city of chenoa comprehensive plan · city of chenoa comprehensive plan 3 the city of chenoa is...

CITY OF CHENOACOMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Prepared By

McLean County Regional Planning Commission115 East Washington Street #M103

Bloomington, Illinois 61701

In Cooperation with the City of Chenoa

January, 2009

Chenoa City Council

Mayor Walt HetmanCommission Eric Rhoda, Streets & Alleys

Commissioner Jack Skaggs, Water & SewerCommissioner Randy Skaggs, Insurance & Finance

Commissioner Ed Straw, Parks & Health

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The City of Chenoa is a community ofover 1,800 residents located adjacent toInterstate 55 in northern McLean County.Chenoa has historically depended on agricul-ture for its economic base and has experiencedlimited growth since 1960. In an effort to spuradditional growth, the city established a taxincrement financing district (TIF) in 2007 anddeveloped a plan for city redevelopment. Partof this process includes development of signif-icant acreage within the city to be used forfuture commercial and industrial endeavors.

In order to provide direction for thefuture, city officials requested technical assis-tance from the McLean County RegionalPlanning Commission for the development ofthis comprehensive plan. This comprehensiveplan is intended to serve as an advisory guidefor future community development over thenext 20 years or so. The plan is intended to beflexible and generalized in nature. It shouldprovide guidance for development decisionsbut does not require strict adherence, as is thecase with regulatory ordinances. Such ordi-nances should, however, be reviewed for con-sistency with the objectives and policies ofthis plan.

The comprehensive plan examines pastand present trends in growth and develop-ment. The plan recommends future develop-ment that contributes to the local quality oflife. Field surveys of existing land use andresearch of engineering reports, historicalaccounts, and census data provided the infor-mation needed to assess existing characteris-tics and trends. This assessment provided thebasis to project future demands and formulateplans to address future needs. This informa-tion was also used to dissect existing condi-tions within the community, project futureeconomic needs and formulate plans for thefuture. The planning process included inputfrom city officials, community leaders andprofessional engineers.

The plan features nine components. These

include natural environment, community histo-ry, economy, population, housing, land use,transportation, community facilities and imple-mentation. These components are addressed inseparate chapters within the report.

A comprehensive plan serves as the initialstep in the planning process. More follow-upaction is required for successful implementa-tion of the plan. The plan will also need to beperiodically updated to reflect the changingneeds of the community.

The area’s favorable natural environment,including climate, topography, and soils, is apositive influence on development. It gave riseto the community’s initial settlement and hassupported an agricultural-based economy eversince. It also poses few major constraints forfuture development.

The city has taken additional steps toencourage more business in the area. In addi-tion to establishing a TIF district, the City hasalso zoned parts of the city for commercialand industrial development.

The city also has a location favorable forbusiness. Chenoa is located near a Interstate55. It is also located near larger rural commu-nities and urban centers, which is important inrecruiting a regional workforce.

The plan recommends that communityleaders continue to work with area economicdevelopment officials in actively reviewing theneeds of existing business and in promotingthe local quality of life. Chenoa offers manybenefits of small town life, including amongothers clean air and a lower cost of living.Housing in Chenoa is relatively affordable.The majority of homes were built before1960, with 335 having been built since, and103 built between 1970 and 1980. Accordingto the latest census data, homes in Chenoarange from less than $50,000 to more than$200,000. Average monthly mortgages inChenoa are approximately $800 per month.

Chenoa’s population has fluctuated tovarying degrees throughout its history. The

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Executive Summary

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city realized slight increases in 1960, 1970and 2000, but this has not been the norm.Current age distribution is favorable, with astrong representation of children aged 1 to 14while those aged 24 to 44 make up close to 30percent of the city’s population. This suggestsa substantial labor force for the foreseeablefuture. Population projections reflect a contin-uation of the community’s more proactivestance on growth and development, combinedwith the community’s many quality of lifeattributes.

Future demand for housing and supportingland uses and services will depend on theamount and rate of development in commer-cial and industrial areas and if those employedin those operations relocate to Chenoa. Theland use plan identifies areas for future resi-dential and commercial development as wellas suggested locations for greenways, parksand open space.

A major challenge for the future will be toachieve development that continues to be con-tiguous to existing services but is more com-pact. Emphasis on implementing traditionalneighborhood residential development andproperly located commercial and industrialdevelopment will help meet this challenge.

The plan provides for significant areas ofnew development. It provides for new com-mercial and industrial development to thesouth. It also provides for new residentialdevelopment in the southeastern part of thecity. Land is also designated as residentialreserve along Old Route 66 to the northeastand just to the southwest of the I-55 inter-change. Additional commercial development isplanned nearby along Route 24.

Chenoa’s downtown is also a point ofemphasis in the plan. Its current location anddesign make it appealing for live-work units,which would preserve the district’s historicalappeal and also contribute to rehabilitation ofthe area. The plan also promotes the preserva-tion of the city’s people-friendly neighbor-hoods and community gathering places.

