Board requests IDOT halt South Suburban Airport property condemnations
Resolution calls for moratorium until Governor's Office completes review of project
JOLIET, IL- The Will County Board this month passed a resolution requesting the Illinois Department of Transportation impose a moratorium on the further acquisition of land by eminent domain for the proposed South Suburban Airport (SSA) until a review of the project is completed by Governor Bruce Rauner's administration.
"The property owners and residents in the footprint of the proposed third airport are absolutely entitled to courtesy and respect for their legal rights," said board member Judy Ogalla (R-Monee), who represents the district affected by the airport development. "It is only right and prudent to respect everyone's property rights and not allow the use of condemnation anytime a project is without full approval and funding. We need to provide relief to the families in the airport's footprint that face great uncertainty over the future of their homes and land."
"The property owners and residents in the footprint of the proposed third airport are absolutely entitled to courtesy and respect for their legal rights," said board member Judy Ogalla (R-Monee), who represents the district affected by the airport development. "It is only right and prudent to respect everyone's property rights and not allow the use of condemnation anytime a project is without full approval and funding. We need to provide relief to the families in the airport's footprint that face great uncertainty over the future of their homes and land."
Will County has actively participated in the process to develop the South Suburban Airport for many years, and board members have repeatedly passed resolutions opposing eminent domain authority and called on the state to maintain open communication channels with property owners and residents.
"Will County residents should know their elected officials and especially this Board are supportive of their property rights, and we will fight for them when those rights are challenged," said Republican Caucus Chair Chuck Maher (R-Naperville). "I supported this resolution because our county supports economic development that involves careful planning, regional consensus and consideration of the health, safety welfare and protection of property rights."
Governor Rauner issued an executive order to perform a thorough review of the proposed SSA and determine if the State of Illinois should continue with its development. Board members are hoping that decision comes sooner rather than later.
"We are calling on the Governor to make a decision about this airport as soon as possible," said board member Bob Howard (D-Beecher), who also represents residents in the affected district. "We have had nearly 50 years of study on this project, and landowners just need resolution. It is not fair to keep our residents in limbo and worried what will happen to their homes tomorrow."
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"Will County residents should know their elected officials and especially this Board are supportive of their property rights, and we will fight for them when those rights are challenged," said Republican Caucus Chair Chuck Maher (R-Naperville). "I supported this resolution because our county supports economic development that involves careful planning, regional consensus and consideration of the health, safety welfare and protection of property rights."
Governor Rauner issued an executive order to perform a thorough review of the proposed SSA and determine if the State of Illinois should continue with its development. Board members are hoping that decision comes sooner rather than later.
"We are calling on the Governor to make a decision about this airport as soon as possible," said board member Bob Howard (D-Beecher), who also represents residents in the affected district. "We have had nearly 50 years of study on this project, and landowners just need resolution. It is not fair to keep our residents in limbo and worried what will happen to their homes tomorrow."
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