Galusha Road Public Input Meeting

I attended the public information and input meeting for the plans to build a multi-use trail along Galusha Road (Download PDF), between Herrick and Winfield Roads. The meeting was well attended by many of the homeowners from along Galusha road and the nearby area.

The meeting was hosted by Community Development Director Ron Mentzer and public works Superintendant Mike Smith (who was recently honored at a city council meeting for 25 years of service to the city of Warrenville.) Also in attendance were city council members Matthew Wiesbrock (Ward 3, includes the affected area) and Clare Berry (Ward 4), along with Mayor Brummel.

As one resident pointed out, the fate of this project, and their properties, will be decided by the city council, and it would have been nice to see a better turnout by the city council members to hear the public input. (I may have just not seen them though)

The city has had the intent to build some form of pathway there since a comprehensive plan was drawn up in 1985. The project has remained high on the priority list of projects, but due to budget restraints hasn’t been a real possibility until now. There is a six million dollar general city fund that would finance the estimated one-million dollar pathway project.

With the new Hubble Middle school being built nearby, this pathway would give students walking to school a safe path. In fact, the city may be able to apply for a Safe Routes to School grant from the state to help offset construction costs if it meets certain requirements.

The proposed plan is to put am eight or ten foot wide concrete path on the South side of Galusha Road. An alternative is to put the path on the North side, which would require getting an easement from the DuPage Forest Preserve. This would also force people to cross Galusha, but would have less of an impact on the homeowners along Galusha Road.

A lot of concerns were addressed, such as new storms sewers that would need to be installed, the path crossing people’s driveways, the safety of walkers or bikers using the path, long term maintenance costs, the need to move utility poles, etc.

My impression was that the most favored option would be to put a 5 (ADA requirement) foot pathway/sidewalk along the North side of Galusha Road made of Limestone screenings, like the Prairie Path that runs through Warrenville. Also there was a positive response to the idea of making it a curvy road to discourage high speed biking and make it more scenic, as well as safer.

I was just mainly listening, but I almost spoke up when the issue of property values came up. In my opinion, it would be much easier to market a home having that has a flat pathway to the new Hubble Middle School and Herrick Lake, as opposed to having a drainage ditch along the side of the road, which is hard to maintain and landscape, and collects garbage.

It’ll be interesting to see if this project moves forward what the end result will actually be. I do commend the city planners for seeking the feedback of the public, and those whose properties will be affected, and to the citizens for turning out in force to raise their concerns. It’s just further proof that Warrenville is a great place to live!