Planning Programs and Projects

This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Planning Programs. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus. 

Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.

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This search filters based on details within the Planning Project. The search box below allows users to search by Planning Project name.

Year Project Title Program Project Type Sort ascending Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status
+ Crete Downtown and Balmoral Park Station Area Plans Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Crete $113,850
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project developed station area plans for the proposed Downtown Crete and Balmoral Park stations along the proposed Metra Southeast service commuter rail line.
Current Activities
As of the end of 2010, Metra has completed the Alternatives Analysis for the proposed Southeast Service Line. On March 7, 2011, then Governor Quinn signed into law House Bill 1644 which established the Southeast Commuter Rail Transit District which now has authority to acquire rights to use the freight rail line, buy land to build train stations and purchase rail cars.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $2,770
Local $20,000
Federal $91,080

Last Updated 06.30.2016

+ Libertyville TOD Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Libertyville $100,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description

This project assisted the Village to plan for mixed use development in their core downtown area surrounding the Libertyville Metra station. The plan details the creation of a livable and walkable downtown area that remains architecturally significant and that will contribute to economic development and transit ridership.

Current Activities

The final report was adopted by the Village Board in November 2017. In July 2018 the Village Board approved $1,289,800 to modify the basic downtown Metra station to add restrooms and upgrade the design to what is considered more in keeping with Libertyville's historic character. Station improvements were completed in 2019.

In 2021 the 116-year old historic building at the southeast corner of School street and Milwaukee Avenue, former home to the La Villa Theatre in downtown Libertyville was renovated to include eight apartments on the upper two floors and the restoration of the building's original features.

In early 2024 the Village of Libertyville completed the installation of five new wayfinding signs throughout the downtown, including one directly outside the Metra station. This was a transportation recommendation in the Downtown TOD Plan.

The RTA will monitor the Village's progress to implement the Plan.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $80,000
Local $20,000

Last Updated 04.26.2024

+ Maywood Station Area Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Maywood $88,368
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Maywood station area planning project developed a plan for revitalizing the downtown core and improving pedestrian and vehicular access in the station area. The station area plan was developed in concert with a new Village comprehensive plan.
Current Activities

The study was completed in January 2004. The Village was chosen as part of the 2012 RTA Community Planning Program of Projects for assistance with developer recruitment and solicitation of opportunities in the TOD study area. A panel of development experts met in December 2012 to discuss redevelopment opportunities in the TOD area. A Summary of this discussion can be found in the Related Reports section. 

In late November 2011, it was announced that the West Cook County Housing Collaborative received a nearly $3 million grant for its transit-oriented development strategy to update comprehensive plans and to create a sustainable transit-oriented development fund for the communities of Bellwood, Berwyn, Forest Park, Maywood and Oak Park. In 2019 the Housing Authority of Cook County constructed nine rental units in three multi-family apartment buildings reserved for disabled low-income renters, located on 5th Avenue, south of the Study Area.

In July 2019 the Village Board approved the development of a mixed-use residential building with Interfaith Housing at 820 S. 5th Ave. The development includes 72 units of affordable housing over 4,500 square feet of ground floor retail space.

In 2016 the Maywood Fine Arts Association completed the Stairway of the Stars Dance Studio in downtown Maywood on 5th Avenue just north of Lake Street. The studio is used for dance classes, fitness activities and special events.

The Village also received a $1.2 million CMAQ grant to construct a new station facility at the Maywood Metra station, which opened in 2017. Matching funds came from the Village's Fifth Avenue TIF District.

The Village was chosen again to complete an update of the TOD plan in 2019. The TOD Plan Update was adopted in 2021 and can be found in the Related Reports. Maywood is currently working on a zoning code update that is also sponsored through the RTA's Community Planning Program.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $17,620
Federal $70,748

Last Updated 02.14.2024

+ Manhattan Village Center Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Manhattan $125,018
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This study created a transit-oriented development plan for the area adjacent to the Manhattan Metra station. The plan provides guidance for the location of civic, residential, office, commercial, and recreational spaces. Particular attention is paid at enhancing the core downtown while developing a 100-acre parcel adjacent to the station. The plan makes recommendations for the surrounding land uses, transportation improvements, and proposed crossings while outlining an implementation plan and design guidelines to be used by the Village and potential developers. The Manhattan Village Board unanimously adopted the Village Center Master Plan in September 2010 and this plan was awarded an IL-APA Award in 2011.
Current Activities
The RTA provided the Village with continued support through Community Planning Program with two projects: Updating the Village's TOD zoning regulations and a ULI Developer Discussion Panel. The Village of Manhattan unanimously approved the Downtown Zoning District in June 2012. As a follow-up, the RTA worked with ULI to convene panel of development experts to discuss the future of development in the TOD area in April 2013. A summary of this discussion can be found below in Study Documents.

