Frustration over McLean Road closure

McLean Boulevard in South Elgin has been shut down where it intersects with Route 31 since last August as crews work on the Stearns Road extension.

McLean is supposed to reopen by this December, but the construction strike, which was still going as of press time, could push that back.

And now it appears as though some motorists, at least one with some black spray paint, have had enough as someone wrote "Bring Back McLean!" on some concrete barriers.

I obviously oppose the defacement of public and private property, but agree 100 percent with the sentiment.

Hopefully the project will be done soon - safely, on time and on budget as well.

Let your mouse do the talking: If you walk or ride a bike in Elgin, the city wants to hear from you.

More specifically, the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee wants your input.

The committee recently launched an online survey on the city's website, cityofelgin.org, that lets people record reasons why they bike and walk - or don't - and what might be done to improve conditions in the city.

There are also open-ended questions which allow folks to add information not asked by the regular questions.

"It's our hope to promote bicycling and walking as an efficient and healthy means of transportation and for pleasure," said Jerry Turnquist, a member of the group. "We hope residents will take a few minutes to share their feelings. It will provide some valuable direction to our committee."

The deadline for responding is July 31. For questions, call Paul Bednar, staff coordinator for the committee, at (847) 931-6788.

Congratulations: The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin recently announced the judging results from its 2010 Fourth of July parade's float contest.

The Elgin Area Historical Society and People Who Make Patriotic Floats tied for first place.

ADOBE, also know as Admirers of Beautiful Old Dwellings of Elgin, was second and third went to Spring Hill Gymnastics.

Judges also awarded two special recognition awards open to any parade entry.

The "175th Anniversary" Award - reflective of entries promoting or celebrating Elgin's rich history - went to Judson University.

The "Eco-Elgin" Award, which was given to the parade entry that best showed a going green/sustainability theme or floats built with eco-friendly materials or processes, was a tie between Danny's Pizza and Davey Tree Experts "Fit Forest."

Connie Patino, Brendan Morse, Sue Moylan and Johnny Placeres served as judges.