Oswego approves South Harrison streetscape easements and right-of-way dedications to advance redevelopment

The Village of Oswego Board on May 5 approved a package of agreements and resolutions to support a multi-phase South Harrison Street streetscape project.

Staff member Andre described the plan to obtain an additional 13 feet of right-of-way on each side of Harrison Street, secure temporary construction easements, extend sanitary sewer mains to serve properties along the corridor and reimburse an owner for engineering design already completed for 174 Harrison. The project will also abandon or replace existing septic systems and vacate an unimproved alley adjacent to the corridor; the village will retain utility easements over vacated portions.

Trustees praised the plan as a critical step to improve pedestrian connections, lighting and spaces for outdoor events and said it advances long-standing elements of the village’s comprehensive plan. Staff asked that the motion be made "as amended" to reflect reimbursement for owner-completed design work; trustees approved the amendment and the resolutions on unanimous roll-call votes. Officials thanked partner agencies, including the Oswego Park District and Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, for right-of-way dedications and cooperation.

Next steps: staff will move to bid and construct the South Harrison improvements, with subsequent phases connecting Harrison to Benson Street and extending Benton Street.