The proposed Illinois Route 53 extension has gained significant momentum over the past year to the point where the Illinois Tollway is considering green-lighting the much-anticipated Environmental Impact Study, which will provide the necessary details to advance the project.
The plan for a modern parkway not only reduces congestion and saves commuting time but also strikes a balance between economic growth and jobs, along with the kind of environmental stewardship we pride ourselves on.
As competition for businesses to locate and expand here continues to be an uphill battle, preliminary economic development and job growth data are very promising and present tremendous economic opportunities for our region and the state.
A healthy economy also creates a stable and diverse tax base, which means less property-tax burden on residents.
It’s no wonder this project is generating overwhelming support from regional, county and local elected officials, business owners, residents and even many in the environmental community.
As the former mayor of Libertyville and a local business owner, I strongly urge the tollway to move forward with this critical regional project.
— Jeffrey Harger, Libertyville
