Proposed improvement program in Vernon Hills includes master plan for bikes, pedestrians
Updating bike and pedestrian plans and creating a master plan for Harvey Lake are among the projects being suggested for Vernon Hills’ five-year capital improvement plan.
The latest draft of the plan, updated every year, calls for expenditures of about $21 million over the next five years. Projects are targeted for various categories including streets, preventive maintenance, traffic signals and streetlights, open space/stormwater and village facilities.
About $4.7 million is suggested for the 2024-25 fiscal year, beginning May 1. Projects are identified by village staff and observations from the board or other public agencies. They are subject to change before being considered as part of the village’s budgeting process.
“We take all this feedback throughout the year, bring it all together and come up with our capital improvement program,” said Chris Venatta, public works director/village engineer.
Venatta outlined a draft of the plan for the village board Tuesday during an informal work session.
The largest categories are streets and right of way at $1.74 million, followed by village facility improvements spanning 16 separate projects at $1.45 million.
The largest single expense in all categories is $1.5 million for the annual road rehabilitation program.
Also in that category is $75,000 for a bike and pedestrian master plan.
Venatta said this is important given sustainability goals as well as ongoing development at the Hawthorn mall property on the north side of Route 60.
“Right now, there’s no pedestrian crossing on Route 60 between Lakeview Parkway and Milwaukee Avenue,” he said. “Especially with the new residential going in at Hawthorn, we really want to look at how can we get people across Route 60.”
In the open space and stormwater category, a $250,000 match to a state grant is suggested for work associated with planning for the restoration of the Seavey Drainage Ditch from Hazeltime Drive to Lake Charles.
Another suggestion is $120,000 for a Harvey Lake master plan. The village previously received a grant to restore a portion of the shoreline of the 14.5-acre artificial lake between Century Park and Hawthorn mall.
“What we're proposing here is a comprehensive master plan of how the village sees this asset moving forward in the future,” Venatta said.
The first budget review session is planned for the March 5 village board meeting.