Sidewalk For Western Springs Neighborhood

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs is poised to build a sidewalk in a neighborhood with few of them.

On Tuesday, a village committee plans to review bids for installing a sidewalk on the east side of Grand Avenue from 51st to 55th streets, which is in the Forest Hills subdivision.

The low bid of $195,909 is from Monee-based Davis Concrete Construction Co. The next lowest bid was $222,755, while the highest of the five was $427,059 from Elgin-based Martam Construction.

Last year, the village received a $190,000 federal grant for the project. The money came through Cook County.

Western Springs plans to spend up to $33,514 with V3 Companies to oversee the work.

For years, residents in the Forest Hills neighborhood have asked for more sidewalks. The 30-block area is a patchwork of houses with sidewalks and those without.

In 2006, the village started requiring sidewalks for new construction. So as older houses are replaced, sidewalks are installed. In many cases, sidewalks lead to grass on both sides.

Four years ago, the village surveyed Forest Hills residents about the possibility of sidewalks. Many younger families said they wanted sidewalks for the safety of children.

Opponents offered a variety of arguments against sidewalks, saying the neighborhood has done fine without them, they don't want to pay for the project and the lack of sidewalks gives a less city-like feel. Of those opposed, two-thirds cited the cost.

Because of the grant, residents won't pay for the Grand Avenue sidewalk.