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EASEMENT REQUEST
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to grant two (2) permanent easements to Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways at 143rd Street east of Ridgeland Avenue in Oak Forest for a total of 5.266 acres or 229,387 square feet, more or less.
Reason: The bridge over 143rd Street was built in 1933 and now needs replacement. The dedication of the right-of-way for the existing bridge was never documented and recorded. The proposed easements include areas for the bridge replacement, construction staging, and future maintenance. The bridge will be re-built in two (2) stages with the north half first followed by the south half. The work would impact a small portion of the Tinley Creek Bike Trail that is supported by the bridge as well as ten (10) trees, resulting in tree mitigation fees. In practice, more trees may need to be removed than originally estimated. Any increase in the tree mitigation fee will be in accordance with the Tree Mitigation Plan (see Board Item No. 20-0279), and if such increase is more than 20% of the original estimate, then approval will be sought from the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners.
The area for the permanent easements is 5.266 acres. Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways indicates that ten (10) trees are expected to be removed for this project.
Easement Fee: $5,000.00
Tree Mitigation Fee: $71,868.12
Concurrence(s): The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final easement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 17
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