Joliet Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Draft Plan Review – October 7, 2026

The Joliet Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee met on October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall Council Chambers to review the Draft Comprehensive Plan and prepare for Community Workshop #3. Chairman Jim Roolf presided. Ten members were present; Mayor Terry D'Arcy arrived late and Dr. Theresa Rouse departed early. Christopher Parker was noted in the transcript as joining virtually but was officially recorded as absent in the meeting minutes.

Consent Calendar

• September 2, 2026 Minutes: Approved unanimously via a motion by Hugh O'Hara, seconded by Wendell Martin. All present members voted aye.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided testimony during the designated periods for agenda or non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

Project Timeline & Community Workshop #3

• Staff reviewed the remaining schedule, including a City Council update on October 20, final Community Workshop #3 on October 29 (5:00-7:30 PM at Joliet West High School), and anticipated City Council adoption in early 2027. The workshop will feature a "Priority Actions" station instead of a key partners table.
• Committee members were asked to volunteer for the workshop, and promotional cards were distributed.

Draft Comprehensive Plan Review

Consultants led presentations on seven topic areas, followed by committee discussion.

Strong Neighborhoods and Housing Stability

• Emma Bonanno-Lynch (SB Friedman) presented strategies focused on housing preservation, expanding "missing middle" housing options (e.g., duplexes, triplexes), pre-approved housing designs, and infill development.
• Committee Input: Members requested a clear timeline for the comprehensive zoning update. A question arose about the definition of "sober living" environments. A significant discussion was held on Action 3 of Strategy 5 regarding requiring connected subdivisions; concerns were raised about developer feasibility and resident safety versus the benefits of citywide connectivity.

Economic Development and Local Investment

• Ms. Bonanno-Lynch outlined strategies for economic diversification, a small business resource hub, redevelopment of underutilized sites, and workforce support.
• Committee Input: Members expressed strong support for continuing the momentum of the downtown Joliet City Square project. The importance of a physical small business incubator space was emphasized. A member urged the inclusion of healthcare retention in workforce strategies, noting a major local provider is shrinking services.

People, Places, and Belonging

• Eli Lechter (LJC) presented strategies for a creative fund, historic preservation, public art, inclusive public spaces, and tourism.
• Committee Input: Councilman Cesar Cardenas strongly advocated for these items, framing them as "investments, not expenses," critical for quality of life. Members stressed that arts and culture ranked highly in resident surveys and community workshops. A suggestion was made to clarify whether sports organizations are included in the definition of "cultural organizations." The potential for collaborating with Joliet Central High School's art program (which generates $6.4 million annually in art scholarships) was highlighted.

Mobility and Access Across the City

• Mike Dahm (TWG) and Chris Hamby (Arcadis) presented strategies on roadway safety, multimodal networks, bridges, public transit, and freight management.
• Committee Input: Hugh O'Hara asked about best practices for regulating and designing infrastructure for e-bikes. Significant concern was raised over the deteriorating condition of city bridges, specifically the Brandon Road and Ruby Street bridges. The Mayor noted a $1.3 million regional truck traffic study currently underway. The need for potential express passenger rail service to Chicago was mentioned.

Environment and Natural Resources

• Jessica Norris (Biohabitats) presented strategies on waterways, urban forestry, air quality, building sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
• Committee Input: Discussion focused on the city's $800,000 annual budget for tree maintenance (planting, trimming, removal) and the need for a clear maintenance plan for an expanding tree canopy. The downtown levee project was identified as critical for mitigating floodplain issues. A preference was expressed for using natural berms and landscaping over concrete walls for noise mitigation along freight corridors.

Utilities and Infrastructure

• Ms. Norris presented strategies for a potential public stormwater utility, broadband expansion, renewable energy targets, and green infrastructure incentives. No additional committee comments were recorded.

Land Use and Future Development

• Mr. Lechter presented strategies on infill, zoning code modernization, subdivision standards, universal design, and growth management.
• Committee Input: A member cited the Village of Bolingbrook's ordinance requiring universally accessible (ADA compliant) first-floor residential units as a potential model for Joliet, noting it was achieved without increasing development costs.

Table of Future Land Use Map and Character Area Plans

• The committee did not have time to review the Future Land Use Map or Character Area Plans. Staff proposed holding a follow-up meeting the following week to cover these items.

Key Outcomes

• No Formal Vote on Draft Plan: The meeting was a working session; the committee did not take a formal vote on the Draft Plan's content.
• Additional Meeting Scheduled: A follow-up meeting will be held the week of October 12, 2026, specifically to review the Future Land Use Map and Character Area Plans.
• Workshop Solicitation: Committee members were asked to volunteer for the October 29, 2026, Community Workshop #3 and to distribute promotional materials.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned via motion by Damon Zdunich, seconded by Nora Gruenberg, carrying unanimously.