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A Resolution Confirming the Appointment of Members of the Bridging the Ike Planning and Environmental Linkage Study Steering Committee
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Introduction
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The Village is currently working with AECOM on the planning and environmental linkage (PEL) study for expanded bridge decking over I-290. This resolution confirms the appointment of 6 members of the steering committee who had not yet been named on the previous resolution from March 24, 2026, in which the steering committee was established, and 5 members were confirmed. The steering committee, consisting of 11 members in total, will review and give input on the best locations for expanded bridge decks (caps) over I-290 within the constraints identified by IDOT during their I-290 preliminary design work and the best uses for any expanded bridge decks. The steering committee will make recommendations to the Village Board for the purpose and need for these potential caps. The steering committee is comprised of partner agencies, members from various commissions, and stakeholders in the project area.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• On March 24, 2026, the Village Board approved creating a Steering Committee for the Bridging the Ike Planning and Environmental Linkage Study and Confirming the Appointment of Inaugural Members of the Steering Committee (RES 26-165)
• On November 21, 2022, the Village Board approved a Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for a Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study of Expanded Bridge Decking over the I-290 Expressway, in an amount not to exceed $1,858,803 (RES 22-276)
• On September 19, 2022, the Village Board had a presentation and discussion related to the status of the I-290 Reconstruction Project, including the Cap the Ike Study
• On July 19, 2021, the Village Board approved an Amendment to Extend the Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation to Conduct Further Study of the Cap the Ike Project
• On June 15, 2020, the Village Board approved a Second Amendment to the Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation for a Feasibility Study of Expanded Bridge Decking over I-290
• On December 11, 2017, the Village Board approved a Resolution Approving a Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for a Feasibility Study of Expanded Bridge Decking over the I-290 Expressway, in an amount not to exceed $1,314,946 (not approved by IDOT/FHWA)
• On July 17, 2017, the Village Board Approved an Assignment and Consent Agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for the Cap the Ike Study (Bridge Decking)
• On August 1, 2016, the Village Board approved a Letter of Intent (LOI) with IDOT for the I-290 Reconstruction Project
• On May 18, 2009, the Village Board approved a Local Agency Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with URS Corporation for Federal Participation Related to Cap Concept Analysis for I-290 Cap-the-Ike Project
• On April 3, 2006, the Village Board approved an agreement with the State for the current Cap the Ike study
• On August 4, 2003, the Village Board approved an agreement with URS Corporation for a conceptual study of capping the Ike
Background
As part of the Cap the Ike Planning and Environmental Linkage Study, the Village’s consultant, AECOM, is beginning the portion of the study where they will begin developing alternatives for expanded bridge decking (“Caps”) and working with stakeholders and the community to identify preferred alternatives. This portion of the study is mainly focused on the bridges over I-290 at Oak Park Ave, East Ave, and possibly Lombard Ave. The expanded bridge decks could yield opportunities for new development, public plazas, and park spaces over the expressway. The study will examine community needs, including safety, roadway improvements, mobility, and connectivity.
Staff and AECOM have rebranded the name of the study from “Cap the Ike” to “Bridging the Ike”. “Cap the Ike” was the name of the study completed in 2005, which identified three potential cap concepts and possible uses for these caps. Concept 1 was a large cap from Home Ave. to Euclid, East Avenue to Gunderson Avenue, and from Lombard Ave. to Taylor Ave. Option 2 was even larger caps extending from Home Avenue to Gunderson and again from Lombard to Taylor. Option 3 was a full cap over I-290 for the entire length of the Village. These old Cap the Ike concepts were evaluated during IDOT’s preliminary design of the I-290 reconstruction project and determined not to be possible primarily due to drainage and railroad impacts. Smaller potential cap opportunities were developed, which identified where caps could be constructed in conjunction with the future I-290 project. This new “Bridging the Ike” name was chosen to help distinguish this study from the older Cap the Ike Study, since this new work will be focusing on evaluating the best opportunities and uses for potential caps as identified in IDOT’s preliminary design of I-290 and the Village’s Letter of Intent with IDOT. The name “Bridging the Ike” brings familiarity from the original study, while acknowledging the progress made and the current focus on specific expanded bridge decks.
A formal Board-approved steering committee was established on March 24, 2026, and 5 members were confirmed, while the remaining 6 members were described generally as representatives from various commissions or organizations. Staff is recommending the appointment of 6 members of the steering committee who had not yet been named on the previous resolution. The steering committee will review the expanded bridge decking alternatives and best uses. The steering committee will be engaged between the first and second public meetings and between the second and third public meetings. In the first steering committee meeting, AECOM will review public feedback, present preliminary alternatives, and gain feedback from the committee on the best potential opportunities for caps and what the best potential uses for these caps could be. In the second steering committee meeting, AECOM will present the final alternatives, build consensus among the members, and obtain feedback for final tweaks to the alternatives. Please see attached for the full outline of the Public Involvement Plan. The steering committee will ultimately make a final recommendation for the proposed locations for potential caps and what their proposed uses may be, and these recommendations, along with other alternatives, will be presented to the Village Board following the completion of the public engagement process.
Staff is recommending the appointment of 6 members of the steering committee, in addition to the 5 members previously appointed, as outlined below.
1. Representative from the Plan Commission - Juan Betancur
2. Representative of the Environment & Energy Commission - Darryl Baker
3. Representative from the Aging in Communities Commission - Marc Blesoff
4. Representative from the Historic Preservation Commission - Asha Adriana
5. Representative from the Southtown Business District - Kalkidan Tesfaye
6. Representative from South Oak Park - Ron Orzel
Previously appointed members (RES 26-165):
7. Representative from the Plan Commission (and Chair) -Mike Sturino
8. Representative from the Transportation Commission -Jack Eskin
9. Representative from the Park District of Oak Park - Executive Director Jan Arnold or her designee
10. Representative from Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) -Sonserese Hatch or their designee
11. Representative from the Southtown Business District - Arthur Paris (Carnival Grocery)
Timing Considerations
Adoption at this time will allow all members of the steering committee to participate in the first steering committee meeting, which is planned for early June. The public engagement process is scheduled to be completed in the late summer of this year, with recommendations scheduled to be presented to the Village Board in September.
Financial Impact
There is no direct budget impact associated with confirming the appointment of steering committee members. Costs for obtaining public engagement as part of the PEL study are included in the existing contract scope and fee with AECOM.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
While the steering committee has been designed to include a diverse range of stakeholders representing a variety of interests, it is important for the steering committee to seek out input from marginalized populations during the public engagement for this project.
Community Input
The Bridging the Ike Planning and Environmental Linkage Study will solicit public input to help shape this study and include community input through the Village website, steering committee, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and citizen commission involvement. The draft Public Involvement Plan is attached for more information.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution to confirm the appointment of steering committee members.
Advantages:
• A steering committee allows for obtaining feedback in an efficient way with various representatives from commissions, partner agencies, and key stakeholders to help shape this project.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can table the item for additional information or discussion.
Advantages:
• The Village Board would be provided with the requested information.
Disadvantages:
• The timing of the eventual Board action could impact the desired implementation schedule.
Alternative 2:
The Board can vote down the item.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• Additional cost to obtain input at multiple points from various commissions and stakeholders individually.
Anticipated Future Actions
The steering committee will make a recommendation to the Village Board regarding the purpose and need for potential caps over I-290 at an upcoming meeting for the Village Board to consider.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Public Involvement Plan