Times have changed since 1940 and our area is experiencing more growth and traffic that needs a more strategic plan for public safety. Park Ave is growing with new businesses and that means more cut through traffic and more issues that will have a negative impact on our neighborhood. We must prevent our neighborhood from being used as a door mat while Park Ave industrial park continues to prosper.
The Police Dept. received reports yesterday concerning instances of excessive speeding and dangerous driving behavior at the junction of Burnett and Park Avenue. In response to these concerns, a notification was distributed to certain residents to raise awareness about the situation. Below is a copy of the correspondence that was shared.
I NEED YOUR HELP
- There has been a noticeable rise in speeding and reckless driving at the intersection of Park and Burnett. I reached out to the Lake Villa Police Department, and they informed me that they are prepared to issue tickets to speeders if they can catch them in the act. The majority of these offenders appear to be employees from the ATT building, commuting to work in the mornings and returning home in the late afternoons.
- The primary offenders include two motorcycles with loud exhaust systems, a turbocharged silver Dodge pickup truck, a white pickup truck, and a dark silver Mustang. These vehicles have been frequently observed violating traffic laws, contributing to the unsafe conditions at the intersection.
- Officer LT DeCaro, who is addressing this situation, mentioned that additional complaints from residents would strengthen the case for increased enforcement. Your support is crucial; a simple phone call from you can help highlight the issue and push for necessary traffic safety measures. The police will not require your identity when you report your concerns.
Thank you for your cooperation in making our neighborhood safer.
Jim Holcomb
305 Burnett Ave
For further assistance, you can contact Officer LT DeCaro at 847-356-6106.
The Village, in collaboration with IDOT, successfully implemented a no left turn restriction onto Burnett Avenue for northbound traffic on Route 83. Within just two weeks of this change, traffic conditions have significantly improved, with the latest vehicle count indicating only 86 vehicles using Burnett Avenue. Among these, 36 vehicles were heading east towards Route 83, while the remaining 50 continued to make left turns from Route 83. Prior to this traffic modification, the area experienced a troubling influx of 180 to 200 cut-through vehicles, marking this initiative as a notable success in enhancing traffic flow.
However, the persistence of 50 vehicles still violating the no left turn ordinance raises concerns about compliance with village regulations and existing laws. It prompts the question of why some drivers feel entitled to disregard these rules. This situation highlights the need for further measures to ensure adherence to traffic regulations and to address the behavior of those who believe they are exempt from the law.
Village officials have been engaging in discussions with multiple residents regarding the introduction of traffic control measures on Burnett Ave. After thorough deliberations, an agreement has been successfully reached for a no left turn onto Burnett Ave for vehicles traveling in the Northbound direction on rt 83. This will provide more safety for the community and alleviate the cut-through traffic. However, the implementation of this project is currently pending as the Village awaits the necessary signage from IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) to ensure proper execution and compliance with the new regulations.
Traffic report for Thursday 6/20 there was 185 vehicles that passed through Burnett Ave. This traffic count has been consistent at around this number.
The neighborhood experienced a decrease in traffic by approximately 35% during last week's spring break, with only 146 vehicles passing through. Additionally, the Radar speed detection sign has been fine-tuned to detect oncoming motorists within a narrower range, addressing the previous issue of inaccurately detecting traffic patterns from the Lake Villa liquor store.
As mentioned from the previous report the Radar sign has lost its effectiveness at slowing down traffic. Motorist continue to accelerate down the street well over the speed limit. With pedestrians walking and strolling down the street its only a mater of time before a traffic related injury happens.
A speed radar sign was recently installed by the Village on Saturday, March 16th at the East end of Burnett Ave, specifically at the intersection corner. I assume it serves the purpose of traffic calming and recording traffic speed data, aiming to enhance road safety in the area. The radar speed sign is designed to illuminate when motorists approach it, displaying their current speed in a flashing manner.
Interestingly, it seems that the sign also triggers when vehicles pass by on RT 83, indicating a wider reach in terms of monitoring traffic speed in the vicinity. Following the installation of the radar sign, the vehicle count for Burnett Ave on Thursday, March 21st was recorded at 219. This data suggests that the impact of the sign on traffic volumes appears to be minimal, as the number of vehicles remains consistent compared to the previous week of 228.
The lack of response from drivers to the radar sign has raised concerns about the effectiveness of such measures in promoting road safety and reducing speeding incidents.
According to the most recent traffic data report, Burnett Ave experienced a surge in traffic with record-breaking numbers. On Thursday 3/14/24, there were 212 vehicles, followed by 186 vehicles on Saturday the 16th. However, the highest count was on Friday the 15th, with an astonishing 228 vehicles.
This escalating situation is becoming increasingly dangerous, posing a risk of accidents or potential criminal activities. It is imperative for the Village to take immediate action by implementing traffic control measures and prioritizing pedestrian safety.