The transportation portion of the compre-hensive plan reinforces and compliments theland use plan. It provides for safe and conven-

ient movement of people and vehicles.Alternative modes of transportation such aspedestrian and bicycle transportation are alsoconsidered. A major focus of the transporta-tion plan is preserving the existing street net-work and providing for the extension ofstreets that will be needed to maintain continu-ity and serve areas of future development.

The city has also begun planning thedevelopment of a bicycle trail network. Theinitial phase of the project will provide a bicy-cle and pedestrian trail along portions of his-toric Route 66.

The plan for community facilities discuss-es city hall, fire station, public library, parks,water, and sewer. The plan notes that the ade-quacy of both the city hall and library build-ings should be closely monitored as the city’spopulation increases. Both facilities are suffi-cient to serve the present population but couldrequire expansion if population growth occurs.The new fire station opened in 2008 andshould serve Chenoa and the surrounding areafor some time.

The plan also notes that if the local popu-lation increases as projected, park improve-ments and/or expansion should be considered.A location to consider for a possible futurepark is the city’s south side where open spaceis limited to the old Chenoa High School facil-ities. Additionally, the plan notes that stategrant funding has been received to develop abicycle-pedestrian trail adjacent to the OldRoute 66 Corridor and that this trail should beintegrated into the McLean County HistoricRoute 66 Bikeway.

With regards to the existing water system,the plan summarizes the existing facilities andnotes that system expansions will be necessaryto accommodate projected growth. The planalso notes that the wastewater treatment plantwas built in 1981 and is nearing capacityaccording to city officials. The city’s engi-neers have recommended capacity beincreased to accommodate future populationgrowth. An expanded facility could be built onland adjacent to the current wastewater facili-ty.

The implementation component outlines

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methods, responsibilities and policies for car-rying out the plan. Implementation methodsinclude legal tools such as zoning ordinances,subdivision regulations and the official map.Financial tools include public and privategrants, capital improvement programs and taxincrement financing as well as others.Administrative tools include annexation, utilityextensions and intergovernmental agreements.The plan also notes the importance of publicinvolvement and support for the plan, and rec-ommends a local planning commission oroversight group be appointed to gauge theprogress of plan implementation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page iChenoa City Council iiiExecutive Summary vTable of Contents ixIndex to Illustrations xi

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Purpose of the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Scope of Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Method of Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Limitations of the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Chapter 2. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Floodplains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Chapter 3. COMMUNITY HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Early History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15The Development of the Railroad and Chenoa’s Growth . . . . . . . .15The 1900’s and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Other Historic Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Chapter 4. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Economic Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Factors in Growing Local Economies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Future Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Chapter 5. POPULATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Historical Population Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Existing Population Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Future Population Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Chapter 6. HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Existing Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Future Housing Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Chapter 7. LAND USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Characteristics and Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Challenges and Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Future Requirements and Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

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Chapter 8. TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57Existing Transportation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Future Transportation Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Chapter 9. COMMUNITY FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Design Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67Public Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71Parks and Recreation Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72Water and Sewer Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Chapter 10. IMPLEMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75Methods of Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77Responsibility for Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82Summary of Policies for Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Bibliography 87

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INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS

Maps

Map 1.1 Regional Perspective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Map 2.1 Physical Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Map 7.1 Existing Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Map 7.2 Proposed Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Map 8.1 Existing Transportation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Map 8.2 Transportation Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Map 9.1 Community Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Map 10.1 Official Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Charts

Chart 5.1 Population Projection, 1950-2050 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Tables

Table 4.1 Chenoa Area Employment By Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Table 4.2 Chenoa Area Employment and Income Level Comparisons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Table 5.1 Population 1880-2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Table 5.2 Percentage Age Distribution and Comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Table 5.3 Size of Household by Tenure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Table 5.4 Comparison of Median Household Incomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Table 5.5 Percentage of Population Attaining Specified Level of Education . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Table 5.6 McLean County Area Population Projections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Table 6.1 Gross Rent & Percentage of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Table 6.2 Residential Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Table 6.3 Value of Owner-Occupied Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Table 6.4 Mortgage Status & Selected Monthly Owner Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Table 10.1 Frequently Used Tools for Implementing the Comprehensive Plan . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Exhibits

Exhibit 4.1 IL Median Hourly Wage for Education Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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City of Chenoa Comprehensive Plan 1

Chapter 1Chapter 1

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

2 City of Chenoa Comprehensive Plan


The city of Chenoa is located in McLeanCounty, Illinois, approximately twenty-fivemiles northeast of Bloomington-Normal onInterstate 55 and Illinois Route 24 (see Map1.1). Roughly midway between Chicago andthe state capital of Springfield, Chenoa sits atthe heart of the state’s most productive agri-cultural region. Chenoa exemplifies the smallcities found in central Illinois, which continueto serve their own residents and the surround-ing rural areas.

Kickapoo and Pottawottamie NativeAmerican tribes were among the first inhabi-tants of the area in the 1820’s. European set-tlers did not arrive until the 1840’s. MatthewT. Scott is credited with being one of theregion’s leading businessmen. His purchase ofover 16,000 acres of land positioned thefuture city of Chenoa in becoming an agricul-tural and commerce center assisted in lateryears by the establishment of the first railroadlines. Since then, Chenoa has long dependedon agriculture, small industry and the servicesector for its economic base. City growth wasnot significant until the late 1960’s whenChenoa realized its first notable populationincrease (337 people) in decades. After the1970’s, the population of Chenoa remainedrelatively stagnant until the late 1990’s whenthe population increased almost 6.5 percent.In 2000, Chenoa’s population was approxi-mately 1,845.

