Politics & Government

Commissioner Steps Down Over Hawthorne Boulevard Decision

Jim Piszczek, chairman of the capital improvements commission intends to resign from his post, according to Bob Minix, professional engineer with the village.

The Capital Improvements Commission Chairman Jim Piszczek is resigning from his post after 12 years with the commission.

The decision comes after the village board overruled the commission’s recommendation to widen Hawthorne Boulevard. The commission recommended the board approve a 22-foot roadway but village board trustees voted to stick with the current size of the 21-foot street.

Patch was able to confirm a resignation was received by Village President Mark Pfefferman from the capital improvements commission. Patch has not reached Jim Piszczek for comment. Stay tuned for more details.

Editor's note: Village President Mark Pfefferman confirmed that he received a resignation letter from the commission but did not name the individual. Bob Minix, professional engineeer with the village, later confirmed that Jim Piszczek resigned from his position.

Here’s some background on the Hawthorne Boulevard decision:

The debate to widen the road became contentious and to keep the narrow road. Many cited a need to preserve the charm of the small roadway but, more importantly, they cited the need for safety.

Hawthorne Boulevard is a thoroughfare that connects on one end and on the other. The sidewalks on this road are constantly used by students. Parents feared that widening the road would decrease the width of the sidewalk, bringing their children closer to traffic.

After much debate the capital improvements commission to widen the road by 12 inches at a July meeting. The commissioners thought widening the road was a fair compromise since a village resolution calls for roads like Hawthorne to be at least 25 feet wide.

The commission then passed that 22-foot recommendation to the village board. Then at an Aug. 15 village board workshop trustees decided there were too few reasons to widen the road by just 12 inches.  

In the end, the roadway will maintain the 21-foot width and the $4 million facelift for the boulevard will begin sometime early next year.

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