Hi James,
My office is formulating a list of needed infrastructure repairs for the 2017 construction season. Each year, aldermanic offices are given a set amount of funding for discretionary infrastructure upgrades that are submitted to the Department of Transportation for engineering review. To ensure we are making the best use of these funds, I meet with the Chicago Dept. of Transportation (CDOT) to review 311 calls, future anticipated infrastructure repairs and utility work.
I am seeking input from you on infrastructure improvements such as street and alley repaves, curb, gutter, and sidewalk replacement, street lighting upgrades, pedestrian safety installations (crosswalk signs, curb bump outs), and traffic signals. Please contact Matt at my office to discuss possible suggestions for the 2017 season. Matt@james46.org.
Here is a summary of how funds were spent in 2016:
- Alley Repairs: $295,847.47
- Street Paving: $178,467.02
- Street Lighting: $625,000
- Sidewalk Repairs: $ 57,791
- Miscellaneous Projects: $16,000
- Pedestrian Signs: $700
UPDATES ON PROJECTS ALONG BROADWAY
BROADWAY STREETSCAPING
After some delays due to vaulted sidewalk issues, the Broadway streetscaping project from Gunnison to Leland will be starting in May. With the use of TIF funds, this project will include an outdoor plaza in front of the Rivera, along with a large art sculpture. The second phase of this project will be on Broadway from Leland to Wilson after the completion of the Wilson L station project later this year.
NEW LANDSCAPING ALONG BROADWAY
The planters along Broadway from Wilson Avenue to Montrose will get completely redone in late spring with new perennial plantings that remain lower to the ground and they will be more drought resistant. It should further enhance the retail in that area. Uptown United's SSA #34 funds, along with some supplemental menu funds, will pay for this project.
NEW LIGHTING ON BROADWAY IN LAKEVIEW
After the completion of the new water mains on the southern part of the Ward along Broadway, that area will also get new lighting from Addison to Grace. The "acorn lighting" will compliment the current lighting just south of Addison.
The goal is to enhance the Broadway corridor to encourage more vibrant retail in the retail corridors of the 46th Ward. With all these transformative changes, this is certainly a very exciting time to be living in the 46th Ward.
Best,
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