In a unified effort to address pressing pedestrian safety concerns, a coalition of community leaders, all members of DuPage United, are urging for the passage of SB 2647, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at enhancing safety measures along IL Route 38 in Wheaton. This bipartisan bill, which allocates funding for pedestrian infrastructure improvements, will be considered at a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting which was set for Wednesday, May 8.
Mark Angelini, president of Mercy Housing Lakefront; Pastors Jared Olson and Anders Nelson from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wheaton; The Rev. Kevin Caruso from Trinity Episcopal Church, Wheaton; The Rev. Dr. J. Michael Solberg from Union Church, Hinsdale; Pastor Michelle Hwang from Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, Geneva; and Rabbi David Eber from Congregation Beth Shalom, Naperville, are among the esteemed leaders spearheading the campaign for the passage of SB 2647.
“It is beyond time that this issue is resolved,” said Mark Angelini, president of Mercy Housing Lakefront. “For too many years too many individuals have been exposed to unnecessary risk in seeking basic retail services. We are grateful for the support of senator Seth Lewis and Seator. Suzie Glowiak Hilton as well as from community organizations and leaders in DuPage County for this critical piece of legislation.”
“As community leaders, it is our moral duty to advocate for the safety and welfare of all residents,” said Pastor Anders Nelson of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton. “The pedestrian safety crisis along Roosevelt Road demands immediate attention and action. SB 2647 represents a crucial opportunity to address this pressing issue and ensure that our streets are safe for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.”
“Something as simple as crossing the street should be safe for everyone,” said Rev. Dr. J. Michael Solberg from Union Church, Hinsdale. “As previous accidents show, this project is literally a matter of life and death.”
Since 1998, Roosevelt Road in Wheaton has witnessed three fatalities, 13 reported injuries, and numerous close calls and unreported incidents stemming from pedestrian-vehicle accidents, particularly in the vicinity of Marian Park apartments, St. Francis High School, and a shopping center near County Farm Road. This concerning trend has left students and residents living in fear, especially those without vehicles, comprising a significant portion of the population, including elderly, disabled individuals, and families with children.
Residents and supporters have demonstrated their support for this critical legislation by submitting witness slips, and individuals are encouraged to contribute by visiting the witness slip submission link at https://tinyurl.com/6cvv8fn6
For more than a year, Marian Park residents, in collaboration with DuPage United, have been actively engaged in various initiatives, such as town hall meetings, door-knocking campaigns, and dialogues with City officials, legislators, and IDOT engineers, aiming to address the safety crisis.
“Three of my neighbors have died attempting to walk across the street, the most recent in January of last year. It was at that point that I knew we needed to do something,” said longtime resident Deborah Suggs. “My family does not own a car, and neither do many of my neighbors. We have no other option than to cross the street on foot, a very dangerous journey,” she added.
The City of Wheaton agreed in February to begin moving forward with the project as long as funding assistance could be brought in.
Elsa Hailu, a Wheaton resident since 1988, said, “Just a few days before I moved in, my close family member was hit and killed. I didn’t even have a chance to meet him in person. Since that time, I am now a mother to three wonderful sons who are now entering their teenage years. And since that time, I have been afraid to cross Roosevelt Road, and frightened for the safety of my children.”
Community leaders are calling upon State legislators to heed the urgent plea of their residents. The passage of SB 2647 is not just a matter of infrastructure; it’s a commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring the well-being of our neighborhoods. They urge Senators to prioritize pedestrian safety and take decisive action to approve this vital funding.
DuPage United stands as an inclusive, non-profit organization comprising civil society institutions such as churches, mosques, synagogues, non-profit agencies, and associations. Together, they advocate for public relationships and take concerted action to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Their active engagement in the public arena underscores their unwavering commitment to promoting safety and well-being for all. Learn more at DupageUnited.org.
— DuPage United