New look for downtown North Aurora

After a year of talking about and planning a riverfront project, North Aurora might have its first physical improvement to the riverfront by early next year, officials said this week.

Village Management Analyst Wes Kornowske said the village could use a grant to help construct an overlook adjacent to village hall near the dam on the Fox River.

Since last July - and after a concept plan was approved in February - the village has worked to develop a five-year plan that calls for a boardwalk, pedestrian bridge, play areas and several gardens to be added to riverfront areas near the State Street bridge. Although the overlook - an outcropping allowing views and a place to gather - would not be a large addition, it would show residents the overall project is under way.

And for many board members, the idea of showing progress was a great idea.

"I would very much like to see something out there," Trustee Linda Mitchell said. "The sooner we have something concrete to show the better."

"I like the idea. It's the right direction (for the project)," Trustee Mark Gaffino said.

The budget for the overlook would be $220,000 Kornowske said. The village received a $110,000 matching grant from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County last December for enhancements to the riverfront.

The village considered using the money for other, less notable improvements; however, the village board decided it would like something people can see.

Now that the village has the go-ahead from board members, it needs to seek permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to build on the river and design the project. Kornowske said he hoped construction would start in the spring.

"This will show that we are putting the plan in place and it's not something we're just talking about," Trustee Max Herwig said.