The Village is currently focusing on improving the attractiveness of public space in the TOD area. The first project completed was a new public parking lot on Wabash between North Street and US Route 52 and the Village will soon begin preparing a layout for the area behind Village Hall to include additional public parking, landscaping and a gathering space for community events as recommended during the Developer Panel Discussion. The RTA will monitor these projects and offer assistance as needed.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $100,000
Local $25,018

Last Updated 09.15.2017

+ Hanover Park Village Center Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Hanover Park $100,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project created a transit-oriented development plan for the Village's Metra station area. The station area was designated in the 2010 Village of Hanover Park Comprehensive Plan as the location of the new Village Center and this plan built upon this vision by planning for increased residential density, mixed use retail, and freestanding retail and office space. The plan is anchored on the Village's existing Metra station and also accounts for anticipated land use changes due to a planned boulevard as an approach to the western terminus of the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway. The Village Board formally adopted the Transit-Oriented Development Plan as an amendment to their comprehensive plan in May 2012.
Current Activities
The Village's TOD plan continues to encourage development adjacent to the Hanover Park Metra station. A 126 unit townhome development was completed in 2014 and is located approximately 1/4 mile north and within convenient walking distances of the Metra station and connecting Pace bus services (route 554).

Through the RTA Community Planning Program, the Village participated in a RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice from the development community on ways to attract investment in the TOD area. This panel convened in February 2014 and a summary report of the discussion can be found below in the Study Documents.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $80,000
Local $20,000

Last Updated 06.18.2018

+ Greater Roseland (Chicago) Transit-Linked Community Development Project Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Developing Communities Project (DCP) $150,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This is a research and strategic planning project to identify the transit-linked opportunities for community development in the Greater Roseland community of Roseland, Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale and Morgan Park, focusing on the potential of the proposed CTA Red Line South Extension. The project will assess the impact mass transit can have on housing, the economy and work force development in the Greater Roseland area.
Current Activities
The Final Plan was adopted by the Developing Communities Project Board of Directors in November 2009. The Alternatives Analysis for the CTA Red Line South extension was completed by the CTA in 2009 and the Environmental Impact Statement is set to be published in 2015. Three options are under evaluation for the Locally Preferred Alternative along the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks including an option within the existing freight right-of-way (ROW Option), an East Option, and a West Option. The CTA is also evaluating a rail alternative along Halsted Street, a bus rapid transit (BRT) alternative along Michigan Avenue, and the No Build Alternative. For more information please visit: http://www.transitchicago.com/redeis/
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $30,000
Federal $120,000

Last Updated 03.24.2015

+ Melrose Park Lake Street Transit Improvement Plan Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Melrose Park $78,850
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project addressed transit and access improvements to support mixed use development along the Lake Street corridor from 9th Avenue to 25th Avenue. The corridor incorporates the adjacent Metra Union Pacific West Line and Pace bus routes.
Current Activities
The study was completed in January 2007. The RTA is monitoring progress and will offer implementation support as needed.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $15,770
Federal $63,080

Last Updated 02.28.2013

+ Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Naperville $79,159
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project identified opportunities to enhance commuter access to the Naperville Metra station by evaluating alternative modes of transportation such as bus, bicycle and walking. The project evaluated the feasibility of a bus depot, provided access and circulation improvements, and prepared recommendations to create a safer and more efficient multi-modal environment.
Current Activities
On April 17, 2012 the Naperville City Council accepted the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study Technical Memorandum and directed staff to incorporate improvements into their Capital Improvement Program. On February 19, 2013, the City of Naperville FY14-18 Capital Improvement Program was adopted by the City Council. It contained the following improvements related to this study: modifications to the Eastern Burlington Lot on the north side of the train tracks; modifications to the south side of the train tracks; and conversion of North Avenue (currently one-way westbound) to two-way traffic between Washington Street and Ellsworth Street. Engineering is programmed for FY13-14, with phased construction currently planned for FY15-16 through FY16-17.

In late 2013 the City of Naperville received CMAQ approval for the Washington Street Corridor Centralized Traffic Management System and Washington Street Corridor Adaptive Signal Control projects. These projects install a centralized traffic management system and adaptive signal controls along Washington Street, in the study area of the Naperville Metra Station Bus Depot and Commuter Access Feasibility Study. For more information please visit http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq. Naperville continues to look for funding for pedestrian access to implement additional recommendations.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $63,327
Local $15,832

Last Updated 01.04.2017

+ Pace I-355 Express Bus Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Pace Suburban Bus $265,984
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports
Description
This study developed a plan for a fully integrated sustainable corridor through the development of an express bus service on the I-355 corridor between New Lenox and Lake-Cook Road. It examined ways of improving transit as well as transit support facilities within the entire corridor.
Current Activities
The recommendations presented in this final report are currently being applied to the Pace I-90 Express Bus Network and the Pace Cook-DuPage Transit Investment Plan.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $212,787
Local $53,197

Last Updated 06.13.2017

+ DuPage Last Mile Transit Planning Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan DuPage County Division of Transportation $0
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project assisted DuPage County in developing options to improve transit connections to major employment centers in the County, with a focus on first and last mile transportation gaps with existing transit services. The ultimate goal of the project was to improve commuting options and access to jobs for those commuting to and within the County.
Current Activities
The final report, completed in the summer of 2017, identifies ways to improve transit connectivity and enhance the reach of the transit network in DuPage County. RTA is monitoring future implementation efforts by the County.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $0

Last Updated 10.17.2017