The Galesburg City Council could decide Monday night if the Farnham Street Bridge should be renamed after the first woman elected to the council at the tail end of the 1970s.
Aline Shotts was a long-time resident of Galesburg who was instrumental in getting the original wooden Farnham Street bridge replaced in the 1970s, a few years before she would join the city council.
The bridge was closed in the late spring and is expected to be completed towards the end of November, as long as weather doesn’t cause any delays.
On first reading, Alderman will consider the creation of a loading zone on South Seminary Street between Main and Simmons streets, which would require the elimination of the turn lane for the north-bound traffic.
City Manager Todd Thompson and Director of Planning and Public Works Wayne Carl are recommending the approval of the ordinance that would create a 44-foot loading zone on Seminary’s east side – the northbound lane.
According to council documents, parking along that side of the road is restricted to provide space for a right-turn lane.
Documents detail that that a traffic study was conducted, finding that the right-turn lane was not being utilized to the extent that required a turn-lane, leading to the recommendation to eliminate it in favor of a loading zone.
Alderman will also consider a resolution regarding the estimated tax levy for 2019.
Tonight’s city council meeting starts at 6:30 at City Hall.
