Group seeks to delay Joliet's NorthPoint hearings set for next month

NorthPoint opponents want a temporary restraining order to prevent the city of Joliet from moving forward with the restart of its annexation for the project next month.

The Stop NorthPoint group announced its desire for the restraining order in court on Tuesday, according to a news release.

Richard Linden, one of the group's attorneys, said in the release that Stop NorthPoint is attempting to enjoin any hearings or meetings from occurring on Dec. 3 or Dec. 10.

The city recently announced a Dec. 3 special meeting of the Plan Commission to restart the annexation and zoning of 1,360 acres for the Compass Global Logistics Hub planned by NorthPoint.

The meeting was scheduled while an injunction is in place barring the city from moving forward with annexations based on a previous agreement with NorthPoint.

Stop NorthPoint said this request for a delay does not change its primary goal of seeking a permanent halt to the project.

The group had previously filed a lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction against the city and NorthPoint aimed at stopping the industrial park from ever being built.

Stop NorthPoint also said in its release that it will file an amended complaint to add more counts and additional plaintiffs.

“Given what has transpired since the original filing there have been a series of events that we are asking a court to evaluate,” said Erin Gallagher, spokeswoman for Stop NorthPoint.

Stop NorthPoint has touted support from local veterans and residents in opposing the project. Gallagher also said their legal effort is funded by individuals and businesses whose average contribution is between $75 and $125. She said she and the group's managers work on a completely voluntary basis.

In addition to Linden, the group's lawyers include Bob Fioretti and Peter Bustamante of Chicago.

Gallagher said the next hearing for the group's lawsuit is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.

Joliet Assistant City Attorney Chris Regis declined to comment on the matter, citing the pending litigation.