Safety in Numbers

When I told my dad about my new job in downtown Elgin, he bought me a celebration gift. A can of pepper spray.

My dad’s gift got me thinking about the perception of safety in Downtown Elgin. And about how perceptions are often a few steps behind reality.

The City of Elgin recently conducted a survey to capture the public’s perceptions about a variety of issues, one of which was safety. The survey showed that 89% of people feel safe walking in Downtown Elgin during the day. However, after the sun goes down in the city, only 42% of people said they feel safe walking Downtown.

In reality, the crime rate in Elgin is actually considered low, relatively speaking, despite some recent crime “spikes.” In fact, the rate of violent crime in Elgin dropped 12 percent from 2005 to 2006, according to the Elgin Police Department’s 2006 Annual Crime Report.

Another recent study showed that when compared to eight other Illinois cities of similar size and scope, Elgin was second only to Naperville for having the lowest crime rate.

Surprised? I was. And then I wondered how many dads give their daughters pepper spray when they get jobs in downtown Naperville.

But, in the end, perceptions trump stats. Though stats don’t lie, they also don’t make your heart beat any slower when you’re walking alone at night on a dark, desolate street.

“Dark” and “desolate” are two words that the City and the Downtown Neighborhood Association are hoping to get out of people’s vocabulary when they’re talking about downtown Elgin. And changing the way we talk about Downtown is a big step towards changing others’ perceptions of it.

The City’s downtown streetscape project will replace those bad “D” words with good “B” words like “bright” and “bustling.” Enhanced street lighting is one of the project’s key features. Take a stroll down South Grove Avenue and you can see what they will look like. And brick sidewalk and street pavers, newspaper stands, benches, planters and other aesthetic upgrades will all help to make the Downtown appear more attractive and welcoming for new businesses, residents and visitors.

Increased pedestrian traffic also contributes to the feeling of safety in a downtown. Maybe because we know that there is safety in numbers. Take Michigan Avenue for instance. You probably don’t feel unsafe walking the Mag Mile at night, even though you may be stepping over sleeping street people along the way. It’s bright. It’s bustling. It feels relatively safe.

I’m certainly not advocating to let your guard down, whether you’re downtown or uptown. Being aware of your surroundings is key to staying safe. But I am advocating that as you look at those surroundings when you’re walking downtown, see how they have changed and are changing. Then tell someone about it.

Take Five This Week

This has been the week of “I’ll be five minutes late” meetings.

Construction on Chicago Street this week caused more than a few of my appointments to call and say they would be five minutes late. The tension in their voices was even louder than the jackhammers in the background.

For those of us who work downtown, the loud machinery and the flying dust is part of the job. We wave to the construction guys. We leap over chunks of concrete on the sidewalk. We calm people down over the phone as they try to get to our meetings. And we remind ourselves that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

But for those of you who only frequent downtown for occasional meetings and trips to the post office, do not despair. There’s help out there for you.

The City of Elgin has a website called “Gettin’ Around in Downtown” that is devoted to the Central Business District Streetscape Project. You can access it from the city’s homepage at www.cityofelgin.org. There you can learn all about the streetscape project and see video and images of what our revitalized downtown will look like. You’ll also find weekly construction updates, detour routes and the best places to park.

So for your own sanity’s sake, before you come downtown, check the Construction Updates area of the website. It will make those five extra minutes it takes to get to where you need to go much more enjoyable.

My suggestion is to park in one of the garages on Symphony Way, Spring Street or Fulton Street or in the civic lot on Douglas and walk to your destination. It will give you a chance to see the construction progress up close. Take a gander at S. Grove Street where the new brick pavers, sidewalks, street lights and curbs are in. You might even see the first crop of people moving into the new Fountain Square condos.

And while you’re down here, you might as well stop and have some lunch. Akina’s Thai Restaurant is just a hop, skip and a jump across the rubble from Fountain Square. I recommend the Paht Takrai (Lemon Grass Stir-Fry). You get to choose how spicy you want your dish prepared. I’m a two-star “medium” girl myself, but if you’re feeling crazy, go for the five-star “suicide.”

And don’t forget, you have to pick up that gift for so-and-so for that thing this weekend. So stop by that charming new little Lily Falls Gift Boutique at 10 Douglas. Say hi to Vicki for me.

On your way back to the parking garage you may see people in their cars making calls saying they’ll be five minutes late and looking all out of sorts about it. But you’re feeling good, because you’ve seen first hand all of the progress that those five minutes out of your day is bringing to downtown Elgin.


ABOUT TONYA & THE DNA

Tonya Hudson is the executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, a volunteer-driven coalition that supports the revitalization of downtown Elgin. She is a lifelong Elgin resident, a graduate of Judson University, a wife and a new mom. You can stop in and see Tonya at the DNA office on the first floor of the Tower Building at Chicago and Douglas or send her an email at thudson@elginil.org.

(Re) Discovering Downtown

“I’ve lived in Elgin a long time, and I never knew this was here.”

That could be Downtown Elgin’s new tagline. It may not be catchy, but it’s true.

I recently attended an event at the new Elgin Art Showcase in The Professional Building at 164 Division Street. As I eavesdropped on passing conversations I heard that same sentiment again and again.

People were awed by the grandiose lobby with its gothic arches and marble floors. They were impressed by the top floor gallery and performance space with its large picture windows overlooking a downtown at the crossroads of history and progress.

I myself am a lifelong Elginite and I have never stepped foot in The Professional Building. Never had a reason to. All the professionals in my life leased space elsewhere.

But someone had the brilliant idea to give people a new reason to visit the Professional Building – to experience local visual and performing arts in an affordable, accessible public space. And, at the same time, people can discover 20 or more professional businesses that they never knew were there.

Discovering new uses for old treasures is what revitalization is all about. The discovery usually starts something like “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if Elgin had . . .” Then a group of people say, “Yeah, it would be really great if Elgin had . . .” Then those people add a little elbow grease to their collective passion and make it happen. Then they invite the community to enjoy the final product of their discovery and say “Isn’t it so great that Elgin now has . . . ?” And, hopefully, the community agrees.

And that, my new friends, is what the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) is all about. People who not only have ideas for how to make downtown an exciting and thriving place to live, work and enjoy, but who will readily roll up their sleeves and help make it happen. People who see the downtown as a treasure hunt and who are excited to discover the potential that is hiding here. People who see vacant storefronts as windows of opportunity for business owners and customers alike.

When I read in the newspaper about the position for the executive director of the DNA, I discovered that I am one of these people. I’ve lived in Elgin my whole life, and I never knew that I had such a passion for this city.

Now I’m on a mission to rediscover downtown from a whole new perspective. And I want you to join me. Each week I’ll fill you in on what’s happening down here – the good and the “could be better.” I hope that you will take that step from discovering downtown on Saturday with me in the paper to discovering downtown at an event with me in person.

Maybe we can have t-shirts made with our new tagline.


ABOUT TONYA & THE DNA

Tonya Hudson is the executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, a volunteer-driven coalition that supports the revitalization of downtown Elgin. She is a lifelong Elgin resident, a graduate of Judson University, a wife and a new mom. You can stop in and see Tonya at the DNA office on the first floor of the Tower Building at Chicago and Douglas or send her an email at thudson@elginil.org.

City of Elgin Citizen Request Tracker

I wanted to share my experience with a feature on the City of Elgin website, Citizen Request Tracker. Like many of you, I sometimes view the world of information on the web with blinders on. I visit a site with a specific purpose and go right to the link I need without any exploring. Well, the mind has amazing powers. Even though I never paid much attention to the image on the left, my brain did and when it came time to use it, some neurons got together and said, Hey dummy, why don't you try this. Now back to my story.

Wednesday, July 11th around 11 am.

I was walking north on Spring Street near Fulton. A group of people ahead of me, possibly visitors, has to duck to maneuver around low hanging branches. Yes, I've encountered this obstacle before and said, I should call this in when I get to the office. Alas, the idea is usually forgotten by the time I reach my office but this time I remember.

2:15 pm, Oh ya, that branch. I jump on the city website and go directly to the Citizen Request Tracker and select the "Parkway Tree Trimming" option.

2:47 pm, I receive this email message,
Thank you. A certified arborist will inspect the tree within two business days of the receipt of your request and determine the proper course of action.

