Sleepy Hollow board authorizes engineering plans and permit applications for Hillcrest water-main replacement

The Sleepy Hollow Village Board voted to authorize the village engineer to finalize engineering plans and submit necessary preconstruction permit applications — including applications to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation — for water-main replacements along Hillcrest Drive.

Board members discussed splitting the project into two allotments to limit near-term costs for residents and allow the village to prioritize sections with the most breaks. The western stopping point of the second section was set near 717 Hillcrest. Jeff Steele, the engineer identified in discussion, told trustees that final plans and specifications will allow the village to begin construction when scheduling and finances permit and that the typical construction timeline on the proposed scope would run about five months.

Trustees debated pipe materials and requested that plans and later bids include line-item pricing for PVC, HDPE and ductile iron so the village can compare total installed costs. Trustee Hawke and a consultant who met with Baxter & Woodman earlier noted an estimated planning figure of roughly $350 per linear foot as a planning-level number, subject to later bid results and material-price changes.

The motion to authorize the engineer to finalize plans and pursue permitting was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The board emphasized the need to continue financial planning for the project, including how residents may contribute and work toward possible appropriations or a referendum to fund larger programmatic needs.

Next steps: the village engineer will complete plans and submit permit applications; trustees will review bid and financing options before determining construction start dates.