VIDEO: Baldermann Says New Lenox Could be 'Known for the Health Care We Provide'

Mayor Tim Baldermann gave his State of the Community address last week, and most of the talking points were the same as last year: business development, construction and health care.

The only difference, of course, is that a lot's changed in the last year. Walmart opened in October and the surrounding lots are beginning to fill. Silver Cross Hospital struck a deal with the University of Chicago to open a cancer center. And the long-awaited construction to widen Route 30 began earlier this year.

To see what Baldermann talked about, watch the video to the right or click here to see it on YouTube, provided by New Lenox Community Television. See a recap of his comments below:

On Silver Cross Hospital: "There are a lot of communities that want to be known as the golf capital of the world or the shopping center capital of the world. … But if we can be known for the health care we provide for people, that’s pretty tremendous."

On the proposed outlet mall: "It all started with Silver Cross, that’s where all the synergy got started. People want to know about New Lenox. They know it’s going to be a destination location."

On Route 30 construction: "I’ve talked to several developers now who are just waiting for the Route 30 construction to be done. You’re going to see Route 30 pop up."

On senior housing: The Bristol Meadows senior housing complex made plans to come to New Lenox. "We constantly talk about the schools and the parks and all of the young families that are here. ... But we need to take care of our entire community. We don’t want to see empty nesters or seniors get taxed out of their homes."

On state funding: "It’s getting difficult for all the communities. I’m constantly showing signs of frustration with Springfield. It is absolutely ridiculous what is happening there. It’s getting embarrassing to say you’re from Illinois."