Join President Rintz & Co to say so-long to a century of stormwater strong-arming - and hello to 100-year storm protection for West Winnetka and beyond.
Thank you, President Rintz & Co!
This is the biggest thing Winnetka's done since burying the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Maybe even bigger. And the President is inviting you to a front-row seat for Winnetka history-in-the-making.
We've been covering the stormwater saga for years, and you can count on us to keep it coming with backstories, background, deals, docs, and of course, analysis and opinions - but for now, it's the Prez & Co's day. Here, in his own words:
Hi Folks –
It has been a while since I have reached out to provide a personal update on the stormwater project. Good news…we will be ceremoniously breaking ground on the north of Willow storm improvements, including both golf courses.
This is the first step in completing storage that will provide 100-year protection for a large portion of west Winnetka.
We have now identified and secured nearly $29.5 million in various grants, which is money we residents won’t need to pony up.
All together, we have identified and set aside nearly $75 million, and we will keep working to turn over every rock. State Rep. Robyn Gabel was instrumental in securing $28 million, working hard to get our fair share of infrastructure funds from the Feds and State.
Even better news, the budget this community approved in 2017 (adjusted), has not increased.
We are looking forward to starting work on the Cook County Forest Preserve property later this year, once Army Corps permits are finalized.
This has been a very challenging and time-consuming exercise. Hopefully, the end result will be worth it.
The Crow Island connection across Hibbard Road will be completed with Phase 1, and the balance is planned for 2023 or 2024 pending governmental permitting and school schedules. Village Council has released the design work for this portion of the project, which includes the underground storage at Crow Island.
Anyway…the official groundbreaking ceremony will be this Wednesday July 13 at 4:00 at Little Duke – corner of Cherry and Hibbard. If you are around, join us!
The last cataclysmic event was 2011, and we have been fortunate for a stretch of good fortune. In 1904 neighbors were digging ditches on the west side in desperation from the continual flooding. We finally have traction!
Have a great summer!
Christopher Rintz
President – Village of Winnetka
Just in Case
We couldn't help ourselves. In case you have no idea what this is about, get ready to be impressed with your tax dollars at work!
We last wrote about this long, strange trip here.
The Village short-sheeted it here.
Want more? There's plenty in our Past Spot Checks, including the players and handshakes that got us here.
See ya at the Celebration!