Farmers Weekly Review

D’Arcy

By Nick Reiher

Although the ongoing, widespread road construction may make it seem otherwise, Mayor Terry D’Arcy told an audience jam-packed into the Renaissance Center ballroom that Joliet is not an island.

“We are part of a larger region, and our future is tied to the success of our neighbors,” D’Arcy said in his State of the City address May 28, hosted by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce.

“We must continue to strengthen regional partnerships to meet shared challenges and seize collective opportunities.”

Included in those partnerships, D’Arcy said, is the formation of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a partnership among six communities to deliver Lake Michigan water to more than 250,000 residents across the region by 2030.

“Our shared goal is simple but vital: to ensure a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for generations to come,” D’Arcy said.

“And on June 2nd, we’ll take a major step forward, breaking ground in Chicago at Durkin Park on the first phase of construction — launching the tunnel extension that begins this generational journey.

Looking to the future, D’Arcy said the vision for Joliet: sustainable growth, stronger neighborhoods, “and smart investment in what matters most — our infrastructure, our safety, and our quality of life.”

To help maintain the Joliet’s construction initiatives, D’Arcy said, the city now uses revenue from its two casinos for infrastructure and not operations, as in the past.

If they hadn’t seen it before, the crowd at the Renaissance Center got a first-hand look at construction underway to transform part of the Downtown into a City Square.

“This new public space — right across from the historic Rialto Square Theatre — will be a place where families can enjoy community events, students can gather, and visitors can experience the best of what Joliet has to offer,” D’Arcy said.

“The timing couldn’t be better. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Rialto Theatre and prepare for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, City Square will help showcase both Joliet’s rich history and its exciting future.”

City Square is being developed in tandem with the Chicago Street Reconstruction Project, he said. The project includes widening for more on-street parking, as well as new water and sewer mains.

“Downtown Joliet is the heart of our community. And it deserves to be a place where people want to be — a place where memories are made, where businesses thrive, and where our city’s story continues to unfold.”

D’Arcy also pointed to development of more residences Downtown, including one near the new Public Transportation Center. Not only will that allow commuters to Chicago convenient access to transportation, but will help keep Downtown thriving beyond regular business hours.

While some have criticized city officials for concentrating too much on Downtown, D’Arcy said the city is addressing broader housing needs through the federal Choice Neighborhood Grant Program.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this initiative combines public and private investment to revitalize distressed neighborhoods.

Joliet has already secured an initial $500,000 grant to develop a comprehensive Transformation Plan, a critical step toward potentially receiving up to $50 million in additional federal funding.

The funding would be used to replace deteriorated housing with high-quality, mixed-income communities, enhance opportunities for residents, and revitalize neighborhoods.

With the cooperation of law enforcement and the public, D’Arcy said, Joliet also has seen improvements in public safety.

Violent crime has continued to decline during the past three years, he said, “and so far in 2025, Joliet has not had a single homicide.”

“This progress is no accident. It’s the result of focused, proactive policing—using data, technology, and community partnerships to address violent crime at its source.

“We’re also listening to our residents. Last June, we hosted a citywide Public Safety Forum to bring the community and law enforcement together for open, honest dialogue.

“That event helped strengthen trust and reinforce the shared responsibility we all have in keeping Joliet safe.

Public safety isn’t just about enforcement — it’s about trust, prevention, and working together. And thanks to that shared commitment, Joliet is becoming a safer place for everyone.”

As for economic development farther west, D’Arcy said they also are envisioning a revitalization of the Louis Joliet Mall Corridor.

“Our vision is to transform the mall corridor into a vibrant, mixed-use destination, a place where people can shop, dine, live, work and play.

“This effort extends beyond the mall itself to the surrounding area. We’re actively working with developers to bring new housing and mixed-use concepts that will breathe new life into the entire corridor.”

But the capstone of development on the west side is the Rock Run Crossings development, a 310-acre development, he said, with more than 1 million square feet of retail, entertainment, hospitality, including a celebrity chef, office space, healthcare, and multifamily residential living.

Included in the project are a new $225 million interchange at Illinois 55 and Illinois 59; the opening of Olympic Boulevard Bridge, with pedestrian and bike access; enhanced access to Rock Run Trail, Joliet Junior College, and surrounding communities; and the new Hollywood Casino, which will open August 11.

“Joliet’s future is bright,” D’Arcy said as he wrapped up. “And we’re just getting started.”

Nick Reiher is editor of Farmers Weekly Review.