Residents urge transit shelters, traffic enforcement and complain about waste pickup; supporters back tattoo studio

Several members of the public addressed the council during the citizens‑to‑be‑heard and public comment periods on May 18.

Candace Johnson, representing the Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood Association, urged council approval of a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Pace for transit shelters in the neighborhood. She said roughly 31% of neighborhood residents use public transportation and about 25% do not have a secure way to reach necessities; she called shelters and benches ‘‘essential’’ for parents and other residents during inclement weather.

Supporters of a proposed tattoo studio at 81 North Chicago — including Joseph Spilly (owner, Ink Everything Tattoo Studio), a law enforcement officer who spoke in favor of Spilly’s community ties, and Michelle from Internode — said the private, appointment‑only studio would be a benefit to downtown foot traffic. Spilly said the studio has passed Will County health inspection and zoning special use review; he described a private, appointment‑only model with no exterior signage.

Public commenters also raised operational and safety concerns elsewhere in the city. Bob Cobb reported repeated problems with the automated yard‑waste pickup truck crushing 35‑gallon cans and said route supervisors failed to return calls; he provided his address for staff follow‑up. Michelle of Internode asked the city to study downtown Chicago Street traffic and increase enforcement, citing semi trucks, stop‑sign runners and near misses at Van Buren and Chicago.

One attendee made a public allegation involving a local trucking company (Whimsy Trucking) and Joliet police and said he had video footage he wanted the council to review; he asked how to submit a flash drive for investigation and expressed concern about weight limits on the Brandon Road bridge. The council asked staff to advise that commenter on procedure for submitting materials; no investigation action was announced at the meeting.

Next steps: The Pace intergovernmental agreement and the tattoo‑studio special use are on the council agenda for vote; staff said they would follow up with residents who provided contact information about service or enforcement complaints.