Hinsdale Eyes Traffic Near Elementary School

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale is poised to hire a consultant to study traffic near Monroe Elementary School.

Last year, the consultant, Rosemont-based KLOA, did the same for downtown, producing recommendations.

The Monroe study would cost $35,000.

At the Village Board's meeting Tuesday, Trustee Michelle Fisher, who called herself a "Monroe mom," said timing was critical.

"It's busy right now," she said. "You have a perfect blend of walkers and drivers coming to school."

Outside of now, September would be a good time as well, she said.

"You're going to get your best data," Fisher said.

Trustees questioned whether the village planned to study traffic at all eight local schools, including two private ones.

"We may learn a lot from the first school or maybe the first two schools that we can apply to the other schools," Trustee Neale Byrnes said. "We don't need eight studies."

But Trustee Alexis Braden suggested that each school at least get a site visit, so they could be prioritized for studies.

The board decided to wait to vote on doing the Monroe study.

For the last few years, Elmhurst has been studying traffic in each neighborhood, hiring KLOA as well. Hinsdale's plan is school-based.