Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer Tammie Grossman, Development Customer Services Director
Agenda Item Title
Title
Presentation of Lake Street Streetscape Enhancement from Harlem Avenue to Euclid Avenue.
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Overview
Overview
In May of 2015 the Village Board discussed the Lake Street Streetscape Enhancements from Harlem to Euclid including underground utility improvements and material options for roadway, curbs, and sidewalks. Staff will make a presentation to provide details on the revised scope and materials of the recommended enhancement project based on direction received at that meeting.
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Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Recommendation
Subject to the consensus of the Village Board, staff will submit grant applications for Federal funds and the necessary agreements for design engineering and environmental studies for final Board approval.
Body
Report
Pursuant to the Village Board direction on May 11, 2015, staff has evaluated the locations and use of decorative materials as part of the Lake Street enhancement project to develop a recommendation for a future streetscape project.
In developing recommendations, staff considered the following:
• Reducing the areas of bluestone sidewalks by using concrete for sidewalks outside of commercial areas
• Reducing the areas of brick streets by limiting bricks to high profile intersections such as Marion St. and Oak Park Ave.
• Using colored concrete curbs in-place of granite curbs for the majority of areas with bricks streets and bluestone sidewalks
• Using asphalt pavements for the street resurfacing for lower initial cost and ability to easily use Federal funds for future resurfacing projects
• Installing lighting improvements for entire streetscape area for connectivity between the districts and to create a safe and inviting pedestrian experience
• Installation of specialty features at select locations to create a sense of place
The recommendations are consistent with the Greater Downtown Master Plan and meet the following goals of the Streetscaping Master Plan Report while considering costs;
• Address the failing infrastructure
• Provide appropriate infrastructure for growing downtown
• Maintain or enhance downtown character/quality of life
• Improve the downtown’s “sense of place”
• Provide better outdoor café opportunities
• Improve mobility for other modes of travel - Complete Streets
The Village will see at least two major planned developments completed along Lake Street in the near future, one of which is under construction with a palette consistent with the current recommendations at Lake Street and Forest Avenue and one scheduled to break ground in the fall/winter of 2015 at the new Maple Avenue and Lake Street. A streetscape enhancement decision will set the design standard needed for the Oak Park Station Development proposed on the Colt property along Lake Street and provide further direction for the new Maple Avenue streetscape design proposed from Lake Street to North Boulevard. The schedule and construction staging of the proposed streetscape project will be coordinated to minimize the impacts to the Oak Park Station Development which could be nearing completion during Lake Street streetscaping work.
Subject to consensus of the Village Board, staff will submit an application requesting Federal Surface Transportation Funds for eligible roadway and pedestrian items for the streetscaping project as well as for a street resurfacing project for the remainder of Lake Street. If the Village proceeds with engineering design work via Village Board approval of a consulting engineering contract in January/February of 2016, the Village would most likely be able to begin construction of the streetscaping and resurfacing of Lake Street in the summer of 2017.
At their March 15, 2012 regular meeting the Village Board authorized an agreement and scope of services with the Lakota Group for design services related to the Lake Street Corridor from Harlem Avenue to Euclid Avenue. At their June 4, 2012 regular meeting, the Village Board directed staff to form a working committee who would help in the development of various streetscape scenarios for Board consideration. The Downtown District Streetscape Committee was formed. At their meeting of January 7, 2013 the Lakota Group and staff presented the options from the committee who reviewed and analyzed several concepts before concluding with the four represented as well as the results of two surveys. In order to help form their opinion, the committee/consultant conducted an on-line survey, intercept survey and various walking tours seeking comment from the community, elected officials and business owners. The January 2013 presentation is attached. It was requested of staff that the plans be reviewed by the Disability Access Commission. A review by the DAC was conducted on August 20, 2014.
In early 2015 the Village Board reestablished the Lake Street Streetscape Committee who met in February and March to discuss the options for enhancements. On May 11, 2015 the Village Board was given a presentation on the Lake Street Streetscape Enhancement project.
Alternatives
The presentation will provide alternatives for streetscape enhancements.