North Aurora village board OKs gazebo, deck design
North Aurora officials said Monday they hope a small overlook on the Fox River will be the start of something big.
Monday, the village board unanimously approved a design for the project 960-square-foot gazebo and deck to be located adjacent to village hall.
The overlook has a budget of $220,000 - with half coming from a Kane County Forrest Preservation District grant - Village Management Analyst Wes Kornowske said.
Trustee Dale Berman said the overlook was the beginning, and he hoped it would help spur private businesses to start investing in the targeted area near the rover along routes 31 and 25. Berman said a big part of a series of proposed riverfront enhancements will be having private businesses investing.
Trustee Mike Herlihy agreed that ultimately the village would like to see its efforts complemented by private development. But Herlihy also said it was nice to see the village provide something its residents can enjoy. "Finally we have an improvement for the village that goes beyond basic services," Herlihy said.
Trustee Linda Mitchell said the overlook will let residents know that more improvements are coming and the village will have a centerpiece for the town like several of its Fox River neighbors.
"It will give residents a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the village," Mitchell said.
Trustee Mark Gaffino said the approval Monday should help build momentum for much larger improvements to come. In the coming years, the village would like to add several more features to the riverfront near village hall, including a grand boardwalk unique to Illinois, several gardens, other lookouts and improved trails.
Kornowske said the design should not change much between now and when construction is scheduled to begin in late spring 2009. He said the project goes for a vote of approval from the Fox Valley Park District board next week.
Residents can view the design at village hall, 25 E. State St., or they can download a digital copy from vil.north-aurora.il.us.