Route 53 update, 211 Day, Testing site questions, and More
Dear Neigbhors,
I hope this finds you, family and neighbors well. I have some interesting developments to report to you.
Quite a few neighbors have asked me "What's going on with Route 53?" Since the highway was proposed to run right through the middle of Grayslake, Wildwood and Hainesville, the subject has been squarely in my sights.
Ever since the Tollway Authority nixed this highway project in 2019, the Illinois General Assembly faced the question on what to do with the 1,000-plus acres of the corridor.
In the middle of last year, Springfield agreed to set up a bi-partisan commission to study what to do with the land. I, along with others up and down the corridor, were appointed to the commission (and had successfully lobbied for its creation). We are meeting at least four times and will need to produce a report by the end of the year.
Based on presentations given by the Lake County Forest Preserve and Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), there are several areas worth preserving for a number of reasons. In our immediate area, the northeast section of the corridor -- roughly along Route 120 going east to the Tollway -- is where the Almond Marsh complex and an Illinois Nature Preserve are home to several native plant and animal species. In an area near the Grayslake Park District park on Alleghany Road, the headwaters of Mill Creek reside.
One question that I asked during the last commission meeting raised a practical, longer-term concern: Would preserving and restoring wetlands near Alleghany Park prevent flooding downstream in the heart of Grayslake and Third Lake? (Remember the awful floods of 2017?) Kurt Woolford, the executive director of our SMC, said "yes," although much more study is needed.
As the commission's work unfolds, many stakeholders will be involved -- and we truly want to hear from everyone -- but some critical questions are being asked: How can we create a continuous trail and wildlife corridor? How can we expand and connect forest preserves? How can we encourage "green" public, residential, transportation and commercial uses? That's where you come in. Please let me know your thoughts. I'm at jwasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Forest Preserve News
At Tuesday's board meeting, commissioners approved access to preserve property for the non-profit Farm Foundation to what was formerly known as the Casey/Radical Root Farm.
The farm is directly across from our Independence Grove Dog Park and adjacent to the Casey Road trail that goes into the preserve and links to the Des Plaines River Trail. It was closed some time ago, although many of you will remember that it was extensively rehabilitated by Conserve Lake County (Liberty Prairie Conservancy), long since merged with Openlands.
Why is this significant? The Farm Foundation is proposing to locate a regional "Innovation and Education Center" at the farm property and create a "state of the art facility" for "gathering, breaking bread, accelerated learning and community engagement."
While I haven't seen detailed plans for the center, an executive with the foundation told me they could collaborate with the Forest Preserve and other non-profits such as the Liberty Prairie Foundation on areas like regenerative agriculture. At first blush, it looks like a good fit for that site; I will certainly keep you posted.
And if you haven't seen the Ansel Adams exhibit yet, please stop by the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. This is a rare opportunity to see Adams' powerful early work.
If you have immediate needs for rental, food or mental health assistance or there are other ways the county can help you, please call 2-1-1. I am available to talk to your community or faith group about county and forest preserve activities. As always, it's my honor to serve you.
Be well,
John
