Romeoville trustees, for example, are preparing to annex more than 300 acres for a development that will include 1,600 homes and 100 acres of commercial property. Mayor Fred Dewald expects more subdivisions to follow regardless of economic forces. They believe they are still going to sell housing. The village population, just 14,000 in 1995, is expected to push 25,000 by the end of next year. Dewald said the expanding borders have been a key ingredient in an energized Romeoville economy.
Developers pay for permit fees.
Construction workers spring for lunch at local restaurants during their breaks. New residents buy goods for the house. The village this year will hire 49 more employees, nearly doubling the payroll from four years ago. Originally one who feared the perils of rapid growth, Dewald is a convert. I have been here 42 years.