Concern Expressed Over Elmhurst Gateways: Officials

ELMHURST, IL — Many residents have expressed concern over the last few years about the condition and overall appearance of some of Elmhurst's key entryways, aldermen said in a memo this week.

Aldermen Bob Dunn, Dannee Polomsky and Brian Cahill are proposing the creation of the Elmhurst Gateway Beautification Task Force.

They said the properties in question near Elmhurst's entryways are generally outside city limits and are operated by other towns and the state.

"We would like to bring the condition of identified locations up to the level of the Elmhurst Brand, which would be a clean, well-kept, inclusive and attractive community," the aldermen said in the memo. "The City of Elmhurst and our residents take much pride in the condition of our public properties, along with the private and commercial properties in town."

They said the task force would identify sites and propose improvements. It would also secure money and prioritize projects, they said.

The improvements could feature signage, landscaping, an adopt-a-highway program for litter control, and "hardscaping," which can include things such as paths and walls.

City Manager Jim Grabowski is asking for the matter to be referred to the council's Public Works and Building Committee. The council is set to vote on that recommendation Monday.