Wilmette To Host Neighborhood Storage Project Meeting Wednesday

WILMETTE, IL — Wilmette residents are invited to attend the third public meeting regarding Phase 3 of the Neighborhood Storage Project, which will create an underground stormwater storage reservoir at Thornwood Park, and neighborhood storm sewer improvements.

The meeting will take place Wednesday at Thornwood Park. Residents are invited to visit the Village of Wilmette’s tent any time between 4 and 6 p.m.

Since January, the Village has been preparing to design the Thornwood Park underground storage vault, which will be buried about 18 feet below the park’s surface elevation. The Village is also looking to install new large diameter storm sewers on Thornwood Avenue, Hunter Road, Greenwood Avenue, Beechwood Avenue, and 21st Street.

Project administrators hope to submit all their designs to the Park District and the Village by Sep. 30, according to a village timeline. Final project approval is expected to be awarded in January. Construction of the vault is expected to begin in late May 2022 and finish at the end of October 2022.

The large-scale project will result in noise, dust, and road closures, according to city sources. To prepare for the vault installation, contractors must remove approximately 1,350,000 cubic feet of soil, and then build the vault with 716 concrete pieces. Once the vault is built, it will be backfilled with stone and soil, but the grass will take time to grow. According to the Village, the park will look as it does now and be ready for the public after the spring 2023 growing season.

During construction, the southwestern portion of Thornwood Park will be fenced and closed, although the playground and tennis courts will remain open.

Work on the new large-diameter sewers, which will allow neighborhood stormwater to drain into and out of the vault, is expected to begin in March. The construction is expected to result in temporary detrous, temporary parking, sidewalk and driveway restrictions, temporary water shutoffs, and dust and noise. The Village says it will provide advance notice prior to any disruptions.

More information about the project can be found at wsnsp.com. To receive updates about the project, sign up for the Village of Wilmette’s E-News at www.wilmette.com, and click the box for “Neighborhood Stormwater Storage Project.” Questions can be directed to Wilmette Director of Engineering and PUblic Works Brigitte Berger-Raish at bergerb@wilmette.com.