Ideas, Great Thoughts, Not so Great Thoughts, and Proposals on City and Regional Planning.
This is coolbert: I have perhaps seen some of these Wright designed or at least inspired homes. Along perhaps it is the east side of Main street in Lombard, just south of Roosevelt road, is a group of odd looking homes. Flat roofed, oddly shaped homes from what most people are used to. I bet these were all built originally in the 1950's. Small by today's standards. Those flat roofed homes were a trademark of Wright's. And they have a bad reputation for leaking. Perhaps with modern materials and techniques this problem can be abated?
More sites for Wright tract housing for "everyman":
click here.
click here.
The last site is a blog site about PostUsonian homes!!?? So maybe the trend for such housing is still with us, albeit in an adapted form??
"The Usonian home did not have a basement. Instead, it was built on a concrete slab with subfloor heating to supplement the central fireplace. Dwellers in Usonian homes typically wore sweaters in the winter; in the summer they relied on shade from the long roof overhang to cool the house as there was no air conditioning.
The flat roof, although simple to build, was famous for leaks. There were no gutters or downspouts. All but one Usonian was designed as a single story dwelling."
NOT SO SURE IF I WOULD LIKE THE HEATING, THE LACK OF COOLING, AND LEAKS.
coolbert.
More sites for Wright tract housing for "everyman":
click here.
click here.
The last site is a blog site about PostUsonian homes!!?? So maybe the trend for such housing is still with us, albeit in an adapted form??
"The Usonian home did not have a basement. Instead, it was built on a concrete slab with subfloor heating to supplement the central fireplace. Dwellers in Usonian homes typically wore sweaters in the winter; in the summer they relied on shade from the long roof overhang to cool the house as there was no air conditioning.
The flat roof, although simple to build, was famous for leaks. There were no gutters or downspouts. All but one Usonian was designed as a single story dwelling."
NOT SO SURE IF I WOULD LIKE THE HEATING, THE LACK OF COOLING, AND LEAKS.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Did Frank Lloyd Wright ever design "tract homes"? I believe he did. Here is a web site to go to that shows one of these homes [click here]. What others he may have designed is not clear to me. I ask this question because it seems that while the great man was a prolific designer of homes for the wealthy, he did not seem to do a lot for tract housing. Of course, such a concept did not become a reality until Levittown after WW2, or so it seems to me. I live in a tract housing sub-division that until recently did have some vacant lots. These vacant lots were filled one at a time by a custom builder who erected homes on the lots that were about the same type as the original tract homes put up in the subdivision. All except for one exceptional home I have passed by many times. And always comment to myself as I do so, "this looks like a home that Frank Lloyd Wright would have designed". Except it has aluminum siding and is built with conventional tract housing material. Looks pretty good too. I wonder if anyone has ever decided to build an entire sub-division of such tract housing, based upon the concepts of the great man???
coolbert.
coolbert.
PLANNING CHARETTE
<>The American Planning Association has published an article about the Utica Planning Charette on their Web Site. You may find the link to it at the top of this page: http://www.planning.org/features/. The article is shown below.Illinois Chapter Leads Tornado Recovery Plan Charrette
By Grace Bazylewski and Craig Harlan Hullinger, AICP
The Village of North Utica, Illinois was hit by a tornado on April 20, 2004, that killed nine people and destroyed the north end of the historic village. The Village Hall, Township Hall, Ambulance Building, and 56 other homes and structures were destroyed.
The village, FEMA, and other governments and citizens produced the Utica United Recovery Plan, a document that called for the expenditure of about $20 million dollars to restore the town and to construct a number of improvements to the community. Some of the major improvements called for were the rerouting of a state highway through the downtown, the removal of the downtown from a floodplain, the enhancement of the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal, improvements to the local economy and tourism, and the reconstruction and beautification of the historic town.
The Pro Bono Committee of the American Planning Association's Illinois Chapter led a planning charrette to assist the citizens in developing the plan. The committee has helped numerous communities over the last eight years on a variety of issues and planning programs. A "charrette" is a design session held over a short time period and designed to produce quick results. Assisted by the Illinois Association of Landscape Architects, the Pro Bono Committee led a five-hour charrette on September 25, 2004.
The charrette was a success.
About 110 people attended the event that began at the fire station directly across from the area destroyed by the tornado. Mayor Fred Esmond introduced the participants, who gave a short introduction to the town, the disaster, and the recovery plan. Smaller groups were created for walking tours of the town, then those groups were broken down into 10-person teams charged with researching and expanding the recovery plan findings and recommendations.
The findings of each group were presented to the larger group at the end of the session. These findings will be incorporated into the downtown improvement plan, tourism plan, and economic development strategy currently under development by the North Central Illinois Council of Governments. Grants have been or will be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Economic Develoment Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Charette also served as the initial public participation portion of the planning program. Work of the teams included downtown improvement plan physical improvements, facade improvement recommendations, economic development strategy, tourism development marketing work, park improvements, etc. Interesting recommendations included the proposed development of the Illini Native American Village, riverfront parks, a marina, the development of a quarry into a lake, and numerous other positive ideas and proposals for the community.
Long term success and implementation of the projects identified in the charrette depend on the local participants. Local government and individuals must now sort out proposals and decide which ones to implement. Local leaders will have to take ownership of the plan, and develop a consensus to successfully implement it.UTICA UNITED RECOVERY - FEMA 142 N. MILLS STREET
PO BOX # 188 NORTH UTICA, ILLINOIS 61373
815 667 4111 Mobile 202 431 7708 Fax 815 667 4679
www.Utica-il.gov Craighullinger@Utica-il.gov craig.hullinger@dhs.gov
UTICA PROGRESS REPORT
Thursday, November 10, 2004
HAPPY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY & VETERANS DAY
The Marine Corps celebrates its 229th birthday today, unhampered by progress. On a sad note, three of our Marines from my old Chicago Reserve unit were killed in Iraq this week.
GIFT
Mayer Trucking gave the Village a check for $31,000 to assist in removing debris and fallen trees, and for the planting of new trees in public spaces. Our thanks to Mayer Trucking and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for this gift.
TOWNSHIP / VILLAGE HALL SITES
The Village and Township continue to look for possible sites for the new governmental buildings. So far we have not found a workable, affordable site, but we are continuing to look. The Village Board and the Township Board met on Wednesday November 9, 2004 to continue discussions on a possible joint building effort. The Township is interested in working with the Village, and the two governments will continue to look for a workable site for a possible joint venture.
Bill Garfield has taken over the EDA oversight from Jack Arnold. Our thanks to Jack for his leadership and energy. We look forward to working with Bill.
PLANNING PROCESS
We have run into a delay with obtaining State CDBG funds for the planning effort. The COG advises us that they must conduct an environmental assessment before we can use these funds, since some construction will be in the flood plain. We are working with the State to try to break the CDBG funding into two parts so that we can proceed quickly.
The Village Board discussed the planning process. They determined that the Planning Commission should supervise the development of the planning process, with work provided by the COG. The Village will also require architectural and landscape architectural assistance from private consultants to ensure that the plan can be put to bid to construct the streetscape as soon as possible.
The Planning Charette at the Village of North Utica, Illinois on Saturday September 25, 2004 was a great success. Over 100 local residents, and city planners and landscape architects attended the event. The group toured the downtown, and then broke into 8 smaller groups to focus on specific issues of interest to the village.
At the end of the session each group presented their findings and recommendations. A number of excellent concepts and proposals were made. The Village will incorporate many of these ideas into the downtown improvement plan currently underway.
Our thanks to all who attended, and to the Fire Department who hosted the event. Special thanks to the Grace Bazelewski and the Pro Bono Committee of APA, who planned and coordinated the event.
At the end of the session each group presented their findings and recommendations. A number of excellent concepts and proposals were made. The Village will incorporate many of these ideas into the downtown improvement plan currently underway.
Our thanks to all who attended, and to the Fire Department who hosted the event. Special thanks to the Grace Bazelewski and the Pro Bono Committee of APA, who planned and coordinated the event.
UTICA DESIGN MEETING FOCUS ON DOWNTOWN FIRE STATION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2004 8:30 AM TO 1:00 PM
Join your fellow citizens, city planners, and landscape architects in refining and improving the plan for Utica. Projects include: Downtown streetscape & landscape Front and rear design of downtown buildings Improvements to the I & M Canal and bikepath Improvements to water quality, fountains, aerators Design & location for a Village and Township Hall Strategies to promote economic development & tourism Neo traditional development Housing redevelopment The location and the design of a memorial Park expansion near the I & M Canal Park plan for land along Illinois River and Rt. 178 Plan for Illini Native American Museum & Living Farm The work developed by the group will be included in the detailed plans to be developed by the COG, consultants, and Village Engineer. Everyone is invited & encouraged to attend
AGENDA FOR THE PLANNING MEETING SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2004
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
AGENDA FOR THE PLANNING MEETING SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2004
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
This is coolbert: Saw an interesting idea for tract housing the other day. They are called English row homes. Narrow single family homes, unattached, two story, on narrow small lots with only a few feet between adjacent homes. Two car garage unattached in back with alleyway. Each row home has a porch in front. Some fronts have porch on second level as well. Close to the street. Almost no yard work period. Designed with that in mind. Don't know what the layout is inside or what amenities are available or included. Basement? Not sure. Get more homes on the same area of land and provide single home housing at probably a cheaper cost. Smaller lots, less taxes, etc. Not a bad idea. Look cookie cutter like but not in a bad way. Each front has slight alterations so no two adjacent are alike. Affordable good housing at a price most people can bear. I need to find out more, such as interiors. Being built in Oswego? Get more and will post more later.
coolbert.
coolbert.
Grace Bazylewski
is putting together an APA PRO BONO CHARRETTE for UTICA, IL
the town near Starved Rock, Illinois that was damaged by the
recent tornado. Shoud
THE TASK WOULD BE TO REDESIGN THE AREA OF
THE DOWNTOWN THAT HAS BEEN DESTROYED IN THE RECENT
STORMS. IT WOULD BE ON A SATURDAY IN LATE JUNE OR
JULY.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
DETAILS ARE STILL BEING WORKED OUT.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BE
INTERESTED.
GRACE BAZYLEWSKI
VILLAGE OF LANSING
708 895 7174
is putting together an APA PRO BONO CHARRETTE for UTICA, IL
the town near Starved Rock, Illinois that was damaged by the
recent tornado. Shoud
THE TASK WOULD BE TO REDESIGN THE AREA OF
THE DOWNTOWN THAT HAS BEEN DESTROYED IN THE RECENT
STORMS. IT WOULD BE ON A SATURDAY IN LATE JUNE OR
JULY.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
DETAILS ARE STILL BEING WORKED OUT.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BE
INTERESTED.
GRACE BAZYLEWSKI
VILLAGE OF LANSING
708 895 7174
This is coolbert: Convention centers. Everyone wants a convention center now. It used to be that Chicago, because of it's centralized location, was the place to go in the country for conventions. That is no longer the case. Cost of setting up and operating a convention, airplane travel, etc., have meant that other urban centers compete successfully with Chicago for convention business. And besides cost and location, Chicago cannot compete with places such as Las Vegas and Orlando from the entertainment standpoint and the climate as well. No easy fix to these problems, if there is one at all.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Land fills. These enormous "Mount Trashmore" land fills have to be built with extreme care. If they are not sculpted properly, and the top is allowed to deteriorate as the innards of the land fill decay, you can end up with a cavity existing on the top of the land fill. This cavity will fill with water which will depress the cavity even more, and result in a snowball effect that will create a situation where the entire land fill may collapse. An avalanche will occur, crushing nearby persons and buildings with garbage. The smell afterwards will be overpowering for miles around. Landfills have only a short life where garbage is placed in them, but must be maintained for decades afterwards.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Minor League baseball teams seem to be on the increase in a real big way. Kane County Cougars are a typical example. Professional baseball at a cheap price in an old time way. Price of major league ball seems to preclude a lot of customers. And the level of play for minor league ball is actually at a pretty high level of proficiency. Even a major league venue such as the Chicago area has a number of minor league teams now. A very good idea. Maybe football needs such a system too. Hockey team the Wolves are very successful.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Bike trails. These should be built all over urban areas. In profusion if possible. I know that a lot of them already are. Can be used, and should be designed for, from the start, for both cyclists and pedestrians. And some thought should be given to this aspect of design. Overpass or underpass for all major roads. Too difficult to cross otherwise. You want to keep moving continuously. Some of these roads are very dangerous to cross. Too many speeders. Is an inhibiting factor. This of course is a major extra cost, but should be made from the start. All these paths and trails should be connected into one large super-connecting urban network, and for the future plans should be made for a national super-connecting network. I think this is being done now, but needs to be accelerated as best. This is a worthy venture.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: At one time, Daley the Elder proposed an island in the middle of Lake Michigan. The island was to be for an airport to supplement O'Hare and obsolete Meigs. This island, however, was to be not above the waterline, was to be below the waterline. Pilings were to be driven into the lake and the water pumped out. Large enough to create enough dry land below lake level to build an airport to rival O'Hare in size!!! This project never got anywhere. [Shiphol airport in Holland is actually below sea level, consisting of land created by pumping out water from what was once ocean bed to create dry land]. One thing to remember about the level of Lake Michigan. It is not constant. Constantly varies according to a cycle of rising and falling. Make that island high enough or you might find yourself with having an unusable man-made island in the Lake!
