The Village of Monee is asking resident support to formally object to the Eastern Will County Freight Mobility Corridor Study.
Village Administrator Ruben Bautista told The Vedette that Monee is launching an effort to collect residents’ signatures in an official attestation of opposition to plans proposed by WCDOT last month for the eastward extension of roadway through the village.
Two extension routes proposed by WCDOT last month include stretching Monee-Manhattan Road eastward, creating an overpass that would carry truck traffic over Governors Highway and the Canadian National Railway, continuing along a path north of the McCorkle Subdivision and Golf Vista, and crossing between Monee Elementary School and Country Meadows subdivision.
The second option would create a truck route that would cut between Walkers Grove and Heather Brook Subdivisions, between Rt. 50 and Will-Center Road – an area central to future commercial and residential development.
Will County Highway Department planners have emphasized no decisions have been made.
Both proposals met with angry reactions during and after the public hearing.
Residents were told they can give their comments to the county, and a petition was launched by a village resident.
Village officials had hoped positive dialogue would convince the county to scrap the proposals, but now have taken their efforts a step further with attestations.
Defined as “evidence or proof of something,” the attestations will show county officials how their plans would damage Monee’s own goals for future development.
Residents can sign on the document by going online to the Village of Monee website, which explains the issue.
A brief form asks for the resident’s name and address, and then to check the box to submit the statement: “I, the undersigned resident of Monee, strongly oppose the proposed development on the land currently allocated by Will County DOT 2050’s Transportation Plan. I believe this development will negatively impact our community by: Disrupting green space, disrupting safe routes to school, and the continued growth and development of the Village of Monee. We urge the Will County DOT to reject the development proposal and preserve vital green space, protect children’s safe routes to school, and the continued growth and development of the Village of Monee, based on their comprehensive plan.”
The deadline to submit attestations is July 31, when the documents will be presented to the Will County Board.
Board President Judy Ogalla suggested comments should be sent to county officials. “We’re the ones who vote on it,” she said.
In a lengthy letter to Jeff L. Ronaldson, director of transportation for Will County, Ruben Bautista outlined Monee’s plans for future development and the “devastating” impact either one of the proposed extension routes would have on the village.
“Thank you for taking the time to discuss the Village of Monee’s concerns regarding the upcoming Will County Department of Transportation Eastern Will County Freight Mobility Corridor Study,” he wrote.
“As discussed, the village has worked very hard to create a long-term vision for the Village of Monee. The proposed alternatives potentially will have a devastating impact on planned future developments within our village. Please find below a summary of current and planned developments within the village that have a potential to be impacted by alternatives for your planning purposes below.”
Bautista explained Monee’s Master Plan for the Towne Center Commercial Development, located on 38 acres bound by Monee-Manhattan Road to the north, Governors Highway to the east, Wilson Street to the south, and Egyptian Trail to the west.
“Tractor Supply Company has begun construction of a new store on the southwest corner of Governors Highway and Monee-Manhattan Road,” he noted.
“A detention pond with decorative landscaping on the southwest corner of the Monee-Manhattan Road and Governors Highway intersection is proposed, as well. Construction has begun on Bailly Lane, which will provide full access to Governors Highway via Towne Center Way and right-in/right-out access onto Monee-Manhattan Road. The right-in-right-out access was approved and permitted by Will County DOT, yet it appears it may conflict with the potential Governors Highway overpass. Future plans for the site include a grocery store and several other additional commercial properties.
“Our concern is the Crete-Monee North Alternative will decrease accessibility and visibility of commercial developments in the Towne Center and prevent further development of the site.”
At the same time, he wrote, Monee’s Village Square, a 15-acre commercial development at the northwest corner of Egyptian Trail and Monee-Manhattan Road, would be negatively impacted.
“A preliminary land plan has been prepared for this development and the village is in discussions with a commercial developer.
“The village is in the process of purchasing and demolishing residential properties as the first phase of this development.”
Additionally, the village is planning for a development east of Egyptian Trail/Governors Highway and north of Watson Cutoff.
