Green up your yard and learn how to improve water quality in our streams, rivers and lakes by reducing polluted stormwater runoff. This FREE workshop is sponsored by Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network and the Greendale Dept. of Public Works. The event will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lower Level Community Room at the Greendale Public Library.

The Village of Greendale has awarded its 2011 Street Rehabilitation Program contract to Stark Asphalt Construction Inc. to provide numerous pavement repairs and to resurface the following streets:

• South 84th St. - W. Edgerton north to Village limit.
• Fleming Ct.- Parkview Rd. to termini
• Darnell Ln. – Southway to Catalpa St.
• Oakwood Ct. – Oakwood St. to termini
• Oakwood Circle. – Oakwood St to termini.
• Hollow Ln. – Horizon Dr. to Old Loomis Rd.
• Briarclift Ct. – Brandon St. to termini.
• Numerous spot asphalt repairs, curb and sidewalk repairs, storm sewer improvements and conveyance structure repairs are also scheduled throughout the Village.
  

Construction work related to streets is expected to begin approximately May 9, 2011. Weather permitting, all of the work is to be completed by September 15, 2011. Access to roads and driveways will be maintained except for short periods of time when work is being done in your immediate area. The contractor will provide emergency vehicle access at all times. Recycling and refuse collection will continue on regularly scheduled days. Property owners having concrete work done in front of their properties (curb, approach or sidewalk) will not be permitted to drive on the new concrete for a period of 7 days. When access to your property is not possible, you will be allowed to park your vehicle on the adjacent street by contacting the Greendale Police Department at 423-2121 for permission.

Resurfacing work will involve some noise and inconvenience, and we therefore ask for your indulgence and patience. It is important to note there is no special assessment incurred by the property owners.

*Property owners are reminded that per Village of Greendale Policy any private systems such as lawn sprinkling apparatus, invisible pet fences, plantings, pathways and security systems that are installed in or placed on Village of Greendale Right of Way are the property owners responsibility. The Village cannot accept responsibility for damage done by contractors or Village personnel while working in the Right of Way.

If you have any questions regarding the Street Rehabilitation Program, please contact the Department of Public Works at 423-2133. Thank you for your cooperation.

Water reclamation facilities are not designed to remove all medicines from the waste stream. Drugs can end up going through the plants and directly to our lakes and rivers. Various levels of antibiotics, anti-depressants, veterinary drugs, birth control hormones and other drugs have been detected in waterways across the United States.

A prescription for clean water and safe kids will be held on Saturday, April 30 (For Milwaukee County residents ONLY).

• Keep pills out of the hands of drug abusers.
• Help protect Lake Michigan.
• Prevent childhood poisonings.

Never flush or pour unused medicine down the drain.Bring your unused prescriptions to Medicine Collection Day at Miller Park. For more information, please click here.

On Thursday, December 23, 2010 and Thursday, December 30, 2010, all refuse should be placed at curbside by 7:00 a.m. All refuse routes will be collected by 11:00 a.m. DPW Refuse Yard hours on these days will be 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

On Friday, December 24, 2010 and Friday, December 31, 2010 the Greendale Public Works Department will be closed. Refuse route scheduled for those day will be collected on the following Monday. Refuse should be place curbside by 7 a.m.

The DPW/Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, December 25 and January 1, 2011.

The DPW Refuse/Recycling Center Saturday Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from December 4, 2010 through April 2, 2011.


Please note: All recycling for these periods will be collected on schedule.

The ability to react quickly to varying winter weather conditions is of paramount importance to your Public Works Department and a necessary function of local government. Our top priority is to provide safe passage on Village streets and sidewalks for our residents and those traveling through the Village. The Village has standard policies and procedures in place that address the proper response and level of snow and ice control within the Village of Greendale. Click here to learn more about Greendale's snow removal policies and safety tips (pdf)

The Department of Public Works will conduct a final leaf collection sweep through the Village beginning on November 15, 2010.  Residents may place leaves in the street through Sunday November 14.

