Council to support up to $250,000 city commitment for Safe Routes to School grant application

The Public Works Committee on Sept. 15 discussed a resolution to authorize a financial commitment not to exceed $250,000 to support a Safe Routes to School grant application with School District 187.

Steve, an engineer for the city, said the grant would be administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and must flow through the city, which would be responsible for non-construction costs such as engineering. "The maximum dollar amount for the grant is $250,000. The grant does not cover any engineering fees. It's strictly for construction costs," he said. The city would find out whether the grant is awarded in May 2026, and design and construction would follow in subsequent years if successful.

Staff attached exhibits identifying candidate locations for sidewalk replacement and crosswalk improvements, including Lewis Avenue (in front of Veil Math and Science toward the high school), Long Morrow and gaps south of Argonne Drive. The engineer noted coordination is needed with Lake County on Lewis Avenue because the county is proposing reconstruction of that corridor.

Why it matters: the proposed commitment would enable the city to apply for construction funds to fill sidewalk gaps around schools, improving pedestrian access for students.

Next steps: staff will place the resolution on the committee agenda and pursue the grant application; if awarded, the city will budget for engineering and other non-construction costs and proceed with design and construction in the following year.