Forest Preserve District of Cook County - File #: 26-0383

• File #: 26-0383
• Version: 1
• Type: Easement Request
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 8/21/2026
• In control: FPD Board of Commissioners
• On agenda: 9/15/2026
• Title: EASEMENT REQUEST Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to grant a temporary easement to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at IL Route 7 (Southwest Highway and 131st Street in the Groundhog Slough Forest Preserve in Palos Park) for 0.064 acres or 2,787 square feet. Reason: A new temporary easement is needed at the northwest corner Southwest Highway and 131st as part of a larger drainage improvement project between 131st and 135th Streets. This proposed temporary easement is in addition to a prior temporary easement granted by the Forest Preserves for the project that was started in 2021 (Board Item No. 21-0223). The road segment has experienced severe flooding due to inadequate drainage infrastructure. Stormwater will be conveyed via new storm sewer and improved ditches to Mill Creek and the Cal Sag Channel. The proposed drainage improvements will allow for more effective management of the water levels at Mc...
• Indexes: ADAM BIANCHI, General Superintendent
• Related files: 21-0223

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EASEMENT REQUEST

Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to grant a temporary easement to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at IL Route 7 (Southwest Highway and 131st Street in the Groundhog Slough Forest Preserve in Palos Park) for 0.064 acres or 2,787 square feet.

Reason: A new temporary easement is needed at the northwest corner Southwest Highway and 131^st as part of a larger drainage improvement project between 131^st and 135^th Streets. This proposed temporary easement is in addition to a prior temporary easement granted by the Forest Preserves for the  project that was started in 2021 (Board Item No. 21-0223). The road segment has experienced severe flooding due to inadequate drainage infrastructure. Stormwater will be conveyed via new storm sewer and improved ditches to Mill Creek and the Cal Sag Channel. The proposed drainage improvements will allow for more effective management of the water levels at McGinnis Slough, which drains via storm sewer to the ditch along Southwest Highway. The small temporary easement requested is needed to construct the improvements and would be conveyed for five (5) additional years.

No permanent construction will be done in this temporary easement area.

Easement Fee:  $1,200.00

Tree Mitigation Fee: N/A

Concurrence(s): The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final easement is subject to legal review and approval.

District(s):  17

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