Consultant says 75% of concrete done on Adams/Jackson/Cary project; council presses for better resident notices

Danielle Steinhauser, a project consultant, told the Lincoln Heights Village Council on Dec. 8 that about "75% of the concrete work is done" on the Adams, Jackson, McGee and Cary streets-and-sidewalks project and that asphalt paving will be the final step.

Steinhauser said the work on curbs, sidewalks and aprons on the south side of Jackson between Douglas and Cary should be completed that week and — weather permitting — crews would resume concrete work in March on remaining segments. She gave a target completion date of May 29 and said the project is funded from three different sources, without specifying the exact funding mix.

The presentation focused on communication lapses after recent work that residents said left driveways impassable. Councilwoman Tanya Key said sheriffs had to assist residents with deliveries because some driveways were blocked during construction. "Our sheriffs had to get involved to help residents, get food to their home because they weren't able to pull out of their driveways," Key said.

Steinhauser acknowledged a breakdown in communication between the contractor, county staff and village representatives. She said some subcontractors "got a little ahead of themselves" and that, by contract, subcontractors are not supposed to remove more material than they can restore within 96 hours. "That didn't happen," she said, adding that the contractor was reminded of the requirement.

To prevent a repeat, Steinhauser proposed written updates for Village Manager Gaines Brown to provide at every council meeting, verbal updates between meetings, and a mix of outreach methods — flyers, letters, social-media posts and in-person resident meetings near the work. Several council members asked for mailed letters or postcards in addition to electronic notices to reach older residents who do not use social media.

Steinhauser also said staff would try to provide a construction schedule before work resumes, take photos of comparable projects to set resident expectations, and hold mid-project and end-of-project meetings as appropriate.

Manager Gaines Brown said he would coordinate follow-up with the contractor and provide council with addresses and owner contacts for any homes that appear to be stalled. Steinhauser agreed to be available between meetings and to return with written reports to give the council a regular record of progress.

The presentation drew a mix of praise and calls for accountability from council members and residents; no formal council action was required or taken on the project during the meeting.