Channahon trustees approve Bluff Road interchange agreement

CHANNAHON – Channahon village trustees have unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement between the village and several area taxing bodies.

Through the agreement, approved by trustees Monday, the entities agree to allow the village to use portions of their property taxes for the next 15 years to cover Interstate 55-Bluff Road interchange improvements.

Improvements include expanded interstate ramps, added turn lanes to Bluff Road, new traffic signals, a water line under the interstate and other work. The project will be done in preparation for a 118-acre logistics/industrial center planned for the northeast area of the intersection by developer Industrial Development International.

The Minooka Community High School Board approved the agreement last week, and the District 17 School Board has the item on its Jan. 26 agenda.

According to Channahon Village Administrator Tom Durkin, two additional taxing bodies will also meet next Monday; he will present to the Will County Board for the second time in early February; and the Channahon Fire Protection District and the Three Rivers Library Board are expected to make their decisions in February.

Housing numbers improving

Also Monday, Director of Development Mike Petrick told trustees the latest housing numbers. Many are improving, he said. The total construction value of new homes in 2014 was $2.343 million, as compared to a value in 2013 of $1.912 million.

The average home sale price in Channahon was $208,436 in 2014, compared to $197,286 the year prior, and home sales last year totaled $34.184 million, compared to $8.681 million in 2013.

Winners of the Channaholiday Contest were also announced. Vicky Hurst won first place, Christian Chudy second and Diane Cook took third. They were recognized at the meeting and received prizes including gas cards, restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets and a round of golf.

This was the first year the village instituted the contest, designed to promote local shopping. To enter the contest, residents could fill a card with stamps by visiting at least 15 of the village's 46 participating businesses. The businesses that gave out the most stamps were McDonald's, Walgreens, Jimmy John's, Casey’s General Store and Dunkin’ Donuts.

The competition began Nov. 29 and ended Jan. 2. Twenty-eight stamp cards were turned in. Surveyed businesses indicated they liked that the event encouraged customers to shop local.

The Village Board Monday also approved annual membership dues to the Will County Governmental League, totaling $1,170.