Throughout the U.S., downtowns of virtually all sizes are experiencing a renaissance. The reasons are numerous, including the strong national economy that persisted throughout the 1990s. Underlying all trends, however, is the simple fact that downtowns are unique mixed-use centers of community life that can not be replicated elsewhere. The general public and stakeholders of many types are now well aware of this fact and they are aggressively working together in partnership to achieve revitalization potentials, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of future generations. This spirit led to the identification of the Village Center as a key issue area within South Elgin and a focus of community revitalization efforts. This Plan is designed to provide a guide to the important concerns facing the Village Center and propose alternatives for refashioning the Village Center into the civic, cultural and entertainment center of the community.
This Master Plan establishes the vision for South Elgin's Village Center, first articulated in 1968 by the Village's first Comprehensive Plan, by identifying the overall goals and actions required to meet the development objectives. For example, the Plan includes the blueprint for making a first class park system, developing a pedestrian friendly network of paths, roads and parking areas, and incorporating environmentally beneficial practices for storm water management. As a whole this Plan provides the private sector with important information regarding investment opportunities and guidelines associated with developing in South Elgin.
This Plan is not the last step in the process though, it is only the first. Each objective will need implementation strategies with budgets, timelines and measurable achievements. The work will be done by several different departments within the Village in coordination with other local, regional, and state organizations and will take many years. This Plan is not intended to be a static document; it is dynamic. As implementation progresses, the South Elgin community will have opportunities to continue to provide inputs and monitor the progress being made toward the objectives and goals identified in this document. To help facilitate this, the Village Center Master Plan is also being presented as a 'project website', which will be updated with relevant information and achievements, along with serving as a information portal to the community.
Acknowledgements
The Village and Consultant Team would like to thank the following people for their involvement and contributions throughout the Village Center planning process:
Market Feasibility Team Members: David Bear, Chris Shanahan, John Bettler, Ben Henrikson, Karen Blair, Marc Falk, Greg Lieser, Lisa Guess, Chris Manheim, Mike Kenyon, John Blazek, Margo Gray/ Parks & Tourism Team Members: Jim Reuter, Bill DiFulvio, Steve Ward, Liz Firmstone, Mary Rees Freeman, Don MacBean, Mary Rohr, Karen Cluchey, Jennifer Shouldice, Monica Meyers, Erin Willrett. Transportation Team Members: Chris Merritt, Brian Carlson, Mike Kolodziej, John Sweet, Chuck Behm, Christy Sabdo, Jeff Cooper. Citizen Participation Team Members: Larry Jones, Scott Richmond, Greg Lieser, John Blazek, Ron Herrmann, Jennifer McClure. Planning and Zoning Commission: Ron Herrmann, Brian Carlson, Richard Watson, Leo Metz, Joe Cluchey, Jennifer McClure, James McMillan, Cynthia Tarka
This Master Plan establishes the vision for South Elgin's Village Center, first articulated in 1968 by the Village's first Comprehensive Plan, by identifying the overall goals and actions required to meet the development objectives. For example, the Plan includes the blueprint for making a first class park system, developing a pedestrian friendly network of paths, roads and parking areas, and incorporating environmentally beneficial practices for storm water management. As a whole this Plan provides the private sector with important information regarding investment opportunities and guidelines associated with developing in South Elgin.
This Plan is not the last step in the process though, it is only the first. Each objective will need implementation strategies with budgets, timelines and measurable achievements. The work will be done by several different departments within the Village in coordination with other local, regional, and state organizations and will take many years. This Plan is not intended to be a static document; it is dynamic. As implementation progresses, the South Elgin community will have opportunities to continue to provide inputs and monitor the progress being made toward the objectives and goals identified in this document. To help facilitate this, the Village Center Master Plan is also being presented as a 'project website', which will be updated with relevant information and achievements, along with serving as a information portal to the community.
Acknowledgements
The Village and Consultant Team would like to thank the following people for their involvement and contributions throughout the Village Center planning process:
Market Feasibility Team Members: David Bear, Chris Shanahan, John Bettler, Ben Henrikson, Karen Blair, Marc Falk, Greg Lieser, Lisa Guess, Chris Manheim, Mike Kenyon, John Blazek, Margo Gray/ Parks & Tourism Team Members: Jim Reuter, Bill DiFulvio, Steve Ward, Liz Firmstone, Mary Rees Freeman, Don MacBean, Mary Rohr, Karen Cluchey, Jennifer Shouldice, Monica Meyers, Erin Willrett. Transportation Team Members: Chris Merritt, Brian Carlson, Mike Kolodziej, John Sweet, Chuck Behm, Christy Sabdo, Jeff Cooper. Citizen Participation Team Members: Larry Jones, Scott Richmond, Greg Lieser, John Blazek, Ron Herrmann, Jennifer McClure. Planning and Zoning Commission: Ron Herrmann, Brian Carlson, Richard Watson, Leo Metz, Joe Cluchey, Jennifer McClure, James McMillan, Cynthia Tarka
