Local Officials Discuss Route 53 at Annual Meeting

An update on economic development at the annual “Breakfast with the Villages” event Thursday spurred discussion about expanding Route 53.

Lake County Board member Craig Taylor, of the 19th District, said the project has been discussed off and on since before 1972.

“Lake Zurich is in favor of Route 53 extending up to Route 120,” Branding said.

The caveat, Branding said, is that it needs to be done with an eye toward environmental and neighboring community concerns.

“I think it can be a win-win and is a very hopeful project,” Branding said.

Other local leaders shared their opinions.

“It is going to take collective thought, but together we can find a solution,” said Long Grove Mayor Maria Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has been named to a blue-ribbon panel that will work to find common ground between villages that favor and those that oppose the expansion project.

“In Hawthorn Woods, people are split on this. People who live close to the proposed expansion area are currently opposed to it and people living further away are mostly in favor of it," said Joseph Mancino, mayor of Hawthorn Woods. "If this is a below-grade boulevard, I think it could be supported. But if it is constructed above-grade, in effect that’s when our residents would want to come out with pitchforks."

The expansion of Route 53 into a tollway would require it to meander through the village of Hawthorn Woods.

“I am excited that light has been shed on the Route 53 expansion; it can help to bring more growth and development to the area and it will be a state-of-the-art road, while protecting the environment and affected communities,” said Taylor.

Mayors Albert Pino of Lake Barrington, Robert Kellermann of Deer Park and Nandia Black of Kildeer also expressed their support for the project.

Individuals who would like to comment or give their input on the proposed expansion project can click here.

Read more about the annual Breakfast With the Villages event.