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Just this weekend an article in the newspaper said that a pair of nesting eagles have been seen on the Little Calumet River. First time since 1897 that this has been observed. And a few years ago, it was reported that wild turkeys had returned to the south suburban forest preserves. First time since the 1880's that wild turkeys had been seen in the Chicago area. Wild life can co-exist with even the most urban areas. Bobcats and coyote and deer are supposed to abound in the forest preserve areas surrounding Chicago. In the case of the deer, even a nuisance. What other type of wild life can return to this area remains to be seen? A wild wolf from the UP of Michigan was captured in northwest Indiana last year. Migrated to the area in search of what? Damn, stranger things have happened. The movie "Wolfen" describes a pack of wild wolves in NYC killing off homeless people. Who knows?
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: There used to be a mountain in the Chicago area. Where Joliet is now used to be a 700' high mound erected by prehistoric American Indians [Mound Builder culture]. This mound of tamped clay could be seen a long way off. When the first white explorers [Joliet and Marquette] came into the area, they came ashore in Lake Michigan where the Indiana sand dunes are now. Climbing to the top of the highest dune, which was about 200' high, they were able to see the mound in the distance. Rough calculations of line of sight distance would seem to indicate that this was possible. In the 1800's the mound was totally erased as the clay was used for manufacturing such items as clay pots and roofing tiles.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This was Chapter One of the book I published in 1987. Always interesting to see how your ideas and plans hold up, how many got implemented and how many never went anywhere. I will put the whole book on this page over time.
DREAMS AND SCHEMES
PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE THE CHICAGO REGION
Copyright 1987
INTRODUCTION
The Chicago region contains many attractive and desirable communities. However, the region has suffered greatly from the recent recession. The Southern Suburbs and the industrial portions of the City of Chicago have been the most negatively impacted during this financial downturn. The purpose of this discourse is to outline some major improvements to the area which will improve the Chicago region, both for current residents and for prospective investors. Some of the projects listed here are underway, while others have not been publicly discussed.
This paper is but a small step in the process required to bring such improvements into fruition. The Southern Suburbs are highlighted in this publication. This is due to two basic reasons. First, the Southern Suburbs have received the least development in the past few years and are, therefore more readily accepting of innovative proposals and second, the area has more developable areas as opposed to other areas of the region. Likewise, the southern portion of the region is best known to the author.
I apologize to anyone whose ideas appear here without credit. I have had untold numbers of discussions with numerous individuals on different proposals. Many of the ideas that I have written about have no doubt originated elsewhere.
Some of the proposals are whimsical, some serious, and some controversial. Some of them will be constructed, while others will be added to the ever growing body of rubbish ideas. They may also prompt other better ideas for development.
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE
Chicago is located in America's heartland. It has the physical characteristics of the flat midwest. While very productive, our landscape could do with a few man made improvements. The addition of a mountain, an island, and a river would improve the region substantially.
MOUNT SOUTH CHICAGO
The Chicago region needs a mountain. Our Lakefront is beautiful, but our topography is simply too flat and uninteresting. The following is an outline on how to develop a mountain. (All right, it would only be a hill, but it is better than no hill at all!)
A major gateway to Chicago and the southern suburbs is located where 130th Street intersects Interstate 94. The area is a major industrial complex. It includes the Calumet Harbor Port Industrial properties and an extensive land fill area just south of 130th Street. The South Shore Commuter Railroad parallels 130th st. In years past a train station served the harbor, where sailors from ships in the harbor could flag trains.
It is proposed that a major open space forest preserve be developed from the landfill area. The landfills are already among the highest topographic features in flat northeastern Illinois-and the waste disposal companies should be encouraged to build the hills as high as possible. When the landfill is complete, the property should be dedicated to the Cook County Forest Preserve District for development into toboggan slides, mini ski slopes, and a scenic overlook. The existing lock which provides access from the Cal Sag Channel into Calumet Harbor can also become part of the open space plan.
The summit of the mountain would be an appropriate location for a major piece of sculpture. It would provide an impressive entrance into the region. It would be a unifying symbol for the broad shoulder area of the Chicago region. It logically should be a major steel sculpture, in honor of the steel making industry of the region.
The train station at the junction of 130th and the Calumet Expressway should be reopened with a first class parking lot added. This could provide a dual function--access for visitors to the Mount South Chicago recreational area and parking for commuters using the South Shore Commuter Railroad. Visitors could also ride the South Shore to visit the park.
The Port Authority also needs to upgrade the appearance of their facility from the expressway. The development of quality buildings along the Interstate coupled with a landscaping treatment should serve to improve the appearance and marketability of the Port Authority property.
The landfill companies may be willing to donate the land, since old landfills are difficult and expensive to redevelop into commercially useful property. In addition, the tax savings for donations could be substantial. Also, the public relations value of the dedication would be significant. The complex could thus be developed relatively inexpensively.
This concept is not new, and in fact, a number of recreational facilities have been developed from landfill sites. Several facilities are planned or completed in the western suburbs. But none of the other projects would be of the size possible for Mount South Chicago, nor would they have the amazing view afforded by Mt. SC. This view includes Lake Michigan, Calumet Harbor, the vast industrial region, and the loop.
Mount South Chicago is a workable concept that should be implemented. Developing the site is difficult because of the multitude of governments and institutions involved. But the transition is possible, and it should be completed quickly to alleviate the impact on the long suffering neighbors of the land- fill. And there can be no question that Chicago needs a mountain.
THE RIVER
Chicago, and particularly the southern suburbs, need an improved river and recreational area. The existing Cal Sag Channel could be upgraded to be a major attraction for the area.
The Calumet Sag Channel connects Lake Michigan, Calumet Harbor, and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The property along the channel includes major industrial areas, residential districts, and forest preserves. The channel and the property adjacent to the canal is owned by the Metropolitan Sanitary District. It is currently underused despite recent efforts by the Metropolitan Sanitary District to market the property. The channel and adjacent property are typically ignored.
The channel is not very observable. Most people driving along or across the channel are not aware of its presence. The land uses along the channel vary tremendously. They include virtually every type of development.
The channel begins at Lake Michigan at 90th St.and proceeds south through a heavily industrialized area. At 125th St. the channel interconnects with Calumet Harbor. At 150th St. the channel interconnects with the Grand Calumet River. It then proceeds westward through the communities of Burnham, Calumet City, Blue Island, Crestwood, and Alsip. Next, the channel passes through the communities of Palos Hills, Palos Heights, and Palos Park, and the major western forest preserves of Cook County. The channel ends at the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Lemont. It is proposed that Chicago, the Southern Suburbs, the Cook County Forest Preserve District, the Metropolitan Sanitary District, and the Calumet Harbor Port Authority begin to improve the use, appearance, and image of the channel.
The lands along the channel should be leased to the Forest Preserve District and/or local park districts to be developed into recreational areas. Where appropriate, they should be leased or sold to developers for office and industrial development. A continuous trail should be developed on both sides of the channel. Several small harbors could be developed along the channel.
The channel should be incorporated into and enhanced by the National Heritage Corridor, which is a proposal to develop the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and the Des Plaines River into an economic development and recreational area. The National Heritage Corridor will bring a major new national park into the Chicago region. A unique concept is being developed--that major industrial areas can coexist with open space and historical preservation uses and that a major national park can be developed in an urbanized region. Since the land and waterway are already owned by government, the expense to acquire and develop the corridor is relatively low.
Implementation of the beginning of development of the channel is difficult. It requires the leadership of government, planning commissions, the news media, environmental groups, industrial development groups, and concerned citizens--all with competing interests and concerns. It is proposed that the plan commissions of the communities along the Calumet Sag Channel conduct meetings to discuss the pros and cons of the development of the channel. An informal planning process should begin to bring the concept to fruition.
The upgrading of the Calumet Sag Channel from a neglected area into a fine resource for the community is a definite possibility. The governments and civic organizations of the southern suburbs and Chicago should begin work in earnest to bring a quality river corridor into reality.
ISLE CHICAGO
Our region needs an island. We have a beautiful lake and lake- front park system, but the lake is empty to the naked eye. An island would add a touch of mystery and intrigue to an otherwise conservative Midwestern Great Lake.
Islands have a permanent and honored place in literature. People have been marooned on them, imprisoned on them, and vacationed on them. A great deal of money is spent on trips to islands in the Caribbean, the British Isles, and the Greek Islands. Stories and ballads have been written about islands. It is clear that Chicago will never be a truly world class city without an island to call its own.
Now it is true that Chicago has a Blue Island and a Stoney Island and that a number of Chicagoans vacation at these attractive garden spots. But these Islands are not in Lake Michigan. We need an island in the lake.
A number of people feel that Lake Michigan should be forever free and clear and that the wide open vistas should be totally preserved without obstacles. But surely, one little island would not ruin the view! A well landscaped island will enhance the view of the lake.
The location and size of the island can be determined after research and detailed planning. The uses on the island could vary, but a mixture of recreational and commercial uses would be appropriate.
The Forest Preserve District would be the logical developer of an island in Lake Michigan. Most forest preserve land is in distant suburbs, far from the densely built city. A forest preserve island would provide needed recreational space.
A combined effort with commercial developers could result in an interesting island with limited costs to the taxpayer. The island should have limited restaurant facilities. Strict environmental controls would, of course, be necessary to prevent ecological problems. The development of the island would increase the amount of beach and shallow water area, which should promote wildlife.
The name of the Island will be difficult to select. The following are a list of some of the possibilities:
Treasure Island Captain Streeter Island
Isle Washington DuSable Isle
Blue Island Byrne Island
Stoney Island Eisenhower Isle
Daley Island Michigan Isle
The Greek Isle Cub Island
Ireland Bear Island
Atlantis Sox Island
The Chicago Isle Stockyard Island
Gold Coast Isle Streeterville Island
Sawyer Island The Chicago Isles
Isle Rue (Named after my wife)
Chicago deserves an island. Let us give her one (and my wife also) in the near future.
THE CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR - STICK IT IN THE LOOP
The proposed Chicago World's Fair was an exciting and worthwhile civic endeavor that would have enhanced the image of the Chicago region around the world. The apparent demise of the fair is unfortunate, but the fair is not over till the fat lady sings. A fair of more limited scope can still be developed.
Most of the criticism of the fair hinged upon environmental and cost considerations. The lake side site was too costly to develop and generated little urban redevelopment.
Both of these problems can be rather nicely solved by simply setting the fair IN THE LOOP! We already have a world's fair in Chicago in terms of our cultural and commercial amenities. We simply need to designate and market downtown Chicago as a world's fair and work to get international exhibitors to locate their exhibits in existing and new downtown facilities.
A typical visit to the Chicago world's fair would include a three to seven day visit to the following amenities:
Art Institute
Museum of Natural History
Planetarium
Aquarium
Museum of Science and Industry
Lincoln Park Zoo
Brookfield Zoo
world's tallest buildings
architecturally significant buildings
State Street
North Michigan Avenue
world's most interesting roller coaster (CTA Rapid Transit)
Lake Front
Pavilions from as many countries as possible
As you can see, a visitor could not even see our existing world's fair in a week's time. Even if few countries provided a pavilion, the city has existing world class world fair activities. State Street is the obvious north/south access of the fair. Many south State Street buildings are underused and could be efficiently adapted to house some fair exhibits. State Street has convenient access from all the rapid transit lines and most of the bus lines. One of the less developed east/west streets along the south edge of the loop could be another access mode/part of the fair and provide fair access from the commuter rail terminals.
The corporate leaders of Chicago can facilitate the fair by providing part of their first floors of their downtown buildings for fair exhibits. Some of our local business can move their first floor operations to other parts of their buildings or to other locations. The fair will now be inside, so we can run the fair all year long.
Other pavilion sites could be developed on empty sites near the loop or in lake front park areas. In addition, it is also feasible to locate some of the fair attractions in other parts of the region or state. It would be interesting to solicit fair site applications from all parts of the state. Foreign exhibitors could then match locations. Frankfort would have the German pavilion; Geneva the Swiss exhibit, etc. A world's fair pavilion would be an obvious showcase on which to revitalize a small city's downtown area.
To achieve the use of existing buildings in the loop as part of the fair, a "High Tech" ticket solution is necessary. The fair should probably use computerized fare collection means similar to the method used to collect fares on the ICG commuter railroad. Fair visitors would purchase their ticket to the fair anywhere in the loop and use it to access turnstyles at buildings in the loop and at the entrances to the main fair grounds.
