Dear Neighbors,
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I hope you had a splendid spring break, Easter, Ramadan or Passover.
One of the concerning, long-term blips on our community radar screen is the expansion/upgrade of IL 120 through the heart of Grayslake, Hainesville, Round Lake and Wildwood. A study run by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been vetting improvements to this often-clogged corridor for more than two years.
The IDOT team has suggested a handful of “alternatives,” several of which would cut through our neighborhoods as “bypasses” to the existing route. While I generally favor routes that improve safety, environmental protection and traffic flow, the bypass plans would be disruptive and expensive. I side with my neighbors in opposing the bypasses.
IDOT certainly has been presented better, less intrusive alternatives such as a viaduct or grade separation at the Canadian National Railroad tracks at IL 83 and a low-impact “corridor” plan proposed by the Village of Grayslake and other communities.
At a Community Advisory Group meeting on April 6, attended by more than 100 neighbors at the College of Lake County in Grayslake (and online), consultants and IDOT engineers presented several “on alignment” alterative designs for improving safety and traffic flow on IL 120 from Almond Road to IL 60.
 Neighbors recently attended a Community Advisory Group meeting at the College of Lake County where IDOT engineers and consultants presented alterative designs for improving safety and traffic flow on IL 120 from Almond Road to IL 60.
Curiously, none of the “off-alignment” bypass proposals were presented at this meeting, nor were they discussed. Still, it was heartening to see dozens of engaged neighbors and environmental groups such as Midwest Sustainability, Sierra Club and Openlands involved. (Note: “on-alignment” is a traffic engineer’s term for keeping and improving the existing right of way.)
Of the more interesting on-alignment proposals that were presented, several concentrated on the intersection of IL 120/134 and Hainesville Road, where there’s significant congestion and safety issues. Two designs featured a novel, one-way road that would divert traffic away from the intersection while another featured a “peanut” roundabout. Other proposals featured additional through and turning lanes from Wilson to Almond roads.
There were at least three proposals for a grade separation at the Canadian National Railroad tracks at IL 83, which IDOT has proposed in various forms. Several years ago, (then) state Senator Melinda Bush had appropriated $40 million for that project. I also cited a memo from the consultant leading the IL 120 study (Jeff Young) to IDOT from 2024 suggesting the “need to evaluate the benefit/cost of potential alternatives to determine cost effectiveness for constructing and maintaining a grade separation.” It’s estimated that a grade separation would cost at least $100 million to build (in today’s dollars), although it may be the most cost-effective way to reduce the extensive back-ups caused by more than 30 trains a day. I urged IDOT to prioritize this potential improvement.
The IDOT/consultant team also eyed diverting more traffic to Washington, Peterson, IL 60 and Cedar Lake Road, although engineers concluded that plan would not reduce overall volume on IL 120 in the future.
Even an earlier option proposed by the Village of Grayslake for low-impact improvements such as turning lanes was considered, although that plan was first originally offered when a bypass was seen as a viable option. The so-called Belvidere Road Corridor Road Capacity Plan, however, now states that “the [Belvidere] plan’s improvements should be prioritized and a not connected to off-route solutions.”
Ideally, IDOT will weigh the benefits of specific improvements against the most expensive alternatives such as bypasses, which cost billions of dollars and disrupt neighborhoods in Round Lake and Grayslake. While there was a level of frustration over the length of the planning/building process, Steve Schilke, a lead engineer with IDOT, told residents the final IL 120 plan will present a “roadmap for 120 – where we should invest and that’s where the money will go.”
Projects of this scope take up to a decade to build, sometimes longer. Even after two phases of engineering and design are completed, IDOT will still need hundreds of millions of dollars in local, state and federal funds before a single bulldozer starts work. IDOT, which will make the final decision on the design, is hoping to focus on a “consensus” of alternatives by the end of this year. I will be attending future meetings and advocating for the best options for our communities, but our state delegation needs to hear directly from you.
I urge you to view the IL 120 Study website to view more information about this study and to provide your feedback. Also let your state representatives know what your concerns are: What plans look viable and which are unacceptable?
Around the Area
I relish highlighting programs where Lake County partners with other groups to improve our quality of life and create living-wage jobs. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) hub is one such enterprise. The College of Lake County (CLC) is teaming up with Lake County Workforce Development to train workers for jobs in the renewable energy industry.
On a recent tour of the “CEJA hub,” I discovered that this state-funded program is also training people in basic HVAC, job-seeking, carpentry and electrical skills. Thanks to our friends at CLC and Workforce Development. The best news, though, is that the program is seeking training applicants. Begin your application now.
 Lake County Workforce Development recently attended a completion ceremony for those who've participated in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Program.
Note: Next week I will be in Springfield, lobbying our General Assembly delegation. I’m garnering support for bills that would recycle hazardous waste, improve composting and regulate data centers. I’ll have an update in my next newsletter.
It's my honor to serve you. If you have immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. The national suicide prevention hotline is 9-8-8. I’m happy to speak to any community group. You can reach me at jwasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be well,
Lake County Government News
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Student Art and Essay Contest Ends April 15
Lake County is inviting K–12 students to take part in the “We the People: America Through My Eyes” Art and Essay Contest as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, but time is running out to enter.
