Will Cook County News

By Nuha Abdessalam.

Concerns are mounting over House Bill 1397, a proposed “quick-take” measure that would impact the 143rd St. corridor in Will County.

The bill, which was discussed in the Illinois General Assembly’s executive committee on March 12, remains under review following the hearing. If passed, HB 1397 would grant Will County the authority to use quick-take eminent domain powers for up to two years to acquire private property for road construction. The provisions would be automatically repealed three years after the bill’s effective date.

Critics argue that the legislation threatens property owners’ rights by allowing the government to seize land immediately, without giving owners enough time to negotiate or challenge the decision.

Steve Balich, Member of the Will County Board Republican Caucus, emphasized the ramifications for residents and businesses along 143rd St.

“This is government overreach at its worst,” Balich said. “Quick-take powers strip property owners of their ability to negotiate fair deals and push through projects without proper consideration of the impact on the community.”

Balich explained that under standard eminent domain, property owners receive an offer for their land, and if they refuse, the case moves to court for negotiations.

However, quick-take powers allow the government to claim the property immediately, hire its own appraiser to determine the value, and compensate the owner based on that valuation—without giving the property owner much chance to dispute it.

“They’re going to take maybe 40 or 50 feet of your property and give you a hundred bucks. If you refuse, they’ll hire their own appraiser, determine the value, and take the land,” Balich said. “You can’t fight it in court.”

“There are farmers along 143rd St. who are going to lose their land and won’t even have a say in it,” Balich added. “Once this goes through, the noise, traffic, and warehouses will push them out. They’ll have to sell or leave because they won’t be able to keep their animals near all that congestion.”

Beyond land seizures, concerns about commercial development are also fueling opposition. Balich warned that if the road expansion is completed, it could pave the way for warehouses and industrial projects; which many residents strongly oppose.

“This isn’t just about building a road—it’s about transforming the entire area into a commercial hub. Once the road is there, warehouses follow,” he said. “Residents of Homer Township don’t want this. It’s going to change the character of the community.”

Balich also said that the road expansion wouldn’t just affect the local 143rd St.; it would eventually extend to Cicero Ave., bringing additional truck traffic and congestion.

Key takeaways from the March 12 hearing:

During the March 12 executive committee hearing, lawmakers discussed HB 1397, but no final vote was taken.

The bill remains in committee for further review, and its future is still undecided.

Key points from the hearing confirm:

HB 1397 would allow quick-take powers for two years after the bill’s passage to facilitate land acquisition along 143rd St.

The bill’s provisions would automatically be repealed three years after its effective date, meaning it would not be a permanent expansion of eminent domain powers.

The bill was not voted on during the hearing, and further action will be required before it can advance.

Residents and business owners who oppose the bill are encouraged to speak out before lawmakers take further action.

Those wishing to submit witness slips or formal objections can do so through the Illinois General Assembly’s website at my.ilga.gov.

 “This bill sets a dangerous precedent,” Balich warned. “If it passes, it could open the door for further government encroachment on private property rights.”

As the bill remains under consideration, opposition is expected to intensify, with community advocates urging lawmakers to reject the quick-take measure in favor of more transparent, fair processes.

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