Speeding Up Elmhurst Sidewalk Work Proposed

ELMHURST, IL – The two aldermen representing northeast Elmhurst, where many streets are without sidewalks, are proposing a way to change that more quickly.

In a recent memo, Ward 3 aldermen Michael Bram and Chris Jensen are asking a City Council committee to review their idea.

They are requesting to dedicate money from the North York Street tax increment financing district, or TIF, to pay for sidewalk work.

In Illinois, such districts collect the growth in property tax income generated from the area's increasing value. The proceeds are to be used to benefit the districts themselves.

In their memo, the aldermen noted the council's approval a year ago of a 40-year plan to build sidewalks in every neighborhood. Northeast Elmhurst has the fewest.

The aldermen said the use of TIF money would speed up sidewalk construction in their ward.

One example is that the money could be used to put sidewalks on one side of streets where sidewalks are already completed or scheduled for construction on the other side.

"The benefits of public sidewalks throughout various Elmhurst neighborhoods improve aesthetics, curb appeal, and overall safety," the aldermen said.

On Tuesday, the council is set to vote on advancing the proposal to a committee for consideration.