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PROPOSED EASEMENT REQUEST
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to grant a permanent easement to Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) at 183rd and Central in the Bobolink Meadow Land and Water Reserve near Tinley Park, Illinois, for 0.634 acre or 27,616 square feet.
Reason: IDOT has requested permanent easements on all four (4) corners totaling less than 1 acre to construct and maintain intersection improvements at 183rd Street and Central Avenue. The project is proposed to improve safety, drainage, and pedestrian crossings.
The improvements include high visibility crosswalks, new traffic signals with pedestrian countdowns, new and improved left turn lanes, and drainage improvements, including replacement culverts and ditch grading. The pedestrian crossings with countdown signals at all four (4) segments of the intersection are to accommodate future trail connections. The improved re-graded ditches will prevent standing water and flooding near Forest Preserves property. Although more than two (2) dozen trees are expected to be removed for this project, all are European Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa), which is considered an invasive species.
The area for the permanent easement is 0.634 acre. IDOT indicates that thirty-one (31) trees are expected to be removed for this project.
Easement Fee: $17,000.00
Tree Mitigation Fee: $8,456.92
Concurrence(s):
The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 6
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