1. The traffic flow data collected on 2/28/2024 for Burnett Ave has revealed a significant surge in the number of vehicles passing through our neighborhood. The daily traffic count reached a record high of 165 vehicles, indicating a substantial 65% increase compared to the previous count of 100 vehicles recorded on 9/12/2023. This sudden rise in traffic is a cause for concern, especially when considering that RT. 132 traveling eastbound remains closed, eliminating the possibility of traffic cutting through our neighborhood.
2. Out of the total vehicles recorded, a staggering 123 vehicles were observed cutting through and heading west off of RT. 83, while 42 vehicles were traveling east on Burnett Ave towards RT. 83. These figures highlight the significant impact of traffic flow on our neighborhood and raise important safety concerns.
3. In order to address this pressing issue and ensure the safety of our community, it is crucial to implement measures that can effectively manage the traffic. The proposed solution is the introduction of a right turn in and a right turn out off of Burnett Ave at RT. 83. This strategic implementation is expected to provide the much-needed security and alleviate the traffic congestion in our neighborhood.
Traffic monitoring and recording were carried out using advanced AI monitoring devices.
On January 18th, the Zoning Board of Appeals conducted a public meeting to discuss a request for a zoning variation at 226 Burnett Ave. The purpose of the meeting was to consider the expansion of an existing home based beauty salon, allowing for the addition of two more employees, in contrast to the existing Village ordinance that permits only one employee for a home based business.
The petitioner's plea for a variance was rejected as they could not provide a valid reason for the hardship that would be caused by the property's current zoning regulations.
The Zoning board held a public hearing on January 18th to discuss proposed text amendments to Title 10 (Zoning Regulations) of the Village. These amendments focus on establishing more specific buffer zone requirements between the residential area on Burnett Ave and the industrial park on Park Ave, among other relevant locations. After the hearing, the amendments were approved and sent to the Village for implementation.
(stated in amendment) "All buffer yards shall include screen and barrier sufficient to protect residential and all other environments from adverse effects, such as noise, lighting, odors and dust, of more intensive adjacent uses and contribute to improved community appearance and property values while preserving and enhancing the mature “established” character of
Village neighborhoods."
Setbacks for infrastructures set at 50' away from property lines and year-round screening using trees shall be a min of 75% opacity and 6' tall at time of planting.
Ordinance 2024-01-03 was approved by the village board on January 8th. This ordinance will implement long-awaited traffic measures on Burnett Ave, specifically at the intersection with Rt. 83. The changes will restrict access on Burnett Ave to right turns only, both for entering and exiting the street.
Before implementation, this ordinance will be forwarded to IDOT for their recommendations on the layout and signage requirements.
As a demonstration of goodwill, the Village has recently implemented the long-awaited radar sign along Park Avenue. This signage is designed to monitor the velocity of vehicles heading in a southern direction on Park Avenue, subsequent to their passage through the intersection of Park and Burnett. The primary objective behind this initiative is to mitigate the issue of excessive speeding among motorists who tend to rapidly accelerate upon passing through the aforementioned intersection.
A technologically advanced traffic monitoring system has been installed at a private residence, which possesses the capability to distinguish the size, make, and direction of vehicles.( AKA security camera with AI software) Despite a reduction in cut-through traffic since the closure of Rt 132 eastbound, the following findings have been obtained from a week's worth of data:
1. On weekdays, the number of vehicles passing through Burnett Ave ranges from 85 to 100.
2. Among these vehicles, 5 to 7 are large delivery trucks that use the route as a shortcut.
3. Approximately 75% or 75 out of the 100 vehicles are traveling westbound from Rt 83, utilizing Burnett Ave as a cut-through to reach Rt 132.
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Recent reply from Lake Villa Administration:
1. A meeting was held last week with representatives from IDOT to discuss the intersection at Burnett Avenue and Route 83. Waiting to receive feedback from them on the design process and permit process for right-of-way improvements. A follow up with the Design division to make sure turning radius could be maintained onto Route 83.
2. A manager at the AT&T building was contacted and about traffic around the area and some of the issues that the neighborhood has been dealing with. AT&T stated that they have issued a new company-wide policy that no AT&T vehicles are authorized to use Burnett (subject to service calls), moving forward.
3. The HOA property manager for the Park Place Business Center has issued a memorandum to their association requesting that vehicular access to their properties be limited to Park Avenue and Route 83.
4. Still working on the radar trailer repair.
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A meeting was held at the Village Hall on the 16th of August as a follow up from the last meeting held on July 6th. To summarize the outcome of the meeting the Village agreed to investigate the following options:
Option 1
1. Close off Park Ave going South bound from Burnett. North bound to Rt132 no change.
2. Close off Burnett going East bound at intersection of Park and Burnett. West bound on Burnett from Rt 83 no change.
Option 2 (See attached drawing)
1. Install triangle raised median on the East end of Burnett at Rt 83. This would allow a right turn only on 83 going east on Burnett. Provide a right turn onto Burnett going South bound on rt 83 and a no left turn onto Burnett going North bound on Rt 83. This would stop the cut through traffic from rt 83 at the same time allowing for village services to continue. This can be seen at the Home Depot in RL and at the Goodwill store exit onto rt 83. LINK https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b547d7f0/ta_2dpTjmE2cbZt-JGTPIQ?u=https://goo.gl/maps/B3YVHN3N45rzRoBDA
Install a trailer traffic radar sign on Park Ave going South bound or speed awareness.
