Chamagn, Ill. (Wcia) – The city of Champaign says a viaduct path that was an area for drug use and vagrancy can get a permanent solution.
The city council voted on Tuesday for the installation of new fences and gates in Main Street Viaduct in the city center.
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They had a test run with a temporary fence and said that the results would have benefited everyone in the region. Now some city officials want it to stay.
Jeff Hamilton, administrative service manager, said the temporary fix had done his work.
“It will have less maintenance costs,” said Hamilton. “It will have goals at both ends. If necessary, it could be closed. Or there will be a sidewalk in the rest of the year.”
Some people lived on the sidewalk, used drugs and caused problems for companies in the city center.
The local restaurant owner Armando Sandoval said that the fences were a welcome change.
“If you wanted to use the bathroom, we let them on the toilet,” said Sandoval. “But at the same time, they know, they would often not ask, or they would not go down to use the bathroom, but to do other illegal things.”
Now companies near the viaduct take fewer calls to the police, and Sandoval said that his employees and customers are safer.
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“Panhandling was one thing,” said Sandoval. “But they know, commented or, only indirect things that were told to them while they were, passed there … things that were inappropriate and … so that they didn't feel pretty safe.”
Now the members of the city council will vote on constant fences and gates. Hamilton said it would cost about 60,000 US dollars, but it will build up the area and at the same time leave the functionality of the sidewalk.
“This would enable us to better control this area if we can become as needed with a little more decorative, more beautiful appearance and fence that we can close,” said Hamilton.
The city could help find protection for some of the people with the viaduct, and Sandoval said it had improved the area for everyone.
“We try to run a company. And we also have employees for whom we are responsible [for]. At the same time, you know as much as we want to help, we want to take care of our customers and we would also like to take care of our employees, ”said Sandoval.
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Hamilton said they sent out offers for the new fence and pursue the cheapest.
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