Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”
ARTICLE SUMMARY: A Homer Glenn farm owner voiced strong opposition to the planned widening of 143rd Street during a county meeting, while committee members indicated a “tentative agreement” is in the works to address the controversial project.
Key Points:
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Resident Christine Nouser argued the project would take a significant portion of her farm and disrupt the area’s rural character.
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County Board members Dave Oxley and Steve Balich confirmed they are in discussions with the County Executive’s office to find a solution for the road.
JOLIET—A controversial plan to widen 143rd Street in Homer Glenn faced renewed public opposition Tuesday, even as Will County officials signaled that a potential compromise is being negotiated behind the scenes.
During public comment at the Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee meeting, Christine Nouser, owner of Chrysland Farm, urged the board to halt the project, which she said threatens her property and the community’s rural identity.
“I will lose a lot of my property. I have almost 1,400 ft on 143rd Street,” Nouser said, adding that the expanded road would be “right up next to my barn.” She pleaded with the committee to “please, please, please do not go forward with this project. Let’s just leave it alone.”
Nouser argued the project runs counter to Homer Glenn’s efforts to maintain a “rural country atmosphere” and that traffic studies justifying the widening were flawed because they were conducted when nearby 159th Street was under construction.
Later in the meeting, committee members representing the area indicated that discussions are underway to find a resolution.
“Sherry and I met with staff and then Steve and I have talked about this,” said Board Member Dave Oxley (R-Lockport). “Subject to a couple things, we have an agreement on that.”
Board Member Steve Balich (R-Homer Glen) confirmed the talks, stating, “We have a tentative agreement and work on a solution to the… circus.” He added that he and Republican Leader Jim Richmond (R-Mokena) were meeting with officials later in the day.
The project is listed in the county’s long-range plan for a five-lane reconstruction.
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