The Department will collect from the east side of the Village to the west as quickly as possible since all of the leaf collecting equipment must be reconfigured into the snow removal mode.

After November 14 residents may still bring leaves to the Public Works Yard for disposal but leaves may no longer be placed in the street. Please remember that our equipment is not designed to process branches, soil, rocks or any debris other than leaves and grass clippings. Materials that could damage Village equipment will not be collected and become the property owners responsibility to remove from the street. 

For more information, call (414) 423-2133

The Village of Greendale Department of Public Works has released the 2010 Leaf Collection Schedule. Click here to download the schedule (pdf). For more information call the Department of Public Works at (414) 423-2133

The Greendale Board of Trustees has recently authorized the Department of Public Works to begin activities that will help to mitigate the devastating effects of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Several areas in Wisconsin are now infected with the borer and the bright green insect has been discovered close to the Village in Franklin, Oak Creek and Cudahy. The original infestation in Newburg, Wisconsin has grown in size and the ash tree mortality there is extremely high.

Public Works Forestry personnel have been attending training and developing a response plan for more than four years, long before the pest was discovered in our state. The spread of EAB is difficult to predict and our plan offers the flexibility to deal with changing conditions.

In August of 2010 the Village hired a contractor to treat 500 ash trees on streets and terrace areas with a pesticide named Xytect. All trees were treated by a licensed contractor following all state safety guidelines.The treatment of forty to fifty percent of Village street trees each year for the next few years has two benefits.

First, the treatments will help to manage the tree die off by preventing fewer dead trees per year and secondly we hope to buy some time for other treatment methods to come on line. For reference purposes the Forestry Department has painted pink dots on the curb adjacent to the ash trees that were treated in the August, 2010 treatment cycle.

The other important part of any EAB plan is dealing with dead and dying trees. The Public Works Department will focus only on removing dead, diseased, deformed or EAB infected trees unless the infestation approaches epidemic proportions. There is a possibility that at some point most ash trees in a DNR quarantine zone would require removal but that would be a worst case scenario.

The Emerald Ash Borer has marched steadily through the heartland of the United States and several Canadian provinces. The options to save ash trees are very limited at this time, have shown marginal results and are quite expensive. The Greendale Forestry department will continue to be proactive in our Response Plan while maintaining a flexible treatment and removal approach. Please call 423-2133 with questions or comments.

The Wisconsin recycling law bans the landfilling or incineration of certain recyclable or compostable materials. These bans went into effect in several stages. Two new bans have been signed into law and will take effect in 2010 and 2011. Note that some local ordinances may require additional materials to be recycled.

Materials Currently Banned from Disposal in Wisconsin

Banned in 1995

• Aluminum containers
• Bi-metal containers (containers made from a combination of steel and aluminum)
• Corrugated cardboard or other containerboard
• Foam polystyrene packaging, either designed for serving food or beverages, loose particles intended for packing (peanuts), or rigid materials shaped to hold and cushion a packaged article*
• Glass containers
• Magazines and other materials printed on similar paper
• Newspaper and other materials printed on newsprint
• Office paper
• Plastic containers #1 and #2
• Plastic containers #3 through #7*
• Steel containers
• Waste tires (except when incinerated with energy recovery)

Additional Banned Materials

• Lead acid batteries
• Major appliances including air conditioners, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, stoves, ovens, dehumidifiers,furnaces, boilers, water heaters and microwave ovens (unless the capacitor has been removed)
• Waste oils, except when incinerated with energy recovery
• Yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, yard and garden debris and brush under 6 inches in diameter**

* Currently DNR allows plastic containers #3 through #7 and foam polystyrene packaging to be landfilled or incinerated. If at some future time, the DNR determines that adequate markets for these plastics exist, they will be banned from disposal.

** Yard waste may go to an approved compost facility or be incinerated with energy recovery. Brush may be burned at licensed woodburning facilities if reasonable alternatives are not available.

