Local authorities are renovating sidewalks in La Salle, with the mayor enthusiastic about the upcoming hotel auction.
## City of La Salle Enhances Pedestrian Infrastructure with ADA-Compliant Sidewalk Project
The City of La Salle is making strides in improving accessibility and safety for its residents, particularly students, with a new sidewalk improvement project. Funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, this initiative aims to create safer, ADA-compliant walking routes near Lincoln Junior High and Northwest Elementary schools [1].
## Project Scope and Locations
The project targets several key street segments, including Second Street from Hennepin to Union, Seventh Street, Eighth Street, Illinois Street, and Malcom Avenue. These upgrades will ensure that the sidewalks are ADA-compliant and will include curb and gutter replacement, pavement markings, and ADA-accessible sidewalk upgrades [1].
## Funding Breakdown
The city received a $200,000 grant from IDOT’s SRTS Program in 2019, specifically earmarked for projects benefiting Lincoln Junior High and Northwest Elementary [1]. The city will provide an additional $150,000 towards the project, with $100,000 coming from Tax-Increment Funds and $50,000 from General Corporate Funds [1].
## Program Context
IDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program seeks to encourage walking and biking and to remove safety barriers for K-8 students travelling to and from school [1]. By upgrading sidewalks and crosswalks to ADA standards, the City of La Salle aims to make these routes safer and more appealing for children and families.
## Summary Table
| Street Segment | Improvements | Funding Source | Total Amount | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------| | Second, Seventh, Eighth, Illinois, Malcom | ADA-compliant sidewalks, curbs, pavement markings | IDOT SRTS Grant ($200,000) + City TIF ($100,000) + City General ($50,000) | $350,000 |
This project represents a significant investment in pedestrian infrastructure for La Salle, with a clear focus on accessibility, safety, and community well-being for its youngest residents [1].
Meanwhile, the Hotel Kaskaskia auction, announced seven weeks ago, is set to begin on Monday with a starting bid of $400,000. The current owner, CL Enterprises, will be handing over the property's management to its new owners, who will be responsible for addressing the building's structural issues. Mayor Jeff Grove will meet with the new owners to discuss ideas for the property and possible incentives [2].
Separately, the Maytag building on First Street is for sale, not auction, with an asking price of $399,000 [3]. The City Council has approved a joint funding agreement for the ADA-compliant sidewalk project, but the exact funding details have not been disclosed [4]. If necessary, the city will contribute additional funds for the project [4].
[1] City of La Salle News Release, 12 March 2023 [2] La Salle Journal-Register, 19 April 2023 [3] La Salle Journal-Register, 26 April 2023 [4] La Salle City Council Minutes, 3 May 2023
When discussing possible investments, one might consider the Hotel Kaskaskia auction, which starts on Monday with a starting bid of $400,000 [2]. Furthermore, for those interested in real-estate, the Maytag building on First Street is currently on sale for $399,000 [3]. In a completely separate context, the City of La Salle recently invested $350,000 in a pedestrian infrastructure project, enhancing and making ADA-compliant several street segments, including Second Street, Seventh Street, Eighth Street, Illinois Street, and Malcom Avenue, primarily funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation's SRTS Program and city funds [1].
