Will-County-Board-Meeting-June-18-2025

Will County Board Upholds Zoning Denials, Rejecting Developer Appeals

The Will County Board on Wednesday backed its Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), denying two separate appeals from property owners who sought to overturn the commission’s recommendations against their projects. Both appeals failed to secure the 17-vote supermajority required by county ordinance to override a PZC decision.

The first case involved a request by Hernando Torres to build a barn of over 5,000 square feet on his property on State Line Road in Crete Township, far exceeding the 1,000 square feet normally allowed. The board voted 15-5 in favor of overturning the PZC’s denial, but the motion failed as it fell two votes short of the supermajority threshold.

Supporters, like Member Daniel Butler, argued the barn was necessary to store a year’s worth of hay and house animals, and was smaller than other barns in the vicinity that had received variances. “He still has a garage which is 800 [square feet], so they count that against it,” Butler explained. “But the barn itself is not really that big for that property.”

However, Member Julie Berkowicz questioned the significant size variance. “The maximum size is over a thousand, but the barn that they want to build is over 5,000 square feet. So that’s quite a change in the variance,” she noted.

In the second case, the board considered an appeal from Peter Krzyzanowski, who sought a variance to build a new home just three feet from his property line on Dell Park Avenue in Lockport Township. The standard setback is 10 feet. This appeal also failed, receiving 16 votes in favor—one shy of the required 17.

Member David Oxley, who represents the district, supported the applicant, noting the property was a narrow 40-foot lot created decades ago. “The way he’s situating it on the lot, it would not prove any hardship on the neighbors. There’s plenty of room between the houses,” Oxley said.

Concerns were raised about the proximity to the neighboring property. “I think that 3 feet is not enough room if those meters wind up having to be placed on that wall,” Berkowicz commented.

The two failed appeals underscore the significant hurdle developers face in convincing the full County Board to reverse a negative recommendation from its appointed zoning commission.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

With antisemitism on the rise, a glimmer of hope at Jewish delis

With antisemitism on the rise, a glimmer of hope at Jewish delis

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square With antisemitism at its highest level in recorded history, Jewish delis in the U.S. are providing a glimpse of hope, celebration and award-winning pastrami on...
‘Exactly what we need’: First expedited coal lease advances

‘Exactly what we need’: First expedited coal lease advances

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The first expedited coal lease under the Big Beautiful Bill has advanced with the goal of energy independence and job creation in mind. An energy...
In six months, ICE arrests 350 gang members in Houston

In six months, ICE arrests 350 gang members in Houston

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square In the first six months of the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Houston arrested 356 illegal foreign nationals who are confirmed...
Multiple briefs filed with Texas Supreme Court in Abbott lawsuit against Wu

Multiple briefs filed with Texas Supreme Court in Abbott lawsuit against Wu

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Multiple individuals have filed amicus briefs with the Texas Supreme Court in response to an emergency writ of quo warranto petition filed by Texas Gov....
Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano to take Trump appointment as Eastern WA U.S. attorney

Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano to take Trump appointment as Eastern WA U.S. attorney

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square President Donald Trump has nominated Pete Serrano – mayor of Pasco, Wash. – to be the next U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington....
President Trump hosts Armenia, Azerbaijan for peace treaty signing

President Trump hosts Armenia, Azerbaijan for peace treaty signing

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House Friday to sign what is reportedly the first peace deal both...
Trump, Putin to meet next week

Trump, Putin to meet next week

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square More than three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, progress in achieving peace in the region could be on the horizon as President Donald Trump has...
Bill would codify Trump's executive order banning 'woke' debanking

Bill would codify Trump’s executive order banning ‘woke’ debanking

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square In light of President Donald Trump signing an executive order that effectively bans politically-driven debanking, a Kentucky lawmaker plans to introduce legislation codifying fair access...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker sends bill back to legislature; cannabis loans announced

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker sends bill back to legislature; cannabis loans announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker sends bill back to legislature Gov. J.B. Pritzker has used an amendatory veto to correct formatting errors with legislation seeking...
Dem, GOP candidates begin signature-gathering for 2026

Dem, GOP candidates begin signature-gathering for 2026

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Political candidates have begun gathering signatures on their nominating petitions for Illinois’ primary elections next March. Illinois...
'All hands on deck:' Burrow says AWOL Democrats being pursued to be arrested

‘All hands on deck:’ Burrow says AWOL Democrats being pursued to be arrested

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Speaker Dustin Burrows gaveled in the Texas House Friday and no quorum was reached after the fifth day. One hundred state representatives are needed for...
Dems say EPA cancelling $7B community solar grants 'illegal,' but ignore law

Dems say EPA cancelling $7B community solar grants ‘illegal,’ but ignore law

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will claw back $7 billion in already earmarked funds from the Solar for All community grants and then...
Attorney argues IL should honor TX warrants for absconding Dems

Attorney argues IL should honor TX warrants for absconding Dems

By Greg BishopThe Center Square An Illinois state senator acting as local counsel for the Texas Republicans wanting to have that state’s warrants for absconding Democrats recognized by Illinois says...
WATCH: Legislators urge return to capitol to deal with increasing Illinois energy costs

WATCH: Legislators urge return to capitol to deal with increasing Illinois energy costs

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Republicans are demanding that state legislators return to the capitol to deal with soaring energy prices....
Parental rights groups concerned over DEI in Denver teacher contract

Parental rights groups concerned over DEI in Denver teacher contract

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As Denver Public Schools move forward with finalizing a new teacher contract, parental rights groups are raising concerns about inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion...