The Lighthouse Keeper sees …

… that before the snow melted, local artists built a snowwoman on Wesley Avenue.

… that in other construction news, the city has identified seven Capital Improvement Projects to Watch in 2022, two of which involve work on significant parts of water infrastructure. The oldest and smallest of the city’s three water intakes was built in 1909 and is described as a “36-/42-inch diameter water plant intake” that extends approximately one mile into Lake Michigan. Construction to replace the intake with a 60-inch diameter pipeline will begin in the spring and continue through 2023.

Project cost estimate: $41.6 million and change. Evanston plans on funding approximately $21.2 million through a loan from the Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund Program and the other roughly $20.4 million will come through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.

… that, meanwhile, 8,000 feet of a 30-inch diameter water main described as the “backbone to the transmission network” will be rehabilitated over the next 18 months to improve reliability for the city’s water distribution system. The Lighthouse Keeper has not heard yet about the anticipated impact on pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic on Sheridan Road, Colfax Street, Sherman Avenue, Emerson Street, Benson Avenue and Davis Street. Budget: $12.1 million, with $11 million financed through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

… that speaking of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, the city is developing a plan for improvements on Church Street from McDaniel Avenue to Dodge Avenue and along the east side of the North Shore Canal. The City plans to seek public input in 2022 with construction anticipated to begin in 2024. Projected budget: $300,000.

… that the Central Street Bridge, one year older than the oldest water intake, likewise needed to be completely replaced. Work on the south half began in 2021 and demolition of the north half will begin soon, with construction expected to be completed by fall. Budget: $500,000, funded by a federal grant from the Surface Transportation Program for Bridges.

… that the city received a federal Highway Safety Improvement Program grant to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety along Ridge Avenue. The $316,000 project includes traffic signal alignment improvements to seven intersections and is expected to begin this fall.

The Lighthouse Keeper hears …

… that a Washington Elementary School neighbor reports this section of sidewalk on the way to the school has been in poor condition since their 20-something-year-old children were in kindergarten.

… that the City’s announcement of a new Sidewalk Improvement Plan acknowledges “the growing backlog of deteriorated sidewalk and concerns about equity” and says the new program “will be funded by the City of Evanston, with no cost share expected from the adjacent property owner,” but adds that “property owners can get their sidewalk included in the City’s contract by agreeing to pay 100 percent of the cost.” So, the new program is equitable because no cost share is expected. But anyone who can pay 100 percent of the cost can move to the head of the line.

… that plans for the Evanston Skate Park at the north end of Twiggs Park are taking shape. A community poll closed on Feb. 15 and a public meeting is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 on Zoom to review initial concept designs for the park.

Finally, the Lighthouse Keeper was inspired by the beautiful music coming from the Kilwins doorway at 1724 Sherman Ave. on a chilly winter afternoon. Asked why she chose this spot to play, Emilia replied that she likes Kilwins and they give her free hot chocolate.

The Lighthouse Keeper reminds you to watch where you walk (or bike or drive), stay warm, enjoy the music, and send your comments and questions to lk@evanstonroundtable.com.