Beautification vs. Infrastructure

Regarding the Journal Online story about the Riverwalk: http://www.journal-topics.com/dp/09/dp090826.1.html -- Tim Oakley, the City's director of engineering and public works, welcomed feedback from residents on the Riverwalk project. The NoFloodZone group was quick to respond to Mr. Oakley:

• It would be very nice to have additional recreation areas for our residents. However, before the City's public officials commit further money to such projects, they should concentrate on more critical issues, such as flood and sewer problems in the 8th Ward. Since the Federal Government is willing to grant the City of Des Plaines funds to be used for recreational purposes, why not ask for funds that could help solve our FLOODING PROBLEM? As a resident of Devonshire Subdivision and a victim of frequent floods in the area, I am requesting that the City reprioritize its projects and start helping people. What's more important: a nice Riverwalk or protecting residents from flooding? (Halina D. Kraszewski)
• City officials need to hold off on these types of beautification projects and take better care of the City's infrastructure (i.e. accelerate the Storm Water Master Plan multi-year CIP). When the Casino money starts rolling in, then beautification projects like the Riverwalk can be pursued. (Bob Furst)
• We don't need more new construction in Des Plaines, or there will be no more place for water to go but inside our homes. The streets and sewers are the responsibility of the City, not the residents. 50+ year old sewers cannot accommodate all of the building that has taken place. If you don't start updating the City's antiquated infrastructure, then I would recommend changing the Des Plaines logo from "City of Destiny" to "City of the Destitute." (Jim Vinci)