Posted in Joilet Patch on June 30, 2017.
Mayor Bob O’Dekirk touted several recent and ongoing business developments across Joliet as part of his mid-year report.
JOLIET, IL – Mayor Bob O’Dekirk wants people to realize that Joliet remains front and center for a number of technology companies looking to move. These jobs enhance the city’s image and are a huge boost for Joliet’s growing tax base. Dekirk touched on a number of noteworthy economic development projects during his mid-year report. The mayor gave his update on Wednesday in front of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry, an event held at Joliet’s Country Club.
Here’s a rundown of five pivotal projects around Joliet, developments at the heart of the mayor’s message:
1. M2M in Motion, a company in Schaumburg, recently moved its corporate offices to Joliet. The company’s move brings 50 computer programming and code-writing jobs to Joliet’s Route 53, just north of Laraway Road. “Again, that’s a goal that the (City) Council has talked about, actively recruiting corporate offices, getting that level of jobs into Joliet,” O’Dekirk said. “This is another success story …”
2. CTDI, a cable-communications company with 95 locations world-wide, has opened a 500,000 square-foot-facility in Joliet’s CenterPoint. CTDI opened about a month ago, starting with 120 employees. The company tests, repairs and refurbishes electronics equipment. Joliet’s site will serve a five-state region, and CTDI plans to grow its Joliet work force to an estimated 600 employees later this fall.
3. Houbolt Road Bridge. The estimated$175 million bridge project will extend Houbolt Road from U.S. 6 to Schweitzer Road with the creation of a new toll bridge over the Des Plaines River. The new four-lane span is aimed at alleviating heavy truck congestion around the CenterPoint transportation hub. The bridge is currently in the design phase.
4. Rock Run Crossings. A 265-acre development east of I-55, north of I-80, that marks one of the largest destination-entertainment-shopping ventures being proposed near Chicago. Recently, Joliet approved a cost-share agreement to fund the first phase of engineering work. Cullinan Properties is the investment firm involved with Rock Run Crossings. The project calls for creating a full-blown north-south interchange at I-55 near Route 59. In all likelihood, it will take another two to three years before this mega development comes to fruition.
5. Certified Warehouse Foods.
In March, Certified announced it was closing its two grocery stores on Joliet’s east side. One operated on East Jackson Street. The other was on Richards Street. O’Dekirk said that he, interim City Manager Marty Shanahan and Economic Development Director Steve Jones are optimistic that the two buildings won’t stay vacant. “I can tell you myself, Steve Jones and Marty Shanahan are having active discussions with Caton Commercial about the two vacant Certified grocery stores, and we are hoping that in the next month or so that an announcement will be made regarding those,” O’Dekirk said.
Watch O’Dekirk’s address here:
Image via City of Joliet