Friday, July 13th, 10:52 am

Another email,

We have followed up on your request and the proper steps have been taken to resolve the matter. Your case is now closed. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

I have to see this for myself. Well, no ducking is required, in fact, I don't think you could touch a branch if you jumped up in the air.
Thank you, City of Elgin.

So if you have an issue to resolve, follow these simple steps.

1) Go to cityofelgin.org and click on the Citizen Request Tracker in the lower right corner.

2) Select an option

Community Development Group

Construction without Building Permits

Excessive Weeds

Junk and Debris on Private Property

Junk and Debris on Tree Bank

Major Auto Repair in Resident Districts

Outdoor Storage of Household Items

Temporary Signs in Yard (not including Realtor signs)

Unpaved Parking

Public Works

Abandoned Shopping Carts

Damage to Playground or Park Equipment

Damaged/Obstructed Signs

Garbage/Recycle Cart Repair & Replacements

Illegal Dumping in Parks

Parkway Tree Trimming

Street Light Malfunction

Traffic Signal Malfunction

3) Fill in the required information

4) Sit back and see what happens. You've done your part to be the eyes out on the streets of Elgin.

Downtown Elgin on Channel 17

If you missed the 4th of July Parade or you want to experience it again, just tune into the City of Elgin Government Access Television on cable channel 17 during the following times:
Tuesdays, Thursdays- 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays- 1:30 p.m.
Don't miss the lively interaction between John Prigge and Jeff Myers as they describe each entry.

Mayor Schock and Councilman Kaptain discuss a "Greener" Elgin on "Elgin Up Close"
Sunday - 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday - 9:30 a.m.
Thursday - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:30 a.m.

"Elgin Today" hosted by Jeff Myers, features stories on the Residence Tour, Harvest Market, the Senior Fair, and the Library's Space exhibit, astronaut visit and Muggles Night. You can catch the program during the following times:
Sunday - 9;00 p.m.
Monday - 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday - 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m.

Click here for the complete Channel 17 schedule.

All these shows are on cable channel 17 for Comcast and Wide Open West subscribers in the Elgin market.

UPDATE: View the Fox News interviews with Mayor Schock and Jack and Marlene Shales from the 4th of July Parade here.

DNA Launches New Website

The new website is live. Go to downtownelgin.org to find out what's happening in Downtown Elgin, Illinois. Next on the agenda, a new look for the blog, and the updates of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's communication tools will be complete. Look for it in the fall.

Extended Deadline for FoxFireFest Idol Competition

If you think you have what it takes to be Elgin’s first FoxFireFest Idol winner, don’t miss the chance to try-out to compete at this summer’s Concert Series at Wing Park. The City of Elgin has extended the deadline for the following categories 14-18; 19 and older, and even created a new category for bands! Be ready to take the stage to compete between 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled 7:00 p.m. concerts on July 10th (14-18 years old), July 17th (19 and older), and July 24th (bands) call right now there is limited availability. It is a first come first serve basis!
Contestants must provide their own music and accompaniment. At each concert, two semi-finalists will be selected from each of these categories to move on to the final competition taking place at FoxFireFest on August 3-5 in Festival Park. Contestants will be judged by a panel of judges made up of FoxFireFest sponsors, in combination with an at-large popular vote. Winners will win prizes and have the opportunity to perform at the Sunday night FoxFireFest concert.

There is a $5 non-refundable fee for all participants. Applications are now available online at the City of Elgin website www.cityofelgin.org on the special events page, and will also be available at the Centre and City Hall. For more information, contact the Special Events office at 847-531-7056.

FoxFireFest is sponsored through the generous donations of the 2007 Special Event Season Sponsors; Comcast, The Daily Herald and The Riverfront Action Committee, as well as the “Candlelight” event sponsors- PanCor and LaSalle Bank. For updated details on FoxFireFest, check the city website at www.cityofelgin.org.

Central Business District Streetscape Project Kick-off Meeting

Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Elgin Area Chamber Office
31 South Grove Avenue
12 Noon – 1 PM
Lunch will be provided

The City of Elgin is hosting a lunch meeting Wednesday, June 27 beginning at 12 noon to provide downtown business and property owners and other key stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the CBD Streetscape Project scheduled to begin within the next few weeks. The meeting will address the anticipated construction schedule and its impact on downtown vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Lunch will be provided.

Phase I of the construction project includes the installation of all new streets and curbs, sidewalks with brick pavers, brick crosswalks, planters, trees and street lighting. Impacted streets during Phase I are: south Grove Avenue between Chicago Street and Prairie Street; Spring Street between Chicago Street and Fulton Street; DuPage Street between Spring Street and Villa Street; and Fulton Street between Spring Street and Villa Street.

This is part of a 5-year, $22 million downtown business district improvement plan.

Elgin Commercial

Remember when the Elgin Area Enhancement Committee was looking for people to take part in a commercial for Elgin?

Well here it is Elgin Commercial.

Or see it on YouTube


Original post.

Did Spidey Web Festival Park?

Did Spidey visit Elgin after the Spiderman 3 premier and web Festival Park?
No, it's just a new play structure. You'll have to wait until the park opens to try it out. The ribbon cutting is on Monday, May 28th at 1:30 pm. The park is located at the corner of Grove and Prairie in downtown Elgin, IL



A view of the entrance from the riverwalk showing the fountain in the foreground.

The festival part of Festival Park with the River Park Place townhomes to the left and the Grand Victoria Casino to the right.

City Launches "Gettin' Around in Downtown" Communication Campaign

The city of Elgin launched a communications campaign called, "Gettin' Around in Downtown", to inform the public about the five year program for replacing water mains, streets and sidewalks.

Elements of the campaign include...

• A new web site, www.downtownelgin.info
• A town hall meeting in May (Date to be determined)
• A hotline at 847.931.6767

Read the Daily Herald article from April 27th here.
Stayed tuned for more information.

Downtown Elgin Water Main Construction Updates - April 23

Water Main Installation Construction Continues Through the Week of April 23

ELGIN – Work continues on the Central Business District Street Resurfacing and Streetscape project with the installation of individual water services on Spring Street between Chicago and DuPage Streets the week of April 23.

Northbound traffic on Spring Street will be diverted east on DuPage Street to Villa Street. Southbound traffic on Spring Street will be able to proceed as usual. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Grove Street south between Chicago and Prairie Streets, however, motorists wishing to travel northbound on Spring Street may use Grove Street as an alternative.

Sidewalk, curb and gutter restoration on Grove Street south between Chicago and Fulton Streets will begin mid-week. While two-way traffic will be maintained, flaggers will be directing a single lane of traffic around the construction at times. Motorists are asked to pay special attention when traveling through this area or to avoid the construction zone by using alternate routes.

Specific questions regarding the construction can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185. For general information on the project, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Elgin’s Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Downtown Elgin Blog Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

Oops, March 11th was the second anniversary for the Downtown Elgin blog. We have been so consumed by upgrades to our other web tools that the two year mark slipped under the radar.

The blog may have been suffering from the classic sophomore slump but the junior year looks promising. Several changes are in store for 2007. A move to the New Blogger along with a new layout. The blog will see a content shift to news flashes and follow up stories, rather than event listings, as features such as the Upcoming.org calendar feed and news feeds are now on the web site.

Speaking of changes, here is the update schedule for the Downtown Neighborhood Association web tools.

• The April/May Newsletter was published on April 9th with a new look.
• The popular Downtown Elgin Top 10 List format will be updated in May.
• downtownelgin.org will receive a well deserved makeover this summer.
• The blog changes will appear before the leaves fall.

Click here to be added to the weekly Top 10 List or the Newsletter mailing list.

Want to be in a Commercial?

The Elgin Area Enhancement Committee of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce is asking anyone who lives in Elgin and would like the chance to be part of a commercial promoting the different aspects of diversity within our City. This would include people of all ages, sizes, professions, ethnicities, etc. People who wear uniforms or identifiable work clothes, such as police, fire, chefs, carpenters, dentists, ministers etc. as well as national costumes are especially needed.

The shoot will be on April 19th from 3pm-7pm, in downtown Elgin. There are no speaking lines, no experience is necessary, and the shoot will only take 10-15 minutes of your time.

If you are interested in being a part of the commercial please call Demi Cooper Advertising at 847-931-5800 ext. 10 for specific location, to schedule a time slot, and discuss the dress code.

