Posted by markthoman on May 1, 2008
Claremont/71st Street is a clean shot from Cass in Darien to Main in DG, a nifty bypass of hectic 75th Street. Cars zip back and forth all day with only a few stop signs. Zipping is the problem for residents who live on the street. Posted speed limits of 25-30 MPH are pretty much ignored; obeying them risks an angry tailgater that wants you the hell outta the way. Residents of both DG and Darien have asked for help. In Darien, a temp speed bump was installed last year, removed for winter so the snow plows didn’t trash it, and it was reinstalled recently.
DG purchased a similar product, and as soon as a few needed steps are taken, it can be installed somewhere on Claremont in DG. It looks like the purchased traffic speed table (a more effective, wider device shown on the right) will go in somewhere on Claremont in about thirty days.
‘Traffic Czar’ Bill Wrobel has campaigned patiently and continuously for traffic calming devices on streets with speeding drivers that more resemble raceways. Prairie Avenue is another candidate for calming devices. I thought asphalt was the way to go, but more and more, rubber removable devices are being employed by municipalities because they can be moved around as needed, and are not a permanent addition to the street. Council member Sean Durkin first brought back information on the temporary rubber devices last year, and has, along with Wrobel, championed their use.
Posted in infrastructure, streets, traffic | 2 Comments »
Posted by markthoman on March 19, 2008
After a half year of asking and being ignored, the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DGACOCAI) Legislative Council met Monday with DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, looking to get a commitment that part of the $20 million in newly minted sales tax revenues ($40 million next year) could help move the Belmont Avenue underpass forward.
Mayor Sandack and Commissioner Waldack reported on funding efforts at the Council meeting, and several others verified what went on at the Monday meeting, mainly: it’s good to be King (Bob)… Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in budget, development, elected officials, government, streets | 1 Comment »
Posted by markthoman on January 30, 2008
The Village has more projects than stormwater projects this year. On a Tuesday when the council did not meet, members of Public Works showed residents what else is coming for the 2008 construction season.
The weather turned pretty lousy by 7pm, but there was pretty good attendance anyway.
I hoped DG’s newest news man RonBurgandy would be there, or even say, a columnist from the Sun, but there was no press at all. I took these pictures on my phone, so the light is suspect and makes everyone look shiny.
I didn’t think to take down names, so this amiable guy in the dark shirt is Bike Path Guy. He talked about the first two phases of signage and stripage for designated bikeways, so he’s also Sign Guy.
It’s tough adding in bikeways in DG because our streets typically don’t have the width in the older parts of town, and there isn’t much off-street path opportunity. Signage is important to alert drivers that bikers are around. Most pathways will be marked with signs every 220 feet or so. The two guys in the sign department will be very busy this year.
As usual, there were several staffers on hand to answer any questions. Deputy Village Manager Dave Fieldman was in good spirits. Usually he’s the guy who answers a lot of questions at council meetings (although Tom Dabareiner, Director of Community Development, is giving him a run for his money lately).
There were several PW guys there handling questions, so he had a light load for a change.
Like I said, my phone cam makes everyone look shiney, although the focus is always perfect. Yeah, Dave looked a little, I don’t know, blurry.
I talked briefly with Ms. Weaver to continue lobbying for saving our mature, non-ash, non-invasive parkway trees from straight line sidewalks (seeTrees Winning New Friends at Public Works ), and the Sidewalk Guys have the message to save every tree possible from now moving forward. Just in a three block run we saved 18 trees. Have to say, if she keeps to her plan we’ll save several hundred trees before we finish sidewalks in DG and get back up to speed on infrastructure. That matters.
L-to-R Village Manager Cara Pavlicek, Plan Commissioner Greg Beggs, and Public Works Director Robin Weaver.
Like I said, I didn’t think to write down names of people, so I only know the well-known names, so I don’t know who this guy is . Said his name was Ron something…
I’m kidding. Mayor Sandack was all smiles too, and took time to talk with residents and thank them for coming out in such bad weather.
Posted in budget, government, infrastructure, public works, sidewalks, streets | No Comments »
Claremont/71st Street is a clean shot from Cass in Darien to Main in DG, a nifty bypass of hectic 75th Street. Cars zip back and forth all day with only a few stop signs. Zipping is the problem for residents who live on the street. Posted speed limits of 25-30 MPH are pretty much ignored; obeying them risks an angry tailgater that wants you the hell outta the way. Residents of both DG and Darien have asked for help. In Darien, a temp speed bump was installed last year, removed for winter so the snow plows didn’t trash it, and it was reinstalled recently.