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We obtained the data from the RadarSign that was placed on Park Ave a few months ago. This data is from the month of June before Rt 132 was closed as a one way at Cedar Lake Rd. and 1 week before school was out. According to the Lake Villa Police dept the data shows the following: Park & Burnett Ave
This data proves that the traffic is OUT OF CONTROL and cut-through vehicles will only increase as the town grows.
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Encore packing and shipping company from Vernon Hills is moving to lake Villa. They are leasing the building on 201 Park Ave. With the help of free taxpayer money or TIF funds a developer acquired the property to repurpose its use. https://encorepack.com/moving%20anouncement.php
The Village says the company will expand their operation with an additional 45 employees to their existing base. This equates to an additional 100 vehicles plus the delivery and shipping trucks all day. We estimate about an additional traffic load of a minimum 300 more vehicles per day added to Park Ave.
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A local retail and service center is in the process of purchasing 0 Park Ave. Preliminary concept plans submitted to the Village indicate dividing the 16 acre parcel into the possibility of 6 to 8 more industrial lots. This has the potential of adding another 25 to 50 vehicles per business or an additional 400 vehicles per day.
Q! Why were proposals presented to the village for traffic reduction, there already is speed limit signs and no trucks signs posted.
A! When signs are posted and not enforced they automatically become SUGGESTION SIGNS. Enforcement has been difficult and almost impossible since law enforcement would have to be there all day. So the solution is to close the road for cut thou's. This will save the Village money in the long run since enforcement won't be a priority.
Q! The proposals are for Burnett to be closed to thru traffic, why not make Burnett a one way?
A! 90% of the cut thru traffic is from Park Ave so the proposal is to close it or make Park a one way for traffic reduction. If you only make Burnett a 1 way then the traffic that was from Park will now use Burnett making more traffic on Burnett.
Q! Where did you get the information about a developer getting free tax money to repurpose a factory on Park Ave.
A! From attending Village meetings. LINK TO VILLAGE MINUTES. Packet 6/2/23 https://www.lake-villa.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=browse&eGov_special=Clear+Search
Q! In 2022 the Village has adopted a Comprehensive Plan for growth possibly adding more retail development on the corner of Rt. 83 and Grand as well as a substantial development downtown. How will that effect the residents who live on Park and Burnett?
A! The amount of added traffic would be devastating to the neighborhood. Currently as the traffic data shows we now have combined traffic count for Park & Burnett of 1000+ vehicles per day. With the new development we estimate another 1000 more per day for a total of 2000 vehicles cutting thru the neighborhood. https://www.lake-villa.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=2283
COMMENTS
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If northbound 83 traffic can't turn left onto Burnett, how do we get home? We'll all be guilty of cutting through Park. Or will we be forced to go to the light at Grand and go around the block?
Editors response: Thank you for your message. Unfortunately, we did not receive information regarding the specific street you reside on. However, we will proceed with the understanding that you reside either on Park Ave or Burnett Ave. It is important to note that there is no intention to assign blame or guilt in ensuring a smooth commute to your place of residence. Our objective is to prioritize traffic management and reduce speed, ultimately enhancing the safety of our neighborhood and preserving the charming atmosphere of a close-knit family community.
The intersection of Burnett and Rt. 83 poses certain safety concerns, particularly during peak traffic hours. It is worth noting that a recent traffic accident occurred on Rt. 83 in close proximity to Burnett Ave. Additionally, there are approximately 8 parking lot entrances, exits and roadways located at the end of Burnett Ave, which often experience significant congestion. This congestion is primarily due to the presence of Burnett Ave, Lake Villa Liquors, Shell gas station, McDonald's exit, a Medical center, South bound on rt. 83, North bound on Rt. 83 and a strip mall housing several businesses. These establishments all converge in close proximity to one another, further contributing to the traffic challenges in the area.
My comment is this. Over 10 years here and they do nothing, the traffic has gotten much worse in the last year. I have noticed the cut through traffic has slowed a bit since grand Ave was made into a 1 way.
Message
A major concern I have is the lack of sidewalk consistency, although being on Park Ave gives some relief. And the amount of GARBAGE being blown from the Walgreens dumpsters and lot. It ends up in multiple yards. I understand delivery drivers drop off to businesses and then drop to residents here, but the cut thru traffic is horrendous and has worsened considerably since construction has started. The constant delays are only making that worse. I have acquired a camera that I will be installing as I'm right on the corner. I'm terrified personally for the youngest children. We tell them constantly to not go near the roads but three year olds don't understand the urgency.
