Elmhurst Divide Highlighted In Sidewalk Survey

ELMHURST, IL – Two-thirds of residents in a northside Elmhurst neighborhood would like sidewalks, according to a survey. Some noted the city's north-south divide.

Northern Illinois University recently released the results of a survey in the area bounded by York Street, Lake Street, Wrightwood Avenue, Parker Street and Adele Street.

Elmhurst's north side has few sidewalks, unlike other areas of town.

The survey shows that 64 percent would like sidewalks, while the rest do not.

Of those in favor, 36 percent would support sidewalks only if the city pays for the entire project. And 28 percent would back them if the city covers half or all of the costs.

The survey was mailed to 1,113 houses in the area in question. A total of 355 responded, according to the university.

The survey report included comments from residents.

"I'm pro-sidewalk for the entire neighborhood, but routes to the elementary school and to the park are a great start," one resident said.

Another wrote, "The issue of safety is definitely a concern, especially on Michigan Street, since it is all adjacent to York. Motorists utilize Michigan Street to avoid York at times and are often speeding down our block."

The opponents also made their views known.

"(T)here are a minimal number of people who would utilize sidewalks," one said. "Perhaps some well-placed speed bumps would be better at making traffic slow."

Another resident said, "There is no need for sidewalks in this area. We beg you to put our tax dollars elsewhere. Please don't waste valuable tax dollars, especially now."

Other residents noted the disparity between the city's north and south sides.

A person who has lived in north Elmhurst since the 1970s wrote, "This sidewalk improvement should have been done many years ago. If this project was on the south end of town, there would be no question as to whether this should be accomplished."

"I'm a professional, pay taxes, but live on the North end of Elmhurst," another said. "I should have the same items that the whole town has the privilege to have ... a sidewalk!!!!!!"

The City Council's Public Works Committee plans to review the survey at its meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

At a committee meeting last year, northside residents expressed differing views about whether they needed sidewalks.