An alternative to the ticket approach to the fair is simply to make it free. Most of our existing facilities are free or charge a nominal fee at the door. The fair pavilions could simply adopt a similar system. The return to the city would be from tourist dollars spent and in the enhanced image and reputation to the city for future years' tourism.
This approach should also reduce the need for new transit and parking improvements. The loop presently accommodates over 1,000,000 trips a day. The peak demands for present loop traffic are primarily at rush hour. The peak travel times for fair users will occur after the morning rush hour. With an education and marketing campaign, many who attend the fair can be persuaded to travel home before or after the evening rush hour. Thus, the existing rapid transit, bus, and railway services can be more effectively used by cycling peak hour equipment on increased trips during the day and evening.
This approach also has the additional benefit of eliminating the need for substantial landfill in the lake. The landfill efforts are costly and the resulting park might not be heavily used after the fair because of its distance from residential areas.
The approach outlined in this paper should achieve the following:
LOWER INITIAL COST
NO LANDFILL
INCREASED URBAN REDEVELOPMENT IMPACT
INCREASED BUSINESS IN THE LOOP
IMPROVED ACCESS FOR FAIR VISITORS AND WORKERS
ENHANCED REVITALIZATION OF STATE STREET
REDUCED NEED FOR NEW TRANSIT AND PARKING IMPROVEMENTS
This paper also advocates several other considerations for fair planners. In particular, it seems to be the height of the "throw away society" to build the enormous and attractive World's Fair, only to dismantle it a few short months after completion. The 1893 and 1933 Fairs appear from photos to have been wonderful additions to the city. It seems a shame that more of the buildings were not preserved.
The city should begin planning for a follow on effort that will maintain a portion of the attractions of the fair. Epcot Center could be something of a model for the follow on fair. The existing Field Museum, Aquarium, and Planetarium are remnants from previous fairs. New pavilions could be incorporated into a new Chicago entertainment and educational center that could be a world class attraction. A central concept is that people should be able to walk from State Street directly to the existing and future cultural and educational facilities developed by the fair.
It is suggested here that the Disney Corporation is the world's expert in educational and entertainment complexes. The city should begin negotiations with the Disney Corporation and other similar companies to determine if a viable permanent follow on educational/entertainment theme park could be planned to develop from the World's Fair. We have, after all, a Disney Land and Disney World on the two coasts of this country-why not a DISNEY CITY in America's heartland? Since the City of Chicago has had initial conversations with the Disney Corporation, the development of a permanent world's fair as part of the city would seen a natural step.
A follow on attraction would further enhance Chicago's reputation and attractiveness for tourism and trade shows, particularly if the park spurred redevelopment of the near south area between the loop and McCormick Place. If the entire area developed into a quality educational/entertainment/commercial/residential center, then the World's Fair would be a success not just for one year, but for many years to come.
The fair could take place in 1992 or later. Some future governor or mayor will make the fair happen, and will gain great credit for creating the fair.
We already have a world's fair in our city, we just don't think of it as a world's fair. By designating our city as a world's fair site, we can still have the fair. It won't be as it was envisioned a few years ago, but it could well become a prototype for future world's fairs. When you think about it, what could be more logical than having a world's fair in our downtown, instead of in a boon docks park?
THE 1992 WORLD'S FAIR IS ON!! IT WILL BE LOW COST, FINANCED LARGELY BY OUR DOWNTOWN CORPORATIONS, LARGELY IN DOWNTOWN, MOSTLY IN EXISTING STRUCTURES. LET US MAKE IT HAPPEN.
DISNEY CITY
There is a Disney Land on the west coast and a Disney World on the east coast. Why not a Disney City near the center of the country?
Disney City should be built near downtown, ideally within walking distance of the City's center and other tourist attractions. Disney City would have to be partially inside to operate during Chicago winters. It could be developed in concert with the World's Fair, should it occur.
O'Hare Airport is the world's busiest airport. It boasts a quality roller coaster connecting the airport to the rest of Chicago land. The Milwaukee line of the CTA would provide an interesting access to Disney City.
The development of a Disney City would of course be a tremendous boost to the economy of the region. It would enhance the image of the city. It would generate substantial number of jobs and tax base. It would further enhance the city as one of the best convention cities in the world. The city should make an aggressive effort to attract Disney City to the region.
THE REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM
Trails formed along old canals and abandoned right of ways have become an important part of the recreational systems in urban areas. These systems can form great lineal parks, creating green open areas with great access from urban areas. The logical expansion of this system is recommended. A number of these trails are delineated in the following paragraphs.
ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL
The Illinois and Michigan Canal was constructed in the early 19th century as a major part of the early development of Chicago. It connected Chicago to the Illinois River, providing access to the Mississippi River. It has largely been abandoned, but many parts of the canal and tow path are still usable.
The City of Lockport has done an excellent job in restoring portions of the canal, towpath, and surrounding buildings. The trail in Channahon has also been rebuilt and is in good condition. Their efforts set an example for the rest of the communities along the canal.
The State and several communities have been improving both the waterway and towpath. This is quality system and it should be further developed and continually upgraded.
HERITAGE CORRIDOR TRAIL SYSTEM
The Heritage Corridor is the title given to a region encompassing the I & M Canal, Chicago River, the Cal Sag Channel, and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. This great system of urban waterways was in fact our heritage in terms of transportation, commerce and industry. Many of the land uses along the canal have fallen into disuse.
The Heritage Corridor Commission has been created by Congress to oversee the development of the Heritage Corridor. It has an interesting and challenging mandate-- to create a quality national park type development in the corridor while also maintaining and improving historical and cultural aspects of thecanal. In addition, economic development of the canal is also
advocated.
The Heritage Corridor could be a great addition to the metropolitan area if it is properly funded and supported.
PLANK ROAD TRAIL
The Plank Road Trail concept was first developed in 1981 by the communities bordering the Penn Central Railroad south of Route 30. The railroad proposed abandonment and sale of its tracks. The rails were removed in 1981. The Plank Road Trail Plan proposed that the right of way for the railroad be purchased for use as a trail and open space area.
The communities of Matteson, Frankfort, Park Forest, Mokena, and New Lenox supported the concept. A variety of uses were considered, including hiking, biking and recreational uses. In more rural areas horse trails were proposed.
The State of Illinois, the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, the Will and Cook County Forest Preserve commissions, and the Open Lands Commission supported the concept, and worked to gain control of the property. The State has budgeted $250,000 for right of way condemnation.
At present, the proposal is moving slowly forward because of concern that the Penn Central may not own the land. Many of the older railroads acquired rights of way through contributions from land owners, with the stipulation that the land would revert to the original owners when or if the railroad was removed. Until the ownership issue is resolved, acquisition will be difficult.
The development of the trail would positively enhance the image of the southern suburbs. The trail would connect the historical business districts of Frankfort and Matteson to Lincoln Mall and the Matteson ICG station. Visitors to the area could take pleasant walks through these communities. The Prairie Path in Du Page County is similar to the Plank Road Trail and has served to bolster the image of its surrounding area.
LINCOLN WAY TRAIL
Old Lincoln Highway was the major east west route serving Frankfort, Rich, and New Lenox townships. Old Lincoln Highway was one of the nations early brick roads. It served as an important commercial artery connecting the east with the west. More recent reconstruction of Route 30 left portions of the Old Lincoln Highway to the side of the new road, often causing an unsightly area as the old pavement fell into disuse. The development of Interstate 80 relegated Route 30 to a secondary status. This resulted in many of the commercial structures on the roadway closing and deteriorating causing further visual blight.
By developing a pedestrian way parallel to the highway, the aesthetic appearance of the road will be improved. The safety of children traveling on the road will be increased. The area will have an additional quality feature which will enhance the quality of life and the reputation of the communities in the area.
The name of the trail is taken from a term in wide usage. Lincoln Way High School is located on the trail and is a major destination on the trail.
Important land uses that will be served by the trail include: the commercial areas of New Lenox, Frankfort, Matteson, and Park Forest and Olympia Fields; the Frankfort Library; the Frankfort Township building and swimming pool; forest preserves; Lincoln Way High School; the New Lenox Rock Island Station; Lincoln Mall; and the Park Forest ICG Station will receive direct service. Connections to downtown Mokena, Frankfort, Matteson, and the
parallel Plank Road Trail should also be provided.
The trail should eventually be developed as a lineal park, with the trail providing continuity. Landscaping and park benches should be placed where possible. The trail should be identified with appropriate signage. Commercial business should work the trail into their landscaping them.
The development of the trail can take place over a number of years. Each time Route 30 is widened or improved the trail should be constructed or improved.
Each segment of the trail could be developed individually by the town, park district, township, and forest preserve district. Each segment of the trail should serve a local function when it is constructed. The following is a township by township discussion of possible development phasing.
FRANKFORT TOWNSHIP
The recent additions of the Frankfort Library and township swimming pool on Route 30 at opposite ends of the township make the early development of the trail a necessity. The trail should be on the north side of the highway, built within the right of way, but as far from the pavement as possible. The communities of Prestwick, Frankfort Square, Lincoln Estates, and Arbury Hills should be connected to the trail. A connection to Mokena along the west side of Wolf Road would also be desirable.
The portion of Old Route 30 west of Route 45 is wide and is subject to flooding. This portion could serve a dual use for flood control. The area could be excavated into a gentle swale that would accept and retain water during major floods. During periods of non-flooding the area could be developed into an attractive landscaped lineal park. Extensive berming and the use of pine trees and evergreens along the north edge of the park would minimize noise from Route 30 to adjacent residential areas.
The area west of the intersection of Route 30 and Route 45 should be extensively landscaped similar to the entry way areas of Historical Frankfort and the Savings and Loan building at Route 45.
NEW LENOX TOWNSHIP
The first connection should be through the Village of New Lenox to Lincoln Way High School, serving the commercial center of the village and the train station. Subsequently, the trail should be extended east to meet the Frankfort Township portion. Residential neighborhoods to the north and south of Route 30 should also have connections to the trail developed.
RICH TOWNSHIP
Initial development of the trail should be to connect the commercial establishments in Matteson with residential areas and the train stations. The trail should subsequently be extended east to Olympia Fields and Park Forest, with connections to residential neighborhoods. The trail should eventually be extended west to link up with western Matteson neighborhoods and the Frankfort Township portion of the trail.
SUMMARY
The development of the Lincoln Way Trail can proceed very slowly, and can be thought of as a ten to twenty year development project. Each time a subdivision or commercial development takes place on Route 30, the frontage should be developed into a landscaped pathway. Local chambers of commerce can encourage their members to redevelop existing structures into the trail. Improvements to the trail will vary according to location. The portions in commercial areas will have more urban type cross sections-- paved, with benches and intensive landscaping. The rural cross sections can be less well developed with bark chip or compacted gravel type of improvements. The trail should be attractively landscaped, signed, and promoted.
The development of the Lincoln Way Trail will be an outstanding addition to the quality communities in the area. Coupled with ongoing quality development and the development of area forest preserves, parks, and the Plank Road Trail, Lincoln Way Trail will improve the region. In time, the communities along Lincoln Way in the Land of Lincoln will become known for their quality system of landscaped walkways.
THE CITY FARM - FOREST PRESERVE
A farm should be preserved to provide our children with knowledge and understanding of farming and rural life. The farm should be an actual working farm with additional facilities for tours and education.
The farm should be located as close as possible to the bulk of the population of the area. The farm would serve as permanent open space and as a green belt separating communities.
The farm should be owned and operated by the forest preserve district. The district operates attractive wooded recreational areas and golf courses. A farm would be an attractive addition to the forest preserve program.
THE LAKE FRONT FOREST PRESERVE
The lake front of Chicago is a regional resource, enjoyed by people throughout the region. It is the front door to our region. Unfortunately portions of the lake front are undeveloped and poorly maintained. This is due in part to the cost of improvements and maintenance.
Portions of the lake front should be shifted over to the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The county is certainly in better condition to pay for substantial improvements to the lake front, since it draws its tax base from both city and suburban areas. This would be a more equitable situation for city
residents, since the lakefront is used by both city and suburban residents.
By shifting portions of the lake front to the forest preserve, substantial improvements could be developed. This could include improved beaches, bike paths, and trails.
THE YEAR AROUND SOLAR PLAYGROUND
Chicago is the third coldest metropolitan area in the USA. During the winter, many days are simply too cold to stay outside. Chicago should follow the example of Minneapolis and Edmonton, creating enclosed walkways among downtown buildings. The city should also work with commercial enterprises and the park and forest preserve districts to develop a year around solar
playground. A huge in door park under an enormous atrium should be developed to provide summer 12 months a year.
The public sector could finance the indoor park. Major commercial recreational facilities would be located and developed within the facility. The park could become a major attraction for the region. It could be a prototype for this type of recreational facility.
The facility could contain a variety of uses. A quality swimming area with sand beaches and sunlight is obviously required. A tropical and a desert area should be provided. Private health clubs and park facilities could be attached to the facility.
