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14M downtown improvements - gmg77 - 03-25-2010
City eyes $14.1M Capital Improvement Plan
March 25, 2010
By DAN MORAN <!-- e --><a href="mailto:dmoran@stmedianetwork.com">dmoran@stmedianetwork.com</a><!-- e -->
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/2121939,5_1_WA25_WAUKEGAN_S1-100325.article">http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... 25.article</a><!-- m -->
WAUKEGAN -- Designs for renovating the Carnegie Library and engineering studies on rebuilding the decaying Genesee Street bridge are part of a proposed $14.1 million Capital Improvement Plan being eyed by city officials for the coming fiscal year.
Using a mix of bonds and grants, the city hopes to address projects that have "been deferred for too many years," according to a report by Mayor Robert Sabonjian.
"Maintaining the city's streets, water/sewer mains, buildings and equipment is imperative for a present quality of life and future development," Sabonjian wrote. "Therefore, we will be taking advantage of historically low interest rates and favorable temporary federal legislation to float long-term bonds in an effort to bring the city's investments back to a state of fair condition."
The plan calls for the city to spend $3.4 million for building renovations and land projects; $1.1 million for lakefront environmental work; $4.5 million for street and sidewalk improvements; $1.9 million for new vehicles and equipment; and $3.6 million for improvements to water and sewer systems.
Of the total amount, $8.1 million would be generated by a general obligation bond, $2 million by a water/sewer revenue bond, and $3.9 million in grants and other sources. The city's current outstanding principal debt stands at $92 million, which requires a payment of $11.6 million for the next fiscal year.
According to a report from city treasurer Tina Smigielski, the projects included in the CIP represent "only about one-third of the initial requests" from the city engineer and various department heads.
"While all of the requests submitted have value to the community," Smigielski wrote, "due to time, funding and staff constraints, only the highest priority projects are being submitted for budget consideration this year. Engineering and finance staff will continue to work toward a multi-year CIP for future consideration by City Council."
According to the report, the Genesee bridge, which was constructed in 1923 and last renovated in 1984, was recently inspected "and has a sufficiency rating of 23 out of 100 ... If further deterioration of the structure continues without remediation, the bridge could potentially be closed to vehicular traffic."
The city funds would be used to cover 20 percent of an 80-20 split with the Illinois Department of Transportation on engineering. Full reconstruction of the Genesee bridge is estimated at $7.5 million, with funding to be determined at a later date.
- ⢠Rehabbing the Belvidere Street bridge over the Amstutz Expressway.
⢠$300,000 for the proposed Carnegie Library renovation: The city hopes to transform the long-vacant Sheridan Road landmark into a visitor or community center, and the funds would be used to produce "completed plans to compete for tourism and other capital grants."
⢠$1 million for downtown/lakefront building rehabilitation: Among the possibilities listed are "vanilla-box" renovation of a city-owned building at 221 N. Genesee St. to prepare it for private development, and renovation or demolition of the vacant News-Sun building on Sheridan Road.
⢠$1 million for downtown/lakefront property acquisition: The funds might be "utilized to purchase properties via negotiation or eminent domain that may be held by the city in a land bank for future remediation, development or sale." Potential property purchases mentioned are land for the modernization of the lakefront's Pershing Road, the extension of the Belvidere Road bridge toward the lakefront, and relocation of lakefront railroad lines.
⢠$100,000 toward future lakefront railroad realignment: Though no federal funding sources have been identified for an overall $5 million project that could start in 2012, the city would use these funds to begin negotiations with the EJ&E and Union Pacific railways to consolidate lines and free up land for south lakefront development.
⢠$1.05 million for repairs to city buildings: Roof repairs and other renovations are needed at two different fire stations, the pubic works facility is in need of renovation, and the police department needs a new heating and cooling system, with "frequent breakdowns" affecting things like its computer room.
⢠$1.5 million for street repaving/repair: In order to repave all 63 miles of streets identified as in need of repair, the city would have to spend $30 million. The $1.5 million would cover five miles of repairs on streets to be determined.
⢠$740,000 in bridge rehabilitation design/engineering: Plans are needed to secure funding for the extension of Belvidere Road to the lakefront, and renovation of the south Genesee Street bridge over the Waukegan River.
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Re: 14M downtown improvements - ClassicalLib17 - 03-27-2010
What part of Waukegan do these dreamers live in? Bridge and infrastucture work are essential public safety projects, the rest of it is more money thrown down a rat hole. Hey, I have a good idea, let's continue to reelect all incumbent elected city officials until we reach the ultimate goal, that being the Detroit, Michigan plan. Text messages, anyone?