New Disposal Bans

• Beginning September 1, 2010, devices covered under 2009 Act 50, Wisconsin's electronics recycling law, including computers, televisions, desktop printers, computer peripherals, DVD players, digital video recorders, VCRs, fax machines and phones with video displays (cell phones) are banned from Wisconsin landfills and incinerators For more information, see E-Cycle Wisconsin covered devices.
• Beginning January 1, 2011, oil absorbent materials over one gallon and used oil filters will be banned from Wisconsin landfills. For more information, see Motor Oil, Oil Filters and Other Automotive Products.

Exceptions for Responsible Units (RUs)
The 1995 bans do not apply to residuals of the banned material being collected, treated and disposed of by a responsible unit (RU) with an effective recycling program. Even a good recycling program will not capture 100 percent of all potential recyclables, and some materials are unable to be recycled through use or contamination. Examples include plastic jugs used for waste oil collection or newspaper used for cleaning. There are also exceptions for emergencies, unintentionally contaminated materials, the approved beneficial reuse of a material within a landfill, and certain plastics if recycling is not feasible.

RUs in two grandfathered waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator areas (La Crosse and Barron counties) are allowed to send recyclable paper (including newspaper, magazines and cardboard) and plastics to WTE incinerators, although local ordinances in those areas may require paper and plastic items to be recycled.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District has announced that construction of a low-pressure methane pipeline is about to get underway in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. A portion of the project will effect the Village of Greendale with construction on W. Loomis Road and College Avenue. Click here for more information from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.

The Village of Greendale has awarded its 2010 Street Rehabilitation Program contract to Stark Asphalt Inc. to provide numerous pavement repairs and to resurface the following streets:

• Moorehead Ln.- From Greenway to Greenway
• Edgehill Rd.- From Westway to S. 76th St.
• S. 51st St.- From W. Grange Ave. to the North Village Limits
• Broad St.- from Crocus Ct. to Northway
  

Construction work related to streets is expected to begin in late spring/early summer. Weather permitting, all of the work is to be completed by mid fall. Access to roads and driveways will be maintained except for short periods of time when work is being done in your immediate area. The contractor will provide emergency vehicle access at all times. Recycling and refuse collection will continue on regularly scheduled days. Property owners having concrete work done in front of their properties (curb, approach or sidewalk) will not be permitted to drive on the new concrete for a period of 7 days. When access to your property is not possible, you will be allowed to park your vehicle on the adjacent street by contacting the Greendale Police Department at 423-2121 for permission.

Resurfacing work will involve some noise and inconvenience, and we therefore ask for your indulgence and patience. It is important to note there is no special assessment incurred by the property owners.

Property owners are reminded that per Village of Greendale Policy any private systems such as lawn sprinkling apparatus, invisible pet fences, plantings, pathways and security systems that are installed in or placed on Village of Greendale Right of Way are the property owners responsibility. The Village cannot accept responsibility for damage done by contractors or Village personnel while working in the Right of Way.

If you have any questions regarding the Street Rehabilitation Program, please contact the Department of Public Works at 423-2133. Thank you for your cooperation.

Notice to Property Owners W. College Avenue Reconstruction Project 2010
From W. Loomis Road to S. 51st Street

Milwaukee County has announced the reconstruction of W. College Avenue from W. Loomis Road to S.51st Street with work to commence in late spring. The Village of Greendale has worked with Milwaukee County in an effort to provide a quality, long lasting improvement to this vital corridor. Some enhancements to this project include bicycle lanes, curbing in select areas, an extended stacking lane for vehicles entering the College Park School lot and two storm water detention ponds.

This project is likely to cause traffic pattern changes and require project area residents to seek alternative routes for much of the summer. Residents in the Riverdale/Radburn area will need to use the Loomis Road Entrance for all ingress/egress during the western construction portion of the project and when the Riverdale Lane/W. College Avenue intersection is closed.

Residents in the “R” section streets that intersect Root River Drive should always have at least two ways out of the subdivision depending on where active construction is occurring. Those residents will always have the Russell Drive to S.51st Street route in and out of the subdivision and are encouraged to use it as such. Village services, emergency vehicle access and delivery access will always be maintained. Your trash and recycling collection schedule will NOT change.

