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Old Town Streetscape and Roadway Improvements

October 4th, 2016

Village of Bloomingdale

 

Once a thriving destination for local business, the Old Town corridor has been in need of revitalization for several years. President Franco Coladipietro and the Village trustees spearheaded the project utilizing the Design/Build services of Burke, LLC to prepare the design and construction oversight of the multi-faceted streetscape and infrastructure improvement project. Working closely with Village Administrator Peter Scalera and Village Services Director Michael Marchi, the project was successfully completed in advance of the highly anticipated Septemberfest that was held on the project’s site this year.

The Old Town Streetscape and Roadway Improvement project consisted of elements intended to improve safety for vehicle and pedestrian users. Constructed to serve as the gateway to Old Town, a custom designed limestone and steel archway can be seen spanning over 3rd Street. Newly aligned sidewalks were constructed with streetscape elements incorporated into the design to enhance visibility, safety, and access along 3rd Street. A new decorative pedestrian plaza area along Franklin Street as well as benches and low wall limestone seating planters throughout the site are meant to encourage gathering. High visibility crosswalks at midblock locations and intersections will allow for enhanced pedestrian flow.

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Parking issues were addressed through the construction of a parking lot and by replacing the non-standard parking with new standard dimensioned parallel parking spaces. Nearly all of 3rd Street and Franklin Street (within the project limits) was fully reconstructed while the alley and street returns were resurfaced with new curb and gutter.

The project also included major utility infrastructure improvements. A new water main and a reconfigured storm sewer system were designed and constructed as part of the project. New ornamental street lighting and festoon lighting were installed along with electrical service lines and receptacle cabinets to be utilized for powering of various Village sponsored events. Additionally, coordination and phasing with the utility companies were completed in order to bury overhead cable and electrical lines and allow for the removal of all utility poles within the project limits.

The Village believes that these improvements will foster the creation of a vibrant commercial and pedestrian corridor which will generate additional sources of tax revenue and decrease the tax burden on local homeowners. The streetscape project will also enhance Bloomingdale’s proud sense of community and will create a new area to serve as a gathering place and gateway to the Village.

Orion Galey, PE
Senior Project Manager