Spring Street Water Main Construction

Construction Continues on New Water Main

Work will begin on the installation of the new water main on Spring Street between Chicago Street and Dupage Street. On Monday, April 16th, traffic control will be set up to allow construction of the new water main. Northbound traffic on Spring Street between DuPage Street and Chicago Street will not be allowed during this phase. Northbound traffic will be diverted east on DuPage Street to Villa Street. During this period of construction, two-way traffic will be maintained on south Grove Street and motorist wishing to travel northbound may want to use Grove Ave as an alternative. Southbound traffic on Spring Street will be allowed.

Sidewalk and curb and gutter restoration on south Grove Ave between Chicago Street and Fulton may begin on Wednesday. While two way traffic will be maintained, there may be times when flaggers will be directing single lane of traffic around the construction operation. Motorists are asked to pay attention when traveling through this area and to avoid the construction zone whenever possible.

Specific questions regarding the construction can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185 or at her office in the back of the Downtown Neighborhood Association office at 2 Douglas Ave.

For general information on the project, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Water Main Replacement Continues on South Grove

Water Main Installation Construction for the Week of April 9th.

Construction Continues on New Water Main
Installation of the individual services on south Grove Street between DuPage Court and Fulton / Spring Street will continue during the week of April 9 -13, 2007.

This work will require the closure of south Grove Street between Chicago and Spring Street to through traffic. Motorists wishing to travel south from Chicago Street should use Spring Street.
Access to local businesses from Chicago Street to DuPage Court will be allowed. Pedestrian access to local businesses south of DuPage Court will be allowed. People wishing to access these businesses are encouraged to use the Fulton Street garage. This section should be finished on Tuesday. Underground work on south Grove between Fulton and Prairie will take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. This block will be closed to all traffic. Southbound traffic from Spring and Grove Streets will be detoured eastbound on Fulton, south on Villa and back westbound on Prairie where they can continue south on Grove Street. Northbound traffic will be detoured eastbound on Prairie, southbound on Villa and back westbound on Fulton where they can continue northbound on either Grove or Spring Street.

Specific questions regarding the construction can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185 or at her office in the back of the Downtown Neighborhood Association office at 2 Douglas Ave.

For further information, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Check downtownelgin.org for construction updates.

Skate Park Meeting

A public meeting to discuss two proposed skate parks will be held on Wednesday, April 4th at 5 pm. The meeting takes place at the Celebration Room in The Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL. The new skating facilities are planned for the Grant School Park and the Prairie Park. City staff and others will answer questions and welcome input regarding the preliminary plans for the two parks.

Elgin Then & Now - The Gifford House

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

This was the home of Elgin’s founder, James T. Gifford. Originally a simple stone house, it reflects a contruction technique native to New York state. Note the cobblestones laid in courses with stone quoins at the corners and stone lintels. The mansard roof and classical detailing (added later) show a Second Empire influence. This is one of the few remaining works of builder Edwin R. Reeves. Gifford Park and Gifford Street are named for the original owner of this home. (source: Gifford Park Association)

The home of Elgin’s founder dates back to 1850. It has been divided into four apartments. I’d like to see it deconverted and restored to its former glory. I wonder if the city should offer special incentives for the rehabilitation of buildings with historic significance (those on the National Register of Historic Places), such as this one. Such a policy would cover only 8 buildings. It’s something we can afford.

I’m especially interested in seeing this building restored, not just because it’s the home of Elgin’s founder, but it’s the finest remaining cobblestone home in Elgin, and probably over a much wider area. It would serve as a fine example for what a distinctive local vernacular architectural style might look like.

It could serve as an inspiration for local builders and developers. If they pick up on the use of cobblestone as a facade element, it could help create a distinctive local architectural style. Even though cobblestone construction is associated with Rochester, it would be pretty much unique in this area.

By the way, this house is for sale at a price of $470,000. The listing says the building is eligible for $70,000 in rehabilitation/deconversion grants, which I don’t think is enough to persuade anybody to convert it into a single family home. After the grants, they would still be paying $400,000, which is excessive for the neighborhood. The city should consider increasing the grant for a house of special historic significance, such as this. Otherwise it will remain a dilapidated apartment building.

South Grove Street Closed March 26-30 for Water Main Work

South Grove Street between DuPage Court and Fulton and Spring Streets will be closed next week, March 26-30, as crews continue water main installation through the Central Business District.

Detour signs will direct south bound motorists to Spring Street. Pedestrian and vehicle access to local businesses from Chicago Street to DuPage Court will be allowed. Parking will be available in downtown's Fulton Street garage.
Downtown Elgin's water main installation work continues as part of the Central Business District $22 million street resurfacing and streetscape project. Construction crews have been working during the overnight hours to help reduce traffic congestion.

For more information, contact Steve Pertzborn, senior engineer, at 847-931-5955.

UPDATE: South Grove Closed on Monday, March 12th

On Friday, March 9th Monday, March 12th, South Grove Street will be closed between E.Chicago Street and Spring Street to allow for installation of new storm sewer. It is anticipated that the road will be closed between 7am and 4pm. Local access to the Union Bank drive up will be allowed. For further information please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847.931.5955.

Chicago Street Closed Today, March 7th

City to close part of Chicago Street today
Chicago Street will close between Grove Avenue and Spring Street between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. today as city crews work to repair a water leak there.
Water service will be interrupted to area businesses and homes during the time the repair is being made.
"Water will be interrupted only as long as it takes to repair the leak," said Public Works Director John Loete. "However, if there is an inch or more of snow on the ground, the repair will be postponed."
Traffic will be detoured around the area, although crews will try to keep one lane open.
For more information, contact the Elgin Public Works Department at (847) 697-3160.

13th Annual Elgin Image Awards

The Elgin Image Advisory Commission will host the 13th Annual Image Awards at The Centre of Elgin on Thursday, March 8th at 6pm. RSVP to (847) 931-5592.

Nominees
Individual-Professional Category
Jennifer Almanza
Jennifer Benson
Jim Durante
Mary Hager-Swanson
Sofia Hedberg
Paul Stocksdale
Janelle Walker

Individual Volunteer Category
Pat Keeney

Project Category
Elgin 1440 Project
Elgin Area Historical Society/Seigle Foundation.
Elgin Toy Giveaway
Huff Elementary School Fence Project
United Way of Elgin, Home Depot, Elgin Housing Authority - KaBOOM Playground

Organization/Business Category
Corn Trust/McBride Building
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Quiznos
The Greens of Elgin.
Village Profile
Walker Parking Consultants

Citizenship Category
Mike Alft
Bob Pleticha
Juan Silva

Context Sensitive Design Solutions in Transportation Seminar

A special workshop on how to use street design to build vibrant neighborhoods in your community.
• Learn about changing standards in street design;
• Increase knowledge of the impacts of street design;
• Learn how to work with transportation agencies; and
• Identify key urban design features that support a strong community.

THE CITY OF ELGIN is pleased to invite you to a special workshop on how to use street design to build vibrant neighborhoods in your community. The workshop will focus on a design
manual from the Institute of Transportation Engineers and CNU entitled Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities. This proposed
recommended practice helps public officials and planners create context-sensitive streets that function to serve pedestrians, transit-riders, and cyclists as well as motorists.

WHEN: Friday, March 16, 2007
WHERE: The Centre of Elgin, Heritage Ballroom
100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
TIME: 8:30am to 1:00pm. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
COST: FREE to all attendees

Please R.S.V.P. before March 12, to Crystal McGuire at the City of Elgin
Phone: 847-931-5939 • Email so that we can plan to provide you with lunch. Space is limited, so please sign up today! We look forward to seeing you on March 16.

Streets are central to adding value to communities. Richly-textured roads
designed for multiple modes of transportation and diverse uses help create
community character and can boost economic, social and cultural activities
along key corridors. As a local decision-maker, you have a number
of opportunities to use street design to enhance your community and
shape its identity. We hope you will take advantage of this unique event.

EVENT SCHEDULE
8:30-9:00am Coffee and refreshments
9:00 – 9:15am Welcome and Opening Remarks
Ed Schock, Mayor, City of Elgin
9:15 – 9:45am Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities: History of the project
Jacky Grimshaw, The Center for Neighborhood Technology
9:45 – 10:30am The Complexity of the Street Network: Adding Value to Your Community
John Norquist, President and CEO, Congress for the New Urbanism
10:30 – 11:15am Before and After Examples from the Chicago Region: What Works and What Doesn’t!
John LaPlante, Chief Transportation Engineer, T.Y. Lin International
11:15 – 12:00pm Implementing Ideas in the Manual: How Do We Get from Here to There?
Billy Hattaway, Corridor Planning and Engineering Practice Leader,
Glatting, Jackson, Kirchner, Anglin: Orlando, Florida
12:00pm LUNCH and Social Hour

Special thanks to Nora Beck of the Congress for the New Urbanism, and Beth Dever of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for their assistance in putting together the workshop.

