Council approves temporary partial closures for Clock Tower construction, limits initial authorization to Oct. 5

The Kankakee City Council voted Sept. 8 to permit temporary street closures tied to exterior work on the Clock Tower building, with an amendment that limits the authorization through Oct. 5 and requires the contractor to report back before any extension.

During a detailed exchange, a representative for Stark Exterior explained the work plan and said a very large crane "probably won't be needed again," and that crews plan to use smaller dolly lifts and their own flaggers and barricades to direct traffic. Alderman O'Brien and others pressed for clarity on whether closures would affect one or both lanes on Schuyler and on notification to downtown businesses; the contractor said lanes would be reopened nightly and that crews would give police and fire advance notice of planned closures.

Council amended the requested three‑month period to cover portions of South Schuyler Avenue and East Merchant Street for approximately one month (through Oct. 5) with the contractor reporting progress to administration and returning to council if an extension is needed. The motion to approve the amended closure passed by roll call, 14 ayes, 0 nays.