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Beautification Commission seeks permission to pursue grants for pathway under ComEd lines
Summary
The Willow Springs Beautification Commission presented a plan for an 8-foot bike and pedestrian pathway under ComEd high-tension wires from 87th and Wolf Road to Willow Springs Road and asked the board to approve seeking grant funding; staff noted a preliminary cost estimate of about $300,000 and potential floodplain and maintenance issues.
The Beautification Commission presented a proposal to pursue grants for the first phase of a bicycle and pedestrian pathway running under ComEd high-tension wires from Willow Springs Road to 87th and Wolf Road.
Linda Ara, chairwoman of the commission, asked the board for approval to apply for grant funding. "The Beautification Commission is seeking your approval to move forward in obtaining grant opportunities for the first phase of the pathway project," Ara said, noting the staff-provided summary in the board packet.
Board members and staff asked questions about parking near the 87th and Wolf Road terminus and about maintenance, drainage and floodplain permitting. Administrator Grace and Engineer Branson said approximately $300,000 is a planning-level cost estimate and noted the route lies in a FEMA 100-year floodplain in places; Grace said culverts and permitting would need to be evaluated so the path would not obstruct natural flow.
Commission and staff said the proposed alignment would be under the high-tension wires, on an approximately 8-foot path, and that the village would enter into a lease with ComEd to use the right-of-way. Staff warned the ComEd lease includes provisions allowing ComEd to access the right-of-way for work and that restoration after ComEd work would not be automatic, making ongoing maintenance the village’s responsibility.
The board did not take action on the project at this meeting but asked members to review materials and provide feedback; staff and the Beautification Commission said they would survey residents and pursue grant opportunities only after board authorization to apply.
Members of the public and trustees noted prior resident interest in a multi-year request for a path; Pleasant Dale Park District indicated willingness to partner on grant work if the board authorizes pursuit of grants.
