New sidewalks and other improvements are coming to Lake Street next year.
The City Council Monday approved committing $118,500 from its non-home-rule sales tax proceeds to contribute toward the improvements.
The project, which is part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Safe Routes to Schools program, will run from Belle Alexander School east to Prairie Green Apartments.
City officials had hoped to extend the sidewalks all the way out to Lakeland Terrace Apartments, but IDOT declined that request.
City Manager Gary Bradley said the project will include sidewalks and, where needed, curbs and gutters, retaining walls and other improvements.
Lake Street will be resurfaced in the area covered by the grant, Bradley said.
He said the plan is to let bids for the construction in November, with the work to begin next spring.
In other action:
— The city approved an agreement with a company called Solar on Earth to participate in a community solar program which is expected to trim the city’s electric-power cost by at least $20,000 a year.
— A Tax Increment Financing (TIF) grant of $25,000 was approved for Johnson Appliance for a new roof on the building.
Councilman Adam Cernovich voted against the award. He said he feels TIF money should be used for improving the appearance — and taxable value — of properties. Cernovich said a new roof wouldn’t meet either of those requirements.
— The city’s contribution to property owners for the cost of new sidewalks on their property was increased from $2 to $4 per foot for four-inch sidewalks and from $3 to $5 for six-inch sidewalks.
Community Development Director Keith Edwards recently told the council that few new sidewalks have been built in Kewanee in recent years. Edwards said increasing the city contribution might encourage more people to build walks.
