Burlington Spotlight
May 2004

We Energies has scheduled Phase 3 of their multi-phased gas main replacement project, which began last year.  This work is being performed in order to upgrade and maintain their system, parts of which have been in place since 1947. 

The gas main for Phases I and 2 was installed last year, with remaining restoration of sidewalks, parkways, etc. currently finishing up.  Phase 3 will begin late in April, 2004 by We Energies.  The location of the gas main replacement will be on N. Maple Ave. (from W. State St. to Walnut St.), Walnut St./ Origen St. (from N. Maple Ave. to W. Chestnut St.), Amanda St. (from Origen St. to Kendall St.) and additional tie-ins at various intersections, along these routes.  We expect this portion of the project to be completed by late Summer.

We Energies will be installing the new gas main under the sidewalks, where there are conflicts with parkway trees, and excavating in the parkways in other areas.  Where street crossings are needed, asphalt pavement will be restored, and the street should only be closed for about a day.  In areas where sidewalks or driveways are disturbed, they will be replaced.  Some property owners in the project area can also expect to have their gas service lines replaced.  All areas disturbed will be restored in kind by the We Energies contractor. Every effort will be made to try to protect parkway trees from damage.

We Energies will have a field representative on site, during construction, for any questions or concerns that arise.  This infrastructure upgrade will help insure continued quality service, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during this inconvenience.

Children's library news:

Next early release sees the return of Captain Underpants!  Come to the library after school on May 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. to fling underwear, toss toilet paper and create comics featuring our favorite superhero!

Join the Youth Book Group or the Teen Book Club.  For more information, visit the library's website: www.burlingtonlibrary.com

Adult library news:

Finish your celebration of Chocolate City's "Burlington Falls for Chocolate" with a rousing book discussion at the Burlington Public Library.  We will be discussing The Emperors of Chocolate by Hoel Glenn Brenner on Monday, May 24, at 7:00 PM.  Corporate candy giants Milton Hershey and Forrest Mars built business empires out of one of the world's most magical, sought after substances: chocolate.  In The Emperors of Chocolate, Joel Glenn Brenner--the first person to ever gain access to the highly secretive companies of Hershey and Mars--spins a unique story that takes us inside a world as mysterious as Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.  Packed with flavorful stories and outrageous characters that give the true scoop on the real-life candyland, The Emperors of Chocolate is a delectable read for business buffs and chocoholics alike.  Start reading and you'll soon be hungry for more.  No registration is necessary; books are available at the Burlington Public Library.

This will mark the 18^th anniversary of ChocolateFest which runs May 14-16, 2004.  The ChocolateFest creation this year will be a ‘Chocolate Waterfall’ and the theme to tie it in is “Burlington Falls for Chocolate!”  ChocolateFest is organized entirely by local volunteers and serves as a conduit for many area groups as a vital revenue source for their particular purpose.  Last year twenty-seven non-profit organizations benefited from ChocolateFest and over $163,000 was distributed right back into the Burlington community.  For more information visit the ChocolateFest website at www.chocolatefest.com or call 763-3300 or Bil Scherrer, President of Operations at 763-2680.

During the Annual Chocolate City Festival, which is held May 12 -16, 2004, the population of the City of Burlington can triple.  This often leads to parking problems not only near the festival but also around the parade on Sunday and the Downtown area.

The main Chocolate City festival parking is located off Maryland Avenue behind White Fox Den Restaurant.  Access is gained by turning off Milwaukee Avenue and onto Maryland Avenue where you will be directed into a six-acre grass field.  The exit is to the north and onto Wegge Road.  The lot is very well posted and a fee is charged for parking all day.  This includes shuttle service and help for those with special needs, to and from the parking lot and festival grounds.

A couple area businesses near the festival grounds allow parking on their property for a fee and a short walk.   Parking is restricted on parts of Congress, Michigan, Delaware and Maryland Streets for pedestrian safety.  Please look for signs indicating this.

Those wishing to attend the Burlington Chocolate City Parade may find parking a bit of a challenge.  If you need to drive to the parade or festival it is a good idea to park on the festival grounds and walk to the parade area.  Not only is the parking easier, but you can stop and enjoy the festival.  Trying to park as close to the parade route as possible can cause further congestion and make leaving the parade quite a test.

Please remember to take advantage of the ample parking available on the Chocolate Festival grounds and remember it is more enjoyable to walk a little than to sit in traffic.  We hope everyone will enjoy this festive weekend.

As many of you can see the City is bustling with new developments.  From continued development of the Shiloh Hills and Falcon Ridge neighborhoods, new subdivisions and condominiums are going in on S. Pine Street, and a new subdivision has broken ground on STH 36.  The City of Burlington’s housing stock is increasing rapidly.  The following is an overview of where these projects are occurring and their current status:

The Glen at Stonegate

This approved subdivision will be located northeast of the Wal-Mart site and will be abutting Buckley Street & Hwy 36 / 83.  The subdivision will consist of 31 single-family residential homes with lots ranging in size from 11,000 to 30,500 square feet.  The homes themselves will range in size from 1,650 to 2,500 square feet and include attached 2 ½ car garages. 

In April, the City Council approved the final plans for this subdivision.  The developer plans to break ground on this project as early as the end of April or early May and they hope to begin constructing model homes by July.  The developer is currently taking reservations for lots, which will be selling for between $60,000 – $79,900.

Spring Brook Landing

This approved subdivision will be located off of S. Pine Street behind Pinebrook Pointe.  The subdivision includes 51 single-family lots situated in a cluster type development with each home being between 1,400 to 1,900 square feet and have 1 ½ to 2 stories.  Approved by the City Council in March, the developer of this subdivision has begun work and anticipates model homes to be open this spring with homes available for purchase upon completion of construction, which should begin this fall.

Spring Brook Crossing

This project is proposing ten condominium buildings to be located on the west side of S. Pine Street north of Yahnke Road.  Each of these buildings are proposed to consist of six dwelling units with all of the units proposed to be two bedroom units.  Currently this project is working through the City Plan Commission and City Council approval process.

Fox River Landing at the Murphy Farm

This proposed subdivision will be located between the Fox River and S. Browns Lake Drive/CTH W.  It will consist of 127 single-family residential lots and four (4) outlots. The proposed lot sizes range from 11,000 to 28,731 square feet.   Currently this project is working through the City Plan Commission and City Council approval process.

The picture above shows the newest edition to the Police Department’s fleet.  The Harley Davidson motorcycle was leased from Uke’s Harley Davidson for $1.00.  Several individuals, businesses and service clubs also helped finance the motorcycle and offer equipment through generous donations.