Ottawa City Hall’s hiring a Morris company to fix the Allen Park seawall. The city didn’t take bids on the project. City Commissioner James Less says it should have.
Mayor Dan Aussem says the problem’s getting worse fast. Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut says the $197,420 price is too good to pass up and safety is his top concern.
City Engineer Tom Duttlinger believes it is an emergency.
Stott Contracting is getting the job. The City Council’s vote was three-to-one with Less voting against and Commissioner Tom Ganiere not there.
The Allen Park “seawall” and sidewalk along the Illinois River are in terrible condition.
The Allen Park sidewalk and “seawall” are in better condition in some spots, but they aren’t great.
Ottawa city officials say despite the sidewalk’s condition and the notice that it is closed, people still walk alongside the Illinois River in Allen Park.