The City of Chenoa has already takensteps to encourage future growth. In 2007, theCity established a Tax Increment FinancingDistrict and developed a plan for city redevel-opment. The Chenoa school district was con-solidated into the Prairie Central SchoolDistrict in 2004, and the former Chenoa HighSchool currently serves the consolidated dis-trict as an elementary school. The city alsohas two community parks and other openspace that provide its citizens public recre-ational opportunities.

As Chenoa prepares for the future, a com-prehensive plan is needed to serve as a guidefor community growth. A comprehensive planguides the city when making decisions aboutfuture economic development, housing, trans-

portation, land use and community facilities.The plan ensures that coordinated growth anddevelopment will occur, thereby enhancing thequality of life in Chenoa.

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The City of Chenoa Comprehensive Planis intended as an advisory document for futurecommunity development. The plan is writtento be an interpretive and flexible report.Future development proposals should be eval-uated within the intent of the plan and not besubject to a strict interpretation of the plan.Although the document is intended to guide alengthy planning period, it should be periodi-cally reviewed for updating as the long-rangeplan is implemented. The plan also examinespast and present growth trends and provides avision for the future.

SCOPE OF PLAN

Chenoa and areas within its mile-and-a-half planning jurisdiction were included in thestudy area for this plan (see Map 1.1). Thecomprehensive plan addresses issues related tothe potential growth of the city through theyear 2035. Plan components include naturalenvironment, community history, population,economy, housing, land use, transportation,community facilities and implementation.

Recommendations are made for the plan-ning of streets, land use, public and privatebuildings, recreation facilities, and communityoperations. The plan also addresses recom-mendations for plan implementation.

METHOD OF APPROACH

Field surveys, reports, historical accountsand existing land use and census data wereused to analyze the variety of information con-tained in this report. This information wasalso used to assess existing conditions, projectfuture community needs and formulate plans


for the future. The process also included inputfrom city officials, community leaders andprofessional civil engineers.

LIMITATIONS OF THE PLAN

A comprehensive plan serves as the firststep in the planning process. It should not bemistaken as the only item necessary for suc-cessful community planning. The purpose ofthe plan is to summarize research and presentlocal goals and objectives and suggest plans ofaction for implementation. To succeed, com-munity leaders need to aggressively carry outthe plan and make sure it is periodicallyupdated to reflect changing community wantsand needs.


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LegendStreets and RoadsState HighwayU.S. HighwayInterstate Highway

Lakes and Detention

RailroadCity of Chenoa

Comprehensive Plan

Map 1.1

Regional Perspective

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Chapter 2Chapter 2

NATURALNATURALENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT



Studying the natural environment is essen-tial in assessing the physical characteristicsand limitations of a specific geographic loca-tion. An overview of the natural environmentis important in community planning efforts.Information on climate, soils, terrain anddrainage is elementary in determining landdevelopment or preservation potential. Thisinformation provides a basis for determiningfuture planning and land development strate-gies. This chapter presents an assessment ofthe physical characteristics and limitations ofthe natural environment in the Chenoa area.

CLIMATE

The city of Chenoa and the midwest ingeneral have a humid continental climate. Insuch a climate, hot and humid summers andcold winters are the norm. Chenoa’s averageannual temperature is approximately 54degrees. Mean summer temperatures are 76degrees and average winter temperatures are33 degrees. Temperatures in the 90-degreerange are not uncommon in the summer norare freezing or below freezing temperatures inthe winter.

The length of the growing season can varyfrom year to year, but 170 to 210 days is acommon threshold according to records keptover the past 30 years. During some years,frost can occur in May. Frost does not usuallyre-appear until mid to late October.Occasional dry spells can occur but precipita-tion is usually plentiful in the form of rain andsnow. Localized flooding and ponding can bea problem in the area since the local topogra-phy is relatively flat and water tables aresomewhat high in some locations.

TOPOGRAPHY

Most of McLean County’s topography wasshaped by glaciers. The majority of the countyis located on a glacial till plain. Moraines areprevalent throughout McLean County. Theseridges of deposited soil and rock are the result

of the recession of the Wisconsin glacier morethan 15,000 years ago. Moraines extend fromthe northeast corner of the county toward thesoutheast. The surface topography in theChenoa area ranges from 700 to 800 feetabove sea level in most locations according tothe Illinois State Geological Survey as illus-trated on Map 2.1. Bedrock can be foundthroughout the area. It consists of limestone,shale and coal at various depths. Bedrock canbe found anywhere between 30 to 50 feetbelow the ground surface. Sand and gravel arealso part of the topographical makeup.Deposits can be found from 5 to 30 feet belowthe surface. Sand and gravel deposits in theregion are the result of glacial outwash.

