CEDAR LAKE | A housing boom in Cedar Lake has inspired a renewed effort by the town to clean up its namesake waterway.

The town is preparing to dredge phosphorus-laced sediments from the lake basin that have clouded the surface with algae blooms. Town officials hope this will cater to new home buyers wanting unrestricted views of crystalline waters.

Bob Gross, president of the Cedar Lake Enhancement Association, said the phosphorus represents decades of fertilizers that drained from nearby farm fields.

"This is called an ecosystem restoration project. We are in the final stages with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of the preliminary study," Gross said.

"We just acquired land to put the dredged sediment on. Once that is out of the lake, we anticipate less algae growth and better water visibility. We will establish plant life in the lake. There will be a fish rehab, too."

Gross also said the town has been sinking money into parks and other green space, hoping to spruce up the municipality and its image.

"We have spent $1 million on beautification of parks over the years," Gross said.

Local officials also are concerned about sizing the town's transportation system to fit its growing population.

"We are looking at a hefty capital improvement plan for our streets and roads," Town Manager Joan Boyer said. "Now they are driving down country roads, and it's really putting a strain on them.

"We are looking toward the Illiana Expressway and the (South Shore) commuter train coming down here," Boyer said.