Bald eagles soar over Kane County’s Brunner Forest Preserve, a natural heritage of 741 acres where residents can connect with nature and enjoy scenic views of the Fox River.  This public preserve, the largest riverfront preserve in Kane County, Illinois purchased with funds from a referendum, is at risk of being destroyed by a four lane highway and toll bridge!  Unobstructed serene views of the river, where the public can observe egrets, eagles, and herons, home to an oak savanna, abundant wildlife and rare mussels, is under attack by Kane County’s plan to build Longmeadow Parkway, a 5.6 mile highway project costing taxpayers over 143 MILLION dollars, that plows right through the middle of this wildlife haven.  In blatant disregard of laws that preserve public land, the Federal Highway Administration is granting 20 MILLION dollars towards this project that destroys public land, damages wildlife habitat, creates air and water pollution, and ruins the quality of life for thousands of people.  

The negative effects of this proposed roadway and bridge will far outweigh any public benefits. Longmeadow Parkway roadway and toll bridge is a bad investment of tax dollars. $20 million in Federal tax dollars and $40-$63 million in Illinois DOT tax dollars. 

The demographic and traffic data on which the roadway and bridge were predicated 25 years ago are obsolete and no longer justify construction. Traffic studies show Longmeadow would provide little or no relief from traffic congestion at existing river crossings in the area. The conversion of a two-lane residential street to a four-lane divided 45/50 mph highway will create havoc in local neighborhoods. The roadway is a threat to the quality of life for local residents.

We object to an out-of-control government agency destroying public land and using our tax money to serve special interests, while diverting resources from the real needs of our state. Illinois has 2,244 structurally deficient existing bridges per the Federal Highway Administration. The American Society of Civil Engineering grades existing Illinois roads D+ on its infrastructure report card. More jobs (17% more) would be created by repairing existing infrastructure.

Help us save Brunner Forest Preserve. Please sign the petition. Learn more at CURB Longmeadow and STOP Longmeadow Join us on Facebook!

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