We, the residents and supporters of Channahon, Minooka, Morris, and the surrounding areas, strongly oppose the proposed Chicago Logistics Hub development by the Canadian National Railway (CN). This massive project, spanning over 900 acres, threatens to harm our environment, overwhelm our regional infrastructure, and endanger the safety and quality of life for all nearby communities.

 

This isn’t just a Channahon issue—it’s a regional concern that will affect everyone who lives, works, or travels in this area. While we recognize the need for economic development and transportation infrastructure, this intermodal development is not suitable for our region and must be stopped and relocated to a more appropriate location that does not negatively impact our environment, public safety, or infrastructure.

 

Why This Project Must Be Stopped and Relocated:

 1. Severe Traffic Congestion for the Entire Region:

The addition of heavy truck and rail traffic will impact major roads used by residents of Minooka, Morris, and surrounding communities, such as U.S. Route 6, Brisbin Road, and the I-80 corridor.

 • Commuters will face significant delays and safety risks.

 • Emergency responders could encounter slower response times.

 • School bus routes will be disrupted, endangering the safety of children.

The resulting congestion will stretch far beyond Channahon and burden neighboring towns like Minooka and Morris, creating widespread regional gridlock. This type of development must be relocated to a location with proper road capacity and infrastructure to handle the traffic.

 2. Environmental Risks That Affect Us All:

The project threatens to harm local ecosystems, water resources, and air quality—issues that impact the health and well-being of everyone in the region. Residents of Morris and Minooka, especially those near waterways or green spaces, may face long-term environmental consequences, such as:

 • Contamination of drinking water sources.

 • Increased air pollution from industrial activity and truck emissions.

 • Loss of natural habitats that support wildlife and biodiversity.

An intermodal hub of this magnitude should be built in an area where it will not jeopardize sensitive ecosystems or drinking water sources.

 3. Overloaded Regional Infrastructure:

Our roads and infrastructure are already under strain, and this project will add an unsustainable burden. Towns like Minooka and Morris will have to deal with increased wear and tear on roads, leading to costly repairs and frequent delays. Without significant upgrades—which come at a price—our transportation systems will not be able to handle the additional volume.

A better-suited location with existing infrastructure to support heavy logistics traffic would avoid these regional impacts.

 4. Public Safety Risks:

The surge in truck and train traffic poses a significant safety hazard for all nearby communities.

 • Residents in Minooka and Morris will face more accidents on major routes.

 • Rail crossings may become bottlenecks, delaying emergency vehicles and increasing the risk of collisions.

Moving the intermodal development to an area with fewer populated neighborhoods and better road design will help avoid these safety issues.

 5. Negative Impact on Regional Growth:

This development prioritizes industrial expansion at the expense of smart, sustainable growth. It could deter families and businesses from choosing Minooka, Morris, or other nearby towns as their home, stifling future opportunities.

 

What We’re Asking For:

We call on the Canadian National Railway (CN), the Village of Channahon, and all regional leaders to halt the Chicago Logistics Hub development and work to relocate it to a more suitable area. Specifically, we demand:

 1. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the project’s effects on the region and identify alternative locations.

 2. Transparent Public Engagement that includes input from residents of Minooka, Morris, and other neighboring towns.

 3. Traffic Mitigation Plans that address the inevitable strain on regional transportation networks and prioritize safety.

 4. Relocation of the Intermodal Hub to an area that can support such a large-scale industrial project without jeopardizing the environment, safety, or infrastructure of nearby communities.

 

Why This Matters to You:

Whether you live in Channahon, Minooka, Morris, or another nearby town, this project will have a direct impact on your daily life. From longer commutes and safety risks to environmental degradation and strained public resources, the consequences of this development will ripple across our region.

By signing this petition, you join a collective effort to stop this project and advocate for a responsible relocation that prioritizes the health, safety, and future of our communities. Together, we can demand responsible development that protects our region from harm.

 

 

 

 

Call to Action:

Sign this petition and share it with your friends, family, and neighbors in Channahon, Minooka, Morris, and beyond. Let’s stand together to stop this harmful development and ensure it is moved to a more appropriate location.