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.
Year | Project Title | Program | Project Type | Project Partner | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status Sort descending | |||||||
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+ | Brookfield TOD Zoning Update | Community Planning | TOD Zoning | Brookfield | $20,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project assisted the Village with updating the zoning regulations around their three Metra stations focusing primarily on the downtown area. The update reflects land use policies, goals and objectives found in the adopted 2020 Master Plan. The revised zoning code uses the latest form-based methods and theories of development regulation to assist the Village in continuing to transform the environment surrounding the downtown Metra station into a model transit-oriented development.
Current Activities
In January 2017 the Village Board of Trustees adopted the revised regulations into the Village zoning code ordinance and revised the Village zoning map accordingly. Since then developers have been attracted to the area as a place to build new multifamily development because of the revised zoning code. Due to the new Station Area Zoning code developers are now able to build new multi-unit developments near transit by right, without having to get approvals from the Planning and Zoning Commission or the village board. Such developments have been built in the 8900 block of Fairview Avenue and Grant Avenue.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.28.2019 |
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+ | Elgin National Street Station Area Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Elgin | $100,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The City of Elgin was awarded a Community Planning grant by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to develop a Transit-Oriented Development plan for the National Street Station area. The City and consultant team worked with a steering committee, which included neighborhood residents and business owners, to develop a plan for the area around the National Street Metra Station. Valuable insights about the area were obtained through community meetings and the analysis of existing conditions. Subsequent community meetings were hosted at the library to refine and confirm proposed concept plans. The plan proposed redevelopment opportunities for properties within a 1/4 of a mile of the National Street Train Station. The plan makes recommendations for redevelopment throughout the area particularly for the Clock Tower Plaza shopping center and intersection of National Street and Route 31. In addition to redevelopment opportunities the plan identified streetscape, pedestrian, and roadway opportunities to improve access and circulation near the station. The final report is comprised of an executive summary, detailed concept plans, design guidelines, implementation strategies and appendix including existing conditions summary and market analysis. The final report identified the importance of market forces and City actions as necessary components to implement plan objectives. Current Activities
The City Council unanimously approved the plan on September 14th, 2011 as an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 07.18.2023 |
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+ | Regional Transit Coordination Plan (RTCP) Systems Analysis Component | Mobility Management | Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) | $0 |
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Completed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The Regional Transit Coordination Plan is an ongoing multi-year program aimed at enhancing regional mobility by facilitating seamless travel on public transportation. Current Activities
Preliminary results from the systems analysis component were presented to the RTA Board in May 2005. The Final Report was completed in April 2006. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 01.18.2023 |
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+ | Forest Park TOD Zoning Code Update (Roosevelt & Harlem) | Community Planning | TOD Zoning | Forest Park | $20,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project assisted the Village with the development of a zoning ordinance overlay for the Harlem Avenue corridor between the Harlem / Lake Green Line CTA station and 16th Street as well as the Roosevelt Road corridor between 1st Avenue and Harlem Avenue. Both corridors have significant Pace and CTA bus service. A form-based zoning code approach was developed to enable the blending of new development and redevelopment for a mix of uses along each corridor and to accommodate and promote walkable, mixed-use development patterns. Current Activities
The final draft zoning code amendments are complete and are ready for Village Board adoption as revisions into the zoning ordinance. The RTA will monitor progress of adopting the revised zoning code amendments. In 2019, the Village Council approved zoning changes that sought to attract businesses and developers to the Village's Downtown Business District. Some of the approved changes were proposed during the zoning code update project that the Village completed in collaboration with RTA. In 2020, the Village Council approved additional modifications to the Village's zoning map. Forest Oaks, a 56-unit multi-family development that offers affordable housing for seniors, was completed in 2020. Located at 7228 Circle Avenue, Forest Oaks is adjacent to the Harlem/Lake Green Line station and is an example of the type of development that is now permitted following the Village's adoption of the zoning amendments developed during the zoning code update project.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 01.10.2022 |
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+ | Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Lake Villa | $124,840 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project created a transit-oriented development plan for an approximate 1/2 mile radius of the existing Metra station within the Village. The plan focused on expanding new development and redevelopment opportunities and providing a balanced mix of housing and jobs in the Metra station area. The TOD plan was adopted as part of the Village's Comprehensive Plan in September 2013.
Current Activities
The RTA worked with the Village to prepare a marketing brochure that highlights the opportunity sites and concept plans illustrated in the TOD plan. The brochure was completed in August 2014 and the Village will use it to court prospective developers. The brochure can be found below in the Study Documents.
