Daily Herald
Nov. 11, 2007
The Prairie Parkway proposal that would run north-south and connect
to Interstates 80 and 90 along a line parallel to Route 47 certainly
inspires more discussion, and controversy, than an idea to expand the
Route 47 and I-88 interchange. But the village of Sugar Grove's idea to
ask neighboring villages to help fund a $196,000 feasibility study for
the expansion of that interchange deserves consideration. Completing an
eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp would help future commercial
development in that region, as well as in the village.
That's what Sugar Grove officials believe, which is why the village is
ready to put $50,000 toward the study, while also garnering $68,000
from developers in the area, including $50,000 from Crown Community
Development, which already has development proposals in place for the
key corners of the interchange.
We don't foresee Elburn or Kaneville officials jumping into this fray
to expand from two to four ramps without some coaxing. Those villages
surely would benefit from the improved transportation setup, but
neither has expressed a desire in the past to forge ahead with
development and growth. If Sugar Grove officials could persuade
developers to contribute even more to the study, it might make it
easier to pitch other villages to "have a say" by having a financial
commitment.
When considering the growth occurring in western Kane and eastern DeKalb counties, the need for a full interchange is clear.
Even if the feasibility study, which will examine construction options
and the pros and cons of development in that area, comes back with more
positive than negative feedback, village officials would do well to
have a champion in their corner from Springfield. It took former sate
Rep. Suzanne Deuchler many years to finally get the Orchard Road
interchange secured, and eventually made complete with the four off-on
ramps.
Potential development in the Route 47 and I-88 region and the improved
transportation setup, which would ease use of other county and state
roads, are real positives.
But we like the idea of the feasibility study and the prospect of this
project for a couple of other reasons. First, it simply is good
planning to think about this kind of expansion before a development
nearby makes it difficult, or even impossible, to do so. Second, the
growing Waubonsee Community College campus would be well-served by a
full interchange.
Eventually, the red tape of dealing with state agencies would represent
the most critical steps. The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority
stands to benefit from another revenue stream, so we would hope that
agency would embrace this effort. The Illinois Department of
Transportation would more likely be strapped for cash, thus a little
more difficult to convince.
Ultimately, we need to remind supporters and naysayers that a study
like this could also reveal negative aspects that those excited about
potential improvements have not thought about. It is a feasibility
study, not a "won't this be a great thing" study.
As such, area villages should be involved in discussions and accept a financial stake.