2007 Elgin Mayors Awards for Preservation Nominations

The Elgin Heritage Commission is still seeking nominations for the 2007 Elgin Mayors Awards for Preservation. Nominations can be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007. The application is available here.

The awards recognize creative and imaginative efforts made toward neighborhood and downtown revitalization with three honors of distinction.

The three honors awards are:
1. The Mayor George Van De Voorde Award which is given to an individual recognizing the continuing vigor, imagination, and persistence in preserving Elgin's heritage.
2. The William Stickling Award which honors achievements in the adaptive reuse of industrial and commercial buildings.
3. The Artisan Award which recognizes the exemplary work of a contractor, craftsperson or artisan in the preservation and restoration of Elgin's architectural heritage.

Elgin's Heritage Commission will select City winners who will then be honored at the annual Mayors Awards for Preservation event Thursday, May 3, 2007 at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.

Nominations can be submitted to Sophia Morales, Community Development Department.

2007 DNA Awards & Luau

DNA Awards & Luau
Thursday, March 1st, 2007
6 p.m. Cocktail Hour (Cash Bar)
7 p.m. Hawaiian Dinner
8 p.m. Award Ceremony
Entertainment: The Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers and The Pan Chicago Band

Luau attire optional

The Centre of Elgin
Heritage Ballroom
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120

$30 per person
$300 for a table of eight

Please RSVP by Friday, February 23, 2007
Call (847) 488-1456
or
Email at jbenson@elginil.org

Make checks payable to: Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
Send to: Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL 60120

Funding Flows to Fox River Renaissance Alliance Project

The Elgin city council has preliminarily approved $26,000 for a Fox River Renaissance Alliance project. The library board will decide in March whether to fund the remaining $26,000 for the engineering plans. Possible projects include: a fountain in the Fox River north of Kimball Street, a floating wetland that would attract fish and other creatures, and educational gardens. Visitors will be able to watch the fish that swarm to the area using cameras that will transmit signals to the Gail Borden Library. Hitchcock Design Group is expected to complete the plans by April. Funding for construction is expected to come from grants and donations. The project will provide environmental and educational benefits and once again demonstrates that the library is more than just a place to check out books.

Read the article from today's Daily Herald here.

Ina Will Be Making a Difference in Africa

Ina Dews is planning a trip to Rwanda to share her crocheting and quilting skills. She needs to raise $3500 to make the trip possible. Vermont-based Rwanda Knits is the non-profit organization in charge of the trip. It's founder and director, Cari Clement, says Dews would work with orphanages all over the east African country.

You may know Ina from the downtown Harvest Market where she has been manager for many years, or as a member of the Elgin Human Relations Commission or you'll find her at nearly every city council meeting.

So when so asks for your support, please help her, not that you could say no anyway, Ina can be very persuasive.

Read the Daily Herald article here.

Elgin Then & Now - The Post Office

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

Old post offices are often among the most beautiful buildings in a town, and thankfully many towns have preserved theirs, even though the U.S. Postal Service has long moved out of (most of) them. Elgin unfortunately is not one of those towns.
It was a lovely building. Had it survived, I think it would have been the finest example of Beaux-Art architecture in Elgin. Unfortunately, it was demolished because some people thought it was dirty and seedy, the same complaint they leveled at the Crocker.
Read more about the old Elgin post office.

Storypalooza - What is it?

Storypalooza is coming to the Gail Borden Library.


What's a Storypalooza you might ask? Well, if you are budding videographer, this is your chance for fame and fortune and here's how you do it.

1) Create a video or slideshow on your favorite book or community event. The maximum length is four minutes. Click here for tips on creating your masterpiece.
2) Submit your entry before midnight on February 19th. You must upload the video to YouTube, and then link it to the library by sending an e-mail to Denise Raleigh with the subject line “Storypalooza.”
3) Wait until March to see if your entry is a winner. Public voting for the “My Favorite Book” and "Community Favorites" categories begins Feb. 22 through the library’s Web site, and ends at 5 p.m. March 12. Judges will select the first and second place winners.
4) This is want you could win.
First Community Bank in Elgin is offering cash and merchandise to the top entrants. Judges will award a $350 digital camcorder to the first-place contestant, a $150 camera to the second-place winner, a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card to the “My Favorite Book” entry, and a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble for the top pick in the “Community Favorites” category. Winners of the first and second prizes are not eligible to win in the book and community categories.

For information, including ways to make videos or use digital pictures or slide shows for the contest, visit the library’s Web site or call Denise Raleigh at (847) 429-5981. Videos must be appropriate for the library’s general audience.

‘Storypalooza’ videos take Elgin’s Gail Borden library by storm - Daily Herald article by Mark Billings

Elgin Then & Now - The Henrietta Block

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

The downtown Elgin Community College building-often referred to as the Sears building-was built in 1908. It first was called the Henrietta because of the name carved in stone on the pediment above the main entrance, in memory of Henrietta Hackerodt Burritt. She was the first wife of Peter Burritt, whose extensive real estate holdings in Elgin were inherited by Rebecca McBride Burritt Gilbert, his second wife. It was Rebecca who named the building for Henrietta.
The Henrietta was constructed for leasing to Swan's Department store, which occupied the building for 30 years. Theodore F. Swan began his Elgin mercantile career with- a grocery store on River Street (North Grove Avenue) in 1867. By 1880 he had added dry goods and shoes in larger quarters on South Grove. In 1893 he moved his growing business to the Spurling Block (now the Commerce Building) on the northwest corner of DuPage and Spring Streets.
Swan was the first Elgin merchant to introduce the "cash railway system" to send money from any part of the store to the cashier. He also was the first to abandon evening hours in the interest of his employees. Unlike many other stores of the time, Swan's terms were strictly cash. Carrie Jacobs Bond, the composer of "I Love You Truly","Just a Wearying for You", and "The End of a Perfect Day", plugged sheet music sales at Swan's in the early '90s.
Swan's move across the street to the Henrietta gave his operation a main floor of 25,000 square feet. The basement was initially used for storage. The second floor at one time housed the Elks Club. When Theodore F. Swan died in 1922, the business was carried on by his son, Theodore 1. Swan. The store closed in 1938.The Henrietta was then occupied by Sears, Roebuck & Company, which had arrived in Elgin ten years earlier. In 1941 the basement and second-floor selling areas were expanded, and a parking lot to accommodate 85 cars was developed. This compelled the removal of six small houses owned by Gilbert along the Fulton Street frontage. The Sears automotive wing was added in 1948.
The Henrietta block, was erected for $60,000. Its renovations for college use cost more than $2 million. (source: ElginHistory.com)

Elgin Then & Now - The Hubbard Block

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

While many of Elgin's pioneers made their money through farming or the dairy industry, William G. Hubbard made his fortune through the dry goods business. Hubbard, a pioneer merchant, opened his building on the corner of Chicago and Douglas in 1851. It was there that he kept company with the best of the movers and shakers that Elgin had to offer. One of HubbardÂ’s original tenets was John Newman, owner and operator of Springbrook Creameries, as well as the owner of over 500 dairies. His other tenets were many of the German enterprises of the day, including SiedelÂ’s Bakery, AdlerÂ’s clothing store and Pabst Chicago House.
The original wooden building was destroyed in one of ElginÂ’s worst fires ever, on March 23, 1974. The fire shattered the glass windows across the street and seared buildings blocks away. It would be replaced with a white brick building that connected many other building on the block via the second and third floors. The second building would come to be known as The Lawyers Building, which was gutted by fire in 1979. It was torn down in 1980. (Source:elginpostcards.tripod.com)

The present building, was built in 1999 by Kurt Kresmery.

Rural Neighbors Visit Downtown Elgin

Today's Daily Herald had a photo of a coyote roaming Douglas Ave just north of downtown. This is not the first sighting of our animal friends in the urban landscape of downtown. In the past, I have seen a pheasant strolling across Highland Ave., ducks making nests in the sidewalk planters or on roof top patios. Of course there are the ever present geese, not so unusual. Once, while at Burger King on Dundee, I observed two deer making their rounds with the Elgin police in hot pursuit. I had to go back to the office and email my find. The replies varied from, "Were they pink?" to my wife's question, "Where did you go for lunch?".

