Sidewalks Possible On Elmhurst's North Side

ELMHURST, IL – The possibility of sidewalks divides residents in north Elmhurst. But city officials are poised to begin an effort to add sidewalks in the northeastern part of town to make it safer to walk to school.

The city is looking to find money to pay for sidewalks on one side of three streets:

• Crestview Avenue (York to Van Auken streets)
• Indiana Street (Crestview to Wrightwood avenues)
• Van Auken Street (Crestview to Wrightwood avenues)

These are the recommendations of the City Council's Public Works Committee. The committee said city staff should immediately start researching and applying for outside money for the projects.

The committee said it recommended going on only one side of the street because of costs, disruption to trees and a survey showing that more than a third of residents in the area are opposed to sidewalks.

Except for the north side, much of Elmhurst has sidewalks.

In the memo, the committee spoke of the importance of sidewalks for students walking to Churchville Middle School and Field and Fischer elementary schools.

On Monday, the City Council is set to vote on the committee's proposal.