In early 2015 the RTA applied for CMAQ funding on behalf of the Village, as a selected project in the Access to Transit Improvement Program, for sidewalk & access improvements in the Metra station area and was awarded funding (including Lake Villa). Projects should begin construction in 2017 or 2018. In September 2017, the Village Board voted to designate the Metra station area a Business District in order to spur redevelopment. The additional taxes generated from the business district will be used for area improvements such as enhancements to private buildings, public infrastructure upgrades and beautification efforts. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 10.02.2017 |
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+ | Mundelein Station Area Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Mundelein | $78,568 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The plan emphasized an appropriate mix of land uses to revitalize a currently under utilized area adjacent to the commuter rail station. Revitalizing the area with the addition of appropriate access improvements will effectively connect the station area with the Village's downtown. This project was completed in January 2005. Current Activities
Phase I of the nine-building Cardinal Square development, an 84 unit building located directly east of the Metra Station, was completed and occupied in 2008. Phase II, a 65 unit building, was completed in 2015. As of October 2022, construction of Phase III (180 units) is ongoing and nearing completion. The Village, in partnership with Weston Solutions, broke ground on a new mixed-use biulding in April of 2013. This new building is part of a larger redevelopment of the Village Center and will include a new village hall and new retail/office space. Construction is completed and the Village held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 6, 2014. As part of this project, the Village also constructed a new public right-of-way, Plaza Circle, to provide better access to the Metra station and Village Hall. In October 2022, the Village approved a redevelopment plan for a 165 unit development adjacent to the new Village Hall on Plaza Circle. To implement these projects, which were central recommendations of the 2005 TOD plan, the Village purchased ten acres of land previously occupied by an industrial building. The tenant of the building was relocated to another Village-owned property immediately south of the Metra commuter parking lot. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.15.2024 |
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+ | Lemont Station Area Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Lemont | $100,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This station area planning project focused on mixed use development and improved access and circulation while maintaining the historical character of the study area. A detailed concept plans for the western portion of the Village, including the Metra station area, was prepared. This project was completed in January 2005.
Current Activities
The Village revised their zoning ordinance in 2008 per a recommendation in their Station Area Plan and developed a Unified Development Ordinance, which allows them to provide optimal transitions between incompatible land uses, incorporate design controls, and focus on transit-supportive uses. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.14.2024 |
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+ | Richton Park TOD Plan Update | Community Planning | TOD Plan Update | Richton Park | $130,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
The RTA assisted the Village of Richton Park to update to the Village’s 2004 transit-oriented development plan (TOD), encompassing the 1/2 mile area surrounding the Richton Park Metra station. The goals for the project were to update, consolidate, and refresh the 2004 plan with new recommendations, imagery, and graphics. The plan included a modernized strategy to offer more housing options and create a new public open space near the Metra station. The updated plan focuses on ways to retain existing character, celebrate the Village’s history, and create an appealing Town Center for the community. Current Activities
Work on the project began in March 2023 with meetings among the project team and the project’s Steering Committee. Work on the project continued throughout 2023 with community engagement, existing conditions analysis, and development of draft recommendations. The project team prepared a draft plan for Village staff, Steering Committee, and Planning and Zoning Commission review and made revisions based on comments received. The plan was approved by the Village Board of Trustees at their April 22, 2024 meeting. You can read the plan in the "Related Reports" section of this page. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 04.30.2024 |
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+ | Fox Lake Developer Discussion Panel | Community Planning | Developer Panel | Fox Lake | $3,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The RTA coordinated with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to bring in a panel of development experts to provide guidance and advice on ways the community can attract TOD investment in their Metra station area.
Current Activities
The Panel convened on February 10. 2015. A summary of this discussion can be found below in the Study Documents section.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 07.01.2019 |
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+ | Southwest Will TMA Study | Community Planning | Transit Improvement Plan | Joliet Arsenal Development Authority | $125,000 |
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Completed | |||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This study updated the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority's (JADA) transportation plan for the area in and around the former Joliet Arsenal. The study included an evaluation and feasibility study for the creation of a Transportation Management Association for southwest Will County. Current Activities
The study was completed in June, 2010. In July of 2011, an RFP was released and proposals sought for the Southwest Will TMA Implementation and Travel Demand Study by the Joliet Arsenal Development Study and the City of Joliet. A committee consisting of JADA, Will County, Will County Governmental League, Will County Center for Economic Development and the City of Joliet selected Ruettiger & Tonelli / AECOM after the interview process. The project commenced in the summer of 2013. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.11.2020 |