Ten Republican members of the Will County Board have filed a lawsuit against County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant in an attempt to stop the planned widening of 143rd Street in Homer Glen.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are: Mike Fricilone of Homer Glen, Tim Brophy of Bolingbrook, Judy Ogalla of Shorewood, Rachel Ventura of Romeoville, Steve Balich of Orland Park, Jackie Traynere of Frankfort, Laurie Summers of Frankfort, Denise Winfrey of Mokena, Annette Parker of Lockport, and Herb Brooks of Joliet.
The lawsuit was filed on April 18 in Will County Circuit Court. It alleges that Bertino-Tarrant violated Illinois law by signing a resolution to stop the 143rd Street widening project on Feb. 16 and then vetoing it on Feb. 22.
The plaintiffs argue that once Bertino-Tarrant signed the resolution, it became law and she could not subsequently veto it. They are asking the court to declare Bertino-Tarrant’s veto null and void and to uphold the County Board’s vote to stop the project.
Bertino-Tarrant has said she believes the $6.2 million of taxpayer dollars that has already been invested in the project will improve access and safety for residents. She has also said that the County Board has voted repeatedly for the project over the years, including the members who signed onto this lawsuit.
The Will County Division of Transportation has prepared since 2009 to widen 143rd Street from State Street/Lemont Road to Bell Road from two to five lanes.
In the last several months, residents and elected officials of Homer Glen and Homer Township have protested the plans, saying the widened road would disrupt the rural feel of the area, increase traffic and speeding and seize their land.
County board members urged the transportation division to reduce the scope of the project and consider adding a third turning lane.
County Board Republican Leader Steve Balich, whose district includes the widening project, said he believes the Republicans will win their lawsuit. He said the residents along 143rd Street should not sell their property or negotiate with authorities until the lawsuit is decided.
