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CL Officials: New Cement Wall by Veteran Acres Not 'Aesthetically Pleasing'

Crystal Lake city officials are working with the McHenry County Transportation Department to determine how appearance of the new wall could be improved.

As road construction work progresses on Walkup Road and Route 176, a cement wall adjacent to the road and bikepath near Veteran Acres is catching the eye of city officials - and not in a good way.

Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley told city council members during the recent  city council meeting that people have complained about the aesthetics of the cement wall and adjacent bike patch just north of Route 176.

The wall is in what city officials call "a high profile area" and partial blocks the scenic view of Veteran Acres pond.

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"We've drafted a letter and sent it to the county, and I'm happy to say that the county has been receptive (to our concerns)," Shepley said.

County officials have asked for suggestions on how to make the wall look better, he said.

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"We're working on options now," said Erik Morimoto, director of engineering and building for Crystal Lake. "We want to make sure that whatever we come up with doesn't increase maintenance costs down the road."

The cement wall was recently added as part of the overall Walkup Road Improvement Project, which involves road widening and resurfacing for approximately six miles on Walkup Road.

The project spans Walkup Road from Route 176 north to Bull Valley Road.


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