The Village of Munsey Park has embarked upon two important public works programs, continuing its efforts to upgrade village roads and to protect its unique character. The first project will repair and upgrade those village streets that are now, or soon will be, in urgent need of repair, and the second project will repair and renovate Copley Park pond.

During the past two years, the village board and the village engineers prepared a detailed study of the conditions of the 10.2 miles of village roads. They classified them on a scale from A to D and F. The A rating is assigned to roads that are in good condition and do not need repair and the F rating signifies the roads that are so poor in condition that there is active deterioration. The village board will also review repairs to roads that will not require full replacement for a number of years as well as sidewalk and gutter repairs that are urgently needed.

Road repair programs done last year and this summer upgraded some of the D and F streets. However, approximately 1.5 miles of D and F rated roads still remain. The village board has directed the village engineer to prepare plans and specifications to repair and rehabilitate all remaining D and F rated roads and any C rated roads that should logically be repaired at the same time.

At the same time, the village will also make long needed repairs to Copley Park pond, which was part of the original Munsey Park golf course. The pond's structure is deteriorating. The walkways around the pond and many of the lights will be affected by the restoration efforts.

The exact cost of the combined road and park improvement projects cannot be determined until after the projects are put out for competitive bidding. However, in an effort not to impose an onerous increase in village taxes to pay for these projects out of current operating revenues, the village board has decided to finance them by the use of municipal bonds. The process will require financing by utilizing a combination of short-term Bond Anticipation Notes and medium-term Serial Bonds. This approach to the project will provide the village with the best financing terms and will allow the cost to be spread over future years of use. The village board is looking to adopt two resolutions at the next village board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11. one authorizing the issuance of a maximum of $2,750,000 in bonds/notes to finance the road improvements and the second project will require a maximum of $250,000 in bonds/notes to finance the Copley Park pond renovation.

As presently contemplated, these capital improvements will cost the average homeowner $225 in incremental village taxes over the borrowing and repayment period of the project. The average annual increase for residential village taxes relating to this specific project will be $37 a year for six years.

A copy of the village road study, updated to show the latest road repairs, is available for inspection at the village hall.