This project is largely funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act with additional funding from the Village of Greendale.

What Can you expect?
This will be the first significant improvement to this portion of W. College Avenue in over 40 years. During this project local residents can expect:

• Traffic pattern disruptions
• Noise
• Dusty conditions
• Construction traffic
• Occasional delays
  

What can you do?

• Please use alternative routes around construction areas
• Keep windows closed during windy,dusty,times
• Please be patient-this project will take several months to complete.
• Please drive slowly and watch for pedestrians, workers and construction vehicles.
  

Please check for updates at www.greendale.org or call the Department of Public Works at (414) 423-2133 for more information.The Village of Greendale is committed to providing a quality finished project while minimizing any inconvenience to our residents!

For more information on 2010 Road Projects in Greendale, please click here.

Notice to Property Owners: S. 51st Street Reconstruction Project
S.51st Street from W. Grange Avenue to W. Loomis Road

The Village of Greendale and the City of Greenfield will cooperatively reconstruct S.51st Street from W.Grange Avenue to W.Loomis Road this summer. Construction will begin in late spring and will take several months to complete.

This project is being largely funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act with additional funding provided by each municipality. During the majority of the project the road will likely only be open to local traffic. All Village services (i.e.: trash and recycling collection) emergency vehicle access and delivery access will be maintained during the construction time.

What can you expect?
Since this is a total reconstruction project and major components such as storm sewer improvements, curbing, bicycle lanes and drainage improvements are included you can expect:

• Some delays and inconvenience
• Noise
• Dusty conditions
• Heavy truck traffic
  

What can I do?
Residents in the Maplewood Drive, Maplewood Court, Mulberry Drive and Meadow Drive area as well as residents whose property fronts on S.51st Street will need to pay special attention to each days construction activities so please:

• Slow down in the project area
• Allow extra time in case of construction delays
• Follow the instructions of flag people
• Watch out for pedestrians, construction workers and vehicles
  

It has been more than 35 years since this portion of S.51st Street have seen any major improvements. The Village of Greendale and the City of Greenfield are committed to providing a quality finished project while minimizing inconvenience to our residents.

Please check for updates at www.greendale.org or call the Department of Public Works at 414-423-2133 for updates or if you have questions or comments.

For more information on 2010 Road Projects in Greendale, please click here.

Help reduce sewer overflows to Lake Michigan, basement backups at your home, and polluted stormwater runoff by taking the 100-gallon challenge whenever your favorite forecaster calls for heavy rain.  

"Small changes at the household-by-household level can yield huge benefits to our area rivers and ultimately, to Lake Michigan, the source of most of our drinking water and the place many of us flock to for recreation and relaxation,” said Ken Leinbach, Urban Ecology Center Executive Director.  

Every inch of rain on MMSD's service area equals 7.1 billion gallons of water.  

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, The Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), and Sweet Water organizations are encouraging families and neighbors to customize their own plan to reduce water usage inside the home and increase water storage in the yard whenever the forecast calls for heavy rain.  Installing a rain barrel on your downspout alone can capture 55 gallons of water that you can use during dry weather to water trees, gardens, and flowers.

Click here for more information and to sign-up for the 100-Gallon Challenge

The 2008 Flood Recovery Program is now providing funds and support to help Wisconsin homeowners in the 30 counties that were declared a disaster area by the floods and storms of 2008. The funds will help repair their primary residences and provide other resources to help them on the road to recovery. Homeowners can call 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211, or visit: www.2008floodrecovery.org for information and to register for the program.

The 30 counties include: Adams, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago.

S. 51st St. ARRA Project – W. Grange Ave. to W. Loomis Rd. (STH 36)

The Village of Greendale and the City of Greenfield jointly applied for and received federal stimulus funding to assist with the reconstruction of S. 51st St. between W. Grange Ave. and W. Loomis Rd. (STH 36).

