Will Hobart & Merrillville Businesses Suffer If Illiana Is Built?
While the economic benefits of the Illiana Expressway Toll Road are touted by supporters, naysayers predict declines in businesses currently located in the vicinity of I-65 and U.S. 30:
From the CAPIT No Illiana Toll Road message board (free Yahoo membership required):
It's a good question because everyone in Lake County supports strengthening the economy in all parts of the county. The key question for Lake County residents and leaders is whether the Illiana Expressway Toll Road can bring more economic development that benefits the whole county, without harming the northern areas.
Would the fact that the Illiana Expressway would be a toll road mitigate the risk by encouraging motorists to stay on the highway until they reached their desired destinations -- whether they are arriving home in Northwest Indiana from their job in Illinois, driving a truck delivering goods to a distribution center, or passing through on their way to New York from California or Toronto to Memphis?
From the CAPIT No Illiana Toll Road message board (free Yahoo membership required):
Look what happened to Gary after I-65 was built in the late 60's--everything moved to I-65 and Rt. 30. ...Would the Illiana Toll Road Expressway cause divestment from the I-65 / U.S. 30 areas?
A local engineering company, long time NIRPC meeting attendee on the pro road side told me the US 30 and I-65 development would eventually move down to the Illiana after a NIRPC meeting recently.
Hobart and Merrillville should wake up before this becomes their fate. Portage, Michigan City, and other communities aren't safe from disinvestment either. ...
It's a good question because everyone in Lake County supports strengthening the economy in all parts of the county. The key question for Lake County residents and leaders is whether the Illiana Expressway Toll Road can bring more economic development that benefits the whole county, without harming the northern areas.
Would the fact that the Illiana Expressway would be a toll road mitigate the risk by encouraging motorists to stay on the highway until they reached their desired destinations -- whether they are arriving home in Northwest Indiana from their job in Illinois, driving a truck delivering goods to a distribution center, or passing through on their way to New York from California or Toronto to Memphis?
Labels: CAPIT, Highway, Illiana, Illiana Toll Road Expressway, Indiana Senate Bill 1, Interstate, Northwest Indiana, SB1, Transportation
posted by Chris Hedges at
9:16 AM
Greatest Hits | Illiana Expressway News:
Plans to Extend The Illiana East Of I-65.
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