RIVER MARINA
The image of the Chicago River is gradually improving due to improved water quality. A wide range of actors making concerted efforts influenced this result. These efforts must continue. The water quality of the river must continually be upgraded.
Future development should focus restaurants and activities on the river front. Pedestrian ways along the river should be improved, both inside and outside.
Marina development must be encouraged. The continued addition of boating facilities to the river will ensure the continued upgrading of the river appearance and vitality.
THE "OVER THE HILL" LEAGUE
It has long been an irony that advancing age slows performance and forces retirement. This occurs at the apex of an athlete's career, when he is the most popular and in the most demand. The professional is still a superb athlete, but eventually cannot compete with younger men.
An "Over the Hill" League composed of over "40" athletes should be developed. The charisma and popularity of the former stars should ensure the success of the league. The baby boom generation is the largest population cohort and is now beginning to turn 40 years of age. In this scenario the baby boom generation could continue to follow its present athletic heroes into middle age.
The following are a list of possible organizational principles:
- The majority of the athletes must be over forty, with one player fulfilling an over 50, an over 60, and an over 70 age slot.
- Members of the teams should come from a variety of sports, as follows:
2 Baseball
2 Basketball
2 Football
1 Hockey
1 Boxing
1 College level star
1 High School Star
1 Sports writer
1 No experience in organized athletics whatsoever
----------
12 Total, with alternatives as needed.
- One game per team on weekends only -- with the realization that the over the hill league is a part time job.
- The choice of the sport could vary by season (softball in the summer, basketball in the winter, etc) Chicago 16 inch slow pitch softball would be an excellent choice of games.
- Compensation would be based of a fixed percentage of the net profit, thereby avoiding the exorbitant salaries.
A team fielded in Chicago might look like this:
1 Baseball Ernie Banks
1 Baseball Ron Santo
1 Football Dick Butkus
1 Football John Morris
1 Basketball Jerry Sloan
1 Basketball Chet Walker
1 Hockey Bobby Hull
1 Boxer Mohammed Ali
1 College Mike Grabowski (No "Elite” Smithes allowed)
1 High School Craig Hullinger
1 No Experience Slats Grobnick
1 Sports Writer Tim Weigel
The question arises as to whether the league could attract the older big name players and whether enough fans would be attracted to make the effort worthwhile.
Certainly some former players could be attracted to the league. Many of these men thoroughly enjoyed the competition and fame. They could be expected to participate for a percentage of the profit. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that the league could become very profitable. Certainly, it would be no great problem to attract the high school and college stars, and individuals with no experience.
Attracting substantial numbers of fans might be difficult. It is not clear whether fans follow teams because of the prowess of young men or whether simple competition, territorial loyalty, and comradery are more important. I personally believe the latter reasons account for team support and that the over the hill league could attract that support.
The baby boom is in its 30's and 40's now. It is already seeing most of its generation of athletes head toward retirement. The establishment of the "over the hill" league would allow this group to follow its stars through their lives and careers, instead of constantly realigning loyalties to ever younger, more overpaid, and more pampered athletes.
Several paths towards establishing the "Over the Hill" League may be pursued. The most obvious would be for each team of an existing league to form an "over the hill" team. This approach seems logical since existing teams and leagues have the know how, stadiums, contacts, and capital to implement and promote their teams. Existing leagues could also coordinate double headers and travel with their "youth" team and their "over the hill" team.
Another method for forming the league would be to form teams independent of existing teams or leagues. This approach has the strengths of attracting fresh venture capital and new and aggressive ideas, but suffers from lack of know-how and contacts.
A third implementation method would involve a player cooperative, with players providing the leadership and capital. The lack of a guiding entrepreneur would probably hinder this approach.
The "Over the Hill" League is a workable concept and should be implemented. It will be a profitable concern, providing entertainment and employment. It will help move America away from its preoccupation with youth and extend the values of competitive athletics into older groups.
DREAMS AND SCHEMES
PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE THE CHICAGO REGION
Copyright 1987
INTRODUCTION
The Chicago region contains many attractive and desirable communities. However, the region has suffered greatly from the recent recession. The Southern Suburbs and the industrial portions of the City of Chicago have been the most negatively impacted during this financial downturn. The purpose of this discourse is to outline some major improvements to the area which will improve the Chicago region, both for current residents and for prospective investors. Some of the projects listed here are underway, while others have not been publicly discussed.
This paper is but a small step in the process required to bring such improvements into fruition. The Southern Suburbs are highlighted in this publication. This is due to two basic reasons. First, the Southern Suburbs have received the least development in the past few years and are, therefore more readily accepting of innovative proposals and second, the area has more developable areas as opposed to other areas of the region. Likewise, the southern portion of the region is best known to the author.
I apologize to anyone whose ideas appear here without credit. I have had untold numbers of discussions with numerous individuals on different proposals. Many of the ideas that I have written about have no doubt originated elsewhere.
Some of the proposals are whimsical, some serious, and some controversial. Some of them will be constructed, while others will be added to the ever growing body of rubbish ideas. They may also prompt other better ideas for development.
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE
Chicago is located in America's heartland. It has the physical characteristics of the flat midwest. While very productive, our landscape could do with a few man made improvements. The addition of a mountain, an island, and a river would improve the region substantially.
MOUNT SOUTH CHICAGO
The Chicago region needs a mountain. Our Lakefront is beautiful, but our topography is simply too flat and uninteresting. The following is an outline on how to develop a mountain. (All right, it would only be a hill, but it is better than no hill at all!)
A major gateway to Chicago and the southern suburbs is located where 130th Street intersects Interstate 94. The area is a major industrial complex. It includes the Calumet Harbor Port Industrial properties and an extensive land fill area just south of 130th Street. The South Shore Commuter Railroad parallels 130th st. In years past a train station served the harbor, where sailors from ships in the harbor could flag trains.
It is proposed that a major open space forest preserve be developed from the landfill area. The landfills are already among the highest topographic features in flat northeastern Illinois-and the waste disposal companies should be encouraged to build the hills as high as possible. When the landfill is complete, the property should be dedicated to the Cook County Forest Preserve District for development into toboggan slides, mini ski slopes, and a scenic overlook. The existing lock which provides access from the Cal Sag Channel into Calumet Harbor can also become part of the open space plan.
The summit of the mountain would be an appropriate location for a major piece of sculpture. It would provide an impressive entrance into the region. It would be a unifying symbol for the broad shoulder area of the Chicago region. It logically should be a major steel sculpture, in honor of the steel making industry of the region.
The train station at the junction of 130th and the Calumet Expressway should be reopened with a first class parking lot added. This could provide a dual function--access for visitors to the Mount South Chicago recreational area and parking for commuters using the South Shore Commuter Railroad. Visitors could also ride the South Shore to visit the park.
The Port Authority also needs to upgrade the appearance of their facility from the expressway. The development of quality buildings along the Interstate coupled with a landscaping treatment should serve to improve the appearance and marketability of the Port Authority property.
The landfill companies may be willing to donate the land, since old landfills are difficult and expensive to redevelop into commercially useful property. In addition, the tax savings for donations could be substantial. Also, the public relations value of the dedication would be significant. The complex could thus be developed relatively inexpensively.
This concept is not new, and in fact, a number of recreational facilities have been developed from landfill sites. Several facilities are planned or completed in the western suburbs. But none of the other projects would be of the size possible for Mount South Chicago, nor would they have the amazing view afforded by Mt. SC. This view includes Lake Michigan, Calumet Harbor, the vast industrial region, and the loop.
Mount South Chicago is a workable concept that should be implemented. Developing the site is difficult because of the multitude of governments and institutions involved. But the transition is possible, and it should be completed quickly to alleviate the impact on the long suffering neighbors of the land- fill. And there can be no question that Chicago needs a mountain.
THE RIVER
Chicago, and particularly the southern suburbs, need an improved river and recreational area. The existing Cal Sag Channel could be upgraded to be a major attraction for the area.
The Calumet Sag Channel connects Lake Michigan, Calumet Harbor, and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The property along the channel includes major industrial areas, residential districts, and forest preserves. The channel and the property adjacent to the canal is owned by the Metropolitan Sanitary District. It is currently underused despite recent efforts by the Metropolitan Sanitary District to market the property. The channel and adjacent property are typically ignored.
The channel is not very observable. Most people driving along or across the channel are not aware of its presence. The land uses along the channel vary tremendously. They include virtually every type of development.
The channel begins at Lake Michigan at 90th St.and proceeds south through a heavily industrialized area. At 125th St. the channel interconnects with Calumet Harbor. At 150th St. the channel interconnects with the Grand Calumet River. It then proceeds westward through the communities of Burnham, Calumet City, Blue Island, Crestwood, and Alsip. Next, the channel passes through the communities of Palos Hills, Palos Heights, and Palos Park, and the major western forest preserves of Cook County. The channel ends at the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in Lemont. It is proposed that Chicago, the Southern Suburbs, the Cook County Forest Preserve District, the Metropolitan Sanitary District, and the Calumet Harbor Port Authority begin to improve the use, appearance, and image of the channel.
The lands along the channel should be leased to the Forest Preserve District and/or local park districts to be developed into recreational areas. Where appropriate, they should be leased or sold to developers for office and industrial development. A continuous trail should be developed on both sides of the channel. Several small harbors could be developed along the channel.
The channel should be incorporated into and enhanced by the National Heritage Corridor, which is a proposal to develop the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and the Des Plaines River into an economic development and recreational area. The National Heritage Corridor will bring a major new national park into the Chicago region. A unique concept is being developed--that major industrial areas can coexist with open space and historical preservation uses and that a major national park can be developed in an urbanized region. Since the land and waterway are already owned by government, the expense to acquire and develop the corridor is relatively low.
Implementation of the beginning of development of the channel is difficult. It requires the leadership of government, planning commissions, the news media, environmental groups, industrial development groups, and concerned citizens--all with competing interests and concerns. It is proposed that the plan commissions of the communities along the Calumet Sag Channel conduct meetings to discuss the pros and cons of the development of the channel. An informal planning process should begin to bring the concept to fruition.
The upgrading of the Calumet Sag Channel from a neglected area into a fine resource for the community is a definite possibility. The governments and civic organizations of the southern suburbs and Chicago should begin work in earnest to bring a quality river corridor into reality.
ISLE CHICAGO
Our region needs an island. We have a beautiful lake and lake- front park system, but the lake is empty to the naked eye. An island would add a touch of mystery and intrigue to an otherwise conservative Midwestern Great Lake.
Islands have a permanent and honored place in literature. People have been marooned on them, imprisoned on them, and vacationed on them. A great deal of money is spent on trips to islands in the Caribbean, the British Isles, and the Greek Islands. Stories and ballads have been written about islands. It is clear that Chicago will never be a truly world class city without an island to call its own.
Now it is true that Chicago has a Blue Island and a Stoney Island and that a number of Chicagoans vacation at these attractive garden spots. But these Islands are not in Lake Michigan. We need an island in the lake.
A number of people feel that Lake Michigan should be forever free and clear and that the wide open vistas should be totally preserved without obstacles. But surely, one little island would not ruin the view! A well landscaped island will enhance the view of the lake.
The location and size of the island can be determined after research and detailed planning. The uses on the island could vary, but a mixture of recreational and commercial uses would be appropriate.
The Forest Preserve District would be the logical developer of an island in Lake Michigan. Most forest preserve land is in distant suburbs, far from the densely built city. A forest preserve island would provide needed recreational space.
A combined effort with commercial developers could result in an interesting island with limited costs to the taxpayer. The island should have limited restaurant facilities. Strict environmental controls would, of course, be necessary to prevent ecological problems. The development of the island would increase the amount of beach and shallow water area, which should promote wildlife.
The name of the Island will be difficult to select. The following are a list of some of the possibilities:
Treasure Island Captain Streeter Island
Isle Washington DuSable Isle
Blue Island Byrne Island
Stoney Island Eisenhower Isle
Daley Island Michigan Isle
The Greek Isle Cub Island
Ireland Bear Island
Atlantis Sox Island
The Chicago Isle Stockyard Island
Gold Coast Isle Streeterville Island
Sawyer Island The Chicago Isles
Isle Rue (Named after my wife)
Chicago deserves an island. Let us give her one (and my wife also) in the near future.
THE CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR - STICK IT IN THE LOOP
The proposed Chicago World's Fair was an exciting and worthwhile civic endeavor that would have enhanced the image of the Chicago region around the world. The apparent demise of the fair is unfortunate, but the fair is not over till the fat lady sings. A fair of more limited scope can still be developed.
Most of the criticism of the fair hinged upon environmental and cost considerations. The lake side site was too costly to develop and generated little urban redevelopment.
Both of these problems can be rather nicely solved by simply setting the fair IN THE LOOP! We already have a world's fair in Chicago in terms of our cultural and commercial amenities. We simply need to designate and market downtown Chicago as a world's fair and work to get international exhibitors to locate their exhibits in existing and new downtown facilities.
