1,000 attend forum in opposition to Illiana Expressway

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BY PHIL WIELAND
pwieland@nwitimes.com
219.548.4352 | Sunday, March 11, 2007 | (48 comment(s))

WASHINGTON TWP. | As someone who voted for Senate Bill 1, state Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, said she felt like a furrier at an animal rights convention on Saturday.

Rogers was among seven area legislators who attended a forum at the Porter County Expo Center hosted by Citizens Against the Privatized Toll Road, or CAPIT. The group opposes construction of the proposed Illiana Expressway, which would connect Interstate 57 in Illinois with Interstate 65 near Lowell and possibly the Indiana Toll Road near LaPorte.

About 1,000 people, mostly from Porter County but with a large contingent from LaPorte and a few from Lake counties, packed the Expo Center to give the legislators a clear message that they don't want the road. SB 1 would give the governor the authority to conduct a study of the route and solicit proposals from private enterprises interested in building and operating it as a toll road.

Laura Blaney, of CAPIT, said if the bill is approved by the House, "It's a done deal that could not be stopped without new legislation."

Porter County Commissioner Bob Harper said the expressway is "the rage" this year the way the Regional Development Authority was the rage four years ago and the Indiana Toll Road lease was the rage two years ago.

Those concepts were supposed to bring in huge sums of money to accomplish a number of major improvements in Northwest Indiana and the state, but Harper said the funding turned out not to be even enough to get commuter service to Valparaiso. Now the RDA is talking about another tax to accomplish its goals, he said.

"This year the rage is the Illiana Expressway to bring progress," he said. "Progress to the people in this room is to live in a community where they have 20 to 25 kids in the classroom. Progress is having their children in 4-H and Cub Scouts and having rural ties."

Morgan Township Trustee Dick Schultz said the road would create dead ends for many local roads, causing problems for police and fire departments and cutting farmers' fields in half. He said the township already is experiencing growth, and it doesn't need the kind of growth the expressway would bring.

John Hodson, president of the Kankakee Valley Historical Society, compared the potential long-term ill effects of the expressway to those resulting from the channelization of the Kankakee River almost 100 years ago. He criticized the destruction of farmland when the push for biofuels is increasing the price of crops.

Several people said the state doesn't need more roads, but it needs to take better care of the ones it has.

A total of 3.500 letters were collected at the forum, Blaney said, and donations were sought to pay for postage and other expenses of the organization.

Rogers said she had been to one other public meeting about the Illiana. It was in Crown Point before the vote on SB 1 and the smaller crowd at that gathering was split in its support of the road.

"After today's meeting, and reading what I have to do to relieve my stress, I'm prepared to compromise," she told the crowd.

The crowd wasn't so much interested in compromise. As one resident said, "We want it gone."

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Phillip S. Carpin wrote on Mar 21, 2007 9:03 PM:

" We want cheap gas--- without a mobile society. We want consumer goods--- without the trucks to deliver them. We want cheap gas without the roads to drive on. We want cheap gas and we will send the soldiers to get it. Or we will submit to Allah to get it. We want cheap gas so we can live 40 miles away from our jobs. We want cheap gas and we want and we want. We just ought to be thankful that in this case the government is building the road for Americans instead of the trans Canada/ Mexico I-69 extension. WHEW! I'm glad I'm not a politician. Oh and BTW folks---- there is nothing cheap about gas "

Tom D. wrote on Mar 21, 2007 6:57 PM:

" I just looked at the proposed map on the Indiana govt.web site.If I read this right route 2 is gone east of 41.The conjestion in the north is us 41,and all the roads leading south out of northern lake county.I 80/94 is conjested because of construction, when that is completed in 2010 the highway will run much smoother.I feel this is just another way for mitch to generate revenue for central Indiana off the backs of northern Indiana, with the lease deal.After-all that is the reason everything is being rushed lately, isn't it! Think about it, if it were to be a freeway there would be no rush to complete!!!! "

Edward J. Sculling wrote on Mar 21, 2007 6:21 AM:

" Susan-- The Farmland is going to be sold and developed one day anyway. Sooner than you think prolly "

TW wrote on Mar 21, 2007 6:18 AM:

" Laura Blaney and other "leaders" are/ were against the South Shore expansion and mass transit. until the Illiana Expressway. Now she is for mass transit? The South County is gonna be built whether it is a road, houses or strip malls. Yuckee pooh pooh to all of it- but the road makes the most sense "

Karl wrote on Mar 21, 2007 6:17 AM:

