Oak Park reaffirms support for 11 Mile reconfiguration and approves $87,490.94 for matching streetscape furniture

Oak Park’s City Council on Nov. 3 unanimously reaffirmed its support for the 11 Mile roads, alley and parking lot reconfiguration project (M694) and authorized purchase of matching streetscape furniture for the 11 Mile Water Tower Social District totaling $87,490.94.

Michelle Bishop told council that bids for the M694 project came in "exorbitantly higher" than expected, so staff removed some elements to keep the project fiscally feasible while preserving key landscaping and aesthetics. Specifically, Bishop said bioswales, a 10-foot walkway behind a Kingston wall and electric vehicle charging stations were removed from the current scope; the city will leave electrical conduit in place to enable charging stations later if grant funding or other money becomes available.

Director Maroney presented the streetscape furniture procurement, noting the vendor’s pre-bid program and that the selected furnishings (park benches, 16 waste receptacles and picnic tables) will match items already installed on 9 Mile Road. The council approved authorization for the purchase by roll call. When asked about recycling containers, Maroney said the city has seen contamination in recycling receptacles on 9 Mile Road and that operations require public education and programmatic support.

A member of the public later raised concern in the call-to-audience about potential naming-rights sales related to Elevate Oak Park projects, saying "To seek naming rights of Elevate Oak Park projects cheapens these projects"; staff did not record a response on the record during the meeting.

What happens next: staff will continue the M694 final-phase work within the revised scope, pursue grant or other funding to restore removed elements when possible, and coordinate delivery and installation of the approved streetscape furniture.