N. Aurora residents express interest in riverwalk project

A preliminary report found that most North Aurora residents would like a riverwalk, and they are willing to pay additional taxes to make it happen.

Village officials have said for years there is no center to the village, and some said Monday a riverwalk could help create that identity. Trustee Bob Strusz said the area could be a great place for festivals and events.

"It would be a great thing for the village," Strusz said, "At least we're talking about it. The concept is good, we just have to get the financing for it."

Two open-house style meetings and over 450 mail surveys collected over July were combined to form the preliminary report by Design Perspectives Inc. and Strategic Management Alliance.

Eighty percent of respondents said they favored creating a riverwalk in the village, roughly between Routes 31 and 25 near State Street. Of those surveyed, 58 percent said they could support some level of tax increase to make it happen.

The report found that most people wanted outdoor restaurants, parks, the ability to host festivals and playgrounds.

Most people in favor of a tax wanted it to be small: 30 percent agreed with an increase up to $60 per year, and 20 percent up to $120 per year.

Village President John Hansen said the effective tax to raise that amount would be about the cost of a pizza per month.

Forty-two percent said they would not support a tax increase. A final estimate for the cost of the riverwalk was not provided in the preliminary report.

Trustee Mark Gaffino said he would like to see the village look at all possible sources of revenue, including donations from businesses looking to come to town as well as grants. He cautioned that raising enough funds to complete the project could take a long time.

However, he said getting the ball rolling and seeing what the community wanted was an important first step.

A final report will be completed later this year, and an initial plan could also be finished by the end of the year.