Hazel Crest to Borrow $30 million to Replace Water Service Lines
Hazel Crest to Borrow $30 million to Replace Water Service Lines (Hazel Crest, IL) Hazel Crest plans to replace lead water service lines and water meters throughout the village. For completion of the project,
An approved motion for Ordinance 03-2022 authorizes the Village of Hazel Crest to borrow funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program for Water Service Lines. This ordinance allows the village to replace 2,700 lead water service lines, along with the land, electrical, mechanical, or other services necessary to do so.
The cost estimated cost of the project is $30 million.
“There is language in the ordinance where there is a great opportunity for that money to be forgiven due to the fact that the village of Hazel Crest is considered a distress community,” said Village Manager Dante Sawyer.
The village will also borrow an additional $7 million to update water meters.
Village President Vernard Alsberry Jr. believes that this will benefit the community. Due to older water meters, many residents have complained about estimated readings which were not accurate.
“It puts us ahead for individuals to get the correct reading on their water meter,” said Alsberry.
Before any work can start on replacing the service lines and meters, a community forum must be held to inform residents of the process.
Community Development Block Grant
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a federally funded grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
As stated on hud.gov the purpose of the grant is “to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.”
The village received $230,000 through the grant for infrastructure roadway improvements. The project will cover Poe Avenue and Lexington Drive.
During the Community and Business relations report, for the first time in the history of the village, the displaying Pan-African flags in honor of Black History Month.
The village will have employment opportunities due to construction of a hotel and casino near East Hazel Crest. According to Director of Economic Development Tselane Hatter, 600 temporary construction jobs and 800 permanent casino jobs will be available.
Focus on the Youth
Two programs are available for youth in Hazel Crest.
The Junior Ambassadorship program will allow students to participate in civic engagement. Students will meet to discuss issues that affect them and their community. Older individuals, such as the Village president, will help guide the discussions.
Tender Youth Foundation, a nonprofit in Hazel Crest, will host a young women’s empowerment event. The focus will be on mental health, sisterhood, and education. The event is on February 20 starting at 1pm in the Village Ballroom.
Other items on the agenda included:
- Motion to approve Accounts Payable No. 22-19 dated February 8, 2022 in the amount of $401,954.31.
- Motion to accept the Master Software and Service Agreement between the Village of Hazel Crest and Quicket Solutions, Inc.
Hazel Crest to borrow $30 million to replace water service lines
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