Elgin construction projects to overlap this summer

A flurry of construction projects planned for this summer in Elgin’s downtown has created mixed feelings among stakeholders.

Tonya Hudson, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, said it’s always a love/hate relationship with construction projects but she is leaning toward love when it comes to the latest work on the streetscape project, Artspace and the Riverside Drive promenade.

Hudson said projects mean development activity — something not all communities have right now.

“It’s just an indication that downtown is really a great place to be and invest,” Hudson said.

The DNA hosted a construction update meeting Tuesday night and welcomed a mix of residents, business owners and property owners from in and outside of the downtown to hear about construction plans from the project team members.

Several street projects are set to start mid-June, including Kimball Street resurfacing from Route 31 to Dundee Avenue, Streetscape work on Spring and Dexter streets and the construction phase of Riverside Drive.

While some attendees seemed concerned with the overlapping timelines, Assistant City Manager Rick Kozal said much of the planning is out of the city’s control.

“So much of the timing is dependent on the funding for these projects,” Kozal said.

City Council members are set to give preliminary approval to construction and engineering service agreements for the Riverside Drive Promenade during Wednesday’s committee of the whole meeting — $9 million of the $10.5 million project total comes from the state and grant funding.

But even with the less than ideal project schedule, Kozal said these construction projects should have a lesser impact than past work in the downtown. The Kimball Street resurfacing is in a highly traveled area but lanes will always be open to keep traffic moving. Kozal also said the police department will be monitoring traffic flows throughout the construction season in case detours become necessary.

John Shales, of Shales McNutt Construction, said the fence around the $15.2 million Artspace project at 15 S. Spring St., should be taken down in the middle of July with project completion set for September.

The fifth phase of the Streetscape project will continue making the downtown more environmentally friendly, unifying designs across the area and creating more pedestrian and bicycle space.

The DNA plans to offer regular construction updates via email and public meetings as the various projects progress. Visit downtownelgin.com for details.