Wauconda bike path clears first bump in road

The plan to put a bike path on Garland Road in Wauconda hasn't reached the finish line yet.

But the proposal crossed a huge hump recently with the announcement the joint village of Wauconda and Wauconda Township project could be getting a $245,000 federal grant.

"We're very excited to have that kind of money," Wauconda Township Supervisor Glenn Swanson said upon hearing news the grant proposal had cleared its first federal committee, a hurdle not accomplished in three years of attempts. "There's still more work, but it's looking very promising."

Wauconda Mayor Salvatore Saccomanno said the project, which would extend from Main Street to Gossell Road along Garland Road, is much needed.

"The original purpose of the bike path was a safety issue on Garland Road," Saccomanno said. He noted the turns and twists on the narrow road make it difficult for both a car and a bike to navigate.

But Saccomanno said there are other benefits to the community for a bike trail that would eventually connect with the Millennium Trail.

"We're going to try to promote jogging and bicycling all the way into our downtown area," he said.

The terms of the grant require a total of $148,000 in matching funds, to be divided in half and paid by the village and the township.

Saccomanno said the village is confident passing the first stage in the grant process will lead to eventual approval.

"I think it's a very good sign," he said. "Those that have gone this far have gone all the way."

The next step, officials say, is to meet with homeowners who live on Garland and would need to grant easements for the project.

"(Some residents) have not been cooperative in the past," Saccomanno said. "This is really something the township is going to have to take the lead on. … I think we're going to be able to work it out."

So far, there have been mixed reviews on the plan.

"I don't think we have enough room on this road to accommodate that," said Lois Young, who admits she thinks the road is dangerous for bikers and runners. "I have gone into village hall and complained about small children living on this road."

Resident Virginia Reardon agrees something should be done to give people a place to walk and bike, but doesn't think the path should go on her side of Garland.

"Nobody ever walks on our side of the road," Reardon said, defining her home as being on the north side. "You would have to be crossing Garland Road twice."

Tom Weber, a Wauconda Unit District 118 board member who lives on Garland, said he'd be willing to sacrifice a lot -- including trees and extra space -- for the bike path.

"To me, that's a small price to pay for the safety of the community," he said.