Peotone — April 3 Public Hearing Set on Downtown Streetscape Project
By Karen Haave
The Village of Peotone will kick off its $3.3 million Downtown Streetscape Project with an Open House on Wednesday, April 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Will County Fairgrounds Atrium.
Officials say the project will upgrade the downtown infrastructure, including streets and sidewalks, as well as beautify the entire area with several aesthetic improvements. The “overarching goal” is to attract new businesses and development, and ultimately more
shoppers and visitors to the downtown area.
The project is expected to start in early April, weather permitting, and will be completed by the end of November.
The Downtown Streetscape Project is being funded by a $2.5 million grant from the State of Illinois, with the remainder of the costs covered by funds from the Village’s Business Development District, which earmarks 1 percent of sales taxes to improve business corridors.
Village officials are working with the downtown business owners to share access information once construction begins, as well as promote their products and services through its communication channels. These include a newly established E-newsletter and social media pages.
Visit villageofpeotone.com/connect-
“We are very excited to kick off this project, which will not only revitalize and upgrade our downtown streets and sidewalks, but also add new benches, modern streetlights, trees, planting
beds and a dedicated outdoor event space for future community events – making the downtown area a more attractive and inviting place for all who visit,” said Peotone Village President Peter March.
“We do understand it will present temporary challenges to access our downtown businesses and we are ready to assist in promoting them for the duration of the project.”
Alternate parking areas will be available to downtown Peotone shoppers and visitors throughout the project.
Wednesday’s Open House at the Fairgrounds, 710 S. West St., will include village representatives, as well as the engineering and design firms who are managing the project.
The public is invited to attend to learn more about the project’s many facets, and to ask questions and provide feedback.
Frequently asked questions and an alternate parking map, along with road closure information when construction begins can be found at villageofpeotone.com/downtown-streetscape-project/.
Additional questions or feedback can be emailed to [email protected].
Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.