A typical visit to the Chicago world's fair would include a three to seven day visit to the following amenities:
Art Institute
Museum of Natural History
Planetarium
Aquarium
Museum of Science and Industry
Lincoln Park Zoo
Brookfield Zoo
world's tallest buildings
architecturally significant buildings
State Street
North Michigan Avenue
world's most interesting roller coaster (CTA Rapid Transit)
Lake Front
Pavilions from as many countries as possible
As you can see, a visitor could not even see our existing world's fair in a week's time. Even if few countries provided a pavilion, the city has existing world class world fair activities. State Street is the obvious north/south access of the fair. Many south State Street buildings are underused and could be efficiently adapted to house some fair exhibits. State Street has convenient access from all the rapid transit lines and most of the bus lines. One of the less developed east/west streets along the south edge of the loop could be another access mode/part of the fair and provide fair access from the commuter rail terminals.
The corporate leaders of Chicago can facilitate the fair by providing part of their first floors of their downtown buildings for fair exhibits. Some of our local business can move their first floor operations to other parts of their buildings or to other locations. The fair will now be inside, so we can run the fair all year long.
Other pavilion sites could be developed on empty sites near the loop or in lake front park areas. In addition, it is also feasible to locate some of the fair attractions in other parts of the region or state. It would be interesting to solicit fair site applications from all parts of the state. Foreign exhibitors could then match locations. Frankfort would have the German pavilion; Geneva the Swiss exhibit, etc. A world's fair pavilion would be an obvious showcase on which to revitalize a small city's downtown area.
To achieve the use of existing buildings in the loop as part of the fair, a "High Tech" ticket solution is necessary. The fair should probably use computerized fare collection means similar to the method used to collect fares on the ICG commuter railroad. Fair visitors would purchase their ticket to the fair anywhere in the loop and use it to access turnstyles at buildings in the loop and at the entrances to the main fair grounds.
An alternative to the ticket approach to the fair is simply to make it free. Most of our existing facilities are free or charge a nominal fee at the door. The fair pavilions could simply adopt a similar system. The return to the city would be from tourist dollars spent and in the enhanced image and reputation to the city for future years' tourism.
This approach should also reduce the need for new transit and parking improvements. The loop presently accommodates over 1,000,000 trips a day. The peak demands for present loop traffic are primarily at rush hour. The peak travel times for fair users will occur after the morning rush hour. With an education and marketing campaign, many who attend the fair can be persuaded to travel home before or after the evening rush hour. Thus, the existing rapid transit, bus, and railway services can be more effectively used by cycling peak hour equipment on increased trips during the day and evening.
This approach also has the additional benefit of eliminating the need for substantial landfill in the lake. The landfill efforts are costly and the resulting park might not be heavily used after the fair because of its distance from residential areas.
The approach outlined in this paper should achieve the following:
LOWER INITIAL COST
NO LANDFILL
INCREASED URBAN REDEVELOPMENT IMPACT
INCREASED BUSINESS IN THE LOOP
IMPROVED ACCESS FOR FAIR VISITORS AND WORKERS
ENHANCED REVITALIZATION OF STATE STREET
REDUCED NEED FOR NEW TRANSIT AND PARKING IMPROVEMENTS
This paper also advocates several other considerations for fair planners. In particular, it seems to be the height of the "throw away society" to build the enormous and attractive World's Fair, only to dismantle it a few short months after completion. The 1893 and 1933 Fairs appear from photos to have been wonderful additions to the city. It seems a shame that more of the buildings were not preserved.
The city should begin planning for a follow on effort that will maintain a portion of the attractions of the fair. Epcot Center could be something of a model for the follow on fair. The existing Field Museum, Aquarium, and Planetarium are remnants from previous fairs. New pavilions could be incorporated into a new Chicago entertainment and educational center that could be a world class attraction. A central concept is that people should be able to walk from State Street directly to the existing and future cultural and educational facilities developed by the fair.
It is suggested here that the Disney Corporation is the world's expert in educational and entertainment complexes. The city should begin negotiations with the Disney Corporation and other similar companies to determine if a viable permanent follow on educational/entertainment theme park could be planned to develop from the World's Fair. We have, after all, a Disney Land and Disney World on the two coasts of this country-why not a DISNEY CITY in America's heartland? Since the City of Chicago has had initial conversations with the Disney Corporation, the development of a permanent world's fair as part of the city would seen a natural step.
A follow on attraction would further enhance Chicago's reputation and attractiveness for tourism and trade shows, particularly if the park spurred redevelopment of the near south area between the loop and McCormick Place. If the entire area developed into a quality educational/entertainment/commercial/residential center, then the World's Fair would be a success not just for one year, but for many years to come.
The fair could take place in 1992 or later. Some future governor or mayor will make the fair happen, and will gain great credit for creating the fair.
We already have a world's fair in our city, we just don't think of it as a world's fair. By designating our city as a world's fair site, we can still have the fair. It won't be as it was envisioned a few years ago, but it could well become a prototype for future world's fairs. When you think about it, what could be more logical than having a world's fair in our downtown, instead of in a boon docks park?
THE 1992 WORLD'S FAIR IS ON!! IT WILL BE LOW COST, FINANCED LARGELY BY OUR DOWNTOWN CORPORATIONS, LARGELY IN DOWNTOWN, MOSTLY IN EXISTING STRUCTURES. LET US MAKE IT HAPPEN.
DISNEY CITY
There is a Disney Land on the west coast and a Disney World on the east coast. Why not a Disney City near the center of the country?
Disney City should be built near downtown, ideally within walking distance of the City's center and other tourist attractions. Disney City would have to be partially inside to operate during Chicago winters. It could be developed in concert with the World's Fair, should it occur.
O'Hare Airport is the world's busiest airport. It boasts a quality roller coaster connecting the airport to the rest of Chicago land. The Milwaukee line of the CTA would provide an interesting access to Disney City.
The development of a Disney City would of course be a tremendous boost to the economy of the region. It would enhance the image of the city. It would generate substantial number of jobs and tax base. It would further enhance the city as one of the best convention cities in the world. The city should make an aggressive effort to attract Disney City to the region.
THE REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM
Trails formed along old canals and abandoned right of ways have become an important part of the recreational systems in urban areas. These systems can form great lineal parks, creating green open areas with great access from urban areas. The logical expansion of this system is recommended. A number of these trails are delineated in the following paragraphs.
ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL
The Illinois and Michigan Canal was constructed in the early 19th century as a major part of the early development of Chicago. It connected Chicago to the Illinois River, providing access to the Mississippi River. It has largely been abandoned, but many parts of the canal and tow path are still usable.
The City of Lockport has done an excellent job in restoring portions of the canal, towpath, and surrounding buildings. The trail in Channahon has also been rebuilt and is in good condition. Their efforts set an example for the rest of the communities along the canal.
The State and several communities have been improving both the waterway and towpath. This is quality system and it should be further developed and continually upgraded.
HERITAGE CORRIDOR TRAIL SYSTEM
The Heritage Corridor is the title given to a region encompassing the I & M Canal, Chicago River, the Cal Sag Channel, and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. This great system of urban waterways was in fact our heritage in terms of transportation, commerce and industry. Many of the land uses along the canal have fallen into disuse.
The Heritage Corridor Commission has been created by Congress to oversee the development of the Heritage Corridor. It has an interesting and challenging mandate-- to create a quality national park type development in the corridor while also maintaining and improving historical and cultural aspects of thecanal. In addition, economic development of the canal is also
advocated.
The Heritage Corridor could be a great addition to the metropolitan area if it is properly funded and supported.
PLANK ROAD TRAIL
The Plank Road Trail concept was first developed in 1981 by the communities bordering the Penn Central Railroad south of Route 30. The railroad proposed abandonment and sale of its tracks. The rails were removed in 1981. The Plank Road Trail Plan proposed that the right of way for the railroad be purchased for use as a trail and open space area.
The communities of Matteson, Frankfort, Park Forest, Mokena, and New Lenox supported the concept. A variety of uses were considered, including hiking, biking and recreational uses. In more rural areas horse trails were proposed.
The State of Illinois, the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, the Will and Cook County Forest Preserve commissions, and the Open Lands Commission supported the concept, and worked to gain control of the property. The State has budgeted $250,000 for right of way condemnation.
At present, the proposal is moving slowly forward because of concern that the Penn Central may not own the land. Many of the older railroads acquired rights of way through contributions from land owners, with the stipulation that the land would revert to the original owners when or if the railroad was removed. Until the ownership issue is resolved, acquisition will be difficult.
The development of the trail would positively enhance the image of the southern suburbs. The trail would connect the historical business districts of Frankfort and Matteson to Lincoln Mall and the Matteson ICG station. Visitors to the area could take pleasant walks through these communities. The Prairie Path in Du Page County is similar to the Plank Road Trail and has served to bolster the image of its surrounding area.
LINCOLN WAY TRAIL
Old Lincoln Highway was the major east west route serving Frankfort, Rich, and New Lenox townships. Old Lincoln Highway was one of the nations early brick roads. It served as an important commercial artery connecting the east with the west. More recent reconstruction of Route 30 left portions of the Old Lincoln Highway to the side of the new road, often causing an unsightly area as the old pavement fell into disuse. The development of Interstate 80 relegated Route 30 to a secondary status. This resulted in many of the commercial structures on the roadway closing and deteriorating causing further visual blight.
By developing a pedestrian way parallel to the highway, the aesthetic appearance of the road will be improved. The safety of children traveling on the road will be increased. The area will have an additional quality feature which will enhance the quality of life and the reputation of the communities in the area.
The name of the trail is taken from a term in wide usage. Lincoln Way High School is located on the trail and is a major destination on the trail.
Important land uses that will be served by the trail include: the commercial areas of New Lenox, Frankfort, Matteson, and Park Forest and Olympia Fields; the Frankfort Library; the Frankfort Township building and swimming pool; forest preserves; Lincoln Way High School; the New Lenox Rock Island Station; Lincoln Mall; and the Park Forest ICG Station will receive direct service. Connections to downtown Mokena, Frankfort, Matteson, and the
parallel Plank Road Trail should also be provided.
The trail should eventually be developed as a lineal park, with the trail providing continuity. Landscaping and park benches should be placed where possible. The trail should be identified with appropriate signage. Commercial business should work the trail into their landscaping them.
The development of the trail can take place over a number of years. Each time Route 30 is widened or improved the trail should be constructed or improved.
Each segment of the trail could be developed individually by the town, park district, township, and forest preserve district. Each segment of the trail should serve a local function when it is constructed. The following is a township by township discussion of possible development phasing.
FRANKFORT TOWNSHIP
The recent additions of the Frankfort Library and township swimming pool on Route 30 at opposite ends of the township make the early development of the trail a necessity. The trail should be on the north side of the highway, built within the right of way, but as far from the pavement as possible. The communities of Prestwick, Frankfort Square, Lincoln Estates, and Arbury Hills should be connected to the trail. A connection to Mokena along the west side of Wolf Road would also be desirable.
The portion of Old Route 30 west of Route 45 is wide and is subject to flooding. This portion could serve a dual use for flood control. The area could be excavated into a gentle swale that would accept and retain water during major floods. During periods of non-flooding the area could be developed into an attractive landscaped lineal park. Extensive berming and the use of pine trees and evergreens along the north edge of the park would minimize noise from Route 30 to adjacent residential areas.
The area west of the intersection of Route 30 and Route 45 should be extensively landscaped similar to the entry way areas of Historical Frankfort and the Savings and Loan building at Route 45.
NEW LENOX TOWNSHIP
The first connection should be through the Village of New Lenox to Lincoln Way High School, serving the commercial center of the village and the train station. Subsequently, the trail should be extended east to meet the Frankfort Township portion. Residential neighborhoods to the north and south of Route 30 should also have connections to the trail developed.
RICH TOWNSHIP
Initial development of the trail should be to connect the commercial establishments in Matteson with residential areas and the train stations. The trail should subsequently be extended east to Olympia Fields and Park Forest, with connections to residential neighborhoods. The trail should eventually be extended west to link up with western Matteson neighborhoods and the Frankfort Township portion of the trail.
SUMMARY
The development of the Lincoln Way Trail can proceed very slowly, and can be thought of as a ten to twenty year development project. Each time a subdivision or commercial development takes place on Route 30, the frontage should be developed into a landscaped pathway. Local chambers of commerce can encourage their members to redevelop existing structures into the trail. Improvements to the trail will vary according to location. The portions in commercial areas will have more urban type cross sections-- paved, with benches and intensive landscaping. The rural cross sections can be less well developed with bark chip or compacted gravel type of improvements. The trail should be attractively landscaped, signed, and promoted.
The development of the Lincoln Way Trail will be an outstanding addition to the quality communities in the area. Coupled with ongoing quality development and the development of area forest preserves, parks, and the Plank Road Trail, Lincoln Way Trail will improve the region. In time, the communities along Lincoln Way in the Land of Lincoln will become known for their quality system of landscaped walkways.