Beginning in the spring of 2010, S. 51st St. will be reconstructed with two driving lanes, bicycle accommodations, curb and gutter, drainage improvements, sidewalk improvements, enhanced signing and pavement markings. The roadway will be closed to thru traffic during construction and allow for local property access. Project work is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2010.

W. College Ave. (CTH ZZ) ARRA Project – W. Loomis Rd (STH 36) to S. 51st St.

Milwaukee County has received federal stimulus monies for the rehabilitation of W. College Ave (CTH ZZ) from W. Loomis Rd. (STH 36) to S. 51st St.

Beginning in the spring of 2010, W. College Ave will be rehabilitated with new asphalt pavement (2 lane road), curb and gutter in some locations, storm water management ponds, drainage improvements, bicycle accommodations, school loading zone improvements, pavement markings, and signage. The roadway will be constructed in segments to allow for local traffic to access neighborhoods and the College Park elementary school property.

Residents of the "R" Section will always have access to and from their homes and emergency access to the subdivision will not be compromised. Residents of the Riverdale/Radburn area will need to use the Loomis Rd. intersection during the western phase of the project. Residents of the "R' section streets that intersect Root River Dr. will always have the option of using the Russell Dr. exit to S. 51st. St. and at least one of the Root River Dr. exits onto W. College Ave. Residents who live in the lower "O" Section will need to use W. Ramsey Ave. to leave the subdivision during the western phase of the project.Village staff will work closely with Milwaukee County (the owner of W. College Ave.) and all contractors to minimize any inconvenience to the public.

W. Loomis Rd. (STH 36) Rehabilitation Project – South Village Limits to North Village Limits

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be rehabilitating the asphalt pavement on STH 36 through the Village of Greendale in the 2010 construction season. Improvements include base repairs, new asphalt pavement, signal and geometric improvements at intersections, signing and pavement markings.

Root River Parkway Bridge Replacement ARRA Project ¼ Mile West of STH 36

Milwaukee County has received federal stimulus monies to replace the bridge over the Root River on the Root River Parkway during the summer of 2010. It is anticipated that the bridge work will necessitate the closure of the Root River Parkway road between STH 36 and S. 76th St. (CTH U) while the work is being done.

The 2010 Recycling Calendar and other recycling information is now available. The calendar is also available at the DPW offices, Greendale Village Hall, The Greendale Public Library and at the Greendale Safety Center. Click here to download (pdf)

Please take the time to review the condition of your on street mailbox before the snow flies.

On street mailboxes must conform to United States Postal Service guidelines. The proper height from the road surface, the proper set back from the road or curb edge and the use of correct materials for installation are necessary for a durable, long lasting structure.

The Village can only review mailbox damage complaints to properly maintained and positioned structures that have been physically struck by a Village vehicle since the structure must be robust enough to withstand the force of plowed snow. Plow drivers will get as close as possible to mailboxes but you can expect that extra snow removal efforts by the owner may be necessary especially after heavy snow events.

The Department of Public Works will conduct a final leaf collection service throughout the Village beginning on Monday, November 16, 2009. Residents may place bulk leaves in the street until Sunday, November 15, 2009.

Please remember to place the piles at least 2 feet out from the curb and only leaves will be collected. Piles containing branches, rocks, soil, garbage or any other materials will be rejected and become the homeowners responsibility to properly dispose of. As each street is completed the street sweeper will do a final pass. The street sweeper cannot pick up piled leaves so please do not place leaves in the street after November 15.

Leaves may always be disposed of at the Refuse Recycling Center during regular open hours. Please call 423-2133 for further info.

Treating Ash Trees – Fact vs. Fiction

Do you have questions about the care of your ash trees? Are you confused by all of the offerings to “treat” your ash trees to protect them from emerald ash borer? Have you taken down an ash tree and don’t know what to do with it? Come to the emerald ash borer (EAB) workshop to get all of your questions answered about ash tree care, emerald ash borer and the quarantine regulations that exist in our county concerning transport of all hardwoods. This workshop is designed for homeowners, but anyone who has a responsibility for making tree care decisions is encouraged to come.

