Block impact study of Route 53

The proposed Route 53 extension poses a serious threat to the health of Lake County residents.

A new study conducted by Tufts University School of Medicine and Boston University School of Public Health finds that people who spend a significant amount of time near or live within 1,500 feet of a highway are more likely to experience a stroke or develop cardiovascular disease. I am especially concerned about the close proximity of Route 53 to several schools and the public library in Mundelein and the exposure of our children to carbon emissions.

In addition, Route 53 is outdated and comes at a time when more and more corporations are relocating to urban areas and people are opting for public transportation and have jobs where they can work from home.

Route 53 also threatens Lake County's major assets - our open spaces and high quality of life. The financial and community costs of Route 53 are simply too high, and I urge Gov. Rauner to protect Lake County and stop this project before the Tollway spends up on to $50 million on an environmental impact study.

Mary VanSickle

Mundelein