SOILS

The Natural Resource ConservationService (NRCS) has identified three primarysoil associations in the Chenoa area. TheNRCS provides information on the suitabilityof these soils as it concerns agricultural pro-duction, recreational use, and building sitedevelopment. The three prevalent soil associa-tions are Chenoa, Ashkum and Varna. Chenoasoils are gently sloping and drain poorly.Although the soil type is considered very goodfor farming, it is not well suited for construc-tion. Chenoa soils have a tendency to pondand drain slowly. Ashkum soils can be foundin level areas around Chenoa. AlthoughAshkum is considered a poor draining soil, itis also a prime soil for farming but less thanideal for building construction. Varna soilsprevail in gently sloping areas. These aremoderate, well-drained soils that are excellentfor farming although subject to wetness.Varna soils are less than ideal for constructionpurposes.

The Chenoa area, like many rural areas ofMcLean County, has a naturally high watertable that is subject to wetness and detrimentalto construction. Soil characteristics shouldalways be examined when contemplatingdevelopment. Special design, construction andmaintenance practices may need to be imple-


mented to avoid potential problems. Someland in low lying or steeply sloping areas maynot be appropriate for development.

FLOODPLAINS

Floodplains are level to nearly level landsadjacent to waterways that are subject to peri-odic flooding. A floodplain is a potentiallyvaluable natural resource and should be pre-served in its natural state. Protecting waterquality and providing open space for passiverecreation are benefits of preserving flood-plains.

The Federal Emergency ManagementAgency (FEMA) has identified flood proneareas throughout the nation to assist in flood-plain management. Maps designed by FEMAare based on the 100-year flood event, or thelargest area that would be inundated by waterduring the most severe flooding that could beexpected within a 100-year period. Floodprone areas in and around Chenoa includelow-lying areas, especially along streams anddrainageways. Significant floodplains borderChenoa on the east and northwest. Manysmaller streams and water bodies surround thecommunity. The most significant stream isRooks Creek, which is located in theVermillion River Illinois Natural DrainageArea. According to the Illinois Department ofNatural Resources (IDNR), the area is a high-ly valued aquatic resource (see Map 2.1).

Development regulations in and aroundfloodplains have been implemented by theCounty of McLean. Development in or nearfloodplain locations should usually be discour-aged. However, limited development can bepermitted under certain circumstances whenordinance requirements are met.

WETLANDS

Streams, lakes, ponds and swampy areasare considered wetlands. These areas mayprovide native vegetation and may serve aswildlife habitat. Development on wetlands is

restricted by the federal government. TheUnited States Department of Agriculture isresponsible for classifying wetlands on agri-cultural land. The NRCS determines the statusof a wetland on agricultural land. Plotting ofall non-agricultural land in wetlands is the pri-mary responsibility of the United States ArmyCorps of Engineers. There are many govern-ment-sponsored conservation incentive pro-grams available that may provide for the pro-tection of wetlands. Like many midwest ruralcommunities, wetlands have virtually disap-peared over the years from tiling and man-made drainage techniques due to agriculturalpursuits.

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McLean County

City of ChenoaComprehensive Plan

Map 2.1

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Chapter 3Chapter 3

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYHISTORYHISTORY


It is important for a community to have anunderstanding of the factors that influenced itsgrowth and development. A community’s his-tory establishes local character and promotescivic pride. Community history is an impor-tant factor in the planning process since it caninfluence the future. This chapter provides ageneral overview of Chenoa history beginningwith the initial settlers of the area. Moreinformation can be obtained from the ChenoaPublic Library, Chenoa Historical Society andthe McLean County Museum of History.

EARLY HISTORY

The Kickapoo Indians were the firstrecorded people to have inhabited the Chenoaarea. The tribe traded and interacted with thePottawottamies who had camps near modern-day LeRoy but often frequented the RooksCreek area. By 1828, the Kickapoo had estab-lished significant encampments near what wasknown as Indian Grove in Livingston County.It is estimated the tribe numbered over 600people.

Around this same time, Christian mission-aries were beginning to arrive in the area andconverted several of the Kickapoo toChristianity. European settlers did not begin toappear on the scene until the late 1840’s andearly 1850’s. In 1852, a native Kentuckianand land speculator, Matthew T. Scott,became interested in land holdings in Ohioand Illinois. Scott was a businessman of somenote who was involved in lumber and mineraldevelopment as well as agricultural venturesin the Chenoa area. Around 1852, Scott pur-chased close to 16,000 acres of land for fami-ly members and himself. Much of this landwas later used for agricultural pursuits.

He is also given credit for establishing thefirst train station in the area. Chenoa was firstknown as “Peoria Junction” among railroadofficials and traders. It was Scott who origi-nally applied to the government to name thecity “Chenowa”, the Indian spelling forKentucky. After filing legal papers for thenew community, the government office left off

the letter “w” in the official filing spelling,thus the name, Chenoa. Although he protest-ed, Scott was never able to get the govern-ment to change the spelling of the name of thecity.

