Mundelein using eminent domain for Hawley Street repairs

“Mundelein is preparing to use eminent domain powers to take four-feet of land from property owners along Hawley Street in order to complete a long-awaited $8 million road project.

Trustees last month approved a formal request to the Illinois General Assembly for the powers. Mundelein would have the “quick-take” ability between March 1 and Feb. 28, 2015.

The project will expand the pothole-ridden Hawley Street from two to three lanes between Midlothian and Seymour Roads, essentially adding a middle turning lane to reduce backups.

Some of the land Mundelein plans to take would become a bike path, while most of the land is needed for storing equipment on and expanding utility easements.

“No one is losing their homes,” Mayor Steve Lentz said. “We’ve actually had no resistance to this. Our main problem is with the banks.””

read the entire article

Kambic, Rick. Mundelein Review 12 February 2014.