Three Oaks approves change order to move Magnolia sidewalks nearer the curb after resident concerns

The Three Oaks Village Council on April 9 approved a change order to locate the new sidewalk on the 300 block of Magnolia Street five feet from the curb after residents raised concerns about driveway gaps and proximity to private homes.

Village Manager Dan Faulkner updated the council on the Magnolia Street sidewalk project and described contractor work: removing the old sidewalk, pouring new sections, and returning later for landscaping. Faulkner said surveyors have been hired to ensure new sidewalk placement stays on village property and to avoid encroaching on private land. He described instances where property owners asked not to have the sidewalk directly adjacent to their homes and noted that moving the sidewalk closer to the curb could require additional tree removal.

Resident Valerie Zabel had submitted a letter to council and was recorded as planning to comment on item 16.1; Faulkner referenced property-specific requests and said he would work with the contractor to evaluate a change order. Council approved the motion moved by Niemzyk and supported by Hinman to allow a change order to set the sidewalk against the curb, five feet in, on the 300 block of Magnolia. The motion carried unanimously among members present.

Faulkner said the contractor will determine how much additional tree removal is required and that landscaping will be completed after concrete work. The village will use survey work to place sidewalks on public property and avoid private encroachment. The council did not set a separate follow-up date but required staff to coordinate the change order and report any significant scope or cost changes to council.