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3/5/25 UPDATE: Petitioner has removed some aspects of their application but continues in their quest for a special permit to add a new 100 plus acre quarry across from Liberty Elementary School, adjacent to Lily Cache Creek and many residential homes. We ask our Will County board members not to be pawns in this scheme. Increased truck traffic, air and water pollutants and unsafe conditions associated with surface mining is no longer the right use for this land. 

To: Our Will County board members and other elected officials:

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Will County, respectfully urge our Will County board members to VOTE NO to RE Land IL IV, Inc.’s request for zone change #ZC-24-066 for the 90 acre parcel located on the southeast corner of Essington and 127th St. in Bolingbrook, IL within unincorporated Will County. The application for the map amendment from Agricultural 1 to Industrial 3 (Intensive Industry) for the proposed purpose of operating an underground mining business, with special use permits for blasting with explosives, concrete and asphalt mixing, CCDD fill operations, and variance from 50 feet to 0 feet for the location of open pits and shafts from the east and south side property lines.

Will County’s Planning and Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on October 1, 2024. Will County zoning administrator Marguerite Kenny, AICP, presented their staff’s recommendations after a full review of RE Land IL IV, Inc.’s application. Their conclusion was DENIAL OF THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE CHANGE AND DENIAL OF EVERY SPECIAL USE AND VARIANCE requested. The Planning and Zoning Committee then proceeded to vote UNANIMOUSLY TO OPPOSE THE ZONE CHANGE. We would expect our Will County board members to seriously consider their own staff’s recommendation to OPPOSE. It should also be noted that both Villages of Plainfield and Bolingbrook have formally submitted their opposition to the zone change as well as Plainfield School District 202.

As Will County homeowners and parents, we submit the following reasons to support our opposition to this zone change:

1. Concerns about RE Land IL IV, Inc. Business Owner’s History and Motives

The beneficiary of this zone change is the 100% sole owner of RE Land IL IV, Inc., Artem Zakharov. You should be aware that Mr. Zakharov is also the owner of the sister company, RE Land IL II, Inc. which was sued by the Village of Bolingbrook for violating various sections of Bolingbrook’s village codes on his quarry property to the south. Bolingbrook was awarded an injunction citing the owner’s lack of security and neglect of fire safety measures among many other infractions. Village of Bolingbrook v. RE Land IL II, Inc., Case No. 2 CH 198 (12th Jud. Cir. Ill. 2024). This decision was recently upheld in the Appellate Court. This should give great pause to Will County in granting this owner a zone change to permit a business involving explosives adjacent to schools and homes. 

We are also gravely concerned of the prospect of either of these two scenarios: 

What happens if Will County approves the industrial zone change but the owner is denied permission to underground mine by any of the various state entities involved? What happens if the zone change is approved but the owner decides to abandon the underground mining concept altogether? This owner can now use that 90 acre parcel for any of the multitude of permitted, but extremely undesirable, high intensity industrial uses. What is to stop him from making that parcel into another semi-truck parking facility-as is his primary business? 

 2. Risk to Public Health and Safety

Underground mining with a cement and asphalt operation poses serious health and safety risks. Three schools and numerous homes are within a ½ mile from this property. Liberty Elementary School is located directly across the street. The potential for air quality degradation from harmful emissions, including particulate matter and gases such as methane and radon, could adversely affect our children’s health as well as our most vulnerable residents. According to a report by the World Health Organization, exposure to such environmental hazards can impact children's cognitive development, respiratory systems and cause sleep disturbance (WHO, 2020). Will County board members should ask themselves if they would want their children breathing in the particulate matter and dust created by this business while playing on the school playground. We can't afford to endanger the well-being of our children to serve the narrow interest of Mr. Zakharov. It should be noted that, contrary to the owner’s claims, School District 202 has formally opposed this zone change. This parcel needs to remain agricultural as a buffer from the ongoing surface mining to the east.

3. Potential for Ground Subsidence, Erosion and Structural Damage
 
Mining activities can lead to subsidence and erosion, where the ground above the mine collapses or sinks. Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District was consulted by Will County and they cited significant concerns that erosion from the mining activity could present sediment runoff into Lily Cache Creek. The area surrounding Lily Cache Creek is a regulatory floodway. They also noted that the area proposed for surface mining includes several wetlands. 

Additionally, vibrations from underground mining can compromise the structural integrity which can result in damage to homes, schools, roads, and infrastructure. The safety and well-being of families and students in the area could be compromised by the risk of sinkholes, foundation cracks, and other hazards. Please note the attached photo to see the close proximity of homes and schools to the proposed blasting. 

4. Possible Contamination of Lily Cache Creek and Environmental Impact
 
The proposed mining operation intends to blast tunnels 200 to 300 feet under Lily Cache Creek. Underground mining can potentially contaminate the creek which flows southwest and feeds the lakes in the area. Chemicals used in the mining process, such as cyanide, can seep into the groundwater and eventually reach surface water sources. These chemicals can be toxic to humans and wildlife. Mining increases the likelihood of erosion which can lead to reduced water quality, habitat destruction and the smothering of aquatic organisms. Our families swim and fish in our lakes. We take great pride in keeping our waterways clean. The area lakes use only electric boats to avoid pollutants. These lakes are used to water our vegetation. Lily Cache Creek is the water source for the horses at Ready Set Ride, the therapeutic horse therapy business across the street. Any risk of contaminating Lily Cache Creek, our lakes or water supply should preclude Will County from approving this zone change.

5. Public Nuisance and Violation of our Legal “Right to Quiet Enjoyment”
 
Underground mining operations may not be visible but the noise from blasting, ventilation shafts, transportation of materials and related industrial activities could significantly disrupt the daily lives of residents. Their application states that they estimate approximately 90 additional vehicle trips per day once business is established. This activity will surely be a distraction to elementary students across the street. The business also intends to install new outdoor lighting on site. Increased traffic, vibrations, dust, and light pollution will have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those living near the mining operation.

6. Both Villages Involved Oppose Zone Change

Both the Village of Plainfield and the Village of Bolingbrook have submitted their formal opposition to this map amendment. No jobs will be created as the owner's application states that it will only be utilizing their current workforce.

We implore our elected representatives to hear the voices of your Will County constituents that are directly impacted by this decision. The residents of Will County deserve a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment in which to live and raise their families. We ask our Will County Board to prioritize the well-being of the community over industrial development and protect the future of our homes and schools from the potential dangers of underground mining. This 90 acre parcel should remain agricultural as a buffer between our homes and industrial activity. PLEASE STAND WITH US AND VOTE NO.

TO RESIDENTS: The Will County board granted the applicant’s 60 day extension and will now be voting on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 9 AM at the Will County Office Building located at 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL 60432 on the second floor.

Also it is important to email Will County your opposition. Please refer to case #ZC-24-066 at publiccomment@willcountyillinois.com

Thank you!!