TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Nolan Ming, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Resolutions Associated with Right-of-Way Dedications to Allow Construction of the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge.
Resolution Approving Dedication of Approximately 11.1 Acres of Land as Public Right-of-Way, South of Millsdale Road and West of the Union Pacific Railroad (D-1-26)
Resolution Approving Dedication of Approximately 8.1 Acres of Land as Public Right-of-Way, South of Millsdale Road and East of the Union Pacific Railroad (D-2-26)
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BACKGROUND:
The subject properties have been undeveloped throughout their histories, though they have since been included in two large industrial developments in the CenterPoint Intermodal Center (West of the Union Pacific Railroad) and East Gate Logistics Park (East of the Union Pacific Railroad).
In June of 2025, the City entered into a Settlement and Mutal Releases Agreement with Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC, Centerpoint Properties Trust, Centerpoint Joliet Terminal Railroad, LLC, East Gate-Logistics Park Chicago, LLC, New Wave Farms, LLC, and Northpoint Development LLC relating to the construction of the East Gate Logistics Park development in Joliet. The Agreement stipulates that East Gate is required by the City to construct a closed loop truck network that would serve as the exclusive method of tractor-trailer truck ingress and egress within the East Gate property, only to be accessed to and from the East Gate property by tractor-trailer trucks via a single access point on Millsdale Road. The Agreement further states that the closed loop truck network shall include a proposed bridge crossing the Union Pacific Railroad at a point immediately south of Millsdale Road and connecting with Millsdale Road at a point west of the Union Pacific Railroad.
The northern portion of the parcel located immediately east of the railroad, and the northern portions of the parcels located west of the railroad, south of Millsdale Road, must be dedicated as public right-of-way to construct the bridge connection as proposed. The attached Plats of Dedication show these parcels in more detail.
A cul-de-sac has already been constructed east of the Millsdale Road and railroad intersection to separate residential traffic closer to Illinois Route 53 away from the closed loop truck network access point. Once the bridge is built, eastbound traffic on Millsdale Road, west of the railroad, will either have to merge onto the closed loop truck network, or will be forced to turn around in the existing turnaround circle that is located west of the current railroad intersection.
PLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING:
The Plan Commission held a public hearing on the subject petitions, in addition to a proposed vacation at the intersection of Millsdale Road and the railroad and subsequent public utility easement dedication, at its August 20, 2026, meeting. The right-of-way vacation and public utility easement dedication will be presented to the City Council at a later meeting. Nathaniel Washburn from KGG LLC, appeared on behalf of the petitions. Commissioner Martin asked if renderings of the proposed UP Bridge were available. Staff responded by saying that bridge renderings have not been included in the staff report packet. Mr. Gene Jiang appeared before the Commission to voice his concern as an adjacent private land owner. Staff provided contact information to Mr. Jiang after the meeting. Minutes of the meeting are attached hereto.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLAN COMMISSION:
recommendation
Jeff Crompton moved that the Plan Commission recommend approval of D-1-26: Dedication of approximately 11.1 acres of land as public right-of-way, south of Millsdale Road and west of the Union Pacific Railroad. Wendell Martin seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) aye votes. Voting aye were: Cox, Crompton, Martin, Radakovich, Turk, and Hammac. Voting nay were: none. Commissioners Eulitz and Leon were absent.
Jeff Crompton moved that the Plan Commission recommend approval of D-2-26: Dedication of approximately 8.1 acres of land as public right-of-way, south of Millsdale Road and east of the Union Pacific Railroad. Debbie Radakovich seconded the motion, which passed with six (6) aye votes. Voting aye were: Cox, Crompton, Martin, Radakovich, Turk, and Hammac. Voting nay were: none. Commissioners Eulitz and Leon were absent.
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RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION:
recommendation
Staff concur with the recommendation of the Plan Commission and recommend that the Mayor and City Council approve the following:
1. Resolution Approving Dedication of Approximately 11.1 Acres of Land as Public Right-of-Way, South of Millsdale Road and West of the Union Pacific Railroad
2. Resolution Approving Dedication of Approximately 8.1 Acres of Land as Public Right-of-Way, South of Millsdale Road and East of the Union Pacific Railroad