Chenoa Township was organized in 1858.It contained almost twice the area that makesup present-day Chenoa. It included YatesTownship until 1863. The city of Chenoa wasbuilt on land within Chenoa Township. Nearlyall the settlers were involved in agriculture,raising corn, grasses, small grains and fruits.In later years, area farmers added oats, soy-beans, hay, clover and alfalfa as crops.During unusually wet growing seasons, farm-ers depended on livestock to make a living.These included hogs, cattle and sheep. Landownership was the exception rather than therule for those who worked the land. A greatmajority of the local property remained in theownership of a few who hired others to farmit. The Scott family and their partners ownedseveral thousand acres of farmland in the area.The land that was not owned by Scott and hisbenefactors often had contractual stipulationsattached to it allowing Scott’s business part-ners to determine land use.

Early pioneers that populated Chenoacame from New England, Pennsylvania, NewYork, Kentucky and Ohio. Later an influx ofimmigrants from Germany and Ireland alsobegan to populate the area.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAILROADAND CHENOA’S GROWTH

As earlier stated, Scott is credited forpositioning Chenoa to take advantage of therailroad. Scott conceived placing portions ofChenoa in or near the site planned for theChicago and Alton rail line which was eventu-ally constructed in 1854. He platted blocksand streets for the new city for this purpose.He put his trust in the hope that future settlersand traders would build up the town and itsfuture economy.

Around 1853, J.B. Lenney ofPennsylvania and his brother-in-law John


Bush, Jr. came to the area to erect a buildingfor a shop and store so they could commencebusiness about the same time the railroad wasscheduled to begin operations. The businesswas later named the “Farmer’s Store” and isbelieved to be the first building erected in thecity of Chenoa. The National Hotel was soonbuilt in 1856 by John M. Bryant. Hotel busi-ness was vibrant since Chenoa was the onlyoperational railroad route for Peoria and allpoints west to Springfield and St. Louis. Thatsame year, Chenoa established its first postoffice. Lenney was also named the first post-master. The first schoolhouse in Chenoa waserected about this time. Named the AndersonSchoolhouse, it was built on what becameknown as Crittendon Street.

Chenoa was incorporated in 1868 underthe Princeton Charter. This charter was grant-ed by the Illinois State Legislature and forbadeChenoa the right to acquire a license to allowthe sale of alcoholic beverages in its city lim-its. Limitations were put on Chenoa since thelegislature was concerned that too many sur-rounding communities already sold alcoholicbeverages. In 1872, an election was called toformulate a government for the city. J.R.Snyder was elected as the first mayor undercity incorporation. The city was divided intothree wards with two aldermen being electedfrom each ward. Around this same time, someof the first trees in Chenoa were planted,compliments of the Scott & Maxwell Nursery.Many soft maples and box elders were placedin the area known as Piety Hill.

As the railroads took hold, Chenoabecame a city where significant trade tookplace. This in turn allowed the city to prosper.By 1879, there were 12 miles of boardwalksin front of houses and businesses. Brick walk-ways were added some ten years later. Dirtroads would soon be upgraded to accommo-date more modern concepts of transportation,including the automobile.

Other important occurrences before theturn of the century included the developmentof the Chenoa Water Works in 1895. A greatfire had virtually wiped out the business dis-trict only months before in 1894. Typhoid

fever had become an epidemic in many partsof the country, due mainly to public watercontamination. In June of 1895, the first watertower was erected near the city park. Soonafter, the first pump house was built near thetrain depot. During this same time period, thefirst city hall building was constructed onWeir Street. It served citizens at this locationfor 60 years.

The first Chenoa Fire Department wasformed around 1894. It was entirely volunteerand consisted of bucket brigades. At one time,there were close to 40 members of the depart-ment. At first, fire equipment consisted ofcarts that could hold water for the bucketbrigade. After the establishment of the ChenoaWater Works, water mains and fire hydrantstook the place of these brigades, improvingthe fire fighting capability of the fire depart-ment.

The State Bank of Chenoa was organizedin July of 1892 and opened for business on thesoutheast corner of Green and OwlsleyStreets. The bank had capital of $30,000 andclose to 40 stockholders. Through the years ithas changed its name frequently under a vari-ety of ownership arrangements.

THE 1900’S AND BEYOND

Chenoa Community Grade School wasbuilt in 1911 at a cost of $40,000. It accom-modated both grade and high school students.The high school rented space from the gradeschool. In 1920, a community high school dis-trict was organized. L.C. Smith was named itsfirst superintendent. The high school built itsfirst building in 1936 with monetary assistancefrom the federal government.

Transportation arteries were also beingimproved in and around the city. Dirt roadswere no longer an option due to the dust inthe dry season and the mud and ruts thatwould occur on roads when in use during wetperiods of weather. Chenoa paved many of itsroads between 1915 and 1919 which furtherenhanced it as a trading center. In 1920, StateHighway 8 became U.S. Route 66. Route 66


would later be developed into a major cross-country transportation artery. In 1924, U.S.State Highway 4 was renamed U.S. Highway24. These roads were paved like many othersacross the country encouraging an upswing ofmotor vehicle traffic in the early 1900’s.

Although churches were present through-out Chenoa’s early history, many denomina-tions began to gain a foothold in Chenoa dur-ing the early 1900’s. Methodists, Catholics,Presbyterians, Baptists, Congregationalists,Mennonites, Episcopalians, Nazarenes,German Baptists, Christians and Lutherans allhad established churches in Chenoa during thistime period.

