Yednock-Sponsored Measure Allowing Expanded Development in Ottawa Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The City of Ottawa will now be able to use property near the Illinois and Michigan Canal for public and private business developments as part of new legislation sponsored by state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa.

“The property that was needed to advance some developments in Ottawa had some issues as far as deed restrictions that were never made clear,” said Yednock. “Expansion for public and private sector jobs and different amenities that can be offered for the residents of Ottawa shouldn’t be halted because of an easily fixable misunderstanding.”

Yednock sponsored House Bill 3165, which removes all restrictions imposed by the Illinois and Michigan Canal Development Act and those imposed in the deed for canal lands conveyed to the City of Ottawa. The restrictions were once removed by legislation, however the Section that removed the restrictions was later repealed so it is unclear whether the restrictions were actually removed from the deed. The restrictions imposed preventing building developments on the property along the canal are now officially repealed as House Bill 3165 was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“The Illinois and Michigan canal was such an integral part of Illinois History. During the transfer of ownership from the federal level to eventually the City of Ottawa restriction limited what the property could be used for,” said Yednock. “Now Ottawa will be able to use the property as the city sees fit and that was the goal I wanted accomplished with this legislation.”