Kristin Krokowski, Commercial Horticulture Educator for Waukesha County UW-Extension, will facilitate the workshop and discussion on EAB. Dr. Chris Williamson, entomologist for UW-Extension in Madison will explain how emerald ash borer kills trees and teach you how to identify the insect. He will also explain the potential treatments available to protect ash trees from emerald ash borer and dispel many of the myths you may have heard about different treatments. He will also discuss costs of treatments, and long-term effects of treating ash trees.

Dr. Robert Dahl, Pest and Disease Specialist with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, will explain how the quarantine works in our area, and describe the regulations surrounding firewood and all hardwood materials in our area.
The workshop is scheduled for Friday, November 6th at the Boerner Botanical Gardens Education and Visitor Center located at 9400 Boerner Drive in Hales Corners, an accessible location. The program will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and there will be time for questions. Publications will be available for participants to explain EAB, treatment options and quarantine regulations. In addition, EAB adult and larval insect samples will be available to examine along with bark samples showing the “D”- shaped exit holes of the adult borer.

There is no fee for this program, and it is open to everyone.

The Department of Public Works will collect bulk leaves from one, two and three family residential properties only beginning on October 19 and ending on November 13. Each street in the Village will receive collections on your two recycling days during that period of time.

Please place your leaves in the street at least two feet from the curb and in piles no wider than four feet. Never place leaves within fifteen feet of a storm sewer inlet and PLEASE help keep inlets clear of leaves at all times to help prevent street flooding during rain events. 

Leaves and grass clippings only can be accepted from the street. Piles containing branches, garden waste, soil, rocks or any material that could damage our expensive machinery will be left and become the property owners responsibility to remove and recycle.

Please remember that the Village Leaf Collection is intended to assist residents during the heaviest part of the leaf fall. All equipment used during the Leaf Collection must be reconfigured into a snow removal mode immediately after November 13, thus ending the leaf season. Leaves may also be brought to the Public Works Yard for recycling during our normal hours of operation. No leaves may be placed on the street after the last scheduled collection for your street. Please call the Department of Public Works for more information, 423-2133

As reconstruction of Grange Avenue comes to a close, a number of people have asked questions about the wildflower covered medians in a portion of the project. Sections of the new pavement on the Grange Avenue project have been shaped to direct storm water toward the median and into the bio-retention swales. A series of 41 openings in the curb-line equally distributes the water in the filtering area via concrete flumes. After being collected in the swale, the water then percolates through large native wildflower covered beds comprised of layers of engineered soils, crushed stone and sand. The filtered water collects at the bottom of the swale and flows through a series of distribution pipes into Dale Creek.

This bio-filtration device is designed to remove silt and other pollutants from storm water runoff. It is an excavated area that is backfilled with crushed stone (for storage) and an engineered soil mix (consisting of sand, topsoil and compost) that is covered with a mulch layer and then planted with wildflowers. Storm water percolates through the mulch and engineered soil, where it is treated by a variety of physical, chemical and biological processes that trap pollutants and silt before infiltrating back into the native soil or overflowing into the storm sewer system.

The construction of the Grange Avenue bio-retention swales will help the Village of Greendale meet WDNR storm water permit compliance goals. The Village is proud to have participated in this beneficial Water Quality Initiative Project, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.


Graphic: Bio-Retention Swale

The Village of Greendale is watching the approaching Emerald Ash Borer threat very closely. The recent confirmation of the insect in Franklin has ramped up response planning and the monitoring of vulnerable tree assets.

Public Works Forestry staff has been undergoing EAB training for more than two years on various topics such as identification, de-barking methods, quarantine issues and pesticide application as well as monitoring Village Ash trees for the insect. The Village EAB Response Plan will allow for guidance from the Wisconsin Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as intergovernmental cooperation with area municipalities.


