A quest for annexation that began in 1994 ended successfully when the New Lenox Village Board voted to annex more than 35 properties.
The resolution last year of a longstanding border dispute between New Lenox and Joliet allowed the completion of the property owners’ annexation petitions.
The 10-year boundary agreement between the two communities sets the border between them at Gougar Road.
The 35 parcels of land total about 200 acres and lie east of Gougar Road, north of U.S. Highway 6 and south of Bruce Road.
No changes are planned for the basically rural property. The board voted to rescind the usual condition that all land coming into the village carry a residential zoning. This will allow the owners to retain their previous agricultural and estate zoning classifications.
“The intent all along was to let property owners have the same rights,” according to planning and development administrator Carrie Hansen.