" It is purely wishful thinking to bank on mass transit to relieve Borman congestion and eliminate the need to build the Illiana. Communter rail will attract an insignificant percentage of single passenger vehiles off the expressway. People are too set in their ways now to change. It will do nothing to remove the multitude of trucks. What commuter rail WILL do is to attract new people to the communities along the route who are accustom to using rail to get into Chicago and want to escape Illiois prices. Commuter rail will be a feature that will attract new people, but it won't replace the need to building the Illiana. "

Fifi LaFemme wrote on Mar 21, 2007 12:16 AM:

" The answer is not more cars on the road; the answer is mass transit. We should be funding RDA's plans and the South Shore Valpo Lowell connector instead and get the cars off of the road. Reduction not consumption. "

Tim wrote on Mar 20, 2007 9:09 PM:

" The route has not been determined so how can anyone say it's going through anyone's home. Farmers in the proposed route have received farm subsidies for years totaling in the millions (I checked it out on the web and it is a FACT). Not once did I protest. If they have to sell land to make way for the tollroad, can I demand the return of some of my tax money back that subsidized their farming business all these years? "

Susan wrote on Mar 20, 2007 7:07 PM:

" I am opposed to the Toll Road for numerous reasons: #1 The road in its current state will take out 3 of my family's homes -- #2 It will wipe out my town of Wanatah due to the curve it will make coming in from the west and turning inside the town to go north -- #3 It will wipe out thousands of acres of farm ground - very valuable farm ground. As our "progress" continues in this area, valuable farm ground is being taken away. Indiana is quickly becoming the leader in ethanol production (something to HELP our country and our environment). Our area farms PROVIDE FOOD FOR YOUR TABLES! How will you eat when the farm ground is taken away by our government for PROGRESS??? Why don't you people for the toll road get it? Not only are people's homes going to be taken away, their roots in a community taken away, and their livelihoods taken away; but an integral part of our food supply and alternate fuel source will be affected, which affects everyone. GET WITH THE PROGRAM PEOPLE -- THESE ARE THE COLD HARD FACTS! "

Doug wrote on Mar 20, 2007 7:52 AM:

" I live near the Kankakee River and I feel we SHOULD build the Illiana Expressway. I would hope the legislators realize a loud and boisterous minority is typical of those protecting their self interest. We desperatly need improved infrastructure to relieve the traffic on I-94. I heard all the same arguements about extending I-94 from Ripley Street to the Michigan state line years ago from the folks in north Porter County. WE NEED THE ILLIANA NOW! "

Rog wrote on Mar 19, 2007 10:58 PM:

" This road proposal is just about having more trucks able to go through our state every day. Maybe it will open a few extra warehouses. It's not going to bring an influx of new Permanent jobs. Drive along I-55 in Dupage and Will county. More distribution warehouses have been built there in the last 10yr than anywhere in the midwest. New jobs created per warehouse...approx 20! That is nothing. Most of these warehouses are storage and distribution points handling JIT delivery and computer based logistics. They do not create an abundance of jobs. It's a waste of tax payer money. If it wasn't they would make the private company commit to paying dividends from toll revenue (not profit)to all the residents within 10 miles of this new yellow brick road "

Thomas wrote on Mar 19, 2007 5:28 PM:

" Isn't the proposed Commerce Connector in Indy going to be a tollway? I'd rather have those using the road paying for it rather than using my tax dollars to pay for expressways I don't even use. "

dave wrote on Mar 19, 2007 4:41 PM:

" isn't funny how no toll roads intersect indianapolis. This road is purely for the folks from Illinois and the chicagoans who moved to Indiana to avoid the smog and high prices in Illinois. Why not build a road everyone can use..say from kankakee thru lafayette and into Dayton Ohio? I'd bet the folks down there won't want a toll road either. Folks this is NOT a race issue or a democratic issue, it's sad when those that can't find a valid reason for this mitch fiasco and need resort to race card and political bashing. Heck let's sell I65 too so Indiana can copy Illinois and make billions from travelers. wake up people! "

Bob C wrote on Mar 19, 2007 1:23 PM:

" It really doesn't matter if there is a study or not. If the study comes back saying there would be some benefits to long term planning in our region to address growth, traffic, economic development etc. - do you really think the CAPIT people will come out and support the Illiana? They're minds are clearly made up and opposing viewpoints are not welcome. "

William wrote on Mar 19, 2007 12:27 PM:

" The gridlock on the Borman this morning provides valuable insight into the enormity of the problem created if we do nothing to consider an Illiana tollway. How much fuel was wasted and emission spewed into our air this morning? It's not going to get better if we do nothing. "

mike wrote on Mar 19, 2007 10:38 AM:

