Elgin promenade plan gets $8 million

In February, Elgin leaders trumpeted a $13 million plan to revamp the decrepit Riverside Drive in the city's downtown.

Reconstructing the 1,500-foot-long stretch on the Fox River's east bank, just south of Chicago Street, would provide a pedestrian-friendly venue with scenic overlooks and artsy pavilions.

And, if the city's Festival Park was considered the downtown's “front yard, the Riverside Drive plan would open up Elgin's “front porch, a consultant opined.

“That's a good way to put it, Mayor Ed Schock said Friday. “It's the last leg because it's so difficult and the most expensive.

Friday afternoon, city leaders took a step toward that end when Gov. Pat Quinn announced $8 million for funding for Elgin's plan. The money is part of $32 million overall to help riverfronts across the state, including in Aurora, East St. Louis and Rockford.

Schock said the Riverside Drive Promenade could be substantially completed with the $8 million from the state because the economy is resulting in more competitive prices.

Demolition of the old parking deck should begin in spring 2011 with the project estimated to last about 14 months.

“We'll have a riverfront second to none, Schock said.

State officials said the funding, which is part of a $30 billion capital plan, will create 100 construction jobs and another 100-plus permanent jobs afterward.

“It could not have come at a better time, said Scott Roscoe, president of the Fox Valley Building Trades Council, which represents some 10,000 union members.

Schock said the promenade, which will contain trails, plantings and a scenic view from the east, will spur new businesses and the expansion of existing ones along Grove Avenue and, therefore, more jobs down the line but not “overnight.

“It fills in the missing piece, said Leo Nelson, president of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. “It's not just going to be a roadway. It's a place for people to gather.

Dozens of city officials and elected leaders attended the ceremony Friday afternoon on Walton Island in Elgin.

Among them was state Sen. Michael Noland, an Elgin Democrat whom Quinn credited for supporting the capital bill.

“I want to distinguish it from the type of borrowing that merely helps us keep the lights on, Noland said. “Illinois is moving on, moving ahead, and our brightest days are around the corner.