People’s Gas Explains Construction at Palmer Square

After two weeks of calls and emails into their customer service, People’s Gas finally responded to our requests for a Palmer Square Park update. Here’s what I learned:

“In response to your inquiry, the work in Palmer Square at Palmer and Kedzie is associated with the High Pressure Main Extension work. The work on Palmer Square is planned to be restored by the end of this year. The fencing in the park will remain through at least November due to the security and safety required for the construction area and excavation necessary for the high pressure main work. As part of our agreement with the Chicago Park District and CDOT, we will be responsible for restoring the area.

If you have any questions, please respond to this email or call 1-866-556-6001.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.”

The person I spoke to was Nancy Ayala; she is part of the Support Center for People’s Gas. The statement above is most likely what she received from her supervisor. I spoke to her on the phone initially and she said People’s Gas has absolutely nothing to do with the Chicago Park District or any restoration. She now was informed that they do have an agreement and won’t leave the construction site as a mound of dirt. So, the silver lining in all of this is they will be restoring the western area of Palmer Square Park when completed. People’s Gas’ construction crew has already paved new concrete and asphalt along Kedzie. Some neighbors west towards Palmer and Central Park were pleasantly surprised with the restoration and quality that the crew did. Let’s hope there is still a budget for that this spring.

If you have any specific questions, please let us know. I have their support center’s direct line.