What will Machesney Park village do about Roosevelt Road?
October 5th, 2008 at 11:40pm Chuck Sweeny
I had occasion to travel Saturday  on Roosevelt Road. No, not the one in Chicago, the one in Machesney Park.
I remember a few years ago when Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL brought some federal money and Machesney Park village officials vowed to get the road rebuilt.
Now, folks, if you have never been on Roosevelt Road, I suggest you drive down it. The road is the darnedest thing I’ve ever seen. It’s ltwo lanes, no curbs and gutters, separated by an ill-defined median with utility polls that run down the middle of the road. The road is bumpy.
Machesney Park just passed a one cent sales tax for roads. I wonder if they’re going to use it on Roosevelt Road, or if the village is only interested in developing the  new part of the village. Because it sure seems like it to a casual observer like me
What say you, Linda Vaughn?.
Entry Filed under: Roosevelt Road
4 Comments Add your own
1. Michelle | October 6th, 2008 at 2:01 am
It does seem that the condition of Roosevelt has indeed been overlooked for the expansion of other tax-revenue generating projects such as the outbreak of retail on 173. Not only is Roosevelt in disrepair, but several other roads radiating from it. This past winter brought a slew of potholes to those streets, and although they were filled, even the cushiest of Village President’s vehicle’s suspension wouldn’t keep ones’ coffee from spilling over.
In addition, the North Park Fire Department uses Roosevelt as a bridge between N Second and Alpine. There are often Lifeline ambulances and fire trucks driving full-speed with lights and sirens, and one has to wonder what potential danger the utility poles pose with emergency traffic in this residential area. The neighborhood has an abundance of retired people as well as young families, therefore you have young children and older people with possible hearing problems using these streets.
2. dudessabides | October 6th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Dick Durbin is an official that we can trust in Illinois. He has led the inquirey into foreign products for humans and pets that include melamine, plastic that simulates protein in laboratory tests, yet kills people and pets. I am sure that Durbin intended the $250,000.00 that he obtained from the Federal government for Roosevelt Road in Machesney Park to be used to rebuild the road without “telephone poles” down the middle of it. Machesney Park officials claim the money was spent for “engineering studies.” What studies? It is a straight, flat road with telephone poles down the middle of it is and riddled with pol holes!
Fix it. Put the utility lines underground and provide drainage. Duh!
This is an example of the purpose of government. Government is not just for the purpose of providing public/private contacts to help out politician’s friends.
3. Gumby | October 6th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Okay, Carol Foster, we’re waiting for your tirade to begin! Roosevelt Road was never meant to handle traffic to and from the mall (when the mall was in existence). The Dick Durbin ceremonial check was specifically to pay for an engineering study. There are many issues on that road, esp. with the utility poles. The engineering study has been completed, I believe. I remember reading something in the rrstar in the past about the delay? I know this is an opinion blog, but maybe you should call village hall?
4. echo4charlie | October 6th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Roosevelt Road has always been in terrible repair. Even when I was a kid, 30 years ago. They need to do something with it. They need to tear it up and start over. I haven’t lived in MP for many years, now. But when I did, Roosevelt Road was always bad.
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