Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Meeting - November 5, 2025

The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee met on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting focused on reviewing the engagement summary from the community survey and first workshop, planning thematic working group meetings, and receiving updates on related city initiatives. Key topics included housing diversification, economic development, and community engagement strategies.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting. Motion by Cesar Cardenas, seconded by Elaine Bottomley. All 15 present members voted aye; Warren Dorris and Damon Zdunich were absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the citizens to be heard on agenda items or public comment periods.

Discussion Items

Engagement Summary: Survey and Community Workshop #1

• Consultants from Lamar Johnson Collaborative (Lesley Roth, Prayag Bagde) and MUSE (Katrina Baylog) presented highlights from the engagement summary. The online survey received over 2,000 responses, providing a high level of confidence in the feedback. Key themes included quality of life, housing and neighborhoods, safety, cultural events, and parks/amenities.
• Labeling Corrections: The consultant noted several labeling errors in the demographic appendix (e.g., American Indian/Alaskan Native, age ranges). They confirmed the summary data is correct but will update the chart labels.
• Online Engagement: Committee member Jen Howard suggested improving the online component for future workshops to reduce barriers to feedback.
• Housing Discussion: Members noted strong community support for housing diversification, including accessory dwelling units (79% support in survey), multi-use development, and alignment with the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) Plan. Discussion emphasized the need for affordable housing at various price points, private investment, and zoning updates.
• Prioritization: The dot-voting exercise showed high importance across all four topic areas (jobs, housing, etc.). The consultants noted that prioritization will be informed by additional data and feasibility.
• Demographic and Economic Context: Dr. Theresa Rouse reported declining school enrollment (from 12,000 to 9,100 students pre-K-8 over 10 years) and falling birth rates, highlighting the need to attract young families. Members discussed economic mobility, housing inventory, and the importance of diverse housing options.

Thematic Working Group Meetings

• Planning Director Jayne Bernhard outlined the rescheduled working group meetings: two in December (second week) and the remainder in January. The working groups will validate the vision, goals, and objectives document (to be reviewed at the next committee meeting) and identify gaps and priorities.
• Format: Each working group will be 90 minutes, open to the public, with RSVP via Microsoft Forms. Translation capabilities were requested to support Hispanic participation.
• Participation: Members were encouraged to invite subject matter experts and community members. Interest in a topic area is sufficient for participation. The committee discussed potential locations (City Hall, Joliet Public Library) and capacity for larger groups.

Staff Reports

• Televised Meetings: The committee meetings will now be televised.
• ETOD Zoning: City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Transportation Authority to develop equitable transit-oriented development zoning for downtown, targeting mixed-use and multifamily development.
• I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan: The second community meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM (virtual). Feedback will be sought on proposed trail alignment and design amenities.
• Next Community Workshop: Targeted for February 2026 (second or fourth week). Member Boise Walker suggested holding it at Joliet Central High School to engage students.
• Other Updates: Mayor D'Arcy highlighted the Joliet River Edge Redevelopment Zone tax credit application and a regional truck traffic plan initiative. Councilman Cardenas emphasized marketing the city’s multiple planning efforts.

Member Comments

• Data Center Proposal: Boise Walker expressed resident concerns about water use, electrical demand, and impacts on southeast Joliet. Mayor D'Arcy noted many unanswered questions and that the item was tabled to November and will be tabled indefinitely until resolved. Community Development Director Dustin Anderson clarified the procedural tabling. Members discussed the pros and cons, including potential for control through annexation agreements and the need for public education.
• East/Southeast Side Development: Walker asked whether the committee will make recommendations for these areas. Members affirmed that the comprehensive plan will guide development across the entire city, with deliberate attention to the south and east sides.
• Urban3 Analysis: Mayor D'Arcy emphasized its importance for understanding current conditions. Anderson reported the consultant will present to City Council and the community around the end of the first quarter of 2026.
• Visioning vs. Complaints: Wendell Martin encouraged shifting community meetings from complaint sessions to visioning sessions, using technology to reimagine solutions.
• Chamber Event: Jen Howard announced a Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce luncheon on November 19 featuring Kevin Cross and David Kaplan.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimously (15 ayes, 2 absent).
• Engagement Summary: Accepted with corrections to labeling; the vision, goals, and objectives document will be the focus of the next meeting.
• Working Groups: Scheduled; members will receive flyers and are asked to promote participation. RSVPs will be collected via Microsoft Forms.
• Data Center: The item will be tabled indefinitely after the November City Council meeting.
• Next Steps: The next committee meeting will review the draft vision, goals, and objectives document. The second community workshop is tentatively set for February 2026.
• Adjournment: Motion by Steven Randich, seconded by Elaine Bottomley, carried unanimously at approximately 11:30 AM.