Oak Park Tables Garfield Street Lighting, Landscaping Project Decision

Oak Park officials on Monday tabled approval of a bid for a $468,700 lighting and landscaping project in the Garfield business district because they want to try a second time to get feedback from property owners in the "blighted" area.

The proposed project, which would be funded with tax increment financing (TIF) dollars, would include replacement of lighting along Garfield Street from Harlem Avenue to Clinton Avenue with decorative lighting. Landscape improvements will include planters and some street furniture. 

While the board approved the use TIF funds for improvements on Garfield Street in the 2013 budget, trustees weren't convinced they needed to use that much money for lighting and landscaping, or that it would even solve the problems in the largely-industrial area.

"I thought $400,000 for LED lighting in a business district like this one seems excessive... It seems like we're looking for ways to spend TIF dollars, which bothers me," he said. 

He suggested the board solicit feedback from residents in the neighborhood to get an idea of what would be needed to improve the neighborhood. 

Property owners indifferent about improvements?
Oak Park Engineer Jim Budrick said staff invited residents in the area information to discuss the project at the Public Works Department, and "not a single person" showed up. 

"There's not a lot of interest out there... in seeing anything more than (this plan) happen." 

In an Oct. 4 staff memo, Village Manager Cara Pavlicek wrote that staff recommended the project based on a request from local businesses for public investment in the area.

She said staff supported the project because new lighting would improve safety, or the perception of safety, in the area and because the area serves somewhat as a "gateway" to local businesses. 

Village needs to show businesses they're valued
Trustee Glenn Brewer, who lives in the area, said while the $400,000 project may be a stretch, some sort of improvement and streetscaping along the Garfield Street stretch is needed.

The businesses in the area generate great revenue, and have struggled for recognition from the village, he said. 

"Lighting in this area is horrible, and it's absolutely bad to walk down the street most afternoons and evenings," he said. "We need, in some way, to demonstrate to folks—to the businesses on this street—that we value (them)."

The Garfield business district, which is home to two of Oak Park's largest businesses, has little room for new development, presenting a challenge to the village, Trustee Colette Lueck said.

There isn't room for much new development, but the businesses there are "anchors" in Oak Park, she said. 

Trustee Adam Salzman said if the village is going to spend money on anything in the district, it should be on the roads—which are currently in "appalling condition."

Staff was directed to reach out to property owners for the second time to seek their feedback on what improvements are needed in the area.