Sidewalk Construction on Sheridan Road

On Thursday, I was driving south on Sheridan Road, as I was turning left onto  Lakewood place, where I live.  I was outraged to see a full grown oak tree being cut down.  The tree was being cut down because of the construction of a sidewalk on the east side of Sheridan Road, from Lakewood Place south to Braeburn Road.  

My husband told me that the rationale for tearing up the grass and putting in sidewalks is to allow people to walk to the improved Rosewood Beach.  I don't recall any hearings or request for public input before the sidewalk construction began.  That part of Sheridan Road curves.The sidewalk that is being constructed is very narrow.  My husband currently takes his snow blower and snow blows the sidewalk on Sheridan Road during winter from Lakewood Place up to Roger Williams.  If he does not do that, it's extremely icy, because no one shovels it.  I don't know if anyone will shovel the sidewalk which is being constructed south of Lakewood Place.  A barrier between the street and the sidewalk has been constructed there because children walking on the sidewalk have slid onto Sheridan Road.

The sidewalk being constructed on Sheridan Road, south of Lakewood Place is also narrow.  A barrier will have to be constructed there, as well.  This certainly does not make for an aesthetic streetscaoe.

Most people who go to a beach bring a number of things to make it comfortable for themselves.  This includes a blanket,  beach chairs, towels and a cooler, among other things.  Generally, this requires driving to the beach, rather than walking there.

I do not know the amount of funds that has been, and will be expended for this project.  Was there a line item in the budget allocated for sidewalks on Sheridan Road?  

We are known for being a city of trees.  I would think that the person who approved cutting down a full grown, live oak tree should be ashamed of themselves.

The August 29 edition of the local Chicago Tribune indicated that the City Council is considering a tax boost for business districts.  That certainly will not help our struggling retail stores.  I would like to understand why the City is expending money for sidewalks that are not necessary.  

The City clearly needs money if it is considering a tax boost on our struggling local businesses.