By Madhu Mayer

Plans are coming together to bring the large-scale commercial project underway in Joliet to completion.

The City Council Tuesday unanimously approved ordinances associated with the preliminary plat for casino parcel at Rock Run Crossings subdivision, which will be constructed on 41 acres, along with an entertainment center. Hollywood Casino has long been rumored to relocate from current location on route 6 to new site once complete.

Rock Run Crossings, a mixed-use project could bring up to 500-plus apartment units that could further burden the education system and crowd the area, according to those who oppose the commercial development.

Last summer, the City of Joliet approved a $103 million general obligation bond issue to fund the Rock Run Crossings at I-55 and I-80, hoping future tax dollars would offset the project.

The bond issue will be used to fund roads, water mains and other infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of an upgraded interchange to provide access to I-55, as part of the Rock Run Crossings development.

Since the project has been on Joliet’s radar since 2008 as the city has been trying to find an appropriate development project for the large site, only Regal Cinema in 2019 has committed to opening a theater on premises.

Developed by Cullinan Properties, the plan is to have restaurants, hotels, medical offices, stores, and other businesses on the 300-acre regional site fronting I-80 and I-55 corridor that sees more than 200,000 cars passing daily.

Rock Run Crossings is located near a 350-acre business park and warehouse and distribution center hub.

James Ghedotte, Joliet’s finance director, admitted the city would have to pay the difference of the bond issue if the development does not accrue enough tax dollars from sales and property taxes on the development.