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Mayors Letter in Support of Corridor Protection 

Signed by18 Lake County Elected Officials 

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September 27, 2019


Dear Governor Pritzker:
 
As concerned State officials, Mayors and County elected representatives, we are writing to share our aspirations for the future of the 1,110 acres of land that the State of Illinois purchased over the past 40 years as part of the planning for the Route 53 Extension. With the termination of that project, these lands remain in public possession, and their fate will have a profound impact on the quality of life in Lake County - and particularly on the fabric of the communities in or near the Route 53 corridor that we represent.
It is in this spirit that we write to request a meeting with you or a representative of your administration to discuss a proposal to transform this land into a greenway trail and environmental sanctuary, as well as other Village-specific uses for this land. We believe this proposal affords the State of Illinois and local Lake County leaders a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to link our communities with a non-motorized recreational pathway, while also improving our state and local economies.
 
These lands embody some of the most scenic, ecologically valuable open spaces remaining in Illinois. They contain treasures as diverse as a thriving wetland complex that serves as a critical safeguard against flooding in the region, a majestic heron rookery, and countless acres brimming with delicate flora and fauna. In short, they represent an opportunity to protect one of the landscapes that give Lake County its distinctive identity and reward its residents with some of Illinois' best escapes to experience nature. We also see additional opportunities for land use that could be extensions of our communities.
 
We want to work with you and your designee to collaboratively develop a roadmap for transforming portions of this land into a greenway. By unleashing this potential for conservation, recreation, education, and preservation, Lake County, in concert with the State of Illinois, could parlay these lands into a public asset that preserves the aesthetics of our communities, protects against flooding and other costly environmental threats, enhances local property values, lures eco-tourism dollars, and provides spaces for our residents to savor nature, play, and spend quality time with family, friends, and neighbors.
 
The first step toward seizing this opportunity begins with cooperation and collaboration between relevant state agencies (IDOT and the IDNR) and local Mayors, County, and State officials to develop a plan for highest and best use of this land to ensure that the public investment that was made over the decades to purchase these parcels culminates in a public space available for community health and enjoyment.
 
As our voices attest, this idea is resonating; but we view as a necessary first step, a meeting with you to further discuss this proposal. The results of a coordinated, collaborative approach will be a landmark achievement for our communities, for Lake County, and for the entire State of Illinois.
 
Please let us know your availability to meet to discuss our vision for this effort. We collectively appreciate your consideration of our request.

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Signed by:

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Joseph Mancino, Mayor, Village of Hawthorne Woods 
Steve Lentz, Mayor, Village of Mundelein 
Dale Sands, President, Village of Deer Park

Nandia Black, President, Village of Kildeer

Thomas Poynton, Mayor, Village of Lake Zurich 
Bill Jacob, President, Village of Long Grove

Daniel Didech, Illinois State Representative, District 59 
Adam R Didech, Lake County Board Member, District 20 
Julie Simpson, Lake County Board Member, District 18 
Jennifer Clark, Lake County Board Member, District 15 
Steve Carlson Lake County Board Member, District 7 
Rhett Taylor, Mayor, Village of Grayslake 
Mary Edly-Allen, Illinois State Representative, District 51 
Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair, District 13 
Jessica Vealitzek, Lake County Board Member, District 10 
John Wasik, Lake County Board Member, District 6 
Sam Yingling, Illinois State Representative, District 62 
Dan McConchie, Illinois State Senator, District 26

Anna's Backyard.jpg

The corridor represents one of the most scenic landscapes remaining in
Lake County, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fully
unleash its value as an iconic nature trail and conservation area, where
residents of our communities can treasure the atmosphere that makes
central Lake County such an appealing place to live.

To achieve this vision, we propose designating the corridor as a
Greenway where the majority, but not necessarily all, of the land would
be designated for public recreation, natural stewardship, and flood-
protection, while at the same time harnessing the potential for economic
development that capitalizes on the popularity of open space.

The linear configuration of this corridor, combined with the fact that
much of the property is already in public custody, makes it a natural
destination for a nature trail, where local residents can walk, jog, bike –
or just escape into a transformative world next door.

Along that journey, they would explore a virtual tapestry of visual jewels,
from the deep emeralds of woods and meadows, to the golden tint of
sunrise rippling across wetlands and creeks. It’s a space that can be
solemn enough for alone time, and joyful enough for a family picnic.

The 12 miles of new trail would also broaden access to existing
recreational amenities by connecting to the Des Plaines River Trail,
other trail systems and local forest preserves.

And perhaps the most beautiful part is that this vision requires only that
we recognize that these lands will yield their greatest value if we simply
honor them in their natural state. The less we do to alter them, the
more they will pay dividends for our communities as a recreational
amenity; as a conduit for businesses that cater to outdoor activities; and
as a barrier to costly floods.

We may have preserved these properties for a different purpose. But
over time, especially as so much of the County’s natural environment
has dwindled away, this corridor has only grown in value precisely
because it was never paved over. That makes it a precious commodity
that we can’t afford to squander. Residents want to be near places like
this. In fact, Lake County’s own economic development plan affirms this idea, stating that the area’s natural resources are an instrumental part
of its growth strategy.

We believe that by allowing these lands to thrive naturally, our
communities can grow for the better with them.

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