Emerald Ash Borer

Residents can help by monitoring the Ash trees in their yards for signs of the insect. Adult EAB's are about 1/2 inch in length and dark metallic green. The larvae leave a 1/8 in "D" shaped hole when they emerge from under the bark to take flight in the summer. Trees may take several years of infestation before they begin to show the debilitation and canopy die-off that is a common indicator of infection. Unfortunately it is quite likely that like many other invasive pests such as Japanese Beetle and Gypsy Moth the Emerald Ash Borer is here to stay. Minimizing the initial damage and managing cyclical outbreaks may be the best option for the near future.

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website at http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fh/ash/ or call the Public Works Department at 423-2133.

The Village of Greendale has two projects in the planning stages as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 

West College Ave will be reconstructed from Loomis Rd. to S. 51st St. Highlights of this project will include new pavement, curbing in select areas, stormwater conveyance and storage improvements,  a bicycle lane and grade corrections.

The other project involves the reconstruction of S. 51st St. from Grange Ave. to Loomis Rd. with the same type of improvements. 

Both these projects will be significantly financed by the Federal Government with additional funding provided through cooperative agreements between Greenfield, Greendale and Milwaukee County.

Work is in the design stage now and will be put out to bid in the Spring of 2010. Construction will begin shortly after that. Please watch for updates as more information becomes available.

Click the links below for preliminary information on the projects:

• Suggested Typical Street Section (pdf)
• West College Avenue Proposed Curb Location (pdf)
• South 51st Proposed Curb Location (pdf)

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be resurfacing W. Forest Home Ave.from Hwy. 100 to W. Oklahoma Ave. Project highlights include curb, gutter, sidewalk and storm sewer improvements and complete resurfacing of all traffic lanes.

Please remember that road construction can cause delays and dusty conditions. Always be extra alert in work areas.

The Village of Greendale has awarded its 2009 Street Rehabilitation Program contract to Black Diamond Inc. to provide numerous stormwater conveyance improvements, pavement repairs and to resurface the following streets:

• Eastway.- S.51st St. to W. Ramsey Ave. (Through the “L” Section)
• Mead Rd..-All
• Radcliff Dr.-All
• W. Grange Ave. Project ( Now Underway)
• Spot Pavement Repairs - S 43rd St. Along Grootemaat Park, S 68th St. North Bound lanes from Manchester Dr. to W. Edgerton Ave.
• Stormwater Conveyance Improvements - Glenwood Dr., Mansfield Dr., Manchester Dr.
• Misc. Sidewalk Repairs, Cracksealing- S. 51st St. From W. College Ave. to W. Grange Ave.
  

Construction work related to streets and storm sewers are expected to begin approximately June 15, 2009. Weather permitting, all of the work is to be completed by September 18, 2009. Access to roads and driveways will be maintained except for short periods of time when work is being done in your immediate area. The contractor will provide emergency vehicle access at all times. Recycling and refuse collection will continue on regularly scheduled days. Property owners having concrete work done in front of their properties (curb, approach or sidewalk) will not be permitted to drive on the new concrete for a period of 7 days. When access to your property is not possible, you will be allowed to park your vehicle on the adjacent street by contacting the Greendale Police Department at 423-2121 for permission.

Resurfacing work will involve some noise and inconvenience, and we ask for your understanding and patience. It is important to note there are no special assessments incurred by the property owners.

*Property owners are reminded that per Village of Greendale Policy any private systems such as lawn sprinkling apparatus, invisible pet fences, plantings, pathways and security systems that are installed in or placed on Village of Greendale Right of Way are the property owners responsibility. The Village cannot accept responsibility for damage done by contractors or Village personnel while working in the Right of Way.

If you have any questions regarding the Street Rehabilitation Program, please contact the Department of Public Works at 423-2133. Thank you for your cooperation.

Reconstruction of the roadway is scheduled to begin tomorrow on West Grange Avenue from Loomis Road to S. 76th Street, South 60th Street from West Grange Avenue to the Water Utility Building and the concrete section of Northway adjacent to the Police Department. Work will include rehabilitated pavement, storm sewer improvements, new street lighting, traffic signal improvements and a bio-retention area to clean pollutants from storm water that is discharged into Dale Creek. The project is estimated to be completed by August 28, 2009.