Elgin Art Showcase

From the Daily Herald:

After years of running around in circles looking for places to perform, the Janus Theater Company can finally stand still. And this weekend, you can make a beeline to see them in its new home - at the new Elgin Art Showcase in downtown Elgin's Professional Building.

Read the article here.

The Elgin Art Showcase opens this weekend with "Life X 3," a play about a boss's dinner gone horribly wrong. The 90-minute play runs Saturday through March 4 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

What follows below is a list of the showcase's current lineup for this season.
-Art for All's "Uniting People through the Arts" will feature 30 artists in conjunction with Janus Theater performances. This runs Friday through March 4. For more information, call (847) 741-7375.

-The Independent Players will present Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest." It will be performed March 9 and 10, 16 and 17 and 23 and 24. For more information, call (847) 697-7374.

- The SoapBox Theater Company will put on "The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage" by David Ives and Emma Thompson. For more information, call (847) 697-7374. The show runs April 13 through the 29.

-The Janus Theater Company will perform "Murdering Marlowe," a play about the rivalry between William Shakespeare and playwright Christopher Marlowe. It runs May 18 through June 10.

-William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" also will be performed by the Janus Theater Company. It runs Aug. 17 through Sept. 9. For all Janus productions, call (847) 931-0637.

If you're an arts group interested in renting space at the venue, call (847) 951-1515

City Launches Downtown Sales Reimbursement Program for Businesses

The City of Elgin formulated a reimbursement program for downtown business owners adversely affected by the recent Center City street reconstruction.

Businesses located within the geographic area bounded by Grove Avenue to the west, Dexter Avenue to the north, Prairie Avenue to south and Center/Villa Streets to the east may apply for reimbursement for losses incurred between October 1, 2006-November 30, 2006.

Affected businesses will be required to verify the amount of the loss by completing and returning a reimbursement form and supporting documentation to City Hall. City staff will assess the total amount of loss from all businesses and provide that information to City Council for action.

Application forms are available from the City of Elgin Finance Department at City Hall, or the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) offices at the Tower Building, 2 Douglas Avenue. Forms will also be available from the city website at or the DNA website.

Completed forms and documentation must be received or post marked by February 16, 2007 to the City of Elgin Finance Department. For questions regarding the rebate, please contact Mary at 847-931-5625 or email maskel_m@cityofelgin.org.

Links to newspaper articles:
Courier News
Daily Herald

Traffic Signal Has A New Sequence

Beginning Friday, Dec 22nd, the traffic signals at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues will display a new signal sequence that will include a left-turn green arrow along with the normal green pass signal on northbound Douglas Ave..

“We’re just letting drivers know that there is a change in how to they should proceed through the intersection,” said John Loete, Director of Public Works. “Drivers on southbound Douglas Ave. should be aware that their green signal will be delayed for a short time to allow the northbound traffic onto westbound Highland Avenue the needed time to make that turn. “

New traffic signal equipment is being installed throughout the City’s Central Business District (CBD) as part of a $3.1 million CBD Traffic Signal Replacement Project. Currently, new signal equipment is operational at seven intersections with additional new equipment at six intersections waiting for Commonwealth Edison to connect power to the new equipment.

For more information, contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at (847) 931-3160.

Metra Schedule Changes

Some changes to the Milwaukee District West Line Schedule as of December 11th.

The Milwaukee District West Line, which runs between downtown and Big Timber Road in Elgin, now stops at the new station at Grand and Cicero. That station replaces the Cragin stop, at 1912 N. Leclaire, and the Hermosa stop, at 1800 N. Keeler.

Hey, Metra riders: Check that new schedule - Sun Times article

Water Main Installation Night Work to Continue

Central Business District (CBD) Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Program

Weather permitting, construction of the new water main from Chicago Street south down South Grove Avenue will begin the week of December 11, 2006. This work will be done at night in order to minimize impact on downtown businesses and the motoring public. The far right lane on Chicago Street from the river to just east of South Grove Avenue will be closed as well as South Grove Avenue between Chicago Street and Prairie Street. The lane closures will begin at 9 p.m. each evening and will be reopened before 5 a.m. the following morning.

Parking along South Grove Avenue will not be allowed during the lane closures. All vehicles should be removed prior to 9 p.m.

Traffic wishing to travel north from Prairie or Fulton Street can use Spring Street as an alternate.

For further information, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Street Closures Set for Snow Removal

Several downtown streets will be closed from 6 to midnight on Wednesday, December 6th as city crews work to clear snow from on-street parking areas. South Grove Avenue, from Chicago to Spring streets, will be closed throughout the six-hour span.
The following blocks will be temporarily closed between Highland Avenue and East Chicago Street:
• Riverside Drive.
• East side of State Street (Illinois 31).
• South Grove Avenue.
• Douglas Avenue.
These blocks will be closed only as long as it takes crews to clear snow piles from the street parking areas. City crews worked to clear nearly 310-center lane miles of city-owned roads after about 10-inches of snow fell over the entire Elgin area Friday. Signs will be posted to inform residents and guests of road closures and detour routes. For more information, contact Public Works Director John Loete at (847) 697-3160

Christmas Open House at Elgin Windmill Factory Antiques

Wednesday December 6, 5-9pm

Elgin Windmill Factory Antiques
80 N. State Street (Route 31)
Elgin, Illinois 60123
847-717-0327

We will be celebrating the entire day so stop in whenever is convenient for your busy
schedule. We will have finger sandwiches, hot cider, punch and other goodies for
you to munch. The antique mall will have several dealers present and many
discounts will be available to you during that time. We will have live music with
piano playing, harp, flute, and maybe even cow bells. We hope that many of you
can make it on this special night of fun and just enjoying being out with many of our
friends. You can always check out our website at http://www.elginwindmillfactoryantiques.com
for further details, directions or just to contact us.

Aaron Neville Concert Cancelled Due to Weather

The Aaron Neville concert at the Hemmens Auditorium in Elgin scheduled for tonight is canceled due to weather conditions. Ticket holders are asked to keep their tickets until further information is available. An announcement will be made by Hemmens’ management by Monday, with more specific details concerning a rescheduled date. Check the Hemmens’ Web site at www.hemmens.org for updated information.

Meanwhile, any current ticket holder to the Aaron Neville Concert can purchase tickets at half-price for Saturday (Dec. 2) Windham Hill Winter Solstice performance by showing their tickets at The Hemmens’ Box Office. This concert is scheduled for 8 p.m., after the Elgin’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Civic Plaza.

Elgin's local artists get home of their own

From the Chicago Tribune on November 28, 2006

A nomadic existence isn't uncommon for theater groups, but Sean Hargadon will happily relinquish the role when Elgin opens a city-subsidized theater space next year.

The Elgin resident founded Janus Theatre Company eight years ago, and his troupe has done shows in Chicago and around the suburbs.

"I think this is overdue; there has been a real need for this type of venue in Elgin," Hargadon said. "We had to do a lot of work in Chicago because there wasn't any space in Elgin."

Renovation of the eighth floor at 164 Division St. for the "black box" theater, whose spaces are typically unadorned, is expected to be complete in time for a January opening. The eight-story Gothic-style office building opened in 1928 and is registered as a local historic site. The city will pay about $115,000 over three years to owner 164 Division LLC, a Chicago investment group.

Read the article here.

Elgin Academy Media, Science and Fine Arts Center

The Media, Science, and Fine Arts Center--a major building in the center the of the Academy’s Hilltop Campus--assumes the highest priority for facilities improvements that will be instrumental in helping the school accomplish its goals.

The building is designed as an environmentally sensitive, LEED-certified structure under the criteria of the U.S. Green Building Council. It will be a “campus hub” while serving the needs of every student in Early Childhood, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

The Academy anticipates construction of the Center at the corner of Dundee Avenue and Kimball Street. The facility will encompass approximately 42,300 square feet on four levels. It is designed to meet a variety of needs for all students, from preschool through twelfth grade.
· A new Library will provide ample space to increase the print and electronic collections that compliment the EA curriculum and will be fully integrated with the computer technology resources of the Academy.
· The Fine Arts Department and virtually all Fine Arts activities will be served by the new Center. The Black Box Theatre will serve the needs of all EA students, as well as providing performance space for many community performing arts groups who will rent the space.
· New state-of-the-art Science and Math Labs will serve Middle and Upper School students.