This is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and vision in sharing what "We the People" means to them. Original drawings, paintings, pictures, written stories and more are accepted. Submit an entry by Wednesday, April 15. Winners will be announced by June 1.
Don’t Miss Out: America 250 Independence Academy Kicks Off April 22
As part of the County’s America 250 celebration, we are hosting an Independence Academy for Lake County residents that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at county government, but time to register is running out.
The Academy will feature one weekly session over seven weeks. Each session will explore a different area of county government, with participants touring specific departments to learn how their work connects to the founding principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
Registration closes on Wednesday, April 15 and spots are limited to just 25 participants. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays, from 1 to 3 p.m., starting on April 22 and ending on June 3. Apply today!
Lake County Announces 2026 Construction Program
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) announced a $98 million 2026 program focused on maintaining and modernizing County roads, paths and bridges. This means it will be another busy construction season in Lake County, with approximately 30 projects scheduled for 2026.
See all the 2026 projects
Open House: Help Us Prioritize Future Transportation Projects
You’re invited to attend an open house for Envision 2050, a long-range plan that will guide how Lake County invests in transportation projects through the year 2050.
Residents are welcome to come any time between 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 at the Round Lake Beach Civic Center to explore materials, ask questions and share input. A virtual open house will be available during the same time as the in-person event, allowing participants to review materials and provide feedback online.
Your participation will help Lake County develop a transportation plan that addresses the future of our roads, paths and transit! Learn more.
Remember JULIE Before Digging
Each year, homeowners plant, build, add and fix things outdoors or hire someone for projects like installing a fence, replacing a mailbox post, planting trees or shrubs, adding a deck, setting up a swing set or putting in a pool. All these projects require digging.
Before you dig, contact the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE). Striking an underground utility line can cause serious injury, costly repairs and interrupt critical services such as electricity, natural gas, water, phone, cable TV, Internet, fiber optics and more.
It’s easy to contact JULIE before you dig. Submit a locate request online or call 811 or (800) 892-0123.
New Climate Roadmap Released for the Chicago Area
Lake County is part of a new regional climate action plan led by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), aimed at tackling the 152 million metric tons of greenhouse gases generated by our region each year, with 5% of emissions coming from Lake County.
The plan covers 70 strategies to reduce emissions, improve public health and strengthen the economy across 13 counties in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Read more about the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for Greater Chicago.
Learn with Northstar and Earn a Laptop!
At the end of March, Lake County’s Digital Growth Initiative hosted a laptop distribution event for residents who met certain requirements and completed Northstar Digital Literacy learning at a participating site.
Northstar participants use the online learning platform to improve their basic digital skills, such as sending emails, accessing telehealth and using Microsoft tools! The program is available in English and Spanish and can be completed on phones, tablets and computers.
Eligible residents in Lake County are invited to enroll in Northstar Digital Literacy to improve their digital skills!!
Partner sites include:
- Community Center of Catholic Charities
- Family First Center of Lake County
- Highwood Library & Community Center
- Lake County Housing Authority
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Round Lake Area Schools District
- Waukegan Public Library
Lake County organizations are invited to apply for a Northstar license to help provide in-person or online learning opportunities to improve digital skills through ready-to-go lesson plans, online learning accounts and proctored assessments.
Start your Northstar journey today! Residents and organizations can email broadband@lakecountyil.gov for more information.
 Residents and Lake County staff at the March 31 Northstar Laptop Distribution Event
Providing Resources to Find Your Career Pathway
Lake County Workforce Development actively engages with the community, helping residents access valuable resources and discover career opportunities. Through recent collaboration with the local chamber of commerce, students and community organizations, the team is strengthening connections that empower residents to build meaningful career paths.
 Among the community events Lake County Workforce Development recently attended are: clockwise from top left, Grant Community High School Career Fair; YouthBuild interactive tour and presentation; the Breaking Barriers Summit hosted by the Lake Zurich Area and Libertyville Mundelein Chambers of Commerce; and the Tech Campus Career Fair.
Unlock Career and Hiring Opportunities with the Job Center of Lake County
Watch this video to discover the in-person and virtual resources available to both job seekers and employers through the Job Center of Lake County.
From personalized job search support and career training to internships and hiring solutions, explore how these services can help you take the next step toward success. Don’t miss out on the tools and opportunities designed to move your career or business forward.
Forest Preserves News
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Help Pollinators Thrive at Home
Protecting Pollinators at Home takes place Thursday, April 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. Learn how choices in your yard, from plant selection and garden design to maintenance, pest control and lighting, can support pollinators.
Pollinators help plants reproduce, supporting the food we eat and the natural areas around us. USG is sponsoring this free event that requires registration. Register Here
Beer Garden Reopens May 1
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove reopens Friday, May 1, with lakeside seating and a rotating selection of Lake County craft brews. Opening day features an early Cinco de Mayo celebration with mariachi music from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The season also includes Brews & Views on May 29, a relaxed tasting event with local breweries, live music and food. Fire pits and scenic views make it an easy place to settle in and stay awhile. Read More
Hands-On Native Garden Cleanup Workshop
Celebrate Earth Week with a Spring Native Garden Cleanup program that will take place Wednesday, April 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods.
Start with a short indoor presentation on sustainable spring cleanup, then head outside to practice hands-on in the demonstration gardens. Free. Registration required. Learn More
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting
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