Elgin might install sidewalk plaques

Downtown Elgin might be on the way up, but leaders might want you to look down while you're there.

Installing brass sidewalk plaques -- each with a paragraph about a notable Elginite -- is one option under a new city plan.

"It a painless way for people to learn more about the city. All they have to do is look down and read," said Elgin Mayor Ed Schock.

Council members Wednesday gave the tentative thumbs up to have the city's Image Advisory Commission design a plan to posthumously recognize people who were influential to the city's history or went on to regional or national prominence.

The idea to recognize famous residents was hatched by council member David Kaptain.

"They must have some connection to Elgin. You don't necessarily have to be born in Elgin to be nominated," said Olufemi "Femi" Folarin, city manager.

The exact manner in which people will be deemed significant to Elgin has not been determined.

Two early ideas are erecting a wall of fame or installing sidewalk plaques at assorted locations.

For now, people will be recognized on the city's Web site, www.cityofelgin.org.

Folarin said that initially a large number of people would be recognized at first as the program gets started, followed by less in following years.

Schock is intrigued by the sidewalk idea.

He said he visited Washington, D.C., about a year and a half ago and noticed people walking with their heads down reading sidewalk plaques.

"This could be a way of introducing residents new to Elgin a little bit of our history," Schock said. "I don't know what form it will take. Maybe we can do a little bit of both."