The proposed re-design of the Home Avenue pedestrian bridge is a bit extravagant, especially in these times of low funding and hard times for so many. If the Home and Ridgeland bridges are in need of repair, why not proceed in a nuts & bolts way instead of over-spending with elaborate designs that are not fitting to our values of inclusivity and affordability. Even with IDOT’s proposed funding of $8-10 million, the $15 million price tag for this “simple and elegant structure” with high arches and cable structures and illumination both over and under the bridge is, to say the least, impractical to the taxpayers of Oak Park and our village. Is this prideful extravagance really necessary as a “gateway to the village?” I say not.
Jane Driscoll
Oak Park