Saturday soapbox: Time to act on Winfield underpass

Time to act on Winfield underpass

Winfield trustees would do well to heed the warning of Village Manager William Barlow: Act fast on long-debated plans for a pedestrian underpass at the Metra train depot. It's already expensive -- $4 million -- but further delay increases the risk of losing state and federal grants. Last time we looked, those types of funds were growing more scarce, not more plentiful. And surely the village isn't prepared to fund the project by itself.

Putting brakes on red light cameras

We have on this page given lukewarm support to the use of red light cameras to improve safety on the roads. But we've also noted drawbacks in use of red light photo enforcement, including our fear they would be used more to generate revenue from tickets than heighten safety. Now Naperville has found another reason to be cautious in using this system. It isn't working right, at least in Naperville. "The equipment is still not functioning to our capabilities and to our expectations," City Manager Pro Tem Robert Marshall said. The city might continue its red light program with a new vendor. But for now, those who view these cameras as a revenue-raiser even while pushing drivers to thoroughfares that aren't equipped with the technology can cheer what's happened in Naperville.

Expert to chime in on Hubble site

The Wheaton City Council has decided to hire a land consultant to assist with the redevelopment of the Hubble Middle School property. The goal is to have someone develop a vision for the 22-acre parcel and guide the council through the selection of an appropriate developer. Considering how that location serves as a gateway to Wheaton's downtown, it's not a bad idea to consult an expert to make sure that whatever goes there is the right fit.