Council reviews Linda Kunzie Plaza improvement contract; project presented as under budget amid public cost questions

The Downers Grove Village Council heard a first-reading presentation on June 9 about proposed improvements to the Linda Kunzie Plaza in front of the Main Street train station.

Scott Vasco, the village’s director of engineering, described the project scope — new fountain, public art, gateway signage, lighting, native landscaping, seat walls and clock repair — and said the project was bid in May. He reported the village received four bids and that the lowest compliant bidder (described in the packet as "Copenh construction") produced a recommended award price that includes a 15% contingency at $2,922,367.98. Vasco said the combined streetscape projects are roughly $800,000 under a $5 million budget for this year. Work was presented as starting in early July and completing by November, in two phases to maintain access to the train station during construction.

During the public comment period, Scott Richards questioned the size of the contingency and the overall cost, saying a 15% contingency seemed high and asking why the figure was not lower. "I'm just kind of startled at trying to justify the price for this plaza," Richards said.

Council members asked staff about the contingency and schedule. One member said contingencies of 10% to 15% are common on projects with uncertain underground conditions; others emphasized the downtown plaza's importance as the village 'front door' and expressed support for preserving dedication plaques and the clock. Staff said phasing would keep half the plaza open to maintain train-station access and that contract work would begin after July 4 with the contractor confident about the schedule.

This item was presented as a first reading; council did not take final action on the contract at the June 9 meeting.