Algonquin official: Village board 'solid' behind Longmeadow Parkway

Algonquin officials say the village board's support of the proposed Longmeadow Parkway will not falter, despite heated arguments from project opponents urging the board to denounce it.

"We are going to work with Kane County to make sure that this critical infrastructure improvement is built," said Village President John Schmitt. "That's not up for question. This board is completely solid behind this project."

Longmeadow Parkway was on the agenda of a village board meeting Tuesday as a discussion item and was not up for a vote. About 100 people attended the meeting, 15 of whom spoke against the project.

"To say it was contentious is an understatement," said Kane County Board member T.R. Smith, who was in attendance.

But Schmitt said he welcomed comments from both sides of the argument and hopes opponents continue to come forward. Though many arguments were based on misconceptions, he said, some residents had valid concerns about the project.

"The village board is 100 percent behind getting Longmeadow built while at the same time protecting our residents from any intrusion," he said. "The residents in Algonquin need to understand that their village board will support them and make sure this project is done as a benefit to the village of Algonquin."

The proposed 5.6-mile road, extending from Huntley Road in Dundee Township to Route 62 in Barrington Hills, will pass through Algonquin, Carpentersville and Barrington Hills. It will also include a four-lane bridge over the Fox River.

The project is expected to cost $135 million. Schmitt said Algonquin has already invested about $3 million into the project.

"It has been on our comprehensive plan since the late '90s," he said. "This is a project that needs to happen."

But that's not to say adjustments can't be made, he added.

Questions were raised Tuesday regarding the possible removal of berms and vegetation that act as protection behind homes that would back up to the parkway. By Wednesday morning, the village had addressed that issue with the Kane County Department of Transportation, Schmitt said.

"We find that unacceptable," Schmitt said. "We really expect those berms to remain."

Other residents brought forward concerns, such as whether they will be able to safely cross the road, that had already been taken into consideration, Schmitt said. Crosswalks will be added to large intersections, including one at Sleepy Hollow Road, he said.

He added that the village will do anything in its power to see that the project will enhance the community rather than pose greater issues.

Barrington Hills village board members last month switched their vote from supporting to opposing Longmeadow Parkway.

The park foes, Smith said, "showed up in Algonquin hoping for the same thing."

Schmitt said he is confident that Algonquin will not vote again on the issue, but he urged opponents to continue coming forward.

"Please come to us and let us know your concerns," he said. "To say 'Stop Longmeadow' is a little shortsighted. Let's fix the problems and concerns that you see."