“The 90-acre property east of Egyptian Trail, south of the Walkers Grove residential subdivision, has been purchased by the village. The proposed Crete-Monee South Alternative runs east-west through the middle of this property, from Governors Highway to Will-Center Road. Design has begun for a new police station on this site. Additionally, a developer is interested in placing a residential development within the area of the property not being planned for the police station.
“The preference of the village is that this property be developed into a residential subdivision since it sits between two existing residential subdivisions. A truck route through any portion of this property would reduce the potential size of the development, make it difficult to attract residential home buyers, and reduce the quality of life of the existing adjacent residents to the north and south.
Moreover, he pointed out discussions between the village and a developer are ongoing for a potential 77-acre multi-family residential development and senior living facility south of Eagle Fair Estates and west of Will-Center Road.
Negotiations also are ongoing with the Bormet property owner to acquire the 155-acre site at the southeast corner of Will-Center and Crete-Monee Roads.
“The first alternative is for the property to be developed into a sportsplex,” Bautista continued.
“The proposed routing of the Crete-Monee South Alternative through this property would limit its desirability and ability to develop into a sports complex. If a sportsplex is unfeasible, the property will be developed into a residential subdivision. Again, a truck route through any portion of this property would reduce the potential size of the development, make it difficult to attract residential home buyers, and reduce the quality of life of the existing adjacent residents to the west.
“The WCDOT’s second option for expansion would impact Industrial Drive and the Cleveland Avenue area, where a new public works facility is being constructed. An additional Municipal Development on the south side of Industrial Drive is being planned.
“Significant investments have been made to relieve truck traffic on Monee-Manhattan Road from Cleveland Avenue to Governors Highway,” Bautista noted.
“Industrial Drive currently is being reconstructed as a three-lane roadway, with curb and gutter, and should be completed this construction season.
“The village has received funding to realign Cleveland Avenue with Hamilton Avenue and install a traffic signal at the intersection with Monee-Manhattan Road. Phase II Engineering funding has been programmed in Federal Fiscal Year 2026 for the Cleveland Avenue Reconstruction Project. This project will reconstruct Cleveland Avenue, from Industrial Drive to Monee-Manhattan Road.”
Of great concern, the village has emphasized, are the Safe Routes to Schools. “The Village recently completed a Safe Routes to Schools Project to install sidewalks along Court Street and Will-Center Road to provide a safe pedestrian connection for students to the Monroe Elementary School from the village sidewalk network. The Crete-Monee North Alternative proposes to cross the Safe Routes to Schools sidewalk, adding a major roadway for students to cross, while going to and from school.
“The village continually is investing in safety enhancing pedestrian projects for our residents. It is important any alternative that is carried forward aligns with the village’s goal to provide safe pedestrian routes throughout the village.”
At the same time, engineering is in process for a new sidewalk along Will-Center Road from Margaret Street to Court Street, to provide a pedestrian route for children from the southern areas of the village to Monee Elementary School.
Other upcoming projects include:
- STP funding to resurface Crete-Monee Road from Will-Center Road to Steger-Monee Road in 2027.
- The Northern Builders Development on Ridgeland Avenue, a 37-acre site for future industrial/commercial development.
- A 57-Acre industrial development north of Monee-Manhattan Road across from Amazon. Discussions are ongoing between the village and a developer for an industrial/commercial development there.
- Voortman Steel currently is constructing their North American Headquarters on an approximately 27-acre property on the east side of Ridgeland Avenue.
“The WCDOT proposed alternatives pose a direct threat to Monee’s established and planned residential areas, necessitating other viable alternatives to divert commercial vehicle traffic,” Bautista wrote. “Furthermore, numerous ongoing and future commercial developments, notably the Towne Center, face significant risk from reduced visibility and access, severely limiting our growth potential.
“Since the recent public meeting, our Mayor’s office has been overwhelmed by community opposition via every channel – email, voicemail, in-person visits, board meetings, and social media – underscoring the deep impact on our citizens and businesses.
“As requested by our residents, the village will forward signed petitions and attestations to your office, providing a unified voice of profound concern. We urge your immediate attention and look forward to collaborative dialogue for a viable solution.”