Cut-through drivers make subdivision noisy, dangerous, residents say

Construction is driving motorists to cut through the Grand Reserve subdivision on Eineke Boulevard - and residents say the constant traffic and noise have turned their formerly quiet street into "Randall Road 2."

While these residents are demanding that Algonquin officials restore peace and order to their community, village leaders say they already are working on the issue but that it will take time to see results.

On Tuesday, resident Marilyn Teresi, attending the meeting with three other neighbors, read a letter to the village board complaining about delivery trucks, school buses and cars using Eineke Boulevard as an alternate route to nearby Harnish Road, now under construction.

She also said the increased speeding on the street has endangered her neighbors and makes life on Eineke Boulevard a "nightmare."

Finally, Teresi accused officials of not taking Grand Reserve residents' concerns seriously, particularly when they've been complaining for eight months.

"We feel we are being treated like children, patted on the head and being told something will be done," Teresi said at the meeting. "What will it take for you to listen? Hopefully not a tragedy."

Village officials say they are listening and remain committed to reducing speed and traffic volume on the boulevard.

By late July or early August, residents should see a noticeable drop in traffic once road work on Harnish Drive concludes, said Village President John Schmitt.

Moreover, officials from Community Unit District 300 have agreed to keep their school buses off Eineke Boulevard once construction wraps, Schmitt said.

In an effort to curb speeding, police will soon put out a computerized sign that displays how fast you're going in the 25-mph zone, an effort Schmitt says has proved successful elsewhere in town.

Finally, police officers will continue keeping a watchful eye on Eineke Boulevard to make sure motorists aren't lead-footing it through the subdivision.

While traffic hasn't reached a dangerous level on the boulevard, "We spent time over there looking at it and we understand it's more volume than those residents would like," Schmitt said, adding that he, and at least three other trustees have paid a visit to the street.

Some residents still aren't satisfied with the village's plans to handle the traffic and say officials should consider more dramatic measures, such as making Eineke Boulevard a one-way street or one that doesn't allow through traffic.

Schmitt has already said these options are not possible on the public street.

"They're listening to us and yet, they're not listening to us," said resident Patricia Zelko who has lived in Grand Reserve for just under two years. "We just want it to be safe."