As we have been discussing, this coming construction season is turning out to be very busy, especially in the Downtown Business District (DBD).  The following is a brief summary of the work we are aware of scheduled between April and November of this year in the DBD.

1. Downtown Sewer Project – Attached and labeled as “Figure 1” is the current routing planned for the Downtown Sewer Project.  This is one of two stormwater control projects scheduled for construction in 2019, as part of the recommended improvements made possible by the new Stormwater Control Fee.  We expect this project to take 12 weeks from start to finish.  At this time, staff is reviewing the 90% plans and specifications, and we hope to have the project bid in March.  Our current thinking is to expedite this project to begin ASAP, with hopes of having selected portions of the underground work completed before the 2019 Special Events season begins. 
2. Paver Brick Maintenance – This project will take place north of Northwest Highway as shown on the attached “Figure 2”.  Once IDOT permits are secured, we expect this project to take 4-6 weeks to complete.  At this time, we believe waiting to have this work started in September or October makes the most sense.
3. NICOR Gas Main Replacement – This project is being discussed with NICOR, and the extent of the work is shown on “Figure 3”.  NICOR is proposing to install all new gas mains throughout the downtown, at new locations in front of the buildings within the public R.O.W.  NICOR proposes to perform this work from April until November.  Our review of the draft plans is generating concern regarding the lack of specificity in the plans.  The plans submitted for this work show no proposed service lines and no details on meter placement.  NICOR representatives say that the service lines and meter placements are field decisions made during construction in discussions between each property owner, NICOR’s subcontractor, and the Village.  On January 21^st, staff met once again with representatives from NICOR and their subcontractors.  Staff now has a better understanding of the project, and NICOR has committed to identifying the properties where meter placement may be challenging.  Once submitted, staff will work with the contractors to develop working plans.  We also received a commitment from NICOR to perform the large scale work near Campbell and Vail prior to June 1^st.
4. Northwest Highway Resurfacing and ADA Improvements – IDOT will be resurfacing NW Highway from Dunton Avenue to the eastern Village limits. This project also includes sidewalk work at intersections to upgrade to ADA compliance. IDOT presently projects a March 8^th bid letting for this work. Staff will be attending pre-construction meetings for this work in April, and will obtain additional details, such as the project schedule.   “Figure 4” shows the outline of the project limits. At the present time, the project is scheduled to begin on May 1^st with completion no later that October 29^th.
5. UPRR Dunton Avenue Crossing Improvements – The Union Pacific Railroad had this work scheduled for 2019, but they are now stating that this work will be postponed until 2020.
6. Mid Block Crosswalks – These three locations, Campbell, Dunton, and Evergreen will be coordinated with all of the proposed projects, as they are impacted by the   NICOR work, the Downtown Sewer Project, and potentially the redevelopment of Block 425.

In addition to the normal Downtown commerce, there are three specific Special Events that will likely be impacted by all this work.  The “Sounds of Summer” concert series normally runs from the middle of June through August, and is held on Thursday and Friday nights at Harmony Park.  The “Promenade of Art” is scheduled to take place June 9^th and 10^th, and is generally located at Campbell and Vail, as is the “Mane Event” which will take place on August 9^th and 10^th.

Staff has developed a Communication Plan for these activities with the key components, which is attached and labeled as “Figure 5”.