The construction blues: Elgin residents vent
“Do they have to do them all at once?”
That was a question posed by a concerned Elginite at a recent monthly meeting with Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda.
The woman was venting some frustration about the recent closure of the Kimball Street bridge so Metra could replace the tracks there but it also referred to the seemingly perpetual construction in the downtown.
The Metra closure turned parts of Route 31 into a parking lot, and officers had to fan out and direct traffic during morning and evening rush hours for a week.
Why am I mentioning this now?
The Downtown Neighborhood Association is hosting a brainstorming session from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.
DNA leaders want to know what people like about their downtown, what they want to see changed and discuss how everyone can get involved to make it happen.
I can tell you what people don't like: construction.
If Elgin wants to get more people especially those folks from outside of Elgin to rediscover downtown, the last thing that the city wants is for people to tell their friends and neighbors that it was difficult to get to their destination. Or they got lost in a mess of detours.
After all, word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of advertising.
I've suggested the city accelerate its downtown streetscape plan.
That's easier said than done, especially when I'm suggesting spending someone else's money. And there won't be massive streetwork in 2011, but it will kick into high gear again in 2012.
With that being said, the DNA session will focus on: arts initiatives, green initiatives, new business development, retail/restaurant promotions, neighborhood outreach, social media/marketing, nonprofit partnerships and image enhancement.
In addition to the public being invited, all people, organizations and businesses that partner with the DNA on special events and other programming are encouraged to attend in order to talk partnership plans for next year.
For more information and to RSVP, call (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.
Food for fines: The Gail Borden Public Library District started its annual “Food for Fines” campaign with a bang.
Volunteers from Boy Scouts Three Fires Council donated 600 cans to the effort, through which people with overdue fines can pay them off at a rate of one can of food per $1 overdue fine.
The project runs through Nov. 14 and five food pantries will receive the donations: the Community Crisis Center, the Community Methodist Church, All People's Interfaith, Two Rivers Head Start and Centro de Informacion.
“We look at this campaign as an opportunity for the library to give back to the community. People can clear their accounts and help others in the community at the same time,” said Carole Medal, the library's executive director.
The program does not cover fines for lost materials.
Canned food is accepted at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave. and the Rakow Branch, 2751 W. Bowes Road. No soda, dented cans or expired food will be accepted. For information, call (847) 742-2411.
Farewell, for now: This likely will be my last column about Elgin as I am moving today to cover the Kane and McHenry County courthouses for the Daily Herald.
I enjoyed my nearly three years covering Elgin and met a lot of people passionate about their community who are willing to work hard to make it better.
Thank you for the privilege of covering your city.