Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Air quality, noise and security are among concerns.
A proposal to relocate the Pace bus shelter on Miner Street drew criticism from a group of residents at a city council meeting on July 2. City council discussed moving the bus shelter, currently in the 1400 block of Miner Street, across the street from the Metra depot, about two blocks southeast to the northeast corner of Miner and Pearson streets. The proposed location is in front of River Pointe Condominiums, which has buildings at 675 Pearson Street and 650 S. River Road. Many of the more than 55 residents that attended the meeting to voice their concerns live in River Pointe. “There is no legitimate reason why the bus stop should be moved from downtown,” said Al Brown, a River Pointe resident. “You are going to put a bus barn in the …
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Aldermen and resident raise concerns over process that caught some by surprise.
City council approved the mayor’s appointment of Michael Bartholomew, the director of community and economic development, as Des Plaines’ new city manager despite some concerns about how the city went about the appointment. Aldermen should have been more involved in the discussions and the city should have gone through the same hiring process it is currently using to find a new police chief, said Fifth Ward Alderman James Brookman. Earlier: Oakton's new science and health center part of five-year, transformative master plan. Mayor Martin Moylan said he saved the city about $20,000 by foregoing a search process, and Bartholomew’s experience and expertise “exceed expectations.” “It was my duty to appoint the city manager,” Moylan said. …
Monday, April 2, 2012
Unofficial totals show she has 2,319 votes.
It appears Susan Sweeney’s name will appear on the general election ballot in November to represent Illinois’ 55th House District. Sweeney ran in the March primary as a write-in candidate. Unofficial vote totals on Friday afternoon were 2,319 votes for Sweeney and 63 votes for Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, according to Kevin Artl, political director of the Illinois House Republican Organization. Mulligan announced in January she would not seek another term. Earlier: Sweeney says voters, government officials need to “step up.” Sweeney, a Park Ridge Republican, will face-off against Marty Moylan, mayor of Des Plaines and a Democrat, to represent the district, which includes portions of Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines, Park Ridge and Rosemont. In a …
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wages, training, among new requirements for company’s bidding on projects for the City of Des Plaines.
Companies that win Des Plaines’ bids for construction projects will now be required to meet new standards and six specific criteria. Des Plaines aldermen passed the Responsible Bidder ordinance, 7-1, at the city council meeting on Monday. Fifth Ward Alderman James Brookman voted against the ordinance. Brookman voiced concern in December that requiring bidders to offer training programs would push out smaller businesses and make it harder for them to work with the city. “This creates additional regulations we don’t need,” Brookman said. Earlier: Major renovations likely for downtown in 2012. Des Plaines’ new law parallels one now in effect in Cook County and statewide in Illinois. It applies only to construction project bids totaling $25,…
Laura Wagner
10:19 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Why move the shelter though? It serves its purpose better downtown, which is where most of the people getting on or off the bus are coming from or going to. And the reason for this is to improve safety for pedestrians and reduce congestion on the downtown streets? Seriously? I've walked that stretch of Miner Street at all hours of the day and night. There is never a time when it contributes to … more ›