The new Center will spark many other beneficial changes and will create new opportunities to use space in Edwards, Sears, and North Halls. The greatest changes will occur in Sears Hall where several classrooms are being renovated, lockers replaced, and bathrooms remodeled. Changes in North Hall include converting the art rooms to Preschool and Lower School classrooms. Changes in Edwards Hall include enlarging the computer lab and renovating science classrooms.

Schedule:
Spring 2007 Groundbreaking for the new Center, and construction begins
August 2008 Occupancy of New Media, Science, and Fine Arts Center

Go to the Elgin Academy web site for more information.

Water Main Installation Being Done At Night

Construction of the new water main on and across Chicago Street is being done the week of November 20th at night in order to minimize impact on downtown businesses and the motoring public. This work will include the installation of water main along the south side of Chicago Street from North Grove, where new water main has already been installed, to South Grove. At that intersection, the water main installation will turn south along South Grove. No further water main work on Chicago Street is anticipated in this phase of the project.

Lane closures on Chicago Street will begin at 7 p.m. but the street will remain open to traffic. All lanes on Chicago will be open before the morning rush hour. Utility construction in the downtown area has created many challenges. The night construction for the crossing of Chicago Street is being utilized in order to maintain full access to businesses during the day and to minimize disruption to traffic during peak times.

For further information, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Elgin Receives Three Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn concluded the 13th Annual Illinois Main Street Downtown Revitalization conference November 14 and 15 held in Waukegan with the Lieutenant Governor Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization. The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) with Community partners brought back to Elgin three awards recognizing local efforts.

The 2005 Block Walk Report Project completed by the DNA Design Committee was a co-winner of the Design Committee Project, the Judson College Partnership with DNA won in the Partnership Development category, and lastly Giants: African Dinosaurs Created by Project Exploration/ Dinos on Parade was a co-winner in the Special Event category. The Downtown Neighborhood Association also received designation as a Premier program through the Illinois Main Street Program, which there are only seven of in Illinois out of sixty-nine communities.

Present to receive an award for the 2005 Block Walk Report was architect, Eric Pepa, urban planner and landscape architect, Paul Bednar, and construction contractor, Rick Krocza as active DNA Design committee participants in this project. The judges declared,” This was a wonderfully proactive approach and a great model for other Main Streets.”

Present to receive an award for the Judson College Partnership was Provost & VP for Academic Affairs, Dale Simmons, Architecture department chair Dr. Curtis Sartor, and students Josh McGarvey, Nickolas Coile, John Wetendorf, Aaron Wood, and recent graduate Maria Sierra. One judge commented, “What a great use of their resources! The students benefit from practical experience and the community reaps the awards!”

Present to receive the “Giants: African Dinosaurs Created by Project Exploration/ Dinos on Parade” award from Gail Borden Public Library was Carole Medal, executive director, Karen Maki, deputy director, Denise Raleigh, director of communications and Jean Bednar, library board member and foundation trustee. The judges declared this a “Dino-mite project” that Gail Borden Public Library, the community and DNA took part in. The project was a success because of a tremendous number of people that contributed.

Illinois Main Street communities from throughout the state submit their best projects for the annual awards. A distinguished panel of judges, including economic development specialists, historic preservation architects, and downtown professionals made the award decisions.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Office administers the Illinois Main Street program, which has 69 designated communities, with an additional 25 introductory communities on the way. It is based on a national model that offers communities help with issues of historic preservation, economic development and downtown improvements. Illinois has the 4th largest program out of the 40 plus states that belong to the National Main Street program administered through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Downtown Elgin’s Window Wonderland “Holidays Around The World” Event Ushers in Holiday Season

The Downtown Neighborhood Association’s 8th Annual Window Wonderland Event kicks off the holiday season on December 2 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. All of the event festivities will take place on Elgin’s east side in historic downtown Elgin. This year’s theme, “Holidays Around The World” features activities and events offered by eighteen downtown businesses and several outside organizations. Offerings include refreshments, crafts for children, story-telling, dance workshops, music, dessert and coffee sampling, face-painting, and games. The event coincides with the City of Elgin’s annual tree-lighting ceremony.
Photos with Santa Claus will be offered in the historic Tower Building on the corner of Douglas and Chicago/Grove Streets from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Cost for photos will be $5 each if individuals present a stamped Holidays Around The World “passport,” or $8 each without an event passport. Event passports may be picked up at the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) office at 2 Douglas Ave. or businesses listed below. All activities are free and open to the public.
Assett Realty, 123 S. Grove will have food sampling; Aztec Imports, 163 E. Chicago will offer refreshments; Café Magdalena, 13 Douglas will offer story-telling, “African Christmas” with a craft and refreshments for 3-10 year olds at 2pm and 3:30pm; Evolution Staffing, 10 Douglas will host a bean bag toss game by the St. Edward’s Crusader Youth Cheerleaders; Gasthaus, 15 N. Grove will offer strudel and hot chocolate; Great American Family Diner, 231 Douglas will offer ornament decorating and cheesecake sampling; Jalapenos Restaurant, 7 Clock Tower Plaza will offer a craft for 3-10 year olds, music and Mexican dessert sampling; Kirkpatrick, Jones & Herzog, 19 S. Spring will offer a craft for children; La Quebrada, 50 N. Spring will offer Mariachi’s (music); Let’s Meet For Coffee, 109 E. Highland will offer coffee samples; Mobile Media, 231 Douglas will offer doughnuts; Montana Realty, 8 N. Douglas will offer face-painting and temporary tattoos by the St. Edward’s Crusader Youth Cheerleaders; Razor’s Edge, 55 Douglas will offer hot apple cider; ReRuns Thrift Store, 72 S. Grove will offer refreshments and a sale; Shockey Jewelers, 18 Douglas will offer champagne, refreshments and a sale; Tower Building—ground floor, Corner of Douglas and Chicago/Grove will offer photos with Santa for a fee; YWCA of Elgin, 220 E. Chicago will offer refreshments. Reflejo Latino Dance Group, 15 ½ Ziegler Court will offer dance workshops for 10-16 year olds at 2pm and 2:30pm and 4pm and 4:30pm; Individuals 17 years old and up may attend dance workshops at 3pm and 3:30pm. The Bartlett High School Choir and the Salvation Army will also offer special music all afternoon.
Area groups and downtown businesses and organizations begin decorating windows for the window decorating contest to the theme, “Holidays Around The World” Nov. 17- Dec. 1. Judging by popular vote begins on the day of the event, Dec. 2 and continues through Dec. 24. Windows will also be evaluated by a panel of judges on the day of the event. Votes by the public may be cast by picking up a ballot on the day of the event from the Downtown Neighborhood Association office on 2 Douglas or at any of the participating businesses. Additional information is available online www.downtownelgin.org. The event is sponsored by Chase Bank, Elgin Toyota, and Nick’s Liquors.
If you are interested in more information on how to be part of the Downtown Neighborhood Association or would like to volunteer, please contact the office at 847-488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org.

Elgin on WTTW-Channel 11 on 11/28

WTTW-Channel 11 will air “The Fox River Valley and Chain o’ Lakes” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28.

The show will feature the Watch Factory, the observatory and Walton Island.

Update:
Encore Airings of this Episode
Tuesday, November 28 at 9:30 pm
Sunday, December 10 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 10 at 10:00 pm

Water Main Break on Grove

Some drivers may have had a few choice words for "the City" when they encountered Grove Ave closed during the Friday evening rush hour. You can take back those words, Public Works was just doing their job. A water main decided it was time to break. With Chicago and Highland down to one lane and the traffic signal work at every intersection, the traffic was backed up in all directions.

The good news is there will be less of these unexpected inconveniences as the five year project to replace all the water mains downtown gets started next week. The bad news is in order to do this there will be planned street closings in limited areas over the next five years.

Hemmens Shows x Four - November 7,9,10,11

There is a show for everyone next week at the Hemmens. For tickets call the box office at 847.931.5900.

- George Winston - Tuesday, November 7, 7:30pm (Solos on piano, guitar, harmonica, and piano dances)
- B.B. King - Thursday, November 9, 8pm (Need we say more about a Blues Legend?)
- Kathy Griffin - Friday, November 10, 8pm (An evening of laughs with this stand-up comedian) SOLD OUT
- Eric Burdon & The Animals - Saturday, November 11, 8pm (Say what British Invasion of the 60's)

Calling All Window Wonderland Decorators

This year’s theme “Holidays Around the World” will feature a wide array of beautifully decorated windows with an international flair in downtown Elgin. If you or your group would like to participate, simply fill out the FORM and fax it back to the DNA office at (847)488-1449 by Monday, November 6. Forms are available online at Window Wonderland form .