Work will be completed in stages and the roads will always be open to traffic. Travelers can expect reduced speed limits in the construction zones and occasional short delays. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible. There will be brief periods of time when portions of Northway, south of Grange on the west and east ends will be closed for reconstruction. The Northway reconstruction segments are not scheduled to be closed at the same time. Alternate routes will be noted with orange signage for the duration of the project.

The pavement on these streets is now 40 years old and severely deteriorated. Storm water conveyance structures are also dated and the existing street lighting is inefficient and nearing the end of its service life. The total project cost is approximately $5 Million. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is funding 80% of the project costs with the Village of Greendale funding 20%.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Existing pavement will be pulverized and replaced with new asphalt pavement.
• Traffic signals will be installed on W. Grange Avenue at S. 60th Street, S. 68th Street and at the west end of Northway.
• The storm sewer system will be rehabilitated with new inlets and catch basin lead piping.
• All street lighting will be replaced with modern, increased efficiency poles and fixtures.
• The traffic signals will be removed at the southeast access drive of Southridge Mall to improve traffic flow.
• New signs and pavement markings along the project routes are included in the project.
• New turn lanes will be added where appropriate as well as shaping medians to improve traffic flow.
• A bio-retention area utilizing four medians near the Dale Creek crossing will help filter pollutants from the storm water prior to being discharged into the Dale Creek waterway. This will be the first bio retention project of this magnitude on public property in Wisconsin!
  

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Reduced speeds on project roads.
• Some dust and noise.
• Periods of time when the street lights are turned off.
• Occasional delays due to equipment in the roadway.
• Occasional short duration road closures.
  

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Please be patient.
• Please be extra alert when driving in construction zones.
• Use alternate routes if possible.
  

Persons wanting additional information can contact Carl Tisonik, Director of Public Works at (414) 423-2133 with questions, comments or concerns about this project. Additional information is available on the Village’s website at www.greendale.org. Project updates can also be requested by emailing ctisonik@greendale.org.

The expected deicing salt shortage in the northern states will likely affect road conditions in the Village of Greendale and most other municipalities this winter. The severe winter of 2007/2008 completely depleted stockpiles in the Midwest and salt producers are experiencing difficulties in replenishing their supplies. The Public Works Department budgets and purchases road deicing salt for an average Wisconsin winter with an additional 15% more salt held in vendor reserve. For 2009 the Village has contracted for an additional 200 tons of road salt, however due to the early onset of winter, and the large number of salting operations this season, there is concern about having enough salt for the rest of this season. In an attempt to ensure an adequate supply for what is shaping up to be another severe winter, the Department of Public Works will be looking to conserve salt whenever possible.

The Department of Public Works will increase the frequency of plowing to lessen ice buildup on roads. Main, arterial and secondary streets will be plowed and salted as necessary to ensure a safe road surface. Residential streets will be plowed and only hills, sharp curves and stop areas will be treated with salt or a sand/salt blend. Please remember that the Village does not have a "bare street" policy for residential streets.

Some helpful winter tips:

• Wait until the street is completely plowed before clearing your driveway and sidewalk.
• Be extra cautious on snow covered roads and give snow removal vehicles space to work.
• Try to shovel snow to the "downstreet" side of your driveway to lessen the amount that the plow leaves after the next snowstorm.
• PLEASE do not shovel or blow snow back into the road after the street has been plowed.
  

Persons wanting additional information may contact: Carl Tisonik, Director of Public Works at (414) 423-2100.

The 2008 Leaf Collection is now complete. Leaves may no longer be placed in the street. Leaves may be brought to the DPW yard for recycling during regular hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that Saturday hours change to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. after December 1. For more information call (414) 423-2133.

The Department of Public Works will begin a final leaf collection service beginning on November 17, 2008. Residents may continue to place leaves in the street through Sunday November 16, 2008.

Please remember to place leaves 2 feet from the curb line into the street in piles no wider than 4 feet. Only leaves and grass clippings can be collected. Leaves may be brought to the DPW Yard for recycling during regular hours of operation; Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call 423-2133 for more information.