Committee approves vacating portion of MacArthur Bridge approach, transfer to East St. Louis
Loading...
Summary
The committee voted to vacate and transfer a small portion of the MacArthur Bridge right-of-way on the Illinois side to East St. Louis; staff said demolition costs are substantial and that East St. Louis intends to remove and redevelop the site.
The Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee approved Board Bill 132 to vacate and transfer a portion of the MacArthur Bridge approach that lies on the Illinois side of the river.
Sponsor said the portion of structure is city-owned property but is located in Illinois and imposes maintenance and liability costs. Kevin Trapp, chief bridge engineer with the Board of Public Service, told the committee the city still owns roughly 2,000 feet of approach; about 900 feet has been demolished, the remainder is barricaded and poses a liability with demonstrable trespass and safety concerns. "The city does not want it. It's a huge liability," Trapp said.
Rich Bradley, president of the Board of Public Service, said Mayor Powell requested transfer discussions with East St. Louis and that the eastern approach "serves no useful purpose." Bradley said East St. Louis plans to remove the structure and pursue redevelopment. Committee members asked whether transfers of bridge property had precedent, who would pay demolition costs and whether East St. Louis has the capacity to act; staff said transfers have occurred rarely and that demolition is estimated at about $3,000,000.
The committee voted to pass the bill with a due-pass recommendation; the clerk recorded seven ayes.
