Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026
Article Summary: The committee authorized the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to proceed with condemnation cases to acquire necessary right-of-way for improvements to Francis Road and Marley Road. The county has been unable to reach agreements with several property owners.
Francis and Marley Road Condemnation Key Points:
-
Project: Improvements to Francis Road (CH 64) and Marley Road in New Lenox.
-
Action: Authorization of eminent domain proceedings for specific parcels where negotiations stalled.
-
Parcels Affected: Properties owned by the Victor Platos Trust, Stevenson/Anthony, Maciukenas, Caputo Trust, and Blankenberger.
-
Purpose: To secure land for turn lanes, traffic signals, and drainage improvements.
The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, passed a resolution authorizing the State’s Attorney’s Office to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire land for the improvement of Francis Road and Marley Road.
The project, located in County Board Districts 2, 4, and 5 near New Lenox, involves roadway reconstruction, the addition of turn lanes, traffic signal installation, and drainage upgrades.
According to the resolution, the county’s negotiators have been “unable to reach an agreement of fair market value with present owners listed.” As a result, the county is moving forward with eminent domain power to acquire the necessary fee simple title and easements.
Specific parcels listed in the resolution include land owned by the Victor Platos Trust, Mark J. and Mark E. Stevenson, Daniel and Margaret Maciukenas, the Louis Caputo Revocable Living Trust, and Joseph P. Blankenberger.
The committee also approved a separate resolution appropriating $175,980 in transportation funds to cover the costs of these acquisitions.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Executive Committee Advances Dissolution of Southeast Joliet Sanitary District
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for January 6, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for January 6, 2026
Public Works Committee: $18.8 Million Contract Awarded for Lorenzo Road Bridge Over BNSF Railway
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for January 7, 2026
Executive Committee: Relaxes Rules for Retiring Employee Proclamations
Lobbyist Updates: State Session Resumes; Transit Safety Concerns Raised
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for January 6, 2026
Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs
‘Good Food For All’ Initiative Proposes Local Agricultural Asset Mapping for Will County
Public Works Committee Advances $3.2 Million Engineering Contract for Mills Road Reconstruction
Board Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution
Executive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair
Finance Committee: County Appropriates Fees from $25 Million Wilmington Warehouse Project
