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Council reopens discussion on a centralized Distinguished Citizens plaza and next steps for Cold Springs Park
Summary
Council debated replacing honorary street signs with a central 'Distinguished Citizens' plaza, weighing costs (estimated $150,000'$275,000), location (Green Street Park vs Riverwalk vs Landmark), and fundraising options. Separately, council discussed using $600,000 allocated from developer park funds to restore Cold Springs Park and whether to reapply for an OSLAD grant.
McHenry Council reopened a long-running discussion about how best to recognize distinguished citizens, considering a centralized plaza or wall and whether to move existing honorary street signs into a single downtown location. Staff presented two concept renderings prepared pro bono by Hitchcock Design in 2024 and estimates that a plaza could cost between $150,000 and $275,000 depending on the option.
Supporters said a central recognition site would create a destination that preserves history and concentrates recognition where pedestrians see it. Alderman Miller preferred a more "windy," organic design (concept A) and suggested…
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