Metra's Plan For Suburbs Gets Support

Chicago-based Metra announced that officials of the Northwest Municipal Conference support the estimated $1.1 billion Suburban Transit Access Route, the STAR Line project's first segment.

The 55-mile STAR Line will be the first step in creating an alternative to the automobile for the 1.2 million employees heading to work and a transit option for 1.6 million residents. The STAR line will connect nearly 100 communities and is the essential first step in creating a transit grid for the suburbs.

"Now it is time to begin the real work that will make this happen," said Phil Pagano, executive director of Metra. "We will begin work immediately to coordinate our efforts with business and community organizations."

Metra is proposing to use new, fuel-efficient diesel multiple power units, or DMUs, to operate the service.

The Chicago Transit Authority and Pace bus system have also put forward proposals.

Blagojevich Unveils $7.4B, Five-Year Road Program

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has unveiled a $7.4 billion, five-year road program that includes $1.7 billion for next fiscal year to repair and rehabilitate the existing network of roads and bridges, relieve congestion and fund new construction.

The governor noted the program will support 178,000 jobs in the construction industry. It provides $5.8 billion for state projects and $1.6 billion for local projects.

"Even though we face the worst fiscal crisis in this state's history, it's important that we continue the road program as aggressively as possible," he said.

The road program calls for the improvement of more than 2,300 miles of roads and the replacement or rehabilitation of more than 570 bridges.

It includes $3.5 billion in state funds, $3.6 billion in federal funds and $249 million in local funding.

The federal portion is based on funding estimates that assume the current level of funding under the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, which is set to expire this year. Congress is currently considering the reauthorization of TEA-21, and Illinois hopes to see increased federal funding because of the reauthorization.

About FACE At O'Hare

Construction has begun on the $300 million O'Hare Terminal Facade and Circulation Enhancement Project.

The O'Hare FACE Project is part of the Chicago Department of Aviation's on-going capital improvement program to update the existing infrastructure of the airport facility. The project is expected to be complete in 2007.

Program components include:

• A new canopy on terminals 1, 2 and 3 will provide a unified image. The cantilevered canopy will cover two lanes of the departures level and provide protection for travelers during inclement weather.
  
• Terminals 2 and 3 will extend 20 ft. toward the roadway, providing new space for circulation elements, such as elevators, escalators and stairs. A spacious check-in lobby and more room at the baggage claim areas will add convenience for quick movement through the airport.
  
• Other public areas of Terminal 3 will be updated with energy-efficient technologies. Counters, railings, signage and passenger amenities will provide additional space for efficient passenger traffic and help eliminate peak-period crowding.

Ground Broken for New Kelvyn Park High School

Chicago officials and community groups broke ground recently on a new $34 million building aimed at relieving overcrowding at Kelvyn Park High School.

The new high school will house about 800 students and feature 27 classrooms; science, computer and culinary arts laboratories; 548-seat auditorium; library/media center; soccer field; swimming pool; and outdoor basketball courts.

Construction, which is overseen by the Public Building Commission of Chicago, began in February. The school is scheduled to open at the start of the 2004 school year.

Kelvyn Park is just one of several major high school construction and renovation projects under way as part of the Chicago Public Schools' ongoing capital program, which has so far totaled some $3.6 billion.

First Building Permits Available Via Internet

Chicago Department of Construction and Permits Executive Director John Roberson has announced that the first phase of building permits issued by the city are available via the Internet.

Permits to build or replace frame garages and install hot water heaters can now be obtained online.

All technical work permits without plans will soon be offered online, with the next phase for electrical wiring work.

The permits, which previously required a visit to the downtown permit center, can be applied for, paid and printed without the customer ever leaving his or her office.

Licensed contractors should visit the site at www.cityofchicago.org and select the Department of Construction and Permits. Assigned passwords will be given by the city to the authorized contractor to complete the permit application.

For information on the service, call Kristin Cabanban at (312) 744-6698.

Blagojevich Outlines Toll Authority Reforms

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has announced reforms for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

They include the creation of an independent inspector general's office to investigate allegations of waste, fraud and mismanagement and the naming of a new chairman and four other board of director members who have agreed to forego compensation or benefits for their service.

Blagojevich named John Mitola, chief executive officer of Electric City Corp., as the board's new chair. He replaces Art Philip, whose term has expired.

Other reforms that are under way include:

• A $94 million reconstruction of the tollway's seven oases at no cost to users that will provide improved food and gas services.
  
• Pursuing the sale of the toll highway authority's headquarters in Downers Grove.
  
• Launching a new Traffic and Incident Management System to share travel information and reduce delays caused by incidents on the roadways.
  
• A top-to-bottom review of the people who work for the toll highway authority.
  
• A review of all major contracts currently in place and how contract management can be improved.

Three Chicago Ridge Schools Get Renovations

More than $13 million in renovations are under way in Chicago Ridge School District 127 1/2.

Work affects Lawn Elementary School, Ridge Central Elementary School and Elden Finley Junior High School. The project cost was not available.

Chicago-based Paul H. Schwendener Inc. is serving as general contractor.

California Architect Named

The San Jose, Calif.-based Steinberg Group was selected as the architect for the first phase of attached, single-family "parkhomes" at Lakeshore East, the $2.5 billion development on the east side of downtown Chicago.
Thirty residences will be offered in the first phase, to be built in the southeast quadrant of the site, facing the 6-acre Harbor Park at the community center.
The 26-acre development is expected to take 12 to 15 years to complete.

Happy Birthday, Opus

Rosemont-based Opus North Corp. has announced the 50th anniversary of the Minneapolis-based parent firm, Opus Corp.

The first contract was a $56,000 church in Olivia, Minn. Since then, Opus has completed 2,100 projects.

The firm has 23 million sq. ft. of commercial space planned or under way, and annual volume is more than $1 billion. Opus has 27 offices and approximately 1,300 employees.

Retail Distribution Center To Rise in New Lenox

Irving, Texas-based Michaels Stores Inc., a national retailer of arts and crafts supplies, has announced it will begin construction of a 692,913-sq.-ft. regional distribution center in New Lenox.

Most construction is expected to be complete before the end of 2003. Michaels will be operating in the facility sometime in early 2004.