The Mennonite Old Peoples Home wasfounded in 1919 in the nearby Village ofMeadows. A 13-acre site in the central part ofthe village was chosen. Ground was broken in1922 and the home was completed and dedi-cated in May of 1923. Additions and expan-sions to the home were later made in 1947and again in 1951. Today the home servesover 100 people and is operated as a not-for-profit organization.

The Ritz Theater was the first motion pic-ture theater in Chenoa. Opening in 1909, itwas initially owned and operated by theDexter and Clagget families of Lexington andfeatured silent pictures. The modern versionof the theater was opened in February of 1938under the management of Elmer Larsen.

The Chenoa Milling Company began oper-ations in 1926 under the leadership of RayMorris. It began as a feed grinding operationfor farmers. In 1939, work began on con-structing new quarters for the mill two blockseast of the business district. The companylater produced and sold livestock feed, phos-phate and fertilizer.

After World War II, local farmer AlvinDameron of Yates Township purchased a sur-plus army plane for personal use. His pur-chase sparked interest from other farmers inthe area who also purchased aircraft. Thisgroup became known as the Flying Farmersand was the initiative behind the formation ofthe Chenoa Flying Club in 1947. That samesummer, Howard and Harry Pick built a turfairfield and a hangar on their property just

Architectural detail in downtown building


southwest of Chenoa. The airfield was part ofthe Chenoa area for several years.

OTHER HISTORICAL FACTS

Early settlers battled through many hard-ships. One of the primary concerns of earlysettlers was the lack of fuel. Early inhabitantsof the Chenoa area had to depend on BrooksCreek timber for fuel which was five milesaway from Chenoa.

Little is written or officially known aboutthe business rivalry of Matthew Scott andW.M. Hamilton. Both had a similar vision forChenoa and competed fiercely for the samebusiness. Around 1852, both had laid out theirown streets and sold land for lots in the hopeof developing the city. Both were determinedto be thought of as the “Father of Chenoa.”

Records show that Chenoa had close to 60soldiers that enlisted to serve in the UnionArmy during the Civil War. Most of thesesoldiers served under the commands ofGenerals Grant and Sherman and wereinvolved in important campaigns during theconflict. A number of these soldiers died notas a result of battle, but as victims of typhoidfever.

Henry Beeks, Sr. is credited with settingaside two acres of land for the first cemeteryin Chenoa. Chenoa was a community ofapproximately 200 people when Beeks estab-lished the cemetery in his own name. Thecemetery’s name was later changed to Pike’sCemetery and later Chenoa Cemetery.Cemetery lots initially sold for $10.

Chenoa has dealt with more than its shareof fires throughout its history. There were 16significant fires in the city from 1857 to 1951.The largest of the fires occurred in Julyof 1894 and is known as the “Big Fire.” TheLace Block was completely destroyed in thisblaze. Other significant fires were the SnyderBlock fire of 1886 and the burning of theChenoa Tile Factory in 1889.

The small village communities ofMeadows and Weston have also formed areahistory. Meadows, which is located just west

of the city, was named for the wide expanseof prairie on which it sits. The village wasestablished at the location of the railroadswitch and was created to serve as an agricul-tural transportation center. Weston was also acenter for agriculture. It is located furtherwest, between Chenoa and Fairbury. People inFairbury talked of Weston as the place “weston the tip-up” from which the name wasderived. It was also a watering station fortrain traffic.

There are other people credited with beingpart of Chenoa’s early history. John McCunecame to Chenoa from Pennsylvania in 1855.He was one of Chenoa’s first grocers but dis-dained the business so much he purchased 320acres of land southeast of the city and becameone of the area’s most successful farmers.Born in West Virginia, Thomas Hervey was afarmer and stock raiser. He was a soldier inthe Civil War and participated in the siege ofVicksburg. He later bought land in Chenoaand became a farmer.

John Morrow was another Civil War herothat participated in William T. Sherman’ssiege of Atlanta. He bought a farm in Chenoaafter the war. John Balbach, Sr. is creditedwith starting a dry goods store and grocery.He was the first owner of the ChenoaCreamery, a business that later established ahealthy client base in Chicago. The ReverendHiram Vrooman called Chenoa home from1924 until his death. He managed VroomanFarms, a large expanse of land that was devot-ed to agricultural pursuits. Vrooman wrotemany books on the Swedenborg PhilosophicalSociety and on religious philosophy. The ScottCottage (owned by Matthew Scott) still standsat its original location on First Avenue.Frequent visitors to the Scott home includedUnited States Vice President Adlai Stevenson,United States President Grover Cleveland andJames S. Ewing, U.S. Ambassador toBelgium.

Other important businesses in Chenoa’shistory include cigar manufacturing, wholesaledealers, canneries, and metal products. Later,Siebert and Sons, Inc. became a prominentmanufacturer in tooling and drilling equip-


ment. The discovery of coal in 1889 led to theopening of the Chenoa Coal Mine.


Chapter 4Chapter 4

ECONOMICECONOMICDEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT


Economic factors are important considera-tions in community planning. The existence ofemployers is important to the financial stabili-ty of a community. Major commercial orindustrial centers can be a stimulus for localgrowth and can also provide important salestax revenue. A solid tax base enables a com-munity to provide important local communityservices. Therefore, providing information oneconomic trends and forecasts is an importantcomponent of the planning process.

