Title
Resolution requesting approval from the Illinois General Assembly to authorize eminent domain quick-take powers for the acquisition of property necessary for the realignment of Cedar Lake Road, from Hart Road to Nippersink Road.
Staff Summary
• Cedar Lake Road, from Hart Road to Nippersink Road, needs to be improved, inclusive of roadway and non-motorized improvements.
• The Lake County Board, at its June 9, 2026, meeting approved the acquisition of right-of-way for this project and appropriated the necessary funds.
• To meet the federal grant deadlines, the County needs to request eminent domain quick-take powers from the Illinois General Assembly.
• This project is included in the Transportation Improvement Program with construction anticipated to begin in 2028 and designated as Section 02-00065-01-FP.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Cedar Lake Road, County Highway 28, is a designated route on the county highway system; and
WHEREAS, Lake County believes it would be beneficial to the safety and welfare of the traveling public if Cedar Lake Road, from Hart Road to Nippersink Road, could be improved, inclusive of non-motorized improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Division of Transportation, has caused to be prepared preliminary plans and plats identifying the property acquisition needs for the improvement; and
WHEREAS, Lake County’s use of said property will serve a public good by improving both roadway and non-motorized safety and mobility; and
WHEREAS, the County Board of Lake County, Illinois, at its meeting on June 9, 2026, approved the acquisition of right-of-way for this project and appropriated the necessary funds; and
WHEREAS, the normal procedure for land acquisition using eminent domain could cause delays, which could lead to the expiration of federal grants that have been secured for the project; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has notified the owners of interest in said property, by certified mail, of its intent to request eminent domain using quick-take powers, pursuant to Section 20-5-5 of the Eminent Domain Act, and invited them to a public hearing on the matter; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has caused notice of said intention to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Division of Transportation held a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on September 9, 2026, at the Lake County Administrative Complex, 18 North County Street, 10th Floor Assembly Room, Waukegan, Illinois, on the question of Lake County’s request for approval of legislation by the Illinois General Assembly authorizing Lake County to acquire the parcels, incorporated herein by reference, by eminent domain using quick-take powers granted under Section 20-5-5 of the Eminent Domain Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that it hereby requests approval of legislation by the Illinois General Assembly authorizing Lake County to acquire the parcels incorporated herein by reference by eminent domain using quick-take powers under Section 20-5-5 of the Eminent Domain Act for the improvements along Cedar Lake Road, from Hart Road to Nippersink Road, and designated as Section 02-00065-01-FP; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board of Lake County, Illinois, hereby requests this authority for a period of one (1) year from the date on which the powers are granted to Lake County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Engineer of Lake County, Illinois is authorized and hereby directed to take the necessary steps and prepare the necessary documents to request eminent domain quick-take powers from the Illinois General Assembly; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board Chair of Lake County, Illinois, is authorized and hereby directed to execute a sworn, notarized affidavit affirming Lake County’s desire and need for these eminent domain quick-take powers on the above-referenced project.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on October 13, 2026.