.

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