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

Historically, Chenoa’s economy was basedin agriculture and trade. Farming was respon-sible for most of the job creation in the com-munity throughout its history. However, smallentrepreneurial operations and small locally-owned shops have also contributed to theeconomy. These types of operations are stilldoing business in Chenoa. These businessesinclude Union Roofing, Chenoa Welding andFabrication, OEM Tractor Parts and ChenoaLocker to name a few. Other businessesinclude; various general contractors, healthservices, new and used car sales, grocery,convenience stores, specialty shops, bankingand financial services and education. Most ofthese operations are small and do not employa significant number of people.

The Chenoa economy is also somewhatregional in makeup. Based on the 2000 U.S.

Census data, nearly 71 percent of Chenoa’s1,845 people were employed. It can beassumed that many of these people work inother locations within McLean County and thenearby counties of Livingston and Woodford.Chenoa’s current community-based businessesare small service and contractual employersthat employ only a small percentage of thelocal workforce.

Agricultural employment levels areexpected to continue to decrease based onrecent trends. Most Chenoa inhabitants havefound work in other fields that are not agricul-turally dependent (see Table 4.1).

Chenoa’s very low unemployment ratesare responsible in large part for income levelsthat are competitive with other communities ofcomparable size in McLean County (see Table4.2). The percentage of people living inpoverty is well below the county average.

FACTORS IN GROWING LOCALECONOMIES

A solid educational system is one of anumber of important factors needed to helplocal economies prosper. The economic pros-perity of a community is linked with the edu-cational attainment of its citizens more thanever before. According to the Center For Taxand Budget Accountability of Chicago(CTBA), only college educated members ofthe workforce experienced gains in hourly

TABLE 4.1

Chenoa Area Employment By Industry

Category Percentage

Management & Professional 18.8

Service Occupations 20.3

Sales & Office Occupations 25.9

Farming, Fishing & Forestry 0.4

Construction, Extraction & Maintenance 10.3

Production & Transportation 24.3

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 SF 3, Table GCT-P13. Occupation, Industry,and Class of Worker of Employed Civilians 16 Years and Over: 2000

income (with cost of living increases figured)between 1980 and 2006 (see Exhibit 4.1).

Wages increased an average of 14.3 per-cent for those with a college degree duringthat time period while those with only a highschool education declined 8.7 percent. Thosewithout a high school diploma saw overallearnings fall by 28.7 percent (The State OfWorking Illinois - CTBA, 2007).

A diversified employment base with sup-

porting infrastructure is another important fac-tor. In 2007, the State of Illinois’ gross stateproduct (GSP) was ranked fifth in the nationexceeding $590 billion dollars. However,Illinois’ GSP grew at a slower rate (44.3 per-cent) than the national average (54.5 percent).A majority of the state’s and region’s jobgrowth has been in the service sector. On thewhole, these jobs pay less than manufacturing,skilled labor or professional positions. A sta-

OSF Medical Center

Table 4.2

Chenoa Area Employment and Income Level Comparisons

Community Labor Force Percent UnemploymentPer Capita

Income

MedianHousehold

IncomeMedian Family

IncomePercentage

Living in Poverty

Chenoa 991 1.9 $19,559.00 $44,420.00 $50,948.00 5.7

Lexington 1,057 2.5 $20,898.00 $46,146.00 $54,336.00 4.4

Danvers 643 2.4 $19,598.00 $52,647.00 $58,355.00 6.5

Downs 451 4.3 $22,468.00 $53,750.00 $56,932.00 4.3

Heyworth 1,269 1 $20,655.00 $53,043.00 $60,648.00 3.1

LeRoy 1,809 1.5 $20,743.00 $45,781.00 $53,986.00 1.9

Towanda 293 1.3 $18,702.00 $41,705.00 $51,875.00 5.3

McLean County 86,065 4.4 $22,227.00 $47,201.00 $61,073.00 9.7

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 SF 3, Table QT-P24. Employment Status by Sex: 2000; Table GCT-P14. Income and Poverty in1999: 2000


ble local economy cannot survive long-termon service sector employment alone.According to the CTBA, Central Illinois coun-ties (including McLean, Livingston, andWoodford Counties) lost nearly 5,000 manu-facturing jobs between 2001 and 2005. Some

of the reasons cited for these losses includedlack of a future manufacturing labor force, lit-tle or no improvement in local infrastructures,lack of transportation options, and poor educa-tional facilities. Many of these jobs have beenreplaced by lower wage service jobs which

Source: 2007 State of Working Illinois Executive Summary, Northern Illinois University

Exhibit 4.1

Downtown businesses


now account for approximately one-third of alljobs in the Central Illinois region and the Stateof Illinois.