" you can't stop growth, Milwaukee is a north suberb of Chicago pretty soon so will Kankakee. There is no more land to buy at least 2-3 hours north of Chicago so it will be and is coming this way; so truly people cry that there will no wildlife cause of a Highway, well the homes or commercial district they would build instead will do just as much if not more damage.. any way we better build roads now then after all of this area is built up, cause I rather drive 30 miles in 45 min. then drive 3 miles in 45 min. which will happen if you don't build the roads( drive in Illinois)... "

steve wrote on Mar 19, 2007 7:28 AM:

" Why Lake and Porter counties and not south of the Kankakee river? Is it because the majority of democratics in the state live in these two counties? I think its mainly about big bussines and money. And yes it will contribute to more growth, with more residents moving in means more state tax money, also means that more crime will be moveing in. The state wants a new school for the three East Porter County schools, which will lower the education levels of our students like the schools up north. Oh well like they say all good thing must end. "

John Delano wrote on Mar 19, 2007 2:35 AM:

" An Illiana Expressway would be good to take traffic off of the highways to the north, but it should only be done with private money and NO eminent domain. The state should also stop expanding existing highways to let traffic cut through NW Indiana for free. If the railroads have to pay for their tracks, then let the trucks pay to use the Borman. "

Tyler wrote on Mar 19, 2007 12:04 AM:

" I am all for doing at least a thorough feasibility study. Once that's done we can have this debate much more intelligently knowing all the facts, consequences and such specifics. "

Thomas wrote on Mar 18, 2007 7:31 PM:

" Who says anyone is selling or offering? I've heard a lot about anonymous offers, but I've also heard a lot about suspicious flags appearing on people's property. Could it be that those opposed are feeding the frenzy? "

Tom Williams wrote on Mar 18, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Everyone in the South County who is for selling an acre of farmland to someone from Illinois for $30,0000 is against this road. I wonder why? "

Fred wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:54 AM:

" I think a lot of people who favor the Illiana have been intimidated by the enraged folks who oppose it. A buddy of mine put up a sign to keep peace with his neighbor and get him off his back. That's not opposition, that's submission. "

Angela wrote on Mar 16, 2007 9:31 AM:

" NWI, including Porter County, is growing people. Why hinder growth? Think of the future here & the doors this could open for NWI. Did you honestly think, living so close to a major city, we'd stay "country" forever? Don't you think it's better to have the Illiana Expressway built now, while there's not so many properties close to the projected path or later when there are several new properties along the projected path? People are afraid of what they don't know. I say let them do the study! What can it hurt? Lets get ALL the facts before complaining & protesting. Lets move with the times! "

Bill wrote on Mar 16, 2007 12:02 AM:

" lets start by saying I sell you my house and land out her in the country, you realize why people move to the country, better quality of life, not as much hussle and bussle of the big city, you actually understand why people move out here,then you realize that a highway could come right through the middle of the property you call home, the state says fair market value, not market price. Gee what now? Do you put your tail between your legs and let go of what you have come to enjoy and hope there's enough money to put a roof over your head, or do you become one of us and fight for what is right? Oh and by the way since when does it take the ok from the senate and or the house to do a study on something? Whatever happen to the studies that were suppose to take place on public transportation, more people in fewer vehicles and bio-fuels are the only way to clean the air in this area help contain urban sprawl. "

Laura Blaney wrote on Mar 15, 2007 5:05 PM:

" Everyone remember that the same person can post any number of comments under different names on this site. Those of us who were at the meeting know the truth...as do the legislators. "

ed wrote on Mar 15, 2007 4:32 PM:

" lets call this road what it is--I-80--it will move truck traffic east/west and bypass the Borman, which then can be referred to as I-94 "

Bob wrote on Mar 15, 2007 12:10 PM:

" Hey Steve- Guess what? I'm not one of the 1000 that attended the meeting and I am against it. Kind of presumptuous to assume everyone who didn't go is for the Illiana. Talk about stretching the truth. Some of us had to work or had other commitments, but I can assure you I know many people in my neighborhood and where I work who are against this road. And I don't stand to lose my home or property. But I am against people losing theirs to private interests with deep pockets, especially before all the environmental and feasibility studies are in. Don't we owe these people at least this much before they lose their homes? This is America after all. And any one who can't wait for the studies to be done first can always move to Illinois or Lake County Indiana. No shortage of deveopment out that way. We don't have to have pavement from border to border in Indiana. Move back to Illinois if that's what you want. "

Joe wrote on Mar 15, 2007 10:56 AM:

" Karl. I received the mailing therefore I do live in the area. Duh! I am not against the road or for it. I have an open mind and am not afraid to see it studied. That meeting was nothing to be proud of - unless you're a fan of the Jerry Springer Show. "

steve wrote on Mar 15, 2007 9:51 AM:

