A plan to reroute a 600-foot section of Wellington Avenue around a proposed clock tower next to Village Hall has drawn opposition from residents.
Several residents last week said the curve would create traffic jams and unsafe conditions.
A section of curb on the east side of Wellington would be extended by several feet and the west side curb pushed back to accommodate the 44-foot tower.
The plan, discussed during a Village Board meeting, would reduce the street width to 28 feet from 35 feet at that point, Village Engineer Alan Boffice said. If the street is not reconfigured, many Village Hall parking spots would be eliminated, Boffice said.
Resident Rich Kaiser told trustees a curve would snarl traffic. Tom Rodgers, who lives on Wellington, said officials gave area residents too few opportunities to express opinions about the plan.
Mayor Craig Johnson said the village engineer and a consultant have determined that the curve would not hinder traffic or safety.
Construction of the clock tower is scheduled to begin in spring.
Officials also endorsed a plan to continue accepting credit cards to pay some village fees, despite less use of the program in the first year than expected.
Village Manager Gary E. Parrin told trustees that the 677 transactions over the last year fell short of projections.
He attributed low usage to scant advertising of the program, but said it probably will catch on after more promotion and the addition of services.
Credit card payments must be made at Village Hall.
