Elston Avenue ornamental street lighting Installation begins

by BRIAN NADIG

Installation of ornamental street lighting is starting this week on Elston Avenue between Central Avenue and Forest Glen Avenue as part of a streetscaping project that could cost up to $1.5 million.

The project also will include sidewalk repairs in some areas, and some temporary parking restrictions will be in place while crews are working, according to Manuel Galvan, a spokesman for Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th). The east side of the affected stretch of Elston is in the 39th Ward, while the west side is in the 45th Ward.

Laurino said that the project will "enhance the growing business corridor along this stretch of Elston Avenue, while making the street more inviting to the many residents who patronize these businesses."

"It should improve the look and feel of Elston as we have more retail and service businesses move into the stretch," Alderman John Arena (45th) said. "Work should be completed by Christmas, weather permitting."

The project is being funding by the Elston-Armstrong Tax Increment Financing District, which was created in 2007 to preserve the industrial corridor and to create a new playground at Farnsworth School, 5414 N. Linder Ave., which is in the TIF district. The district consists of 131 acres of commercial and residential land, including about 275 homes.