Resident raises safety concerns about Prairie Path crossing lights; village says replacement assemblies are in progress

A Villa Park resident told trustees at the Sept. 22 meeting that pedestrian‑activated lights on the Prairie Path at Villa Avenue “are still not working” and described multiple close calls near the crossing.

Resident Sharon Albers said she lives nearby and that the outage has persisted for more than a month. “I can’t tell you how many close calls there are,” she said during public comment.

Trustee Christy Alfano asked that the board address the issue promptly; Director Guerrero of Public Works responded that staff has prioritized the Prairie Path location, ordered whole replacement assemblies and is assembling them. He said the aging systems required replacement of the entire unit because of integrated electronics, wireless connectivity and solar battery components and that some posts are already being installed along Harvard and the Prairie Path.

“It does take a little bit of time,” Guerrero said. “There is some wiring, batteries. There is some conjunction with it… but they are actively being worked on and should be hopefully in operation very soon.”

Trustees asked whether a temporary measure could be implemented while replacements continue; the board requested staff confirm an estimated completion date and report back. In unfinished business Trustee O’Fano reiterated a request to consider a temporary safety solution for the crossing while staff completes repairs.

Separately, trustees asked for a punch‑list update and timeline for landscaping work at Lions Park after comments that some trees and plantings need contractor follow‑up. Director Howe said the village conducted a punch‑list walk‑through with the contractor (Hacienda) and that any dead trees will be replaced under the contractor’s one‑year warranty; retainage can be withheld until the work is complete.