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Board tables Kelly Avenue trail after landowner opposition and cost estimates
Summary
The Village Board tabled a proposed multi-use trail on Kelly Avenue after three of six frontage owners opposed the trail and staff presented construction cost estimates (Wood–Everest $400,000–$475,000; Wood–Lee $600,000–$675,000). Staff recommended further study and coordination with Safe Routes to Schools.
The Village of Rothschild Village Board on Oct. 27 tabled consideration of a proposed multi-use trail along Kelly Avenue after staff said several property owners along the right-of-way oppose the project and initial construction estimates proved high.
Public Works Administrator Timothy Vergara told the board surveys were sent to all property owners with frontage on Kelly Avenue; he said three of six responses were not in favor of the trail. Vergara also reported one landowner along the Wood Street–Lee Street portion of the Kelly Avenue right-of-way asked the Village to accept transfer of that parcel, which Vergara said could change the project approach.
Vergara presented rough cost estimates for rebuilding the roadway and adding utilities: Wood Street to Everest Drive was estimated at $400,000–$475,000, while Wood Street to Lee Street was estimated at $600,000–$675,000. He recommended the village defer trail construction until staff review Safe Routes to Schools data and explore combining utility and roadway construction with a developer or through special assessments.
On a motion by Trustee Jason Jablonski, seconded by Trustee Sam Stroik, the board voted 7–0 to table the Kelly Avenue trail and asked staff to bring Safe Routes to Schools data and options back to the board for further consideration.
The decision leaves open multiple paths: proceed with property acquisition, pursue a special assessment for an expanded construction program, or abandon the trail depending on community input and cost-sharing options. No timeline was set for returning the item to the board.
