As new commercial growth naturally moves to larger, vacant sites that are better suited for modern retailing, the viability of the older downtown will be threatened. To address these issues, Teska Associates, Inc. worked with Village officials to create a comprehensive development strategy that address both short term and long term goals to improve the downtown's sense of place and development potential. Specific recommendations include:
- Improving the appearance of downtown through streetscape enhancements and a facade program
- Strengthening the core retail area by expanding it along the secondary street
- Encouraging a mix of uses within the primary and secondary commercial areas, including office or residential uses above first floor commercial use
- Providing the opportunity for high density housing near downtown through the redevelopment of out-dated and vacant agricultural and industrial uses
- Creating a municipal parking program to ensure an adequate supply of public parking and minimize the burden on local businesses.
To accomplish its objectives, the Village adopted the downtown plan under the 'Business District Development and Redevelopment Act', a rarely used provision of that State Statute. This approach permits Elburn to undertake public projects, including facade grant programs and property acquisition. It also enhances eligiblity for federal or state business district grants.
Gallery powered by