THE CITY FARM - FOREST PRESERVE
A farm should be preserved to provide our children with knowledge and understanding of farming and rural life. The farm should be an actual working farm with additional facilities for tours and education.
The farm should be located as close as possible to the bulk of the population of the area. The farm would serve as permanent open space and as a green belt separating communities.
The farm should be owned and operated by the forest preserve district. The district operates attractive wooded recreational areas and golf courses. A farm would be an attractive addition to the forest preserve program.
THE LAKE FRONT FOREST PRESERVE
The lake front of Chicago is a regional resource, enjoyed by people throughout the region. It is the front door to our region. Unfortunately portions of the lake front are undeveloped and poorly maintained. This is due in part to the cost of improvements and maintenance.
Portions of the lake front should be shifted over to the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The county is certainly in better condition to pay for substantial improvements to the lake front, since it draws its tax base from both city and suburban areas. This would be a more equitable situation for city
residents, since the lakefront is used by both city and suburban residents.
By shifting portions of the lake front to the forest preserve, substantial improvements could be developed. This could include improved beaches, bike paths, and trails.
THE YEAR AROUND SOLAR PLAYGROUND
Chicago is the third coldest metropolitan area in the USA. During the winter, many days are simply too cold to stay outside. Chicago should follow the example of Minneapolis and Edmonton, creating enclosed walkways among downtown buildings. The city should also work with commercial enterprises and the park and forest preserve districts to develop a year around solar
playground. A huge in door park under an enormous atrium should be developed to provide summer 12 months a year.
The public sector could finance the indoor park. Major commercial recreational facilities would be located and developed within the facility. The park could become a major attraction for the region. It could be a prototype for this type of recreational facility.
The facility could contain a variety of uses. A quality swimming area with sand beaches and sunlight is obviously required. A tropical and a desert area should be provided. Private health clubs and park facilities could be attached to the facility.
RIVER MARINA
The image of the Chicago River is gradually improving due to improved water quality. A wide range of actors making concerted efforts influenced this result. These efforts must continue. The water quality of the river must continually be upgraded.
Future development should focus restaurants and activities on the river front. Pedestrian ways along the river should be improved, both inside and outside.
Marina development must be encouraged. The continued addition of boating facilities to the river will ensure the continued upgrading of the river appearance and vitality.
THE "OVER THE HILL" LEAGUE
It has long been an irony that advancing age slows performance and forces retirement. This occurs at the apex of an athlete's career, when he is the most popular and in the most demand. The professional is still a superb athlete, but eventually cannot compete with younger men.
An "Over the Hill" League composed of over "40" athletes should be developed. The charisma and popularity of the former stars should ensure the success of the league. The baby boom generation is the largest population cohort and is now beginning to turn 40 years of age. In this scenario the baby boom generation could continue to follow its present athletic heroes into middle age.
The following are a list of possible organizational principles:
- The majority of the athletes must be over forty, with one player fulfilling an over 50, an over 60, and an over 70 age slot.
- Members of the teams should come from a variety of sports, as follows:
2 Baseball
2 Basketball
2 Football
1 Hockey
1 Boxing
1 College level star
1 High School Star
1 Sports writer
1 No experience in organized athletics whatsoever
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12 Total, with alternatives as needed.
- One game per team on weekends only -- with the realization that the over the hill league is a part time job.
- The choice of the sport could vary by season (softball in the summer, basketball in the winter, etc) Chicago 16 inch slow pitch softball would be an excellent choice of games.
- Compensation would be based of a fixed percentage of the net profit, thereby avoiding the exorbitant salaries.
A team fielded in Chicago might look like this:
1 Baseball Ernie Banks
1 Baseball Ron Santo
1 Football Dick Butkus
1 Football John Morris
1 Basketball Jerry Sloan
1 Basketball Chet Walker
1 Hockey Bobby Hull
1 Boxer Mohammed Ali
1 College Mike Grabowski (No "Elite” Smithes allowed)
1 High School Craig Hullinger
1 No Experience Slats Grobnick
1 Sports Writer Tim Weigel
The question arises as to whether the league could attract the older big name players and whether enough fans would be attracted to make the effort worthwhile.
Certainly some former players could be attracted to the league. Many of these men thoroughly enjoyed the competition and fame. They could be expected to participate for a percentage of the profit. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that the league could become very profitable. Certainly, it would be no great problem to attract the high school and college stars, and individuals with no experience.
Attracting substantial numbers of fans might be difficult. It is not clear whether fans follow teams because of the prowess of young men or whether simple competition, territorial loyalty, and comradery are more important. I personally believe the latter reasons account for team support and that the over the hill league could attract that support.
The baby boom is in its 30's and 40's now. It is already seeing most of its generation of athletes head toward retirement. The establishment of the "over the hill" league would allow this group to follow its stars through their lives and careers, instead of constantly realigning loyalties to ever younger, more overpaid, and more pampered athletes.
Several paths towards establishing the "Over the Hill" League may be pursued. The most obvious would be for each team of an existing league to form an "over the hill" team. This approach seems logical since existing teams and leagues have the know how, stadiums, contacts, and capital to implement and promote their teams. Existing leagues could also coordinate double headers and travel with their "youth" team and their "over the hill" team.
Another method for forming the league would be to form teams independent of existing teams or leagues. This approach has the strengths of attracting fresh venture capital and new and aggressive ideas, but suffers from lack of know-how and contacts.
A third implementation method would involve a player cooperative, with players providing the leadership and capital. The lack of a guiding entrepreneur would probably hinder this approach.
The "Over the Hill" League is a workable concept and should be implemented. It will be a profitable concern, providing entertainment and employment. It will help move America away from its preoccupation with youth and extend the values of competitive athletics into older groups.
This is coolbert: Build the roads in a city or town right from the start. Use the mix of shredded rubber from tires and asphalt to make a mix that will last a very long time without repair and mending or new construction to repair a dilapidated section. Give a better ride for the car too. A good way of getting rid of all those enormous piles of tires laying around all over the nation.
coolbert.
coolbert.
The Village of Mokena, Illinois has recently installed and upgraded the Will County Geographic Information System. Mokena GIS. The system is working well. The system can be accessed through several programs:
Arc2Exploer and Volo View, which are simple viewers. The more sophisticated and capable software is ArcMap from ESRI. This software allows you to create, manipulate, and print maps, and also allows you to link data base files to the GIS. The County system currently has tax numbers, addresses, tax assessments, tax codes, County zoning, aerial photography, etc. We have completed the Village Zoning Map and Comprehensive Plan. The maps can be easily updated.
Available maps include:
1999 BW Aerial Black & white aerial photos
2000 Census Tracts Census Tracts
Address Data Addresses
Aerial (Color aerials) Aerial Photographs
County Village Zoning County & Village Zoning
County Zoning County zoning map
Development Shows recent developments processed over
the past two years
LUP Land Use Plan - Village
Parcel Map Tax parcels
Parcel – topo Parcels with topography
Shaded Relief Mokena & environs showing topo to Lake MI
Village Zoning Village Zoning Map
Wetlands Map Shows wetlands in Mokena and surrounding
area
Maps that can be added:
Recapture areas
100 year flood plain
Transportation Plan Overlay
More recent aerials
Accident data
Crime location data
Sewer, water, & storm sewer lines, manholes, fire hydrants
Acrobat files showing annexation agreements
Acrobat files showing staff reports on development
Photographs tied to parcels
Building Permit data
Zoning Enforcement data
Proposed developments
ADDRESSES OF PARCELS FOR NOTIFICATION
The software permits you to identify an area for addresses that can be exported to a file for mailings. You have to establish a Join between the parcel layer (shapefile) and the Real Estate database (dBase File). The Real Estate database can be joined to the parcels by the PIN number. In ArcMap, right click on the layer name Parcels, point at Join and Relates option (middle of the context menu), and select join. After the Join, you will be able to bring up Real Estate information for each parcel.
To identify all property addresses within 250 feet of a subject parcel, select the subject parcel in ArcMap. Select the Selection by Location menu item in the Selection menu, You want to “select features from” the following layers (Parcels) that are within a distance of the features in this layer “Parcels”. Enter “250” feet for the buffer applied to the subject parcel. The property address information is located in the following fields: Parcel_Str (Parcel Street Name), Parcel_S_1 (Parcel Street Direction), and Parcel_S_2 Parcel Street Number.
UPDATES
The County will provide updates of the info each quarter. The Village should provide copies of all info that the Village collects or produces to the County. This includes subdivision drawings, engineering, land use plans, etc. The County is also going to conduct a high quality aerial photo shoot this year, so new aerial photos should be available.
POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS
You can quickly and easily import GIS images into Power Point Presentations. You copy the screen image to a file to import into Power Point. In ArcMap, press Alt Print Screen, copy to the clipboard, and they bring it into Power Point.
SKIMERHORN CARTOGRAPHICS
Delbert Skimerhorn is the consultant who set up the Mokena system. He can be reached at 815 937 2952 Extension 229, or by email at Dskimerhorn@K3County.net.
WILL COUNTY
Our thanks to Will County. Mike Shay has done an outstanding job getting the County GIS implemented and distributed to the municipalities.
Arc2Exploer and Volo View, which are simple viewers. The more sophisticated and capable software is ArcMap from ESRI. This software allows you to create, manipulate, and print maps, and also allows you to link data base files to the GIS. The County system currently has tax numbers, addresses, tax assessments, tax codes, County zoning, aerial photography, etc. We have completed the Village Zoning Map and Comprehensive Plan. The maps can be easily updated.
Available maps include:
1999 BW Aerial Black & white aerial photos
2000 Census Tracts Census Tracts
Address Data Addresses
Aerial (Color aerials) Aerial Photographs
County Village Zoning County & Village Zoning
County Zoning County zoning map
Development Shows recent developments processed over
the past two years
LUP Land Use Plan - Village
Parcel Map Tax parcels
Parcel – topo Parcels with topography
Shaded Relief Mokena & environs showing topo to Lake MI
Village Zoning Village Zoning Map
Wetlands Map Shows wetlands in Mokena and surrounding
area
Maps that can be added:
Recapture areas
100 year flood plain
Transportation Plan Overlay
More recent aerials
Accident data
Crime location data
Sewer, water, & storm sewer lines, manholes, fire hydrants
Acrobat files showing annexation agreements
Acrobat files showing staff reports on development
Photographs tied to parcels
Building Permit data
Zoning Enforcement data
Proposed developments
ADDRESSES OF PARCELS FOR NOTIFICATION
The software permits you to identify an area for addresses that can be exported to a file for mailings. You have to establish a Join between the parcel layer (shapefile) and the Real Estate database (dBase File). The Real Estate database can be joined to the parcels by the PIN number. In ArcMap, right click on the layer name Parcels, point at Join and Relates option (middle of the context menu), and select join. After the Join, you will be able to bring up Real Estate information for each parcel.
To identify all property addresses within 250 feet of a subject parcel, select the subject parcel in ArcMap. Select the Selection by Location menu item in the Selection menu, You want to “select features from” the following layers (Parcels) that are within a distance of the features in this layer “Parcels”. Enter “250” feet for the buffer applied to the subject parcel. The property address information is located in the following fields: Parcel_Str (Parcel Street Name), Parcel_S_1 (Parcel Street Direction), and Parcel_S_2 Parcel Street Number.
UPDATES
The County will provide updates of the info each quarter. The Village should provide copies of all info that the Village collects or produces to the County. This includes subdivision drawings, engineering, land use plans, etc. The County is also going to conduct a high quality aerial photo shoot this year, so new aerial photos should be available.
POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS
You can quickly and easily import GIS images into Power Point Presentations. You copy the screen image to a file to import into Power Point. In ArcMap, press Alt Print Screen, copy to the clipboard, and they bring it into Power Point.
SKIMERHORN CARTOGRAPHICS
Delbert Skimerhorn is the consultant who set up the Mokena system. He can be reached at 815 937 2952 Extension 229, or by email at Dskimerhorn@K3County.net.
WILL COUNTY
Our thanks to Will County. Mike Shay has done an outstanding job getting the County GIS implemented and distributed to the municipalities.
This is coolbert: I agree that the building of a sub-division around a golf course is a great idea. I have seen such an area in Winfield and at White Eagle in Aurora. Of course White Eagle is really upper scale. The Winfield course was much more modest, perhaps nine holes only. But really boss. Residents in the nine hole sub-division seemed to have unlimited playing possibilities and did use the course on a regular basis. This was an added feature to the sub-division, playing privileges, and used by a considerable number of people, as far as I could tell. Around this area, from what I see, the trend is to have courses that are by appearance barren and Scottish like in nature, no trees. Prairie Landing at the Du Page County airport is the archetype of this concept.
coolbert.
coolbert.
GOLF COURSE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A golf course surrounded by high quality residential development has become a popular development form. These type of developments are often completely private, but the participation of a municipality helps ensure the success of the development.
The following illustrates the benefits of a public/private partnership for the development of a golf course residential community.
FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Spur economic development and increase tax base
Enhance the prestige of the area
Increase open space
Secure wet land preservation
Provide storm water detention
Improve the appearance of the town
Assist in annexation of key property
Provide recreation
FOR THE DEVELOPER
Spur sales of surrounding development
Enhance the prestige of the development
Secure an owner of the golf course amenity
Assist in the finance of the golf course
Improve profitability
Lower costs for storm water detention
Assist in utility connection
Ensure governmental approval
A golf course surrounded by high quality residential development has become a popular development form. These type of developments are often completely private, but the participation of a municipality helps ensure the success of the development.
The following illustrates the benefits of a public/private partnership for the development of a golf course residential community.
FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Spur economic development and increase tax base
Enhance the prestige of the area
Increase open space
Secure wet land preservation
Provide storm water detention
Improve the appearance of the town
Assist in annexation of key property
Provide recreation
FOR THE DEVELOPER
Spur sales of surrounding development
Enhance the prestige of the development
Secure an owner of the golf course amenity
Assist in the finance of the golf course
Improve profitability
Lower costs for storm water detention
Assist in utility connection
Ensure governmental approval
This is coolbert: Another idea to improve sub-divisions. NO mailboxes in front of the house. Either have a mailman deliver the mail on foot to your home, or have one central group of mailboxes in the subdivision with a sturdy group of mailboxes. Prevent vandals from smashing the individual mailboxes in front of the homes. Is an eyesore anyhow. Damn things are just tempting targets for the car-borne vandals with baseball bats.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Enforce city ordinances in the big cities to make them more enjoyable and more livable. NO panhandling. NONE at all. Crack down on such persons and stop them in their tracks. It is a known fact these persons are for the most part not the downtrodden homeless persons they claim they are. Panhandling is a business practiced by dissolute persons for the most part taking advantage of misplaced sentimentality.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: More things to make a town more livable. Enforce the ordinances of a town to the max extent, and in the manner that they were intended to be enforced. Dog leashes must be on dogs all time so they cannot roam loose. And not a 100' long leash either! A reasonable leash, say six feet max. Cats are not allowed to roam loose either. Not at all. No nuisance pets. No dogs barking constantly all day. If your dog is a nuisance, it will have to be gotten rid of. And no exceptions or quibbling about this either. Pets have their place. But keep them in their place. And clean up the dog mess too. Don't make it in the first place is best of course, but if you do have a dog making dog mess, clean it up.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Some ideas on how to make a community more livable. Build homes that have these features: NO fireplaces. Bedrooms in back of house only, not in the front. Attached garages in the rear of the house. Alleys for access to garages. Build homes where several generations can live in the same dwelling, if they wish. Build a large bedroom on the first floor with a full bath. Allow granny or grandpa to live in that room. Communities have to have a mix of people of all ages to be viable. Kids run amuck without supervision of elders.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Things to make a city a better place. One is to reduce light levels so you can see the stars at night. Streetlights and security lights and such can have some sort of baffle to make the light shine down but not outward. Light a smaller area better and don't shine in someone's window at night. Second is to eliminate the winding roads popular in subdivisions. Prevent people from pretending they are at the 24 hours of Le Mans. Stop people from going 50 mph in a 25 mph zone. Thirdly, eliminate cul-de-sacs. Why are they even built in the first place? What is the attraction? Fourth, stop people from parking on the sidewalk. People have so many vehicles they cannot park them all on the driveway and in the garage. Cannot park on the street at night time. So they park on the sidewalk and block foot traffic. Have a roving citizen patrol ticket these people or issue warnings. People need to get a handle on the number of cars they need!!
coolbert.
coolbert.
Anyone have a parking ordinance that they think is good and that they would share? We are reworking our ordinance in Mokena.
Most ordinance that I have looked at require one parking space for 200 or 250 square feet of retail space, and one parking space per 100 square feet of restaurant. Anyone have a better idea?
Most ordinance that I have looked at require one parking space for 200 or 250 square feet of retail space, and one parking space per 100 square feet of restaurant. Anyone have a better idea?
We attended an Andres Duany seminar for two hours last night at South Bend. He spoke for two hours, no questions, no illustrations. A number of interesting ideas, but nothing earth shattering.
His assessment of urban redevelopment was interesting. The first pioneers into a neighborhood are the risk oblivious - students, artists, etc, who often illegally move into old lofts. Then come the risk aware, and finally the risk averse. The neighborhood is then fully regentrified.
He also said that central cities are competing with their suburbs, not other cities. He said that suburban developers are very good at what they do, providing affordable and quality housing on large lots. Cities cannot compete with open space, golf courses, etc. Duany believes that what cities can provide is an active 24 hour street life, and that people will pay to be part of that environment. And he is correct, for large cities. I am not so sure about smaller cities.
He also made several cracks about vynal clad boxes. Just a little elitist. But of course this is ok if you are talking about the vast middle class, not the poor.
His assessment of urban redevelopment was interesting. The first pioneers into a neighborhood are the risk oblivious - students, artists, etc, who often illegally move into old lofts. Then come the risk aware, and finally the risk averse. The neighborhood is then fully regentrified.
He also said that central cities are competing with their suburbs, not other cities. He said that suburban developers are very good at what they do, providing affordable and quality housing on large lots. Cities cannot compete with open space, golf courses, etc. Duany believes that what cities can provide is an active 24 hour street life, and that people will pay to be part of that environment. And he is correct, for large cities. I am not so sure about smaller cities.
He also made several cracks about vynal clad boxes. Just a little elitist. But of course this is ok if you are talking about the vast middle class, not the poor.
Andres Duarny will be in South Bend to give a free lecture Zoning for Traditional Towns and Neighborhoods: Transect and Smart Code at 7 pm South Bend time – 6 our time.
You want to go?
Contact Chuck Eckenstahler for info
219-861-2077 mobile
219-879-1012 home office
219-879-5340 fax
pctecken@netnitco.net
You want to go?
Contact Chuck Eckenstahler for info
219-861-2077 mobile
219-879-1012 home office
219-879-5340 fax
pctecken@netnitco.net
SMART GROWTH
IT'S MORE THAN AG PRESERVATION
AND STOPPING URBAN SPRAWL
By CRAIG HULLINGER AICP, CHUCK ECKENSTAHLER AICP and BETH RUYLE
Introduction
Smart Growth is the latest buzz word in the planning media. During 1999, there were over 100 various ballot initiatives concerning urban sprawl, growth management, open space and smart growth placed before the voters across the United States. Even candidates for the presidency of the United States discuss the concept of offering different federal funding strategies to assist states and local governments to reduce sprawl. In Illinois local officials are reviewing their plans to incorporate smart growth land use goals in response to national and statewide attention toward smarter land use planning.
Nevertheless, what is smart growth? How will governments determine if their local plans are smart growth oriented? Do we need to make changes so that our plans are smart growth oriented and ,if, so what changes do we need? The intent of this article is to answer these questions.
Smart growth means different things to different people. Some proponents think that any infrastructure improvements, such as new road, especially interstates, in suburban areas promote sprawl, or in their minds "unsmart growth." They believe that we should target federal and state resources to rebuild older central cities, whether or not these cities lack vitality. Obviously, this approach also has opposition. Some developers feel that smart growth means higher density development on smaller lots, which may provide for greater profits. Others feel that governments should purchase land to save it from development pressures. It becomes open space or could even continue to be farmed.
Not since the environmental movement of the 1970's have we seen such a public emphasis on land use and land regulation. The $10 billion Clinton Administration "Livability Agenda" which calls for the control of urban sprawl through preservation of open space and protection of water supply is only the beginning. The current attention to the issue of urban sprawl and wise management of our resources could result in new legislation and state policies addressing future new development. The concern for preservation of open space and protection of our resources has resulted in new resources and may initiate new legislation and state policies concerning land use controls.
Background and a Definition
Smart growth has grown from the anti sprawl development movement. In part, smart growth seeks to prevent leapfrog developments that are not contiguous to existing communities. A primary goal of smart growth is to save our most valuable natural resources and direct new development to areas where infrastructure is already in place, thus saving the expense of building new infrastructure and converting undeveloped land for urban uses.
The State of Maryland has enacted a "Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation" initiative, which they intended "to reverse the inefficient and often costly pattern of development that has been the standard in this country for the past half century." According to the Maryland model, smart growth has three straightforward goals:
To save our most valuable remaining natural resources before they are forever lost;
• To support existing communities and neighborhoods by targeting state resources to support development in areas where the infrastructure is already in place (or is planned) to support it; and
• To save taxpayers millions of dollars in the unnecessary cost of building the infrastructure required to support sprawl.
Many supporters of smart growth in Illinois identify with the Maryland goals. These goals support logically planned infrastructure and development.
Who's Doing What?
In Illinois, the smart growth movement is expanding rapidly. Besides supporters of wise infrastructure development, the movement has grown to encompass many diverse groups including open space preservationists, transportation planners, pro growth advocates, economic developers who seek the location of jobs closer to home and citizens seeking additional and higher levels of government services. Each group brings a specific agenda and view concerning the pattern of future land use.
In Northern Illinois, a quick inventory of interested groups would include the Metropolitan Chicago Mayors Caucus, the Northern Illinois Planning Commission, the Metropolitan Planning Council, Openlands Project and the State among others. County and multi-jurisdictional planning bodies will also become involved with smart growth initiatives as needs to plan for both redevelopment within existing communities and for expansion of the urban areas beyond local governmental jurisdictions become necessary.
Various research studies and, more recently, policies and recommendations for better land use management have been published by many of these groups. These studies are designed to provide information and simulate local officials to action, recognizing, in Illinois, land use planning and development regulations are administered by local government.
As the collective mayoral voice of municipalities in the Chicago region, the Metropolitan Chicago Mayors Caucus established the following vision and principles related to smart growth:
Vision
The Chicago metropolitan region will be a place where all residents enjoy a high quality of life characterized by access to jobs, economic opportunity, quality housing, educational opportunity, an effective transportation system, and a safe environment.
The mayors adopted the following principles to support their vision:
1. Regional growth and development policies, programs, and projects should respect local decision making authority.
2. Policies to guide the region's growth and development should be developed by the region.
3. Regional growth and development initiatives should promote balanced economic development throughout the Region.
4. Initiatives to promote the region's growth and development should employ positive incentives, not mandates or penalties.
5. Regional growth and development initiatives should respect personal and economic choice and the diversity of the Region's communities.
The most recent Smart Growth Vision was released by the Metropolitan Planning Council in December. "Building Stronger Communities" represents a year long effort to build consensus concerning smart growth for the greater Chicago region and the whole state. The study identified five goals which embody smart growth;
1. Protect open space,
2. Coordinate transportation with development,
3. Improve water quality,
4. Expand housing for workers, and
5. Coordinate and expand state support to local communities.
Smart Growth Graduates to Sensible or Sustainable Growth
Almost daily the local newspaper contains a report about future land development, whether it be titled smart growth, sustainable growth, sensible development or anti sprawl development. Usually the media summarize a state or local effort to achieve one or more of the goals stated above.
In Illinois Governor Ryan and the Illinois General Assembly have established the Illinois Growth Task Force to study smart growth and establish state policy and investment guidelines.
Many local governments are reviewing their plans and testing whether their current plans fulfill smart growth standards and provide for sensible and sustainable future development. One such group is the Eastern Will County Regional Council, an intergovernmental agency created for joint planning by the local governments in that area.
According to Ken Kramer, Chair of the Council and a Park Forest Trustee, "Eastern Will County is truly a microcosm of the State. In terms of smart growth, we represent older cities as well as fast growing rural communities. We need to improve existing roads. We need new roads built as well as better public transit to job centers. In the future we will be one of the fastest growing Illinois county and we must consider our need to house this expanding workforce."
"The goal of the Smart Growth Strategy for Eastern Will County will be to draw together our local governments to assure we have a land use plan which conserves resources and supports our ability to grow in the future. We also need to increase the number of jobs in our area, to reduce long commute times for our workers."
Kramer believes the Eastern Will County Regional Council is a proper vehicle for the study of smart growth since the council represents a group of communities which, while independent, must base their future planning on several common growth and development issues including transportation improvements and location of new employment opportunities. "Ultimately, the character of Eastern Will County will be shaped by the individual decisions made by each local government. Collective future planning will provide a chance to address quality of life issues, reduction of traffic congestion, increasing available jobs and reducing impact to our schools rather than reacting to new as it happens."
Testing The Local Plan For Smart Growth Consistency
Local officials should determine whether their community plan is a Smart Growth Plan. Below is a series of questions which can be used to test as to whether the plan could be considered a Smart Growth Plan.
1. Does the plan provide for increased land for new development adjoining the current developed area?
2. Does the plan call for developing vacant land within the existing pattern of development?
3. Does the plan promote the building or improving of new roads which will expand the pattern of development to vacant or existing agricultural land areas?
4. Does the plan specify land which should be preserved from development?
5. Does the plan require the installation of additional water and sewer lines, using state grants or loans, while current capacity remains unused?
