The Rundown: 88th Avenue To Receive Improvements

88th Avenue Improvements: After many years of “we think this is it,” Mayor Gerald Bennett said that it looks like improvements to 88th Avenue have finally gained approval by Cook County and bidding could begin in June, with construction kicking off in late summer or fall.

Bennett said the county will pick up 100 percent of the cost of road improvements and 80 percent of the lighting and sidewalk costs. The city will come up with the 20 percent from its Motor Fuel Tax fund.

The improvements will include the addition of sidewalks, lighting, curb and gutter, and a center turn lane. The improvements will be between 103rd and 87th streets. When complete the road will have the same improvements as 103rd Street does.

“When this is complete we will be, I believe, one of the only towns in the area with lighting and sidewalks on all of major roads,” Bennett said.

A portion of the project also runs through Hickory Hills, which has the same agreement with the county as Palos Hills.

“I'm used to saying, 'it's here, it's ready,' but then something happens and it doesn't happen – this looks like it's it,” Bennett said.

He said the construction should not result in any extended lane closures to the road or through the winter months.

Bennett said the road has needed improvement for over 20 years, but details of the agreement and other road projects by the county delayed it.

Budget: Ald. A.J. Pasek (3rd Ward) announced that there was only one change to the 2011 – 2012 budget and the city expects to approve the budget and swear in re-elected officials at the next meeting. The single change was a $10,000 adjustment in the municipal gold course's funds.