Huntley eyes plans and costs to upgrade downtown streetscape

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Updated: March 6, 2012 8:15AM

HUNTLEY — The village board reviewed concept plans for an improved downtown streetscape Thursday night, getting cost estimates on the initial phases for the work.

Representatives from Christopher Burke Engineering shared their proposal based on the recommendations from the 2010 Downtown Revitalization Plan.

The firm proposed three phases of work that would improve the look of Huntley from Route 47 and Main Street all the way to Myrtle Street. The completion of this proposal will enable the village to seek federal, state and local grants to pay for the improvements. The village has earmarked $50,000 in the 2012 budget for this purpose and still has more than $139,000 donated from the Schaffenegger Trust that also could be used for this purpose, according to staff.

Landscape architect Douglas Gotham detailed the first phase, which would include adding community gateway elements such as a brick welcome marquee and one or more LED message boards to catch the eye of motorists on Route 47. He also recommended screening, green plantings and park benches to help make the area more attractive to visitors.

The gateway work in Phase I is estimated to cost about $250,000 as presented.

In other business:

The village board is moving ahead with an effort to offer electricity to residents via a negotiated group rate. The board plans to enter into an agreement with Independent Energy Consultants and join forces with other municipalities to obtain better power rates for residents. The board is expected to approve the measure next week.

The program proposed by the village, which includes an opt-out feature, still must be approved by voters in a March 20 referendum.

The board reviewed the 2011 financial and investment reports for the fourth quarter of 2011.

Village Manager David Johnson said the reports are subject to final audit adjustments, with a final audit report to be presented in June.

Among the highlights of the past year, Johnson identified the income from building permits at more than double what the board budgeted for 2011. The year’s budgeted figure was $300,000, and the actual figure was $651,000.

“It was a good year for building permits,” Johnson said. “Huntley came in as the second highest in suburban Chicago market for new starts.”