The Douglas Center Public Hearing Notice

Notice of Public Hearing

THE DOUGLAS CENTER

RE: State of Illinois Paratransit Vehicle Grant for The Douglas Center, Cook County Service Area

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by The Douglas Center

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Douglas Center: 3445 Howard Street, Skokie, IL 60076

For the purpose of considering a project for which financial assistance is being sought from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), pursuant to IDOT’s general authority to make such grants, and which is generally described as follows:

Description of project: The Douglas Center is requesting three ADA-accessible Light-Duty Paratransit (LDL) vehicles with wheelchair/mobility aid lifts, each with a capacity of 12 passengers/3 wheelchairs. Two vehicles are requested as replacement vehicles and one is requested as an expansion vehicle.

A. The vehicles will provide accessible transportation for adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities participating in The Douglas Center's Community Day Services. Transportation will support community integration opportunities, including community-based vocational and independent living skill development, volunteer service, and other educational, recreational, wellness, and community activities. The requested vehicles will also help meet increased transportation needs resulting from growth in the number of program participants, an increase in community-based activities and outings, and an increased number of individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Vehicle Capacities and Budgeted Costs:

·Two Replacement Light-Duty Paratransit (LDL) Vehicles with wheelchair/mobility aid lifts — Capacity: 12 passengers/3 wheelchairs: $126,000 each

·One Expansion Light-Duty Paratransit (LDL) Vehicle with wheelchair/mobility aid lift — Capacity: 12 passengers/3 wheelchairs: $126,000

·Total Budgeted Project Cost: $378,000

B. This project will be included in a Consolidated Vehicle Procurement (CVP) Program undertaken by the State of Illinois on behalf of The Douglas Center with federal funds.

C. Relocation – Relocation Assistance will not be required.

D. Environment – This project is being implemented to minimize environmental impact.

E. Comprehensive Planning – This project is in conformance with comprehensive transportation planning in the area.

F. Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities – All new equipment included in this project will meet ADA-accessibility requirements for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

At the hearing, the Douglas Center will afford an opportunity for interested persons or agencies to be heard with respect to the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the project. Interested persons may submit verbally or in writing, evidence and recommendations with respect to said project.

A copy of the application for a state grant for the proposed project for the intended service area will be made available for public inspection at The Douglas Center: 3445 Howard Street, Skokie, IL 60076

Contact Person: Linda Cordero, Marketing and Development
Phone: 847-674-1921 x245
Email: lcordero@thedouglascenter.org