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EASEMENT REQUEST
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the "Forest Preserves") to grant a permanent easement to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at Willow Road and Hibbard Road in Winnetka, Illinois of 0.073 acres (3,172 square feet) for road improvements. Construction is expected to require removal of only one (1) smaller tree. IDOT has agreed to pay easement fees. Staff recommends that the tree mitigation fee be waived due to minimal tree impact.
Reason: IDOT is seeking a small permanent easement for a road improvement project at the intersection of Willow Road and Hibbard Road. An existing sidewalk on the south side of Willow Road has been located on Forest Preserve land for many years and will be reconstructed as part of this project. There are no records of license or easement allowing the existing sidewalk, traffic light or mechanical box to be located on Forest Preserve land. IDOT, in coordination with the Village of Winnetka, is seeking to formalize the right to locate such improvements on Forest Preserves' land through the grant of a permanent easement. The planned improvements include a new right-turn lane for southbound Hibbard Road, updated traffic signals, and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramp upgrades. The area for the proposed easement is already impacted by the existing sidewalk and traffic signal equipment. The Department of Resource Management has reviewed and has no concerns.
The area for the permanent easement is 0.073 acres (3,172 square feet). Although staff initially believed that two trees might be impacted, IDOT clarified that only one small tree is expected to be removed for this project.
Easement Fee: $113,000.00
Tree Mitigation Fee: $1,064.30 (waived). Smaller existing trees at the corner of the intersection that may need to be removed would be within the road right-of-way following transfer of the easement.
Concurrence(s): The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. F...
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