Western Springs Sidewalk Foe Speaks Out

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — One of the bigger issues in Western Springs is the push to get sidewalks in the Forest Hills neighborhood.

Over the last year, Forest Hills residents have weighed in on the issue of sidewalks in the 30-block subdivision. The neighborhood has a patchwork of homes with sidewalks and those without.

On Monday, resident Eric Peterson, who lives on Fair Elms Avenue, spoke at the Village Board's virtual meeting. He said he has no sidewalk and does not want one.

"There is a group of people who want sidewalks and are pushing the agenda forward," Peterson said. "I'm not particularly interested in a solution that doesn't address the entire village. I don't want to be specially treated because I live in Forest Hills."

He also said the village should not mandate residents install sidewalks. He said he wanted to get his comments in the public record, saying he wasn't happy with "where this is going at this point."

Village President Alice Gallagher said the sidewalk issue is in the study phase.

"We will make sure to reach out to all residents as we move forward," she said.

In 2006, the village started requiring sidewalks for new construction. So as older houses are replaced, sidewalks are installed. In many cases, sidewalks lead to grass on both sides in Forest Hills.

Supporters of sidewalks in Forest Hills have said they would improve safety in the neighborhood, especially because it has a school.

In a survey, sidewalk opponents said they believe the lack of sidewalks add to the neighborhood's beauty and make it look less like a city such as Chicago.