Window decorating will take place beginning November 17 and ending on Friday, Dec. 1. All windows must be ready for the big event on December 2. On December 2, a panel of judges will view all of the windows in the contest and will cast their vote for 1st and 2nd place winners in each category: Open (individuals/families/not-for-profits); Student (groups of children age 18 and younger); and Business. The public will also have an opportunity to cast their vote from Dec. 2 through Dec. 25 via ballots available on our web site and in a variety of locations throughout downtown Elgin. Any questions e-mail pmeek@elginil.org or call (847) 488-1456.

New Date for Start of Central Business District (CBD) Street Resurfacing

Central Business District (CBD) Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Program

Start Date for Central Business District Streetscape Program Rescheduled

Construction work on the utility upgrades associated with the first phase of the five year Central Business District Streetscape program has been re-scheduled to begin during the week of November 6. This work will consist of the installation of new water mains, hydrants and water services. Construction will now begin on North Grove Avenue at Highland Avenue. Work will proceed south to Chicago Street, east on Chicago Street to South Grove Avenue and then proceed south on South Grove to Prairie Street. The overall first phase of this project includes utility work on Grove Avenue, between Highland Avenue and Prairie Street, Fulton Street between Villa Street and Spring Street, and Spring Street between Chicago Street and Fulton Street/Grove Street.

The new start date of the construction and the change in the starting location was done to avoid conflict with the sewer separation work which is scheduled to be completed soon.

The nature of the utility construction in the downtown area will create many challenges. The construction will be planned and executed in order to maintain reasonable access during construction, and minimize disruption to the extent possible. During the project, an ongoing public involvement and outreach effort will be maintained to keep stakeholders and the general public informed including newsletters, updates, and project status reports via mailings/handouts and on the City’s website.

For further information, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Fox River Renaissance Alliance Presentation

Several firms are making presentations to the Fox River Renaissance Alliance on Wednesday, November 1st at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue, Elgin, Il. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. and is open to the public.

The schedule is as follows:
1:00 pm - WRD Environmental
1:45 pm - Applied Ecological Services
2:30 pm - LRMG (Land Resource Management Group)
3:15 PM - Hitchcock Design

For more information please contact Denise Raleigh at 847-429-5981.

Link to information on the Fox River Renaissance Alliance. (This is a large file, be patient)

PADS Site on Zoning and Subdivision Hearing Board Agenda

The new site for PADS is on the agenda of Zoning and Subdivision Hearing Board meeting on November 1, 2006 at 7 p.m. The board meets in the city council chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 150 Dexter Ct. Elgin, IL 60120.

PADS has been trying to find a permenant location for several years but everytime a site is selected another roadblock is put up. This time the location is in an industrial area near Elgin Community College, 1730 Berkley St., south of U.S. 20 and west of McLean Boulevard.

Courier News article from October 20th.

Is This in our Future?

The following article struck a chord with me:

Hollywood Florida rejects $100,000 in incentives for Starbucks
By Richard Layman

There have been discussions regarding what will happen to our local home grown businesses as the new residential developments start to fill up and the retail spaces are occupied. Will the desire of some for national brand name retail overshadow the existing businesses that have survived the years of economic decline and the current impact of construction disrupting their operations. It has been suggested that funding be made available to existing businesses to help offset the negative impact during the extensive construction. The progress is certainly welcome and the end result is sure to be worth the sacrifice but don't forget those who paved the way.

Riverside Deck Proposals

Two proposals for the renovation of the Riverside Deck were presented to the city council on Wednesday, October 25th. Hitchcock Design Group and Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum Planning Group each presented three concepts.

All three proposals from the HOK Planning Group involved reuse of the existing pilings. One had several sections that extended over the river using the existing pilings while the rest would be removed. Another configured the sections in levels that stepped down toward the river. The last one connected the sections with a series of landscaped areas that reached down towards the river. All three included a fishing pier at the south end.

The Hitchcock Design Group also reused the pilings in two of it's proposals but removed them all in a third design that didn't involve any sections extending out into the river. Instead they proposed using the money saved to fund the pedestrian bridge at Prairie Street that was in the Riverfront Master Plan. It was pointed out that if this route was taken and all the pilings were removed, it was very doubtful that the city would ever be allowed to have a structure that extended into the river in the future. Their first proposal reused all the existing pilings while replacing the deck surface and included a covered structure located half way between Highland and Prairie. The second design replaced the permanent structure with several areas where temporary structures could be placed during the warmer seasons. A boardwalk which sloped down towards the river was added in this design to allow more access to the river. All three proposals involved environmentally friendly designs for the water runoff from the street and pedestrian areas.

The Courier News and Daily Herald articles are linked below.
2 firms unveil plans for Fox deck
Design firms pitch ideas for Riverside rehab

You can view the presentations on the City of Elgin Government Access Channel 17:
Monday at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.
Friday at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

What are your thoughts?

Water Main Break Repair on Sunday

City crews will repair a water main break in the central business district beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, October 29th.
"We understand that this is a tremendous inconvenience. We will do everything we can to ensure the work is handled as expeditiously as possible," said Public Works Director John Loete. The repair will require crews to shut off water throughout the area on East Chicago Street from the Spring Street Parking Deck to across State Street (Illinois 31). Water service also will be turned off from Grove Avenue and DuPage Court to the Elgin Tower Building. Water service should be restored by 3 p.m. There will be traffic signs to better direct motorists through the area. Residents and guests also will be unable to park on East Chicago Street, from Spring to Villa streets.
For more information, please call (847) 931-3160.

Central Business District Streetscape Program Construction to Begin

Phase 1 of the five year streetscape program begins next week with the underground work.

Construction work on the utility upgrades associated with the first phase of the five year Central Business District Streetscape program is scheduled to begin during the week of October 30. This work will consist of the installation of new water mains, hydrants and water services with work starting on South Grove Avenue, at Chicago Street and proceeding south. The overall first phase project will include utility work on Grove Avenue, between Highland Avenue and Prairie Street, Fulton Street between Villa Street and Spring Street, and Spring Street between Chicago Street and Fulton Street/Grove Street.

The nature of the utility construction in the downtown area will create many challenges. The construction will be planned and executed in order to maintain reasonable access during construction, and minimize disruption to the extent possible. During the project, an ongoing public involvement and outreach effort will be maintained to keep stakeholders and the general public informed including newsletters, updates, and project status reports via mailings/handouts and on the City’s website.

The construction work on Chicago Street is part of a multi-year sewer separation project for all of Elgin. It was moved up in the schedule so it wouldn't interfere with the streetscape work.

For further information, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

UPDATE: The project start date has been changed to November 6th so it doesn't conflict with the ongoing sewer separation work.

Five Year Streetscape Plan

The City of Elgin has engaged the services of TranSystems Corporation and DLK Civic Design to provide design services for water main and water service replacement, streetscape amenities construction and street resurfacing. The CBD Streetscape Improvement Project is in the City’s current five-year master plan with $15.5 million budgeted for utility and streetscape work.

Three public meetings have been held to collect input on sidewalk materials, trees and plantings and pedestrian access. The following links are the materials presented at the October 17th meeting:

Concepts
Elements

The Streetscape Master Plan is in the works and will be presented at the fourth public meeting.

This is the schedule:
2006 Underground, 2007 Surface: Sidewalk, curb and gutter and street reconstruction/resurfacing on sections of Grove, Spring and Fulton.

2007 Underground, 2008 Surface: Chicago Street from State to Center, Spring Street from Chicago to Highland, and DuPage Street from Spring to Center.

2008 Underground, 2009 Surface: Douglas Street from Chicago to Symphony, Symphony Way from Douglas to Dundee, and Division Street from Douglas to Center.

2009 Underground, 2010 Surface: Highland Avenue from State to Center, Grove Street from Highland to City Hall, and Center Street from Dexter to Kimball.

