Jackson Township Board Discusses High-Speed Rail Uncertainty and Northpoint Development

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board Meeting | September 10, 2025

Article Summary: During the September 10 meeting, the Jackson Township Board addressed ongoing ambiguity regarding the proposed high-speed rail route and discussed upcoming meetings concerning the Northpoint development. Supervisor Matt Robbins reported on communications with state officials and neighboring municipalities regarding these large-scale infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure and Development Key Points:

• Rail Route Unclear: IDOT officials provided a map for the proposed high-speed rail from Braidwood to Elwood, but Supervisor Robbins noted the route remains unclear.

• Northpoint Meeting: Supervisor Robbins received a request from Terry D’Arcy and the Mayor of Manhattan to arrange a meeting with Northpoint representatives to discuss “how to be a good neighbor.”

• Vanguard Proposal: The board requested that Vanguard, a company proposing an anaerobic digester, present its plans to the Township Planning and Zoning Commission after presenting to Will County.

The Jackson Township Board on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, engaged in detailed discussions regarding major infrastructure and development projects impacting the region, specifically focusing on high-speed rail plans and the Northpoint industrial development.

Supervisor Matt Robbins updated the board on the status of the proposed high-speed rail line projected to run from Braidwood to Elwood. Robbins reported that he spoke with an official named Elliot from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) regarding the project.

According to Robbins, the map provided by IDOT was not clear regarding the specific route of the rail line. Robbins noted that Township Attorney John Gallo possessed a map that demonstrated the potential path, but the township is currently waiting for definitive confirmation on the railroad’s location.

“Until we can figure out for sure where the railroad is going, we are just still waiting,” Robbins said.

The board also discussed developments related to Northpoint. Robbins reported receiving a call the previous week from Terry D’Arcy and the Mayor of the Village of Manhattan. The call was intended to organize a meeting involving mayors, township supervisors, and Northpoint representatives. The stated goal of the proposed meeting is to discuss how the development can be a “good neighbor.”

In other development news, Robbins addressed a presentation by Vanguard regarding a proposed anaerobic digester. Robbins directed the company to present their plans to the Township Planning and Zoning Commission only after they have presented their plans to Will County officials.

Additionally, Robbins noted that a renewable energy developer interested in energy storage has contacted the township. Robbins stated he intends to investigate the matter further.