Elmhurst could resurface only 5.25 miles of streets in 2027, well below the 7.5 miles the city targets annually to keep roads in good shape.

City Engineer Ted Sianis laid out the shortfall Monday, Sept. 14, during the Public Works & Buildings Committee's review of the proposed 2027–31 Capital Expenditure Budget. A proposed reduction in resurfacing funding is driving the gap, which would leave roughly 2.25 fewer miles of pavement work than the city's own benchmark, according to the committee's meeting minutes.

Staff told the committee the 5.25-mile figure covers contract resurfacing only. Additional mileage is expected through other funding sources and capital projects, though the minutes do not specify how much.

The committee, chaired by Ald. Emily Bastedo, also flagged deteriorating city-owned parking lots. The One Room School House lot was last resurfaced in 2009 and now shows cracking and maintenance patching. The Fire Training Tower lot was discussed too, but the city has no record of when it was last paved.

Committee members noted that funding for stormwater improvements at city parking lots had been cut in prior years because of budget constraints. They raised the city's own policy that public projects should include stormwater measures when similar requirements apply to private developers.

On bike and pedestrian spending, the committee asked staff for specifics on which projects are planned over the five-year budget window. Members discussed whether the program should be reduced, modified or removed from the capital plan entirely.

The committee also advanced two projects in unanimous 4-0 votes. Ald. Baker moved to approve a draft report for Schiller Parking Deck construction bids, with Ald. Michael Bram seconding. The downtown parking deck, accessible from First Street, will move to the full City Council for final action.

Bram also motioned to approve construction engineering services for the Van Auken Street sidewalk project, seconded by Ald. Irby. The nearly half-mile sidewalk between Crestview and North End is expected to cost about $584,000 overall and begin construction in October, Patch reported earlier in September. Ward 3, which Bram represents, has the fewest sidewalks of any ward in Elmhurst.

No residents attended the Sept. 14 meeting. The committee's recommendations head to the full City Council, though no vote date has been set.