" So 1,000 people oppose it - what about the remaining 700,000+ of nwi residents that support it... or the thousands living outside the area that will use it as they pass through? "

Karl H. wrote on Mar 15, 2007 8:14 AM:

" Scary circus? Wow! I left the meeting feeling proud knowing that so many people realize what we have here, and still care about it. I would like to know how many people that are saying this should go through actually live or lived out in the country. I'm guessing 0. If that is infact the case, then I can kind of understand why you don't get it. "

Holly wrote on Mar 15, 2007 7:34 AM:

" We decided to move. Not because of the tollway, but because we cannot stomach raising our kids around such selfish, narrow-minded, gullible people. I embarrassed to have to tell people I'm from around here. "

Thomas wrote on Mar 15, 2007 7:26 AM:

" Ken B - define republican. I think Commissioner Harper enjoys stirring rage for political purposes. I certainly won't accept any more of his invitations. "

Joe wrote on Mar 15, 2007 6:47 AM:

" I received the same invitation in the mail. I and my wife went to the meeting and walked away feeling the same way. It was a scary circus. No one dare say anything neutral or positive. Not much in the way of facts. Mostly speeches filled with opinion and rage. It was definitely all one sided. It was the Commissioners invitiation and he was the ring leader all right. I mentioned to my wife that we didn't need to watch the History Channel to learn about WWII Germany. I contacted my legislators like they asked and told them that I think the project should proceed. "

Mark Campbell wrote on Mar 15, 2007 6:32 AM:

" Hey Chris, nimby #63 here. The reason the other million people weren't there is because this proposed tollway is not going in their front yard. I was born and raised within 2 miles of the Borman and after 25 years I found heaven in southern Porter County. I drive 80/94 & 90 all the time and I've learned to deal with it. I invite you to come join us nimbys and breathe fresh air or stay up north and choke on the calumet armpit.Try it, and you'll know what I mean. Most everyone is raised in close proximity to a highway, but those who choose to leave it behind did so for a reason. WE DON'T WANT THE ILLIANA TOLLWAY SO LEAVE US BE! "

Ken B wrote on Mar 15, 2007 3:39 AM:

" Bob Harper was one speaker of MANY. Most of whom have nothing to do with politics. It was a public forum. Its no one's fault but the republicans that they have fallen into line behind their wacky governor's idea against the wishes of so many of their very own party members. No one barred them from coming. Did they forget they are supposed to represent the people in their party and not just each other? I'm a republican and have been my entire voting life. I can't wait to put Bob Harper's signs in my yard next time around. He's the only one who's paying attention to the people he represents. "

Thomas wrote on Mar 15, 2007 12:30 AM:

" Saturday's CAPIT meeting at the expo center turned out to be a staged Democratic rally. I received an invitation in the mail "paid for by the committee to elect Robert F. Harper" which should have tipped me off. I was told I was going to be provided information. All I received was propoganda, innuendo and political posturing. I learned nothing more than Bob Harper enjoys preying on people's emotions and enjoys the sound of his own voice. The chanting for him to run for governor was embarrassing and uncomfortable. I left convinced that the study should go forward if for no other reason than to put an end to such foolishness. "

Debby wrote on Mar 14, 2007 1:45 PM:

" As I understand this is to help with traffic on the 80/94 one question I have is why are they not using the Indiana Toll Road now? Because most people will not pay tolls. And Mitch told it!!! I see the real problem is the back up being caused right over the state line in Illinois. What is Illinois going do about the problem? An if this does happen what is going to happen again in Illinois on 57 going around Chicago � put your car in park the same thing that is happening now all over again. But how about before this is build a study done at some of the truck stops- and ask the Trucker if they would use it. I bet more than � would say no!!! So why build it? To help Illinois? I heard the finish road would be done around the same time as the Olympics in 2016; does Mitch have a hand in Illinois pocket? "

Exclusion? wrote on Mar 14, 2007 2:26 AM:

" The South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana are bursting at the seams. There is a very real changing demographic in both areas. There are visible patterns of different groups of people migrating for specific reasons. Can't help but wonder who it is the folks who don't want a road built think it will keep out. And I find it interesting that some are ignoring the need for a road that would ultimately benefit them, on the basis of keeping their community the same. The same as what? There has been tremendous growth and change in Porter County, and throughout the entire Region recently. So, they are not trying to keep the area untouched. Just trying to control who can have access, and who is willing to weave through the roads to find a secluded hiding spot from the rest of the Region. This is very much a racial issue and class issue. The sad part is, the people opposed to the road are very much ignoring their duty to embrace change and help a community grow in a positive and diverse way. "

