Elgin keeps businesses aware of work

Elgin's downtown facelift was bound to have an effect on local businesses.

The city is spending an estimated $22 million over six years on sidewalks, lighting, water mains and more.

City officials and the council say they just want to make sure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible.

To that end, council members this week asked that the company that won a contract to replace downtown water mains keeps business owners informed.

City council members John Walters and Mike Powers both asked city officials to make sure company officials keep business owners apprised of their work.

Elgin spokesman Sue Olafson said that shouldn't be a problem.

The city already has been working with downtown businesses to keep them up-to-date on the construction work, Olafson said.

"The city has been diligent about communicating via our Web site, separate newsletter, and physically going to various businesses if there's anything unusual that needs to be communicated," Olafson said.

Still, council members said they expect the company, Martam Construction, to do their part in notifying affected businesses.

Martam's new contract is worth nearly $1.4 million.

The company will be replacing water mains along Chicago and Spring streets, east to the Fox River, north to Highland Avenue and west to Center Street.

Martam received the contract after city officials decided Downers Grove-based Swallow Construction, the low bidder on the work, might not be able to handle the work.

"Because of the high profile of this project, sensitivity of the (area) and the necessity to keep this project on schedule and budget, staff is recommending that the project be awarded to the second low bidder, Martam Construction," city officials wrote in an internal memo.