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Burke Engineering lays out Forest Parks 2026 infrastructure priorities, from lead-line replacements to Jackson Boulevard resurfacing
Summary
Burke Engineering presented a multi-year infrastructure plan covering water main work, lead service-line replacement stages, alley reconstructions and a $3.7 million Jackson Boulevard resurfacing project, and identified funding sources including IEPA, MWRD and IDOT. Council discussed timelines and grant applications.
Burke Engineering presented the village's 2024'2026 infrastructure plan and detailed projects the firm says are planned or underway for 2026, including lead service-line replacements, alley reconstruction funded in part by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), and a major water-main and resurfacing bid for Jackson Boulevard.
"So we're here to talk about infrastructure, my favorite topic," Emilio of Burke Engineering told the Village Council, then walked through a color-coded roadway and alley assessment and an itemized project list. He said two lead service-line projects (stages 2 and 3) are each budgeted at about $2.4 million and that stage 3 is in the process of being awarded.
The presentation identified a Jackson Boulevard water-main and resurfacing project, bid through an IDOT letting, with a total projected cost of $3.7 million and a mix of local water funds, STP and other grants. Emilio said the village has applied for IEPA funding for several water-related projects and has an earmark of about $1,092,000 for a Harlem—3th Street water-main design; he described the full construction cost as nearer $2.5 million and said the village may scope the work to match available funding.
Council members pressed for clarity on how feasibility and design work fit into larger loan or grant packages. Commissioner Maxim asked whether the water-reservoir feasibility study and the detailed design are included in the $13 million loan the village is considering; Emilio replied that the design fee (a $750,000 contract for detailed design) would be loan-eligible as the village arranges the contract.
The plan also calls for a green-alley project (800 block Thomas/Hannah) with $326,700 in MWRD participation and a village contribution of about $463,000, and a penciled-in sidewalk program of $60,000 for 2026. Burke Engineering flagged potential IDOT staging areas and tunneling work tied to a nearby 290 corridor project that could affect scheduling.
Mayor Rory Hoskins and Administrator Antler both emphasized the plan's role as a living document: projects will move forward only as funding is secured, and the council will review specifics as grant awards and bids are returned. Emilio said certain items (stage 4 lead-line design) would proceed only if the village receives the expected award.
The council did not take a vote on any specific construction contract at the meeting; the presentation is expected to guide staff as they submit CDBG and IEPA applications and finalize engineering contracts for board approval.
