Planning Programs and Projects

The Westmont Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Study identified mixed-use redevelopment opportunities in the Metra station area. The study recommended the development of mid-rise medium density housing within the station area. In addition, the study addressed improved transit access to the station area and along Cass Avenue in the vicinity of the station.

The Village was chosen as part of the 2012 RTA Community Planning Program of Projects to update the zoning ordinance in the Village's TOD study area to include transit-supportive regulations.

Called the "Queen Suburb of Chicago" by early realtors, Western Springs is known as a community with lovely homes, great neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. It also has a wonderful, small downtown with unique restaurants and shops centered on a Metra commuter rail station. To maintain and enhance this unique core of community life, in 2011 the Village crafted a Downtown Redevelopment Plan. The planning process involved an extensive public participation process, including a community survey, participatory workshops, a temporary storefront office for walk-in conversations about downtown, direct interviews and meetings with property owners and developers, and oversight by a steering committee. The intensive process resulted in a Plan that was adopted by the Village Board on August 22 by Ordinance 11-2643 as an amendment to the Village's Comprehensive Plan. Highlights of the plan include a wayfinding system, a renovation strategy for the overall streetscape, identification of nine potential redevelopment sites, creation of design guidelines, façade renovation sketches, implementation strategies, a marketing and promotions strategy, and examination of parking demand and identification of parking improvements.

The WTW program provides small, short-term, low-interest loans to low-income families for the purpose of purchasing or repairing a car to get to work, childcare, and to pursue educational or job training opportunities. The project funding will be used to support operating costs associated with client screening and case management, and for a small loan guarantee pool. This project will replicate other JARC projects that have been successfully implemented in other parts of the country.

The WTW program provides small, short-term, low-interest loans to low-income families for the purpose of purchasing or repairing a car to get to work, childcare, and to pursue educational or job training opportunities. The project funding will be used to support operating costs associated with client screening and case management, and for a small loan guarantee pool. This project will replicate other JARC projects that have been successfully implemented in other parts of the country.

This project will add multi-modal access improvements to multiple Pace Routes on the Washington Street corridor. Route 572 is the primary route that serves the corridor, although Route 562 also serves portions of the corridor and four others connect to it (561, 565, 566, 569). Improvements include bus shelters and concrete pads, wayfinding to important destinations, curb extensions at the intersection with the Robert McClory Bike Path, crosswalk improvements along the project area, and bike parking at the Metra station.

This project is a volunteer driver program that supplements the services offered by Hanover Township¿s Dial-A-Bus program. Volunteer drivers utilizing their own vehicles provide door-to-door service for older adults. Local share will be provided with transportation development credits.

This project is a volunteer driver program that supplements the services offered by Hanover Township¿s Dial-A-Bus program. Volunteer drivers utilizing their own vehicles provide door-to-door service for older adults. Local share will be provided with transportation development credits, formerly known as toll credits