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TO: Mayor Robert J. O’Connor
FROM: John Russell
DATE: April 5, 2017
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval to apply for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program grant, in the amount of $140,000, to replace the existing, crumbling concrete stairway at the south end of the Fox River Trail East Branch.
PURPOSE:
Thousands of people use the stairway leading to/from New York Street to the Fox River Trail East Branch every year. Because of this high use, and the vibrations caused by traffic passing by on New York Street, the concrete stairway is in continual need of repair. Replacing the concrete with a galvanized metal staircase will provide better traction and create a safer passage for walkers along the trail, and for those who use the staircase and trail as the path to the south entrance of RiverEdge Park.
BACKGROUND:
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program provides funding for a variety of projects involving Recreational Trails, including "Trailside and trailhead facilities (for example parking, access roads, shelters, restrooms, potable water, architectural/engineering services, etc." The staircase at the south end of the Fox River Trail East Branch rises 13 from the shoreline, bringing hikers up to street level at New York Street.
DISCUSSION:
In a 2013 study, Trails for Illinois reported that 50,000 walkers used the Fox River Trail West Branch each year. Based on that count, it is estimated that 20,000 walkers each year used the trail's East Branch, between Broadway and New York Street. But that was in 2013, before the opening of RiverEdge Park, which has brought 100,000 people to the Fox River shoreline in each of the past three years. With an entrance to RiverEdge Park along the Fox River Trail East Branch, the number of trail users undoubtedly is much higher now than in 2013. This increased foot traffic, and the vehicle traffic along New York Street, have caused crumbling of the trail staircase leading up to New York Street. The Maintenance Services Division of the Department of Public Properties has estimated the cost to demolish the existing staircase and replace it with a galvanized metal structure at $175,000. If awarded, a grant from the IDNR Recreational Trails Program would provide up to $140,000 for the project, with the City providing a 20 percent match of $35,000 (Expense Account number 101-4430-418.38-05). An outside contractor would be hired for the project.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Replacing the existing stairway linking the Fox River Trail East Branch with New York Street will create safer walking conditions for trail users. It will mean safer access to RiverEdge Park, and to the restaurants, shops and entertainment venues in downtown Aurora. The replacement stairway, made out of galvanized metal, will reduce maintenance costs for the City. The work would be done in Spring or Summer 2018. Demolishing the present stairway and installing the new one is expected to only require a few days, meaning this trail connection would be closed for only about a week.).
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request approval to allow the Maintenance Services Division of the Department of Public Properties to apply for a $140,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program to replace the concrete staircase at the south end of the Fox River Trail East Branch with a galvanized metal stairway leading up to New York Street.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to apply for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program grant to install a new, safer staircase linking the south end of the Fox River Trail East Branch with New York Street in downtown Aurora.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, a new stairway is needed at the south end of the Fox River Trail East Branch to ensure safer passage for the thousands of trail users each year; the number of trail users is growing annually, in large part due to the thousands of people enjoying activities at RiverEdge Park along the trail's East Branch; and
WHEREAS, state grant funding would provide about 80 percent of the cost of replacing the existing worn-out staircase with a new galvanized stairway. The estimated cost of the project is $175,000, with the City providing a 20 percent match of $35,000 (Expense Account number 101-4430-418.38-05).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Maintenance Services Division of the Department of Public Properties has approval to apply for a $140,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program to replace the concrete staircase at the south end of the Fox River Trail East Branch leading up to New York Street