North York landscape plan could take more than five years Consultant: Could be done faster if $6 million available

Views: 2

city hallBy Dan McLeister

For the Elmhurst Independent

The North York Street landscape plan could take more than five years to improve the eight blocks, but it could be done faster if $6 million is available, according to consultant Daniel Dalziel of 3D Design Studio.

The goal is to unify the North York area with various design elements and make it more pedestrian friendly, he stated.

The plan, approved by all 14 aldermen at a September 6th City Council meeting, is part of an effort to better connect the north York area with the south York area. In June of 2015, aldermen approved the North York Corridor Plan.

Mayor Steve Morley noted that the north York area is part of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 4 and that it will just take time to develop more fully.

Included in the plan is a pattern pavement median, which will make the road look narrower and is designed to slow down traffic, Deizel noted. The median will provide an “island refuge” for pedestrians crossing York two lanes at a time, according to the consultant.

Hardscaping and landscaping elements will enhance the northern gateway to Elmhurst by “dressing up the expressway bridge spanning North York,” Deizel added.

A multi-use path on the west side of York for pedestrians and bicyclists will be incorporated. The plan calls for less curb cuts for better safety.

The plan will be done on a block-by-block basis depending on the funds available, according to Deizel. He said government grant money could cover much of the cost.

Michael Bram (3rd Ward) noted that is has been a long process with lots of discussion but the City “needs to dive further to see if some of the traffic islands on north York are doable.”

Bob Dunn (2nd Ward) commented that he was excited about the plan, which will provide a tremendous improvement for the area. He said the enhancements would even improve the looks of private property.

Scott Levin (5th Ward) noted that the area would look much better if the power lines could be taken out of the picture.

“That would make such a big difference, but the cost would be huge.”