TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jason Bauer, P.E., Assistant Director of Public Works/Assistant City Engineer
DATE: May 20, 2019
SUBJECT:title
Staff is seeking preliminary committee approval to bid the Benton and Stolp improvement and Lot E improvement projects. Lot E is budgeted in 2019 as the first phase of the Broadway Redevelopment Corridor project; the Benton and Stolp improvements are currently in the CIP for 2020. The Broadway Redevelopment project will include additional phases in future years upon successful permitting through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
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PURPOSE:
The Benton and Stolp project is in the 2020 budget, not the 2019 budget, therefore, staff is seeking approval from the committee to advertise for bids for the project. Normally, a project does not require this preliminary step if it is planned in the budget; that is the case for Lot E which is the first phase of the Broadway Redevelopment Corridor project. While these projects are under construction, the overall Broadway Corridor Redevelopment project scoping and permitting efforts with IDOT will continue.
BACKGROUND:
The Benton and Stolp intersection is in the CIP for 2020 (project GB134). The pavement is in poor condition due to various underground improvements that have taken place over the past two years, including water main replacement, sanitary sewer improvements and the installation of a new Nicor high pressure gas main. Staff has also been exploring options to introduce streetscape elements in the area to increase pedestrian traffic and utilization. The proposed project would include removal of a significant amount of unused pavement, new benches, lighting, plantings and overall aesthetic improvements to the surrounding area.
The Lot E improvements are specifically identified in the Broadway Redevelopment Corridor project, A055. Any reconstruction along Broadway will require IDOT approval, as Broadway is Illinois Route 25. Staff has already been given the preliminary direction from IDOT that any efforts along Broadway will need to correct some longstanding geometric issues, resulting in the reduction of parking. To offset that parking loss, Lot E will be improved to encourage higher utilization. Reconstruction of the lot, access and signage improvements, beautification and lighting upgrades will increase usage and offset issues resulting from parking loss on Broadway.
DISCUSSION:
These projects are a continuation of the ongoing improvement efforts throughout the downtown. Funds are available in the A055 project, in accounts 340-1830-465-73-76 ($850,000) and 353-1830-465-73-76 ($600,000). In addition to Lot E and the Benton and Stolp projects, these accounts will be used to continue to fund engineering and facilitate permitting of the remainder of the Broadway Corridor Redevelopment.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Should the Finance Committee direct staff to bid these projects, there will be no immediate impacts. Staff will finalize the bid documents and return to the committee at a later date to present a recommendation of award to the lowest bidder. At that time, the impact of the construction will be presented.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the approval of the Finance Committee to advertise the aforementioned projects to begin the Broadway Redevelopment Corridor Project by commencing the Lot E Improvement Project and also to transfer various unused funds from the Broadway Redevelopment Corridor Project to the Benton and Stolp project.
cc: Finance Committee