May 2011 Block Captain Meeting

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin (DNA) Upcoming Special Events
www.downtownelgin.org
Speaker: Tonya Hudson, Executive Director

The DNA has identified five key areas of concern that are currently impacting the perception and development of downtown, and have a program for 2011 to address these issues:

1. Supporting existing and new businesses

• 'Downtown Block-by-Block' program (neighborhood watch)
• Grant money for businesses, community groups or organizations to make a positive, unique and innovative impact on downtown
• DNA scholarships for DNA-member business owners and their employees to attend workshops and conferences
• Support businesses during the first year of operation with workshops and a downloadable business start-up guide

2. Quantity and appearance of vacant storefronts

• 'For Lease or Sale in Downtown Elgin', a marketing assistance program to attract new businesses, encourage investment in downtown and address appearance issues
• 'Elgin Pop-Up Poetry Project' to celebrate Elgin's rich history and local writing talent by displaying poetry contest winner's work in downtown kiosks, storefront windows and other public facilities starting in June 2011

3. Lack of marketing and special events

• Due to financial cutbacks the DNA is utilizing social media to promote existing businesses, teaming up with partner organizations, such as the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and distributing downtown directory brochures to select Elgin households, in the Daily Herald & new Elgin companies
• Encourage businesses that wish to host more 'street fair' type of events
• New street banners on Douglas, Spring, N. Grove, Highland and Chicago
• Downtown Harvest Market is moving to the former Gail Borden Library parking lot (Kimball & N. Grove)

4. Parking inconsistencies and misconceptions

• Downtown parking committee formed due to large amount of complaints from downtown business owners and customers (eg. inconsistencies in parking limits and lack of accurate and adequate signage contributing to a general 'unwelcome' feeling)

5. Creating a downtown identity based on unique assets

• 'Downtown Brainstorm Workshop' in August 2011 to create a wish list for new downtown businesses that will increase downtown awareness and set Elgin apart from the competition

2011 Construction Projects for Elgin
http://www.cityofelgin.org/
Speaker: Dan Ault - City Managers Office & City Works

Types of Road Maintence Projects

• Resurfacing - Three and a half inches of the surface is removed & replaced.  Done every 10 - 12 years, in theory.
• Rehabilitation - Water main, gutter, curb, sidewalk, surface & sometimes sewer is replaced.
• Reconstruction - 'Starting over' by removing everything including old bricks from the 1800's.  The road is surfaced with concrete which lasts longer but is difficult to repair.  Done every 40 - 50 years but often 100 years.  Road is closed for the entire season (February to October or November).   
• Sewer separation - Elgin currently has a combined sewer but the federal government is mandating that they be separated.  Therefore, new storm sewers must be built, water mains adjusted and new surface applied.  Long-term goal is to start downtown and move to the neighborhoods over 30 - 40 years.
• Streetscape improvement (downtown) - The goal is to reinvent which requires multiple years and is very expensive.
• In-house paving - Patch-up jobs until major work can be done.
• Development improvements - eg. Sherman Hospital & new Walmart

Funding

• General Fund (as needed)
• Riverboat - for neighborhood resurfacing
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) - borrowed against property tax revenues and can only be used for infrastructure or blighted areas (eg. Bluff City area).  In twenty-five years, if the money isn't used, it goes back into the taxing body.
• Motor Fuel Tax
• Council of Mayors - Federal grants that fund at least 80% of select projects are distributed to the state and then to the city.  For example 95% of the Big Timber resurfacing project was funded this way.
• Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Construction Plans For 2011

Many of the resurfacing projects in Elgin are complete.  The plan for 2011 is to take a 'year off' compared to the number of projects underway in 2010.  Here is a list of projects planned for 2011:

• Eagle Heights North (new water main), Raymond Street area, North & Porter area and Seneca Street will be rehabilitated
• West River Road & Maroon Drive with two unnamed alternates (funded by the Motor Fuel Tax)
• Lord's Street Project combined sewer separation
• Central Business District/Downtown - Finish crosswalks from phase IV and that's it!
• North McLean Blvd, north of Big Timber (funded by the Recovery and Reinvestment Act)
• Bowes Road & Randall Road to be complete by September or November (new Walmart)
• I-90 resurfacing
• Route 20 (funded by I-Dot)

National Police Week
Elgin Police Department

151 Douglas Avenue

May 15 - 21, 2011

The Elgin Police Department will be hosting the Annual Police Officer Memorial Service, Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at 2:30 pm.  The service is held annually to honor officers who have been killed in the line of duty locally and across the country.  The Formal Wreath Ceremony will take place at 2:30 pm.  Members of the Elgin Police Honor Guard will lower the flags, conduct a 21 gun salute and conclude the service, including the playing of Taps.  The general public is invited to attend.  Refreshments will be served in the lobby of the police department.  In addition, the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will be debuting a new historical display and there will be information tables in the lobby.  Tours of the department will be available upon request.

25th Annual Special Olympics Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The Elgin Police Department is hosting the Torch Run and invite your support and/or participation.  For more information call the Elgin Police Department Community Relations Department at 847-289-2530.

The 28th Annual National Night Out

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The National Night Out is a great opportunity to build neighborhood unity & strengthen police - community partnerships.  It is also a chance to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  Help create safer neighborhoods by getting to know your neighbors and celebrate community efforts to fight crime.  Let's hold a Block Party!

Please RSVP ASAP to Erin or Laura at windmerewatch@gmail.com!!  Let us know how many children will be coming. 

If we register our Block Party with the Elgin PD, prior to Friday, June 24th, 2011, our Block Party will be visited by the City (police officer, the fire department, a city dignitary, and if possible, a costumed mascot).  We will guage the level of interest prior to committing to this event.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!