Providence Transportation Hub Approved

NEW LENOX, IL - Village trustees voted to approve Providence Catholic High School’s plan for a transportation hub near U.S. Route 30 and Washington Street at their meeting on Monday. The school’s plan passed with a 6-1 vote with Trustee Douglas E. Finnegan casting the lone dissenting tally.

“We are very pleased that village Trustees of New Lenox passed our plan for the transportation hub on our West Campus,” said Providence Catholic President Father Richard McGrath. “We will be following all rules and regulations to see that the installation is safe and functions very well.”

The school’s plan, which includes fencing, landscaping, an above-ground storage tank and mobile office trailer, received approval from the Illinois Fire Marshall’s Office and was recommended for an approval of a special use for a planned urban development by village staff.

Still, the plan -- and the school -- was criticized at the meeting, mainly by residents of the nearby Cherry Hill subdivision who claim they will be impacted by it in a negative way.

One woman said the school is putting the residents in “great risk with the toxic diesel fuels and the 2,500 gallon fuel tank.”

“They claim to be good neighbors but they are not,” the woman continued regarding Providence. “They do not practice what they preach. They totally disregarded residents and children and refuse to consider other options.”

Another woman took issue with “contracting out” half the site.

“They currently only have 7 buses, so why do they feel it is OK to bus another 7 near a residential area?” she asked.

While Finnigan spoke against the plan, Trustee David Smith voiced his approval.

“I think this is the safest place for it,” he said.

Mayor Tim Baldermann, who also voted in favor, pointed out a change Providence made from its original plan for a transportation hub on Gougar Road.

He noted that this plan includes a 600-foot area from any homes while the other plan only included a 200-foot zone.

McGrath said work on the project could begin during summer and everything could be ready “for the coming winter.”

“We are grateful to the trustees for their support and understanding,” he said.

Photo via YouTube screenshot