Council to hear from Hadsall Street residents

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

By DENNIS HINES GENOA - Genoa residents who have lived on a dead-end street for years are concerned that their quiet neighborhood will soon receive more traffic. Members of the Genoa City Council announced during their Sept. 16 meeting that they will conduct a hearing during their Sept. 29 committee of the whole meeting to give residents who live on Hadsall Street an opportunity to voice their concerns about possibly opening that road. City Administrator Joe Misurelli said the road is almost completed. "The curbs have been constructed, and there's gravel in there, so it's just about completed," Misurelli said. Second Ward Alderman Laurie Curley said several residents who live in that area have indicated that they would have liked an opportunity to meet with city officials before the project was started. "They don't feel like they have been properly represented," Curley said. "They feel that they should have had a meeting with the council before all of the work started. They said it's a slap in the face that the meeting is not until Sept. 29." Mayor Todd Walker said even though he understands why residents in that area are concerned about the issue, he said other residents in the community would benefit from the completion of that road, because they would have more convenient access to Brown's County Market and other businesses in that area. "I feel for those residents. For years, they've had minimum to no traffic along their residence, but, as we've discussed this, we're looking at a road that is a part of the city as a whole that every resident pays for," Walker said. "We're all paying taxes. We're all paying for that road, and everyone has a right to use it." Walker said, according to the city's comprehensive plan and an agreement with the developers of the Prairie Ridge Pointe subdivision, that road is set to be completed. Until work on the road began recently, a patch of roadway had been left unfinished between the older residential neighborhood and the newer commercial development south of there. Walker said the council members will not have to vote to open the road, but instead would only have to take action if they decide to close the road. "That road, via that agreement and via the comprehensive plan, is finished. For what it's worth, it's done," Walker said. "What the council has to do is take action to close it. We're not opening that road. That road is opened. That road has already been opened even though there was nothing on the other side." Curley said she would be in favor of closing the road. She said she is concerned how the additional traffic might affect students who attend Genoa Elementary School. "It's not in favor of the residents. I'm very concerned about the school. I don't believe we're going to be able to stop the trucks," Curley said. "We have more trucks on the stop street than Brown's (County Market) in Sycamore does. With all the kids crossing down there, I don't like it." Walker said he does not feel many trucks would travel in that area. "With the logistics for that corner, any professional trucker would not want to make that turn," Walker said. Second Ward Alderman Ron Sheahan said residents are always welcome to express their concerns to the city council. "This council is always open, and we encourage people to come and attend and be a part of their government, and I wish they would show up as we speak about these things," Sheahan said. Walker said he hopes many residents will attend the Sept. 29 meeting.

Appointments made Also during the city council meeting, council members approved a motion to appoint Tammy Engel to the city's Economic Develop-ment Commission. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. "We've had a vacancy for the past several months, and I apologize that I haven't gotten around to filling that position," Walker said. "We would like to fill this position to ensure consistency with the board and to assist us with any quorum issues in the event that other members, with their schedules, cannot make it. I had an opportunity to speak with Mrs. Engel, and she was very appreciative with the call and would like to fill that vacancy." The council also approved motions to appoint Jim Wilson and Michael Goelitz to the police pension board. Both motions were approved by a unanimous vote. "Both gentlemen come with significant amount of financial experience professionally, also both are very active and dedicated to this community," Walker said.