MAY 14, 2015 vol. 7 issue 36
see page 9
Featured News
note to brides & grooms: don’t forget to buy each other a present
city News Council approves Autobahn condos
Joliet contracts, Rauner’s budget also considered at May 5 meeting
see page 2
county James Glasgow named State’s Attorney of Year Will County state’s attorney has won award four times
see page 3
police 2 arrested for child pornography, marijuana possession see page 4
opinion Long-term care hits a nerve for many
see page 5
sports Tough road Lockport water polo in one of state’s best sectionals
see page 7
health What In The World Is Keratoconus?
About 1 in 2,000 people are affected by this eye disease see page 19
Streets, sidewalks closed as work on Gateway Center progresses
Map Courtesy of the City of Joliet
By Dave Sennerud For The Bugle When its planned Gateway Center is finally complete, the city of Joliet will have new train and bus stations, a new commuter parking lot, and a new train platform. In the meantime, commuters, pedestrians and residents will have to cope with the inconvenience of closed streets, sidewalks and parking lots. Joliet City Engineer Lisa Dorothy discussed the project at the May 7 Joliet City Council meeting and outlined the closures that began last week – with another round scheduled for June. Initially, those most impacted will be people who make pickups and drop-offs for the Heritage Corridor Line in the streets around the temporary Metra platform. Dorothy stressed the need for traffic not to stop anywhere on Jefferson Street or Mayor Art Schultz Drive, and suggested people use Van Buren Street instead. “We know it’s a long walk, and people are going to be grumpy,” Dorothy said, “but it’s critical for all vehicles’ safety that they do not block traffic.” Through June 11, Mayor Art Schultz Drive will be closed between Clinton and Van Buren streets and between Jefferson and Washington streets. For those who wish to use the temporary Metra ticket office, the northbound lane from Washington Street to the alley will remain open. Dorothy encouraged those who might be affected to consult the city’s website, www. visitjoliet.org, for a map and description of the closures. The city said it has contacted area business to keep them up-to-date, adding that it will use sandwich boards and directional signs at the affected sites. “The reason we’re doing this is to increase the safety of the commuter,” said Dorothy, referring to the former confluence of four train
lines. “In the old formation, [train commuters] had to walk across the train tracks. When we’re done, people won’t have to walk over train tracks – ever.” According to Dorothy, rider pickups and drop-offs for the Rock Island Metra Line are best at the Eastern Avenue end of that platform near Washington Street. Additionally, Osgood Street and its sidewalks will be closed between St. Louis and York streets through May 22. The pedestrian tunnel on New Street will be closed through May 22, and the New Street
parking lot will be closed through May 20. Monthly permit commuter parking lot at the corner of Jefferson Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive was permanently closed. To make it through some of these obstacles, the city is encouraging pedestrians to use the Van Buren Street sidewalk anytime or use the Union Station pedestrian tunnel between the hours of 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
See
‘coping’ on page 2