WC Board
Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: A request to rezone land for a “clean fill” operation in Joliet Township stalled in committee after it was revealed the applicant cleared acres of trees during a restricted season, potentially impacting protected species. The committee voted 3-3, failing to recommend…
Read MoreMeeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 JOLIET, IL – The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with Acting Chairman John Kiefner presiding in the absence of Chairman Hugh Stipan. The meeting proceeded with a bare quorum of four commissioners. The commission moved quickly through an…
Read MoreAd-Hoc Committee: Liquor Ordinance Stalls Over Drafting Errors; Debates License Cap Policy
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee postponed a vote on the comprehensive update to the county’s alcoholic beverage code after discovering drafting errors regarding temporary licenses. The meeting sparked a debate on the county’s long-standing policy of capping liquor licenses,…
Read MoreGreen Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: Residents of Green Garden Township warned county officials they are moving to incorporate as a village to gain zoning control and stop a proposed 6,000-acre solar energy facility. The objectors cited concerns over zinc contamination in soil and the destruction of rural farmland. Solar…
Read MoreExecutive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive Committee. Speaker Joe VanDuyne maintained that “Whip” positions do not carry automatic appointments to the committee, leading to accusations of power balancing. Committee Appointment Key…
Read MoreAd-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee repealed county regulations regarding motor stunt events and removed fees for solicitor registration to comply with Illinois state statutes. Assistant State’s Attorney Phil Mock advised the committee that the county’s population growth inadvertently disqualified…
Read MoreCommission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: A Manhattan Township homeowner received unanimous approval for three variances to expand a pole barn, despite county staff recommending denial for two of the requests. The approval allows the structure to exceed size limits and encroach on side yard setbacks. Manhattan Township…
Read MoreExecutive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500 permanent jobs and the revitalization of two major industrial sites in Joliet and Channahon. The project relies on a proposed property tax abatement which officials…
Read MoreLand Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use Committee approved special use permits for two businesses in Frankfort and Homer Townships, overruling objections from local municipalities regarding traffic safety and zoning compatibility. Key Points: Mokena Scrap Facility: A special use permit was approved for an…
Read MorePlanning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm in Will Township near Peotone, which includes a $200,000 community donation budget and pollinator-friendly landscaping. The project, developed by Cenergy Power, will now advance to…
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