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 Sort ascending | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status | |||||||||
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| + | Chicago Southland TOD Corridor Planning Study Phase II Implementation | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) | $125,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project was the second phase of a two-phase planning process aimed at facilitating TOD at station areas in southland communities. Phase I was funded through the Community Planning program in 2009 and concluded at the end of 2010. Phase II built off the planning framework completed during Phase I and developed site plans for select sites in Homewood, Blue Island and Oak Forest.
Current Activities
In June 2015 a boutique hotel opened in Homewood across from the Metra station. This 18-room hotel also consists of a restaurant/bar and the owners are hopeful that the proximity to Metra will attract commuters to visit and stay in the area. For more information please visit "http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-homewood-hotel-st-0612-20150611-story.html".
In 2013 the SSMMA received assistance from the RTA (with support from ULI) to solicit guidance, advice and input from the development community on ways to attract TOD investment in the Oak Forest TOD area. This discussion took place on December 10, 2013 and a Summary Report of this discussion can be found below under "Related Studies". In 2015, Oak Forest received CMAQ program funding for pedestrian improvements in the Oak Forest station area via the RTA's Access to Transit Program. This project will improve multi-modal access to the station, as well as to Pace Route 383. In 2016 SSMMA provided additional funding to Homewood and Oak Forest to advance additional implementation efforts. Oak Forest will use the funds to complete a pro forma analysis and conceptual design review for two mixed-use, multi-family sites adjacent to the Rock Island Metra station. Homewood will use the funds to complete architectural, engineering, and environmental work for 28 proposed residential units, as well as a Science Center, on a currently vacant site near the Homewood Metra station. In 2018 Homewood began a marketing campaign to promote the affordability and convenience of living in Homewood. Advertisements were targeted to various Chicago neighborhoods. The City of Oak Forest continues to focus its economic development efforts towards quality placemaking, transit-oriented development around their Metra station by strategically acquiring dormant properties. In 2019 numerous projects were underway with the largest being Cook County releasing an RFP to begin redevelopment plans for the 129-acre Oak Forest Health Center. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.28.2019 |
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| + | La Grange TOD Plan Update | Community Planning | TOD Plan Update | La Grange | $100,000 |
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In Progress | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The RTA is assisting the Village of La Grange to update their current transit-oriented development plan adopted in 2005. By updating this plan, the Village seeks to address current construction market dynamics, changes in the retail industry, and changing commuting habits to poise the community to take advantage of future redevelopment opportunities. In particular, the Village seeks to invite redevelopment on the West End, which has seen no new development since 2005. The proposed study area encompasses the Central Business District of La Grange, the West End Business District, and other properties within less than one quarter mile from each Metra Station in La Grange. Current Activities
The La Grange Forward Plan has continued to progress towards a draft plan. Draft recommendations have been presented to the Plan Commission and various boards and commissions in the Village. Public comments are currently being taken on the draft recommendations and a public open house will be held in May. More information and engagement opportunities can be found on the project website lagrangeforward.org. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 04.29.2024 |
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| + | La Grange Metra Station Access Improvements | Access to Transit Program | Pedestrian Access to Transit | La Grange | $385,100 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project provides improvements to the La Grange, Stone Avenue station on the BNSF commuter rail line that include ADA-accessible pathways to platforms, crosswalks on surrounding streets, improved accessibility to commuter parking, added bicycle parking, and improved kiss-and-ride areas. Current Activities
This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.15.2021 |
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| + | La Grange Comprehensive Plan Update and BNSF Corridor Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | La Grange | $125,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
As part of the Village of La Grange's effort to revise their Comprehensive Plan, the Village performed a detailed analysis of transit-oriented development opportunities along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) corridor, which includes two Metra stations in the Village. This project was completed in May 2005.
Current Activities
The Village has seen major redevelopment and build-up of their downtown over the past 10-12 years with a mix of national chains and local businesses, along with condo and townhome development. The RTA is currently working with the Village of La Grange to update their Comprehensive and TOD Plans. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.15.2024 |
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| + | La Grange Stone Avenue Station Access Improvement Plan | Community Planning | Pedestrian Access to Transit | La Grange | $0 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
The RTA worked with the Village to convene a working group consisting of Village staff, RTA staff, CMAP, Metra, ATA BNSF Railway and the ICC to identify ways to improve pedestrian mobility and access to the Metra Station.
Current Activities
The Village used this document to seek out funding opportunities to fund the recommended improvements. In 2013 CMAP approved the RTA's submittal to fund 80% of the cost for local access to transit capital improvements for the Stone Avenue Metra Station, as recommended in this plan. The RTA has approved the local match as part of the 2014 budget and projects began in mid-2014. The full Access Improvements report can be found below in the Study Documents section below.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.13.2017 |
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| + | - | Little City Foundation Transportation Project | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Little City Foundation | $1,200,000 |
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Programmed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project provides transportation for seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for the purpose of attending day programs, medical appointments, employment, shopping, and community integration activities. This is an existing Section 5310 operating funded project. Current Activities
This project was approved by the RTA Board at the September 2023 meeting. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 01.17.2024 |
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| + | - | Little City Transportation Program '18-'19 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Little City Foundation | $1,088,194 |
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Completed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project provides transportation for seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are enrolled with Little City, to places of employment, community-based programs, Special Olympics regional competitions, and medical appointments. Current Activities
The operating service provided 3,183 trips in October 2020. This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.24.2023 |
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| + | - | Little City Transportation to Work '20-'21 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Little City Foundation | $1,000,000 |
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In Progress | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
Little City continues to provide transportation to seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are enrolled with Little City to places of employment, community-based programs, Special Olympics regional competitions, and medical appointments. Current Activities
The RTA Board approved funding for this project on August 19, 2021. The operating project provided 6,756 trips in January 2023. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.28.2023 |
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| + | - | Little City Transportation to Work '16-17 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Operating | Little City Foundation | $930,000 |
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Completed | ||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project provides transportation for seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are enrolled with Little City, to places of employment, community activities, Special Olympics regional competitions, and medical appointments Current Activities
The operating service provided 15,778 trips in March 2019. This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.24.2023 |
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| + | Little City Transportation Program '15 | Section 5310 / JARC / NF | Capital | Little City Foundation | $447,560 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
This project provides transportation for seniors and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are enrolled with Little City, to places of employment, community activities, Special Olympics regional competitions, and medical appointments. Current Activities
The service provide 15,882 trips in July 2018. This project is complete. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.19.2023 |
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