Lay Route 53 extension to rest
Finally, someone has come to their senses.
The recent announcement by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor that he's withdrawing his support for the Route 53 extension, should be the beginning to the end to this boondoggle.
His conclusion to the decades-long "project" has come after too many years of discussions, panels, planning, and spent dollars. The realization for all of those involved should be to put the Route 53 extension where it belongs - in the scrap heap along with the also ill-advised Illiana Expressway and the Peotone Airport.
And yet, the Illinois Tollway Authority still believes that spending $50 million or more on a "feasibility study" is the way to go.
Incredible, given the near-empty coffers of this state's finances. Imagine the good that amount of money could do. How many homeless individuals in Lake County and surrounding areas could find shelter? How many hungry residents could have hot meals? The possibilities are endless.
But, it's far easier to pay the suits to sit around a table and decide how to feed the construction unions and lobby. What a waste.
The financial and environmental impact of this debacle would surely prove insurmountable. The so-called "Blue Ribbon Panel" would be better served donning dunce caps and sitting in the corner.
Kelley Dorner
Grayslake