Blackberry Knoll

Homeowners Association

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Meeting with Metra Reveals Timeline

Leaders from Oswego, Montgomery and Aurora met with Metra boss Alex Clifford for about 45 minutes Tuesday morning to discuss the timeline of a possible train station at Orchard and Mill Roads.

Oswego Village President Brian LeClercq said the meeting was productive in that Metra revealed the Phase I engineering study likely will be put out for bid by May. That study has an estimated price tag of $6 million. Money has yet to be released by the Metra board, but that could happen in February or March. The preliminary work will focus on environmental and operational issues.

An Oswego commuter station has been a topic of discussion for many years. It could be another 10 and 15 years away and likely will cost more than $120 million.

The issue also was discussed at Tuesday night's Oswego Village Board meeting. Trustee Terry Michels pressed LeClercq on the reality of a Metra stop ever being built in Oswego. LeClercq said he will do his best to keep the board and community updated on the progress being made on a potential stop.

LeClercq also said Oswego is still moving forward with a second rail option to become a stop on Amtrak's Chicago-Quad Cities line. That project was not discussed in Tuesday's meeting with Metra.

An Amtrak stop could be completed within three years, and cost between $6 million to $10 million, since it would not require laying additional rails. Amtrak is looking to provide service between Chicago and the Quad Cities in 2014.

No Dues Increase for 2012!

The Board engaged a firm to conduct a reserve study for the Association in order to plan for major projects, e.g. new roofs or siding, and to determine if adequate funds are being placed and invested in reserve.

Great news for Blackberry Knoll townhouse residents!  The Board agreed that a small dues increase should not be necessary until at least 2013. There has not been an increase since the beginning of the Pasquinelli development in 2003. 

Police Alert -- Burglary to Motor Vehicles in Oswego

There continue to be burglaries to motor vehicles in the Village. These crimes have been mostly occurring during the late evening or early morning hours, yet two recently occurred during daylight in Blackberry Knoll.

Several unlocked vehicles in our subdivision have been victimized, both in driveways and in open garages. Your cooperation is being requested so that this type of crime stops.

• Report ALL suspicious circumstances and criminal activity to the Oswego Police Department immediately. You can remain anonymous, if you wish. The information you provide may be the key to solving crime in our neighborhood.

• Be alert of any suspicious vehicles or persons lingering around your home, in the street, or in the subdivision. Crimes like burglary to motor vehicles usually occur while it's dark.

• Lock your vehicle when it is parked and unattended.
 
• Outdoor lighting can act as a deterrent.

• Remove your valuables (e.g. I-Pod, GPS, laptop computer, CD case, wallet, etc.) from your vehicle, even in an open garage.

• Most people are not out for a leisurely stroll after midnight. Report late night activity to the police.  

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