It's the JoliField Factor

If you have been reading Plainfield Patch for any length of time, you have come across what I have come to call "The JoliField Factor."

Anytime there is an article pertaining to the area just north or south of Caton Farm Road, comments always pop up regarding the issue of whether the event or person was actually in PLAINFIELD. Oftentimes, these comments become numerous and end up turning into such a battle of wits that they deter from the actual article.

I grew up in Naperville, near North Central College. I was considered a "townie." When my parents bought a new house in south Naperville, my subdivision was often referred to as NaperBrook because of its proximity to Bolingbrook.

The blurring of boundries happens over time as a community expands and grows. This issue of who lives in what city because they pay taxes to governing bodies for their utilities, services, etc., is often sparked because of a tax issue, a voting issue or some resentment. 

I have several friends who live in these areas. Their children attend Plainfield schools and every year when I make out Christmas Cards, it’s addressed to a street in Plainfield. I consider them to be fellow Plainfield residents.

I agree, down in that area, it’s confusing where the Plainfield boundary ends and where the Joliet boundary begins. It’s amusing to see Plainfield South High School in the shadow of a Joliet water tower. But, this is how a community grows.

How else would anyone report anything but by a mailing address? If the U.S. Post Office recognizes the location as a part of Plainfield, then it’s labeled Plainfield. I find it discourteous to constantly beat the horse when clearly the area has a Plainfield mailing address and is recognized as such. To take away from an article and the other facts to argue over a boundary is simply ludicrous in my eyes.    

Let’s all have some respect for each other. The horse has become a stain.