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 Sort descending Project Title Program Project Type Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status
+ Lombard Downtown Implementation Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Lombard $125,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description

Building on previous work conducted by the Village this project created a transit-oriented development plan for an approximate ½ mile radius of the existing Metra station within the Village. The plan focused on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety and access, creating redevelopment opportunities for surrounding properties, and improving the look and signage in downtown. There was a detailed analysis of two areas including the Core Downtown Area and E. St. Charles TIF Area. Specific site recommendations were provided with associated financial analysis and façade ideas. The plan also made recommendation for accommodating parking in the long term and conducting a road diet on Main Street and St. Charles Road east of Main Street. Additionally way finding, signage and branding recommendations were included in the plan. The Village Board officially adopted the plan in March 2011.

Current Activities

In 2021, construction began on the Lilac Station development at 101 South Main Street, a 118-unit mixed-use building with a 11,000 square foot grocery store at ground level. The Village maintains a webpage dedicated to the project that includes detailed construction and permitting updates.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $100,000
Local $25,000

Last Updated 01.10.2022

+ Geneva Downtown / Station Area Master Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Geneva $124,081
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project created a transit-oriented development plan for an approximate ½ mile radius of the Geneva Metra Station. The plan recommendations focused on the expansion of retail development, increasing housing diversity, mixed-use development, parking expansion and improving access to and around the station. The final report consists of an existing conditions report, market analysis, concept plan, parking and circulation plan, design guidelines and implementation recommendations.
Current Activities
The plan was formally approved as an amendment to the Geneva Comprehensive Plan in November 2012. In May 2015, the City completed construction of a third tier on the Third Street parking deck, adding an additional 180 spaces.

Geneva continues to build transit supportive infill residential development per the plan recommendations. Two recent developments are noteworthy Campbell Row and Park Place, both completed in 2017. Campbell Row is a 5-unit townhome development at the corner of Campbell and Fourth Streets, 1/3 of a mile from the Geneva Metra station and within two blocks of Pace routes 801 and 802. Park Place is a 30-unit row house development at the corner of First and Stevens within 3/4 mile of the Metra station and Pace bus routes. In addition, in August 2019, approval took place for Phase I of Hamilton Place, which includes the construction of 16 single-family homes at the Northeast corner of Richards & State street.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $99,265
Local $24,816

Last Updated 09.16.2019

+ Rolling Meadows Golf Road Transit and Pedestrian Mobility Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Rolling Meadows $88,760
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project provided recommendations aimed at improving pedestrian access, circulation and safety along Golf Road (IL Route 58) from Interstate 290 (IL Route 53) to Algonquin Road (IL Route 62), a 2 mile corridor that is home to several thousand professional jobs. The study focused on ways to make the area transit and pedestrian friendly, and examined the possibility of increased local transit service.
Current Activities
The final plan was presented to and approved by the City Council on March 19, 2013. An Implementation Task Force has been formed and continues to pursue funding options for plan recommendations, particularly pedestrian improvements and additional shuttle service.

The City received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program, to install two pedestrian signal heads, two miles of sidewalks, and five crosswalks in the study area. Installation of these improvements was completed in late 2016.

Pace initiated Call-n-Ride service for the corridor in October 2012. Additionally, the Implementation Task Force is working with the TMA of Lake Cook to investigate possible Shuttle Bug service.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $71,008
Local $17,752

Last Updated 05.31.2017

+ Chicago Southland TOD Corridor Planning Study Phase II Implementation Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) $125,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

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
Source Amount
RTA $100,000
Local $25,000

Last Updated 06.28.2019

+ Ride in Kane Phase 7 & 8 Section 5310 / JARC / NF Operating - Mobility Management Association for Individual Development (AID) $5,613,611
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

This program, now in its fourth year of operation, coordinates paratransit services in Kane County into a centralized system that optimizes transportation resources for older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals. The sponsors of Phases 7 and 8 include 19 private, non-profit organizations and local units of government. Approximately 130,000 trips were provided through this program in 2010. Ridership continues to increase each month with a January 2011 vs. January 2010 increase of 25%.