Laura Blaney wrote on Mar 13, 2007 9:58 PM:

" Ken M- The state is attempting to rush this through, not CAPIT. SB 1 does not provide for a study, it provides for the Governor to bid out the job. CAPIT is not fighting against the Memorandum of Understanding (for a study of the Illiana) between Indiana and Illinois that was signed before SB1 was ever introduced. "

Ken M. wrote on Mar 13, 2007 6:30 PM:

" It's worth study. And privatized roads are used successfully in other states and around the world. CAPIT should at least let the rest of us get the facts, then we'll decide. Now, there's a novel idea. "

Erick wrote on Mar 13, 2007 5:59 PM:

" I get why we need a more southerly east-west route (although I would prefer an alternative to 65, but good luck with that). What I dont get is why we need a north-south jog in the road near Wanatah. We already have a north-south road there that goes to both 80/94 and the Toll Road called 421 that needs better signalization, and could probably stand to be widened while a lot of the path is still fairly accessible. I also don't get how we can promote bio-energy from corn but then decide to cover up the fields for a road. If they want to make one big bridge like the one that goes from Miami to Key West, I'll give you 100% support, otherwise, it seems contrary to everything we've done the last few years. "

Laura Blaney wrote on Mar 13, 2007 1:54 PM:

" Jack- I can personally assure you that "paid people" did not organize our event. I organized the Porter County event myself with the help of other members of CAPIT (Citizens Against Privatized Illiana Toll Road). Believe me, we are NOT paid. It's too bad I wasn't getting paid because I would've done quite well after all of the hours I put in. Also, the bill (SB1) being debated by the legislature is not about whether or not to have a study, but whether or not to contract with a private company to build and operate the road. "

Dan wrote on Mar 13, 2007 1:48 PM:

" How many people against the Illiana Tollroad voted for Mitch in the first place. If you did vote for Mitch you really have no say in the matter,so quit your protest and live with your man Mitch. "

Joe wrote on Mar 13, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Just because people didnt show up doesnt mean that they are in support of the program. A lot of people live in the region because they dont want to be in other areas that have "grown" I like NW Indiana just the way it is and dont care for a Chicago Style life. That's why I left Chicago in the first place. "

Karl H. wrote on Mar 13, 2007 8:30 AM:

" I can't believe that anyone in this country would be okay with a private company using eminent domain to take a persons property. If this goes through it will only open the flood gates for anyone with a bigger check book then you to take your property. This is nothing more then disgusting land grab and it has nothing to do with progress. Do you drive 80/94 on a regular basis? I do. The only time it is congested east of 65 is when there is an accident, and a toll road isn't going to stop that. This isn't a nimby issue, this is an private property right issue, and it is to bad that so many citizens can't see this. You may think this doesn't effect you today, but some day down the road it will. "

Jack wrote on Mar 12, 2007 5:32 PM:

" I would like to see the study go through. It will show if the road will generate jobs or not. I bet the NAYSAYERS belong to the Indiana Democratic Progressive group. The problem is they don't know anything about being progressive. I have heard rumors of paid people organizing these events as well. "

al wrote on Mar 12, 2007 6:33 AM:

" Don't worry Chris, there are many more nimby's out there than this meeting suggests. Many of us took signs and information back to our neighbors who weren't able to attend. Progress my eye, it's a major move (pun intended) to sell off to the highest bidder. Why, other that the supposed progress you THINK this idea is, is this a good deal for the State of Indiana? Why is Golman Sachs brokering/advising on such deals? Yet another conflict of interest that will suck us dry. If you can't answer those questions, then you need to do some more research my friend. "

jim wrote on Mar 11, 2007 8:55 PM:

" I have yet to hear anyone say they wanted this tollway. We in south porter county don't want or need this road. The rest of the county doesn't have this buget busting illinois resident benefit going in their backyard. I think all of indiana should jump on the DUMP MITCH QUICK! train and impeach him before he sells indiana to Daley or michigan. So now that all the funds are spent for the tollroad sale, what does the future hoosiers benefit from the sale. Enough of his silly ideas and indianapolis attitude. These 2 counties support indiana and rebuild indianapokis downtown yearly as it is. It's time we have some legislative power in NW indiana to protect the taxpayers and all the future taxpayers. "

chris wrote on Mar 11, 2007 7:39 AM:

" So 1000 people turned out in opposition. Apparently the other 1 million people in the three Indiana counties affected don't have a problem with this expressway being built.. Don't let 1000 nimby's ruin the potential of growth in the region.. "

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