You’ve probably heard the term “NIMBY” sometime in your life. It means “Not In My Backyard.” It’s usually not so blatantly stated, unless it’s your backyard being talked about. The expression usually comes about because an unfavorable event or structure might possibly impact close to or nearby your own location. Of course, it all depends on whose definition of unfavorable is being used. After all, one person’s slum is another person’s home.
Joliet’s current administration, from the mayor and city council to the city manager, have recently denied two social service agencies new access to Joliet sites for their programs. Volunteers of America proposed a new structure at the former site of Silver Cross Hospital to provide 42 residences and services, including job training skills, for women recovering from opioid and other substance abuse addictions.
The proposed structure would have been across from a current Volunteers of America, (VOA) structure used for veterans who were previously homeless. That project was also objected to when it was originally proposed but was subsequently built about 5 years ago. The reason given for opposition at the time was a lack of adequate parking for the proposed project. Yes, I stated that correctly. The reason for opposition to housing for homeless veterans was inadequate parking. Apparently, some genius at city hall thought homeless veterans would not have a place to park the Mercedes.
The other project recently denied was proposed by MorningStar Ministries for a recently purchased property south of Joliet that was formerly a YMCA. According to city administration objections it was not a welcome addition to the needs of Joliet residents.
In other words, NIMBY.
Both project denials would seem to raise the question of what is a desirable project in Joliet. Is there a list that can be reviewed before a project is proposed? According to the City Manager, who takes his marching orders from the mayor and city council, no new social service projects are welcome in Joliet, regardless of need. It’s bad for business, according to administration research. However, no specific research has been cited that supports the supposition that it’s bad for business. For instance, a recent report sent to the Illinois’ governor’s office by the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County indicated that more than $600,000 was invested into the local economy just from grants received by the VACWC. Additional millions have been recovered by the VACWC over the many years of their existence. And that’s just one small agency with a narrow focus base that includes homeless veterans. No complaints from City Hall about economic benefits in that instance.
I’m not suggesting that any social service organization with a new idea needs to bring it to Joliet for implementation. Any project, economic, social service or otherwise needs to justify its acceptance. Many communities have a need for social services located in their location. For example, I served on two different social service agency boards when I lived in Bolingbrook many years ago. Another example is the community of Downers Grove that recently approved and promoted the purchase of a motel in town for the purpose of a homeless shelter. Downers Grove, like Joliet, has an average per capita income and an average crime rate compared to many other towns in Illinois. It is also considered to be among one of the best places to live in Illinois.
Like most things in life, being a well-rounded community has its pros and cons. Being mean-spirited towards organizations trying to help the less fortunate, regardless of location, is arrogant and elitist. A better approach might be to help those organizations with a plan that best serves Joliet residents.
The City of Joliet’s administration practically begged Will County government to keep the county courthouse in Joliet when other communities vied for its location in their town. With the responsibility of county government that is vested in the Joliet location, it also requires a higher level of commitment to other responsibilities, such as needed social services.
One last tidbit…the following statement appears on all agendas for meetings held at Joliet City Hall:
“As of August 30, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced a statewide indoor mask mandate for all Illinois residents, regardless of vaccination status.
In compliance with Governor Pritzker’s mandate, any individual appearing in person must wear a face-covering to cover their nose and mouth.”
Apparently, the Governor’s mandate does not apply to all City Council Members. I’m curious as to why?
Stay tuned…Comments welcome at www.thetimesweekly.com