Current Activities

The service provided 1,908 JARC trips in February 2018.  This project is complete.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $2,761,713
Federal $2,851,898

Last Updated 11.19.2023

+ Northbrook Downtown Station Area Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Northbrook $124,505
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project created a transit-oriented development plan for a ½ mile radius around the Village's Metra station. The plan examined various underutilized properties and recommend higher density mixed use developments as appropriate.

Current Activities

The Village Board adopted the plan in spring 2012 and were directed to pursue six key issues identified by the plan. In 2014 the RTA assisted the Village with one of of these issues, a TOD zoning code update. An overlay district was drafted and the Village Staff continue to work with the Board on revisions acceptable for adoption.

A new three-story mixed use building at 1312-1318 Shermer Road in the downtown area was constructed in 2017. The building includes 10 apartment units on the second and third floors and 2,400 square feet of commercial space on the first floor with enclosed parking located behind the commercial space.

In May 2017, a 68 unit townhome development was approved for the south side of Shermer Road, east of downtown Northbrook. This was identified in the TOD plan as an opportunity area for redevelopment. The first phase of the project was complete in 2020 and phase 2 is expected to commence soon.

In December 2022, the Village was awarded funding through the Invest in Cook program for design engineering of a 1.5 mile-long shared-use sidepath on Shermer Road between Walters Avenue and Willow Road. This project will make bicycle and pedestrian travel safer for residents traveling to downtown Northbrook, the Northbrook Metra Station, and Glenbrook North High School, as well as link to the Skokie Valley Trail to facilitate regional travel. The project implements recommendations from the Plan to establish bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that connects Willow Road and downtown Northbrook.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $99,604
Local $24,901

Last Updated 05.10.2023

+ Blue Island TOD Zoning Code Update Community Planning TOD Zoning Blue Island $21,666
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
Blue Island was chosen as part of a Pilot Project in 2011 to update their TOD area zoning regulations in their uptown (Vermont Street station) area. The zoning updates were completed in 2012.
Current Activities
A new zoning district called the Uptown Transit-Oriented District was created and formally adopted into the City Zoning Ordinance on June 14, 2012. The new regulations can be found here. Additionally the City participated in a ULI Developer Discussion Panel focused on the 119th Street Station area. A summary of this discussion can be found on the Blue Island Developer Discussion Panel RTAMS page.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $21,666

Last Updated 06.30.2016

+ Elgin Chicago Street Station Area Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Elgin $100,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project created a transit-oriented development plan for an approximate ½ mile radius of the Chicago Street Metra station within the City. The plan promoted revitalization of the area by examining effective land use, multi-modal interconnectivity, and retail and residential redevelopment strategies. Recommendations focused on streetscape improvements, transit access improvements and land use recommendations. Specific land use recommendations focused on new multi-family residential and commercial uses in the station area.

Current Activities

The final plan was approved by the City Council in December 2014.

In July 2016, zoning approval was granted for Fox River Crossing, an affordable senior housing development with 60 apartment units, at the northwest corner of Route 31 and Lawrence. In September of 2017 the developers of Fox River Crossing received federal low income tax credits, which are passed on as below market rents for seniors.

The renovation of Elgin's historic Tower Building, a 22-unit apartment building at the corner of E. Chicago Street and N. Grove Avenue in Downtown Elgin was completed at the end of 2017. Apartments units are currently available to rent.

During 2016 and 2017 the City continued with streetscape improvements along Chicago Street including the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk linking the Metra station with the Pace Transportation Center. In addition, in the summer of 2018 RTA interagency signage will be installed within and adjacent to the station areas to assist passengers making bus and train transfer connections.

Two mixed-use developments, Fountain Square on the River (200 residential units) and River Park Place (180 residential units) were recently built. A downtown festival park was also built and a bike path extension is planned.

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

Last Updated 02.16.2021

+ Volunteer Express '11 Section 5310 / JARC / NF Operating Hanover Township $15,454
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description
Funding for this project will support a volunteer driver program supplementing the services offered by Hanover Township's Dial-A-Bus program. Volunteer drivers utilizing their own vehicles will provide the door-to-door service. Local share will be provided with transportation development credits, formerly known as toll credits.
Current Activities
The service provided 24 trips in November 2014. This project is complete.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Federal $15,454

Last Updated 08.28.2018

+ 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