Algonquin Subdivision Joins Forces to Contest Village Construction Project

For residents living in the Indian Grove subdivision along the Fox River in Algonquin, proposed improvements to their neighborhood have been met with skepticism. 

Around 50 residents from the subdivision packed a Tuesday Algonquin Committee of the Whole meeting to sound off on the village's proposed improvements, which would include roadway reconstruction, water main replacement, storm sewer installation, and, one of the more contested items by the residents, the addition of sidewalks.

In total, Algonquin has budgeted $2.5 million for the project, which would also cover engineering costs and construction oversight, according to Algonquin village officials.

Those living in the subdivision told Algonquin village board trustees Tuesday they appreciate their quiet, rustic neighborhood with its "old charm" and did not want to see 75 percent of the trees that line the streets wiped out as proposed under the construction project.

"We chose to live where we live because it looks the way it does," said Michael Amster, president of the subdivision's homeowner's association. 

The village of Algonquin Public Works Director Robert Mitchard referred to the construction as routine work. The streets are detoriating, the water main needs to be replaced and there is no storm sewer. 

"When the water mains fails — I can't predict that," Mitchard said. "That's the wild card." 

The sidewalks, he said, would be added to improve safety for those walking in the area. A sanitary sewer would be repaired and curb and gutter installed.

Some of the sewer improvements are needed to ensure the village meet future Envronmental Protection Agency requirements. 

Specific roads slated for reconstruction in the project include Hubbard, Osceola, Cherokee, and Navajo. There are 63 homes in the Indian Grove subdivision. 

Pitchard said the village has looked at alternatives to try and save the trees. He said the trees need to be removed to replace the water main and install the sewer system.

"We can't do custom designs. We don't do it that way," Mitchard said. 

Tina Nelson, a resident of Indian Grove, was among a handful of residents who spoke in favor of an addition of sidewalks Tuesday. She said her son has had to "jump out of the way of cars" passing by in the neighborhood. 

The Algonquin Village Board agreed Tuesday to table the discussion on the project to a future meeting. The project would need to be bid out by mid-May if it would be constructed this year, Mitchard said. 

The next Algonquin Committee of a Whole meeting is on May 8.

The Indian Grove reconstruction project is among slated for the village of Algonquin this year.