Committee recommends making Bentert Street one-way to expand Triangle Park green space

The Joint Beautification/Lake, Parks, and Recreation Committee voted unanimously May 19 to recommend the village convert Bentert Street to a one-way street from 2nd Street to 1st Street and place a sidewalk on the east curb to expand Triangle Park by roughly 12 feet 3 inches.

Co-Chairman Rachel Fuller presented design options that also included an interior walkway from the pergola to the soldiers cross and an alternate concept with two sidewalks. Fuller said one concept would not remove any on-street parking while gaining the additional green space.

Committee members discussed public-art options connected to the park work. The Historical Society was originally slated to review a mural proposal, but the scheduled presentation did not occur; Fuller described an alternative of erecting fencing along the railroad tracks for a mural as part of a potential Vibrant Spaces Grant. Co-Chairman Blaine Werner told the committee he had previously said the Historical Society meeting had been canceled but that was not accurate, and said he had a conflicting obligation that kept him from attending the society meeting.

Member Chuck Mueller moved to recommend the one-way change with a sidewalk on the east curb; Co-Chairman Werner seconded. The motion carried 4-0. The recommendation will be forwarded to the village board for consideration and any final approval or modifications.

The committee also discussed sidewalk placement and permit-related process details; any final design and street change would be subject to the village board's approval and any required permitting or plan-commission review.