Planning Programs and Projects

Construction of this project is complete. Awaiting IDOT closeout.

This study was completed in June 2017 and Pace staff has begun to determine which of the recommendations to consider first for implementation.

In 2019 the Village of Melrose Park acquired and incorporated into it's jurisdiction the former Maywood Race Track, as recommended in the plan. In April 2019, reports confirmed that the 42-acre site will be developed into a three-building, 623,000-square-foot industrial and retail project, that will be called the Chariot Logistics Center.

In June 2019 the Chicago Plan Commission approved the redevelopment of the former Sears site at Harlem Ave, as recommended by the plan. Development plans include a five-story complex with 161 residential units, a grocery store, health club, and 462 parking spaces. At nearby 7141 W. Wabansia Avenue, a new four-story development with 152 units and 177 parking spaces is also planned.

In 2021 the Village of Melrose Park was awarded $566,000 from Cook County as part of the 2021 Invest in Cook grant program awards. The funds will be used to make roadway improvements at the intersection of IL-64 (North Avenue) and George Street. Correcting the offset intersection will improve safety for motorists and other users while also improving traffic circulation along commercial properties. Construction will involve installation of new traffic signals, relocating a shopping center entrance drive, as well as modifying sidewalks, ADA ramps, and a bike path. The 2017 Pace North Avenue Corridor Plan highlighted this intersection as needing modifications to better serve Pace riders, which this project will accomplish. The City of Northlake was also awarded funding for right-of-way for roadway improvements to Railroad Avenue, a major trucking corridor within the City. This project will bring Railroad Avenue up to modern design standards for safety and efficiency and improve the movement of trucks in the area. Improvements include adding a southbound right turn lane to improve capacity at the intersection of IL 64 (North Avenue) and Railroad Avenue, upgrading pedestrian accommodations to current ADA standards, and providing new signalized pedestrian crossings. The new signalized pedestrian crossing will improve access to the Pace 309 route.

RTA staff will continue to monitor for implementation activity of this study.

The operating service provided 13,371 trips in December 2019. This project is complete.

The Chicago Plan Commission adopted the plan in May 2020 and in June announced the award of Neighborhood Opportunity Funds to two projects that will rehabilitate two vacant storefronts along 79th Street, $52,500 for rehab and build-out for a new co-working space at 1642 E. 79th Street, and $90,000 for renovation and reuse of a vacant building​ for an architecture studio at 2320 E. 79th Street.

In February 2021 Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sisters in Cinema Media Center on East 75th Street at Yates. The Center will house gallery space, a 45-seat theater, editing and computer lab, offices, and classroom and conference space. The Center is scheduled to open in September of 2021.

In the spring of 2021 the City released a two-part RFP for a 1.7-acre site that includes vintage, low-rise buildings and for vacant land adjacent to the Cheltenham station on Metra’s Electric Main Line. The RFP goals include the construction and rehabilitation of transit-oriented housing and ancillary uses. Bids are due August 31, 2021.

The RTA continues to monitor implementation and offer assistance to the City as requested.

The operating service provided 15,778 trips in March 2019. This project is complete.

The study was completed in June, 2006. The Village is currently exploring technical assistance opportunities to update their village-wide comprehensive plan. Once this is accomplished, rezoning the TOD area is the next step. Wood Dale Station, a mixed-use condo building, was built across from the station in 2006 and additional condos were built along Irving Park Road in the TOD area. 

Wood Dale was chosen as part of the 2011 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 July 2012 to discuss potential redevelopment opportunities on City-owned land across from the Metra station. A summary of this discussion can be found below under Related Reports.

In 2004, the RTA conducted additional user-centered design research to better understand how people use transit products, services and environments throughout the region, and to guide specific product improvements. This qualitative field research was conducted at various interagency locations throughout the region, on trips with actual riders, and with individual users of transit products. With this depth of knowledge about customer needs, the RTA has a reliable basis for making key improvements to products under development, and for developing regional passenger information design standards.

The Developer Discussion Panel took place on December 10, 2013 and the Summary Report can be found in the side panel under Related Documents. This discussion helped the Village finalize a 60-unit IHDA-funded rental development located along 157th street adjacent to the Oak Forest Metra Station. This project received preliminary approval from IHDA in 2014 and construction may begin in 2015.

In early 2015, the RTA applied for CMAQ funds on behalf of the City for pedestrian improvements and bike signage in the Metra station area. Chosen CMAQ projects were announced in October 2015 and the Oak Forest project was included.

In 2024 construction was completed of a new mixed-use, multi-family development at 157th Street and Cicero Avenue. Located a brief walk from the Oak Forest Metra rail station and Cicero Avenue Pace bus line in Oak Forest, the community includes 75 apartments and 15 townhouses.