Up To $4.6M For Sidewalks In Western Springs Neighborhood

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs has completed a study on how much it would cost to install sidewalks through the entire 30-block Forest Hills neighborhood.

According to the report, the project would cost $4.6 million for the sidewalks on both sides of the street and $1.8 million for one side.

The one-side option is less than half the cost because the village would choose the less expensive side of streets — those with fewer trees and those that already have parts with sidewalks.

The costs also factor in an inflation rate of 5 percent a year over five years, which is how long the project is expected to take, officials said.

For years, residents in the neighborhood have asked for sidewalks. They say sidewalks would provide safety for pedestrians, especially for those walking to the nearby school. Others say they prefer lawns free of sidewalks and that a neighborhood with sidewalks resembles Chicago, not a suburb.

At Monday's Village Board virtual meeting, Forest Hills resident Eric Peterson addressed the board for the second time in two months.

He told the board that he feared the cost of feasibility studies would justify the village going ahead with the project.

"My concern is this is not something everyone wants," said Peterson, who lives on Fair Elms Avenue. "Everyone knew what they were getting when they bought their houses."

If the village wants sidewalks, it should require them all over town, not just one neighborhood, he said.

Installation of sidewalks, Peterson said, would require the removal of mature trees.

"Trees are more important than sidewalks at this point," he said.

Village President Alice Gallagher said the village was in the initial stages and would give every interested resident a chance to speak out on the issue.

"Rest assured, this is not a done deal and this is not something we will take lightly," she said.

She also said the village should consider the project in the context of all the village's infrastructure needs.

As it stands, the neighborhood has a patchwork of homes with sidewalks and those without.

The sidewalk feasibility study is on the village's website.