6. Does the plan seek to decrease the average single family home lot size?
7. Does the plan consider more pedestrian pathways within the community including shopping/entertainment areas, schools, government buildings, etc. and have you considered road width and sidewalk requirements in new subdivisions.
8. Does the plan promote coordination of the pattern of land use with abutting neighbors?
9. Does the plan explore mass transportation for workers to reach their places of employment?
10. Does the plan include housing for families employed in jobs located in the community?
Fortunately, there is no correct answer nor wrong answer to these test questions. These questions form the basis for discussion and determination, by local officials, whether their plan meets their definition of smart growth.
What to Do with this Information
Citizens and the media will call upon individual communities in the next several years to test whether their community plans fulfill requirements for smart growth. It is possible that coordination with surrounding comminutes will be necessary. It is also possible that coordination with county, regional and state agencies will be required to assure that investment in roads and other infrastructure correspond with state and local established smart growth policies.
The long established land use planning rules are beginning to change with increasing demand on local governments to limit urban sprawl, to provide for more open space, to preserve agricultural land, and to lessen the dependance on the auto as the principal means of transportation. A review of the local plan today may identify changes necessary to reach conformance with forthcoming statewide smart growth policies. Careful attention should be given to Illinois Growth Task Force deliberations as the outcomes of the task force may indicate new statewide goals and possibly legislative initiatives which will shape the role of local government planning in the future.
About the Authors
Chuck Eckenstahler, AICP, is the owner of Public Consulting Team, a Benton Harbor, Michigan planning consulting firm engaged by the Villages of Beecher, Sauk Village and Homewood to serve as their consulting planner. He holds two Masters' Degrees, one from Governors State University and the other form the University of Notre Dame. He is an active writer, having more than 100 articles published on various economic development, land use planning and real estate development topics. He can be contacted at 219-879-1012, or E-mail at pctecken@netnitco.net.
Craig Harlan Hullinger, AICP, is the President of Planning Development Services. He has served as the Will County Director of Land Use and Planning where he supervised planning, zoning, engineering, and building functions. He is currently working with the Villages of Minooka, Tinley Park, Mokena, Munster, IN, the Eastern Will County Regional Council, and as an expert witness. Craig has a BA Degree in Public Administration and a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning. He can be contacted at 708/ 532- 8991 or E-mail Craig@Hullinger.com
Beth Ruyle is a Financial Advisor with Ehlers and Associates. She recently served as the Director of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. For over twenty years she lead this thirty eight municipalities in this Council of Governments in the development of plans and programs. At Ehlers and Associates she is undertaking a myriad of projects in fiscal strategic planning, economic development, intergovernmental programs and public finance. Ruyle has her Master Degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. Contact Ruyle at 630/355-6100 or at E-mail bruyle@ehlers-inc.com.
For more information on Chuck or Craig visit our web page at http://www.Craig.Hullinger.com
For more information on Ehlers and Beth visit her web page at www.ehlers-inc.com.
May 2000 / Illinois Municipal Review
IT'S MORE THAN AG PRESERVATION
AND STOPPING URBAN SPRAWL
By CRAIG HULLINGER AICP, CHUCK ECKENSTAHLER AICP and BETH RUYLE
Introduction
Smart Growth is the latest buzz word in the planning media. During 1999, there were over 100 various ballot initiatives concerning urban sprawl, growth management, open space and smart growth placed before the voters across the United States. Even candidates for the presidency of the United States discuss the concept of offering different federal funding strategies to assist states and local governments to reduce sprawl. In Illinois local officials are reviewing their plans to incorporate smart growth land use goals in response to national and statewide attention toward smarter land use planning.
Nevertheless, what is smart growth? How will governments determine if their local plans are smart growth oriented? Do we need to make changes so that our plans are smart growth oriented and ,if, so what changes do we need? The intent of this article is to answer these questions.
Smart growth means different things to different people. Some proponents think that any infrastructure improvements, such as new road, especially interstates, in suburban areas promote sprawl, or in their minds "unsmart growth." They believe that we should target federal and state resources to rebuild older central cities, whether or not these cities lack vitality. Obviously, this approach also has opposition. Some developers feel that smart growth means higher density development on smaller lots, which may provide for greater profits. Others feel that governments should purchase land to save it from development pressures. It becomes open space or could even continue to be farmed.
Not since the environmental movement of the 1970's have we seen such a public emphasis on land use and land regulation. The $10 billion Clinton Administration "Livability Agenda" which calls for the control of urban sprawl through preservation of open space and protection of water supply is only the beginning. The current attention to the issue of urban sprawl and wise management of our resources could result in new legislation and state policies addressing future new development. The concern for preservation of open space and protection of our resources has resulted in new resources and may initiate new legislation and state policies concerning land use controls.
Background and a Definition
Smart growth has grown from the anti sprawl development movement. In part, smart growth seeks to prevent leapfrog developments that are not contiguous to existing communities. A primary goal of smart growth is to save our most valuable natural resources and direct new development to areas where infrastructure is already in place, thus saving the expense of building new infrastructure and converting undeveloped land for urban uses.
The State of Maryland has enacted a "Smart Growth and Neighborhood Conservation" initiative, which they intended "to reverse the inefficient and often costly pattern of development that has been the standard in this country for the past half century." According to the Maryland model, smart growth has three straightforward goals:
To save our most valuable remaining natural resources before they are forever lost;
• To support existing communities and neighborhoods by targeting state resources to support development in areas where the infrastructure is already in place (or is planned) to support it; and
• To save taxpayers millions of dollars in the unnecessary cost of building the infrastructure required to support sprawl.
Many supporters of smart growth in Illinois identify with the Maryland goals. These goals support logically planned infrastructure and development.
Who's Doing What?
In Illinois, the smart growth movement is expanding rapidly. Besides supporters of wise infrastructure development, the movement has grown to encompass many diverse groups including open space preservationists, transportation planners, pro growth advocates, economic developers who seek the location of jobs closer to home and citizens seeking additional and higher levels of government services. Each group brings a specific agenda and view concerning the pattern of future land use.
In Northern Illinois, a quick inventory of interested groups would include the Metropolitan Chicago Mayors Caucus, the Northern Illinois Planning Commission, the Metropolitan Planning Council, Openlands Project and the State among others. County and multi-jurisdictional planning bodies will also become involved with smart growth initiatives as needs to plan for both redevelopment within existing communities and for expansion of the urban areas beyond local governmental jurisdictions become necessary.
Various research studies and, more recently, policies and recommendations for better land use management have been published by many of these groups. These studies are designed to provide information and simulate local officials to action, recognizing, in Illinois, land use planning and development regulations are administered by local government.
As the collective mayoral voice of municipalities in the Chicago region, the Metropolitan Chicago Mayors Caucus established the following vision and principles related to smart growth:
Vision
The Chicago metropolitan region will be a place where all residents enjoy a high quality of life characterized by access to jobs, economic opportunity, quality housing, educational opportunity, an effective transportation system, and a safe environment.
The mayors adopted the following principles to support their vision:
1. Regional growth and development policies, programs, and projects should respect local decision making authority.
2. Policies to guide the region's growth and development should be developed by the region.
3. Regional growth and development initiatives should promote balanced economic development throughout the Region.
4. Initiatives to promote the region's growth and development should employ positive incentives, not mandates or penalties.
5. Regional growth and development initiatives should respect personal and economic choice and the diversity of the Region's communities.
The most recent Smart Growth Vision was released by the Metropolitan Planning Council in December. "Building Stronger Communities" represents a year long effort to build consensus concerning smart growth for the greater Chicago region and the whole state. The study identified five goals which embody smart growth;
1. Protect open space,
2. Coordinate transportation with development,
3. Improve water quality,
4. Expand housing for workers, and
5. Coordinate and expand state support to local communities.
Smart Growth Graduates to Sensible or Sustainable Growth
Almost daily the local newspaper contains a report about future land development, whether it be titled smart growth, sustainable growth, sensible development or anti sprawl development. Usually the media summarize a state or local effort to achieve one or more of the goals stated above.
In Illinois Governor Ryan and the Illinois General Assembly have established the Illinois Growth Task Force to study smart growth and establish state policy and investment guidelines.
Many local governments are reviewing their plans and testing whether their current plans fulfill smart growth standards and provide for sensible and sustainable future development. One such group is the Eastern Will County Regional Council, an intergovernmental agency created for joint planning by the local governments in that area.
According to Ken Kramer, Chair of the Council and a Park Forest Trustee, "Eastern Will County is truly a microcosm of the State. In terms of smart growth, we represent older cities as well as fast growing rural communities. We need to improve existing roads. We need new roads built as well as better public transit to job centers. In the future we will be one of the fastest growing Illinois county and we must consider our need to house this expanding workforce."
"The goal of the Smart Growth Strategy for Eastern Will County will be to draw together our local governments to assure we have a land use plan which conserves resources and supports our ability to grow in the future. We also need to increase the number of jobs in our area, to reduce long commute times for our workers."
Kramer believes the Eastern Will County Regional Council is a proper vehicle for the study of smart growth since the council represents a group of communities which, while independent, must base their future planning on several common growth and development issues including transportation improvements and location of new employment opportunities. "Ultimately, the character of Eastern Will County will be shaped by the individual decisions made by each local government. Collective future planning will provide a chance to address quality of life issues, reduction of traffic congestion, increasing available jobs and reducing impact to our schools rather than reacting to new as it happens."
Testing The Local Plan For Smart Growth Consistency
Local officials should determine whether their community plan is a Smart Growth Plan. Below is a series of questions which can be used to test as to whether the plan could be considered a Smart Growth Plan.
1. Does the plan provide for increased land for new development adjoining the current developed area?
2. Does the plan call for developing vacant land within the existing pattern of development?
3. Does the plan promote the building or improving of new roads which will expand the pattern of development to vacant or existing agricultural land areas?
4. Does the plan specify land which should be preserved from development?
5. Does the plan require the installation of additional water and sewer lines, using state grants or loans, while current capacity remains unused?
6. Does the plan seek to decrease the average single family home lot size?
7. Does the plan consider more pedestrian pathways within the community including shopping/entertainment areas, schools, government buildings, etc. and have you considered road width and sidewalk requirements in new subdivisions.
8. Does the plan promote coordination of the pattern of land use with abutting neighbors?
9. Does the plan explore mass transportation for workers to reach their places of employment?
10. Does the plan include housing for families employed in jobs located in the community?
Fortunately, there is no correct answer nor wrong answer to these test questions. These questions form the basis for discussion and determination, by local officials, whether their plan meets their definition of smart growth.
What to Do with this Information
Citizens and the media will call upon individual communities in the next several years to test whether their community plans fulfill requirements for smart growth. It is possible that coordination with surrounding comminutes will be necessary. It is also possible that coordination with county, regional and state agencies will be required to assure that investment in roads and other infrastructure correspond with state and local established smart growth policies.
The long established land use planning rules are beginning to change with increasing demand on local governments to limit urban sprawl, to provide for more open space, to preserve agricultural land, and to lessen the dependance on the auto as the principal means of transportation. A review of the local plan today may identify changes necessary to reach conformance with forthcoming statewide smart growth policies. Careful attention should be given to Illinois Growth Task Force deliberations as the outcomes of the task force may indicate new statewide goals and possibly legislative initiatives which will shape the role of local government planning in the future.
About the Authors
Chuck Eckenstahler, AICP, is the owner of Public Consulting Team, a Benton Harbor, Michigan planning consulting firm engaged by the Villages of Beecher, Sauk Village and Homewood to serve as their consulting planner. He holds two Masters' Degrees, one from Governors State University and the other form the University of Notre Dame. He is an active writer, having more than 100 articles published on various economic development, land use planning and real estate development topics. He can be contacted at 219-879-1012, or E-mail at pctecken@netnitco.net.
Craig Harlan Hullinger, AICP, is the President of Planning Development Services. He has served as the Will County Director of Land Use and Planning where he supervised planning, zoning, engineering, and building functions. He is currently working with the Villages of Minooka, Tinley Park, Mokena, Munster, IN, the Eastern Will County Regional Council, and as an expert witness. Craig has a BA Degree in Public Administration and a Master's Degree in Environmental Planning. He can be contacted at 708/ 532- 8991 or E-mail Craig@Hullinger.com
Beth Ruyle is a Financial Advisor with Ehlers and Associates. She recently served as the Director of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. For over twenty years she lead this thirty eight municipalities in this Council of Governments in the development of plans and programs. At Ehlers and Associates she is undertaking a myriad of projects in fiscal strategic planning, economic development, intergovernmental programs and public finance. Ruyle has her Master Degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. Contact Ruyle at 630/355-6100 or at E-mail bruyle@ehlers-inc.com.
For more information on Chuck or Craig visit our web page at http://www.Craig.Hullinger.com
For more information on Ehlers and Beth visit her web page at www.ehlers-inc.com.
May 2000 / Illinois Municipal Review
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