Park remediation mostly complete; financial
assistance programs under consideration
The removal of materials remaining from a
19th century manufactured gas plant that once operated on what
is now Barrie Park is mostly complete. Streets were reopened to
traffic in December, and a smaller fence was installed only
around the park and Barrie Center in anticipation of restoring
those areas in the spring. Meanwhile, the Village Board is
developing a program to provide loans and grants to those
residents near the park who may have delayed maintenance on
their homes during the construction project. The Board also is
considering purchasing some homes. Here an update on the
situation:
• Barrie
Park Site: The Park District,
in conjunction with the Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency, is continuing to work with Commonwealth Edison to
finish the investigation of two wells in the park that will be
sealed.
• Garfield
Water Main Improvements: In the spring, contractors are scheduled to
upgrade the section of the water main under Garfield between
Lombard Avenue and Austin Boulevard that carries Lake Michigan
water to the villages of Westchester and Broadview. The actual
dates are dependent upon the two villages' contractor.
• Park
Redevelopment & Barrie Center Remodeling: The Park District will
begin redeveloping the Barrie Park site and remodel Barrie
Center and playground.
The Park is expected to open in late 2004,
but Barrie Center may open earlier.
• Private
Property Damages: Restorations to private and public property that
could not be completed in the winter will continue in the
spring when weather permits.
• Private
Property Sampling & Remediation: Individual property owners
must schedule this activity. Property owners living next door
to properties undergoing remediation will be notified by
Commonwealth Edison prior to work beginning. Work will vary,
but most activity is anticipated to take two-three weeks.
• Tree
Planting: Tree planting on the
residential parkways adjacent to Barrie Park is expected during
the Fall 2004 after all construction in the area is complete
and the risk of damage to the new trees is minimized.
• Parking
Regulations: With streets now open, parking regulations are back in
effect in the neighborhood, including the Village-wide ban on
overnight parking in areas not designated as overnight parking
zones.
For more information, call 358.5770, email village@oak-park.us or visit www.oak-park.us — click on news, then the Barrie Park
icon along the right margin.