By Bob Seidenberg
Once again, Evanston city staff is pushing for action backing funding assistance for a protected two-way bike lane running nearly the length of Chicago Avenue rather than spacing out discussion on the issue.
Officials are recommending Council action on Monday night’s agenda for grant funds from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency (CMAP) to go towards planning for the Chicago Avenue Corridor Improvements Project.
Staff made a similar move at their September 9th Council meeting concerning an application to the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program for grant funds, passing the item without discussion and acting without the regular two-week waiting period designed to facilitate citizen comment.
The CMAP grant application would fund up to 80 percent of eligible construction and construction engineering costs, officials said in a memo. The total estimated
project cost, officials reported, including construction and construction engineering services, is roughly $13.9 million. If
awarded, the total grant funding would be $11,163,200, and the City’s share would be
$2,79 million, officials said in a memo.
The discussion is planned one day before a city meeting called in response to mounting business opposition to the lane, with some business owners maintaining it will cut off customer access to parking spots.
Members of the local cycling community, meanwhile, with Streetsblog of Chicago, a cycling advocacy group, playing a leading role, have launched a strong lobbying campaign, maintaining there is still overwhelming support for the $14 million-plus project.
The meeting Tuesday about the parking removed for the protected lane is scheduled to be held from 7 to 9 p.m., in Room B/C at the Robert Crown Community Center, 1801 Main St.
Tonight’s Council meeting, meanwhile, is scheduled to start at 5:45 p.m., in council chambers at the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave.
The meeting is also scheduled to be broadcast live on Channel 16, which may be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel.
