- What is the Village Center?
- The Village Center is South Elgin’s downtown area; the area east and west of the Fox River surrounding the State Street Bridge. To view a map of the area, go to Exhibit 1.
- What is the goal of the Master Plan?
- The major goal of the Village Center Master Plan is to create a Village Center that South Elgin residents can enjoy, a place that brings everyone together and improves the quality of life for all Village Residents. There are also a number of sub-goals for the plan discussed in Chapter 1 of the Village Center Master Plan.
- Who was involved in creating the Village Center Master Plan?
- A broad range of community leaders participated in the development of the Village Center Master Plan as the Steering Committee. Along with the establishment of the Steering Committee, the planning process involved the formation of the following four active subcommittees/leadership teams: transportation, citizen participation, market feasibility, and parks & tourism. Each sub-committee was given the responsibility to guide and assist in the development of the Plan and processes related to their committee’s mission.
In addition, the Village of South Elgin retained Teska Associates, Inc. (TAI), along with Kenig, Lindgren, O’Hara, Aboona, Inc. (KLOA, Inc.), Gruen+Gruen & Associates, Christopher B. Burke Engineering West, LTD., and Baxter & Woodman Consulting Engineers to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the Village Center with the intent of providing a thorough and detailed set of guidelines to direct and foster the desired type(s) of development in the downtown. - Where can I get a copy of the plan?
- A copy of the Village Center Master Plan is available on the documents section of the website. To view the entire plan, download the four different chapters. Depending on your connection speed it may take some time to download.
- How long will redevelopment take?
- The redevelopment of the Village Center is a long term project. You may see some elements of the plan beginning very soon; other, more long term, projects may not be completed for 15 years or more. Check the News Section for updates on current projects in the Village Center.
- What is the Village’s role in future development?
- It is the role of the Village to ensure that community goals for the Village Center have been identified and that any redevelopment is consistent with these goals. In some cases this may mean entering into development agreements with private developers to ensure that the development is feasible and is completed to meet community goals. The Village must also make certain that the community is informed and involved throughout the process.
- Will there be adequate parking in the Village Center?
- Yes. The current plan allows for adequate parking in the Village Center through the use of shared parking. Each development district is required to have enough parking for the development within that district.
- Does the plan call for improvements to reduce traffic congestion?
- Yes. With the Village Center development there will be increased traffic in the Village Center. However, some of the Village Center traffic will be eliminated with the completion of the Stearns Road bridge project. In addition, the Village created a transportation committee, who worked in conjunction with transportation consultants KLOA, to develop several possible improvements to minimize traffic congestion, including:
- Why is there an emphasis on multi family housing in the Village Center?
- The Village Center is an ideal location to create more diverse housing options within South Elgin. Multi family housing will increase the number of residents living in or near the Village Center. This creates additional customers for existing businesses and encourages the development of new businesses
- Will the Village use eminent domain or condemn properties in the Village Center to spur redevelopment?
- The Village does not intend to use eminent domain or condemn any property for the purposes of redevelopment in the Village Center. The Village has worked to purchase property in the Village Center when properties come on the market. Much of the property, however, will remain privately owned.
- Will the existing businesses in the Village Center be forced to close when the new zoning regulations go into effect?
- Businesses will not be forced to close when the new zoning goes into effect. Many of the businesses in the Village Center meet the proposed zoning changes intended for active retail and commercial uses, e.g. pharmacy, grocery, retail shops, personal services, offices, restaurants, financial/banking, etc. and will continue to be allowed uses. Some uses that would not meet the proposed zoning intent, such as auto-related uses, would be allowed as legal nonconforming uses. This means that they will be allowed to continue to operate. If you have any questions regarding a specific business or use, please contact the Community Development Department at 847-741-3894.
- How will the redevelopment be funded?
- Project costs would be funded primarily by the developer’s private financing, closely related to future sales and rentals of residential units and commercial properties. At the Village’s discretion, site costs and public improvements may be assisted with public funds such as tax increment financing.
- Who is paying for the public space improvements in the Village Center?
- Most of the costs for public space improvements will be paid from, development fees paid to the Village on a project-by-project basis, the property tax increment generated by projects in the Village Center, and grants pursued by the Village.
- Where can I go to get more information?
- Updates will be posted to News Section of the project website. Further questions can be directed to the Megan Golden, Village of South Elgin, Community Development Department, 847.741.3894.
Installing pavement treatments, such as stamped pavement, at particular locations to clearly delineate pedestrian crossings.
Obtaining additional right-of-way for future improvements, including additional channelized turn lanes.
Considering adjusting the current PACE route (or adding new routes) in the future in order to connect newly planned residential areas to employment zones and Metra lines.
Extending the pedestrian path (ten feet) added to bridge deck.
Enhancing pedestrian-bicycle connections to western neighborhoods.
Creating a pedestrian-bicycle connection (north-south) under bridge.
Installing new countdown pedestrian signals where applicable.
Considering an interconnected traffic signal at IL 31 and Spring Street and a potential traffic signal at State Street and Gilbert Street.
