Galesburg Council will consider approving a collaborative initiative between the City and the Galesburg Downtown Council, with an aim at improving downtown alleyways at their Monday meeting.
Over the years, the alleys have deteriorated and in some cases are not passable by vehicular traffic, according to council documents.
The Downtown Private Alley Improvement Grant Program would require property owners to provide 50 percent of the funds required to make improvements for a maximum of $40,000 in project costs.
The City and the GDC would each cover a remaining 25 percent.
All projects would be subject to review by the City Engineer, authority from the Facade Advisory Committee and final approval through the City Council.
Projects will require a title search, and once property owners of alleyways are determined they, of course, must agree for the project to go forward.
Aldermen may also approve a bid to repair and reconstruct a portion of the Lake Storey bike path.
Once work is completed on the 500 feet swath of trail, the path will be over double the width; from its current 4.5 feet to 10 feet.
The project would begin at the East Boat Ramp.
The cost of rebuilding the trail is being paid for by a grant received through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, for a cost of a little under $56,000.
Council can also ok replacing carpet in the public areas of Galesburg City Hall.
The recommended bid is for Breslin’s Floor Coverings to be hired for a little under $51,000.
Current carpeting was installed in 2009 and life expectancy at the time of installation was estimated at ten years.
With proper maintenance, it’s expected the newly installed carpet could have a life of closer to 20 years.
