A Will County judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by 10 Republican County Board members against County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant concerning the widening of 143rd Street in Homer Glen. The lawsuit challenged Bertino-Tarrant's veto of a resolution to halt the project. The judge ruled the board members lacked standing to sue.
The County Board initially voted to stop the widening, but Bertino-Tarrant vetoed the resolution, citing decades of planning, federal grants, and safety concerns. The veto is now upheld due to the dismissal of the lawsuit.
Homer Glen residents have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about property seizure, increased traffic, environmental damage (tree removal), and the influx of semi-trucks into a primarily residential area. The opposition viewed the project as unnecessary, given the area's stable population.
Opposition to the road widening project was a significant campaign issue, with candidates for the Homer Glen Village Board pledging to fight the expansion. The lawsuit's dismissal leaves the project's future in the hands of the County Board, although an override of a potential veto seems unlikely. The township financially supported the lawsuit, but the new township board will determine future action.
Despite the dismissal, Will County Board member Steve Balich intends to introduce legislation to halt or modify the widening project. Homer Glen officials will explore alternative options. Resident Bernard Czerwinski, directly impacted by the project, expressed disappointment over the court's decision.