2010 Underground, 2011 Surface: Spring Street from Highland to Kimball and Dexter Avenue from City Hall to Center.

Riverside Deck Presentation

Two proposals for the renovation of the Riverside Deck will be presented to the city council at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, October 25th at 5:00 p.m. Please note the early starting time and get there on time, the presentation is the first item on the agenda. Hitchcock Design Group and Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum Planning Group are the two design firm competing for the project. The firms are required to present three concepts, one with access to the riverfront, one without access and one concept of the firm’s choosing. This project will link the riverwalk improvements north of Highland Avenue with the recently completed section south of Prairie Street at a cost estimated to be 10 million dollars.

Elgin Community Network (ECN) Podcasts

The ECN Community Builder online show is a wonderful vehicle for Elgin. It is fulfilling ECN's vision of service to the community. The ECN has limited funds, and therefore the promotion of this show lies very much in the hands of volunteers and supporters. You can listen to or download programs at: www.ecn.libsyn.com.

The September edition includes Norma Miess, Executive Director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. She discusses how the DNA focuses on cohesively bringing together the business community for a stronger downtown.

When you go to the website you will see a pod button next to the title of the show. Click the pod button and it will bring up your media player and play the program. Click the right mouse button to download the program so you can listen whenever and wherever you please. For information on the show or to help please contact Gary Joy at 847-628-9717.

The Elgin Community Network is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to:
- Supporting communication, education and collaboration between Elgin neighborhoods, city council and staff.
- Encouraging residents to be involved in their neighborhood and community.

The Community Builder covers useful topics, shares information and builds on our community's success.

2006 Illinois Main Street Conference

Don't miss the Illinois Main Street conference in Waukegan on November 14th and 15th.
Elgin's own Paul Bednar will be presenting a session on Block Walks.

Register Online for the Conference
Registration Sheet for Printing Out
Agenda and More Info (.pdf file)

UPDATE
This just in. Elgin is a finialist in the following four categories of the 2006 Illinois Main Street Awards:

• Design Committee Project - Block Walk Report
• Special Event or Festival - Gail Borden Library's GIANT Exhibit
• Partnership Development - DNA & Judson College Partnership
• Heritage Tourism Activity - Cinco de Mayo Festival & Parade

The winners will be announced at the Lt. Governor’s Awards for Downtown Revitalization dinner on November 15th in Waukegan.

You won’t want to miss this year’s awards event rivaling the Oscars and the Tony Awards! The sounds of the Harrison Bankhead Trio will serenade you during the reception with hors d’ oeuvres and cash bar. Then you’ll be escorted to your seat in the theatre where the celebration will continue. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will present the Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization and recognize new and outstanding Main Street communities. Everyone is a star this night when the curtain rises and dinner is served on the Genesee Theatre stage. Semi-formal attire requested. Dinner is $50 make your reservation at Register Online for the Conference Registration or Registration Sheet for Printing Out.

E. Chicago Down to One Lane for Two Weeks

Chicago Street, from Douglas to Spring, will be reduced to only one lane for about two weeks starting October 16th. Parking along Chicago Street will be prohibited, however, access to businesses will be available. The construction is part of the City of Elgin’s $1.3 million 2006 Combined Sewer Separation Project approved by Council last year. The Combined Sewer Separation Program will incrementally separate wastewater and storm water sewers over the next 15 years. For more info contact Steve Pertzborn, the City’s Senior Engineer, at (847) 931-5964.

Illinois Main Street Architects to Visit Downtown Elgin

The Downtown Neighborhood Association has invited IHPA architects to conduct a workshop, offer design advice, and lead a building maintenance tour for business and property owners.

Architects from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA), working through the Illinois Main Street program, will be in Elgin all day on Tuesday, October 24 to provide businesses, agencies, and building owners design assistance through presentations, one-on-one sessions, and a walking tour. The state architects provide these services at no charge to Illinois Main Street communities like Elgin.

Downtown Neighborhood Association’s (DNA) Design Committee co-chairs Eric Pepa, Paul Bednar, Betsy Couture, and Dave Segel have worked with the Illinois Main Street architects to develop a full day of design assistance for Downtown Elgin.

Schedule
8 a.m. - Sessions on visual merchandising and low-cost design improvements at the DNA offices at 2 Douglas Avenue. Coffee and pastries will be served.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - One-on-one design assistance sessions with downtown business and property owners. Any interested Downtown Elgin business owner, agency or property owner can schedule an appointment by calling the DNA in advance at (847) 488-1456.

12 p.m. - Lunch


4:30 p.m. - The IHPA staff will discuss proper maintenance and repair of historic downtown buildings. There are several maintenance issues that, if addressed early, can save building owners tremendous amounts of time and money in the long run. This well-illustrated presentation identifies common causes of deterioration in historic building materials and examines necessary and appropriate repair techniques.

5:30 p.m. - IHPA staff will lead an hour-long tour of buildings in downtown Elgin, focusing on positive aspects of storefronts and areas where conditions might be improved. The public is welcome to attend the morning and afternoon sessions and tour. Packets will be available that discuss the various grants and tax credits available for downtown buildings from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and from the City of Elgin. In addition, information will be available regarding design assistance from the IHPA, the City of Elgin, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

To RSVP for any of these sessions please contact DNA at (847) 488-1456 by October 20.

Lao-American Organization Open House

I had the pleasure of attending the Lao-American Organization of Elgin Open House on Saturday. They have opened an office in the Professional Building. Their mission is:

"Unite and provide assistance to all people of Lao national origin, living in the Greater Elgin Area and it's surrounding cities, with emphasis on educational and Social-cultural factors as a focal point."

The organization has been in existence since 1996. They plan to use the office to hold classes and workshops to fulfill their mission. After learning about the group it was time for lunch so we went up to the top floor of the Professional Building for a buffet prepared by the members of LAOE. What could be better. Good food, great company and a spectacular view.

Lao-American Organization of Elgin, Inc.
164 Division St., Suite 508
Elgin, IL 60120

(847) 695-4505
www.laoofelgin.org

Downtown Elgin Blog on the Front Page of the Courier News

New media profiled on old media, "Elgin wired up on the Web". The Downtown Elgin and Elginite blogs were on the front page of the Monday, October 16th Courier News. I was interviewed by Kent Green several weeks ago. It's good to see the story, but I didn't expect the placement it got.

Nothing like vistors to inspire you to straighten up. My posting has been very light lately.

Downtown Streetscape Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 17th at 7 p.m.
Where: The Centre of Elgin
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
What: Elgin business owners and residents are invited to attend a third informational meeting about proposed sidewalk and street improvements for the downtown.

“The CBD Streetscape Improvement Project will enhance the appearance and condition of sidewalk areas and street resurfacing,” said John Loete, Elgin’s Public Works Director. “There have been two meetings with the community that have helped direct our efforts and we’re now ready to present a preliminary plan.”

The project’s utility work has been completed on Grove Avenue, Fulton Street and part of Spring Street and includes water system replacement and repairs to the sanitary and storm sewer systems.

To oversee the CBD Streetscape Improvement Project, the City of Elgin has engaged the services of TranSystems Corporation and DLK Civic Design to provide design services for water main and water service replacement, streetscape amenities construction and street resurfacing.

“The CBD Streetscape Improvement Project is in the City’s current five-year master plan with $15.5 million budgeted for utility and streetscape work,” said Loete. “Another $2 million is expected to be budgeted when the City’s new five-year master plan is completed in 2011.”

Following completion of the Streetscape Master Plan, the sidewalk, curb and gutter and street reconstruction/resurfacing on sections of Grove, Spring and Fulton will be completed in 2007. The balance of the proposed phasing is as follows:

2007 Underground, 2008 Surface: Chicago Street from State to Center, Spring Street from Chicago to Highland, and DuPage Street from Spring to Center.

2008 Underground, 2009 Surface: Douglas Street from Chicago to Symphony, Symphony Way from Douglas to Dundee, and Division Street from Douglas to Center.

2009 Underground, 2010 Surface: Highland Avenue from State to Center, Grove Street from Highland to City Hall, and Center Street from Dexter to Kimball.

2010 Underground, 2011 Surface: Spring Street from Highland to Kimball and Dexter Avenue from City Hall to Center.

“The nature of the underground and streetscape construction will create certain challenges in the downtown area,” said Loete. “As a result, construction will be planned and executed in order to maintain reasonable access during construction, and minimize disruption to the extent possible.

“Residents, business owners and other stakeholders will be kept informed about the project through including public meetings, newsletters, updates, and project status reports via mailings/handouts and on the City’s website,” continued Loete. “We want to ensure everyone knows what to expect.”

For more information, contact Loete at (847) 931-6001.