Route 53 Task Force update, Washington Street bike path, and More
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well. My wife and I have been enjoying hitting the trails and talking to neighbors. My dog Brogan and I have nearly walked all of the trails in the Hike Lake County Challenge, which are spread out throughout our gorgeous county.
Speaking of trails, I wanted to give you an update on the Illinois Route 53 Land Expansion Alternative Use Task Force. I was appointed a member, along with many other representatives from our area, to come up with alternatives to the long-cancelled highway project. We are close to drafting a final report, which will be sent to the Illinois General Assembly around the end of the year.
The good news is that there's a consensus on the task force to create a greenway, a natural corridor that would stretch from Lake-Cook Road to Route 120 in Grayslake. I support this concept, which may deed or transfer state-owned land to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
If the land ends up in the hands of IDNR, the General Assembly will also need to fund the creation and ongoing expenses of a 1,000-acre state park.
Here are some of the guiding principles directing our plan
In addition to these principles, I would also like the task force to recommend that parcels along the corridor be reserved for regenerative or sustainable agriculture. Lake County has a rich tradition of farming. Growing food locally can reduce the cost of producing it.
Of course, much has to happen in Springfield for this greenway to become reality. I have personally asked Gov. Pritzker for his support. We will know more after the new legislature is seated in January.
Learn more about the Route 53 Task Force
November 8 General Election
Please note: Early voting sites are now open across Lake County, and you also can still request to vote by mail. Please make a plan to vote. Check the voter information guide, mentioned below in my newsletter, to find out more about the Nov. 8 General Election.
Forest Preserve News
What could the future of Lake County look like? I encourage you to explore the On to 2050 exhibit at the Forest Preserve's Dunn Museum. It's a visual display of what's possible. The exhibit runs through Nov. 13.
As always, it's my honor and privilege to serve you. I am available to speak before any civic, faith or service group. You can contact me at jwasik@lakecountyil.gov.
John
