WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs this week waived its construction hours for a village project to improve Burlington Avenue between Grand Avenue and Wolf Road.
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The contractor wanted to start work at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, a half hour earlier than allowed.
Two downtown businesses expressed support for the idea. Their comments were read into the record by Village Manager Ellen Baer at Monday’s Village Board meeting.
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“The Burlington businesses are and will be deeply impacted by the construction, and while we understand that it is absolutely necessary to improve the infrastructure, anything that can be done to speed the timeline is much appreciated,” said Katie McMillan of Clever Girl boutique.
Linda Johnson, owner of Village True Value Hardware, also backed the change. She said she hoped the contractor could finish the work on her block by mid-November. The store is planning its 70th anniversary celebration for Nov. 1-3.
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At the meeting, Jefferey Koza, the village’s engineer, said the code empowers the board to approve waivers on construction hours.
Typically, the staff doesn’t recommend waivers, but did so in this case because of the project’s urgency and location. Few homes are in the area, he said.
The Village Board voted unanimously to let the contractor start work at 7 a.m. It also allowed the village manager to permit work during the evening.
Last month, the board approved Plano-based H. Linden & Sons for the $1.9 million project on Burlington Avenue.
The project includes two bump-outs of the sidewalk to reduce congestion and expand outdoor dining. Also planned is a raised crosswalk midblock between Lawn Avenue and Wolf Road, which aims to provide access to the train platform.
The work is also set to include the replacement of the water main and service lines.
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