Hinsdale And Neighbor Differ On Approach To Streets

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs this week decided to redo a portion of Hillgrove Avenue, replacing the asphalt with concrete.

Even though the concrete is more expensive, village officials said they preferred the material for its streets because of its longevity.

Earlier this month, the Hinsdale Village Board went a different way with its Eighth Street project. It chose asphalt over concrete.

The lowest bid that Hinsdale received for concrete wasn't as high as officials originally thought — $1.5 million, about $200,000 more than the asphalt option. Despite debates over the choice, trustees unanimously voted for asphalt, saying the traffic didn't warrant the extra cost of concrete.

On Monday, the Western Springs Village Board decided to go with concrete for Hillgrove from Prospect Avenue to the village's public works facility.

The concrete is expected to cost the village $178,000. The Illinois Tollway is paying for the rest of the project because it needs to tear up the street for storm sewer and water main improvements.

Matthew Supert, the village's municipal services director, said he believed concrete was the best way to go. It lasts 60 years, compared with 25 years for asphalt, he said.

He pointed to the village's Forest Hills subdivision as an example. Many of its streets are original from the 1960s.

"Most of the streets are in very good condition," Supert said. "It gives a nice testament to the longevity of concrete. The surface maintains that much better."

Since Supert joined the village government in 2007, all the village's reconstruction projects have involved concrete, he said.

Trustee James John questioned whether spending the money was wise, given that other streets needed work.

"I do have a bit of a concern that we're adding $178,000 that would not be directly benefitting homeowners," he said.

Others said many residents use the portion of Hillgrove in question, including for the recreation center, pool and theater.

Supert said the village was using the proceeds from its 27-year bonds to cover the $178,000. It was best to use such money for projects that outlast the bonds, as concrete streets would, he said.

The Village Board voted to proceed with using concrete, with John dissenting.