FUTURE ECONOMY

Based on trends from the IllinoisDepartment of Employment Security (IDES)Occupational Projections, only 45.6 percent ofnew jobs created in Illinois up to 2014 willpay wages that exceed the current medianstate annual wage of $40,217. In order tocounter these trends communities small andlarge should position for the future economy.These efforts should include building an econ-omy that fits local wants and needs, improvinginfrastructure and transportation, and support-ing local and regional educational improve-ment initiatives including continuing and adult

education. It is important for Chenoa to be aggressive

in expanding its economic base. Like manyrural communities, Chenoa’s location can bean asset in attracting businesses and economicdevelopment. The community is located alongInterstate 55 and State Route 24 and is inproximity to a number of small to mid-sizepopulation centers where a regional workforceis available. These include Bloomington-Normal, Pontiac and the Greater Peoria area.The city is also surrounded by an abundanceof developable land.

Community leaders should continue towork with area economic development offi-cials in actively reviewing the needs of exist-ing businesses and in planning Chenoa’s eco-nomic future. Developing these partnershipscan enhance business and community develop-ment opportunities. Chenoa should also pro-

Prairie Central Cooperative grain elevators



mote its appeal as a “bedroom community.”This approach has served many communitieswell. There has been a national trend ofyounger and older adults looking for locationswhere the cost of living is relatively low forstarting a family or living on fixed incomesduring retirement. Potential growth of thesepopulations usually translates into potentialgrowth for goods and services, which means asteady growth in local business. These typesof populations can bring added value to acommunity.

Many businesses that no longer depend onlarge or mid-size city locations are findingrural communities to their liking. A significantnumber of these small businesses are combin-ing offices with residences that operate on“flex schedules” or in locations near but out-side the municipal boundaries. Examples ofthese businesses include arts and crafts, themerestaurants and food shops, organic farming,and small technology start-ups. Oftentimes,quality-of-life issues are more important fac-tors in a business start-up than proximity tolarge markets. Many rural communities havealso found success in “branding” themselvesas a location for artists and craftsmen to incu-bate and develop business. The City shouldconsider the pursuit of these and other activi-ties as means to promote future economicdevelopment.


Chapter 5Chapter 5

POPULATIONPOPULATION

Population trends and projections are fun-damental to planning for long-range needs of acommunity. These trends and projections pro-vide the basis for future land use and physicalimprovements.

Preparing reasonable population projec-tions requires consideration of past growthtrends, existing demographic characteristicsand current development trends. These factorswere the basis for formulating population pro-jections for the city of Chenoa. This chaptersummarizes Chenoa’s historical populationgrowth, existing characteristics and the popu-lation projections developed for the city.

HISTORICAL POPULATION GROWTH

Census records for the city of Chenoahave been kept since 1880. The largest ten-year increase in population was reported in1900 (see Table 5.1). Another significantincrease was reported in 1970. The most sig-nificant population declines occurred in thedecades ending 1910 (minus 18.5 percent) andin the decade ending 1990 (minus 6.2 per-cent). Between 1970 to 2000, the populationof Chenoa decreased very slightly. However,according to the 2000 Census, in the period

between 1990 and 2000 the city of Chenoarealized a population increase of .3 percentresulting in a total population of 1,845 andseemingly reversing the trend of populationloss (see Table 5.1). Chenoa’s locationbetween two significant employment centers(Bloomington-Normal and Pontiac) give it anadvantage over most rural locations in makingit attractive as a bedroom community that canoffer a high quality of life and potential forfuture growth.

EXISTING POPULATIONCHARACTERISTICS

Selected demographics of the city ofChenoa are analyzed in this section. Topicscovered include age distribution, size ofhousehold, income, and education.

Age Distribution

Assessing a community’s age distributionis important when planning for future needs.A community’s needs may change as circum-stances evolve that result in younger or olderresidents becoming more prevalent. According


YYear PopulationActual

IncreaseRate of Increase Population

Rate of Increase Population

Rate of Increase

1880 1,063 60,100 3,077,8711890 1,220 157 14.8 63,036 4.9 3,826,352 19.61900 1,612 392 32.1 67,843 7.6 4,821,550 20.61910 1,314 -298 -18.5 68,008 0.2 5,638,591 14.51920 1,311 -3 -0.02 70,107 3.1 6,485,280 13.11930 1,325 14 1.1 73,117 4.3 7,630,654 151940 1,401 76 5.7 73,930 1.1 7,897,241 3.41950 1,452 51 3.6 76,577 3.6 8,712,176 9.41960 1,523 71 4.9 83,877 9.5 10,081,158 13.61970 1,860 337 22.1 104,389 24.5 11,113,976 9.31980 1,847 -13 -1 119,149 14.1 11,426,518 2.71990 1,732 -115 -6.2 129,180 8.4 11,430,602 02000 1,845 113 6.5 150,433 16.5 11,883,546 3.8

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

McLean County State of Illinois

Table 5.1Population 1880-2000

City of Chenoa, McLean County, State of IllinoisCity of Chenoa

to U.S. Census data, Chenoa’s average age is36.2 years (see Table 5.2). This is higher by5.7 years when compared to McLean Countyas a whole; in this context, it should be notedthat the county-wide age distribution isimpacted by the large student population inBloomington-Normal. When contrasted withneighboring communities and the state ofIllinois, the average age in Chenoa was com-parable.

The largest distribution of ages in Chenoais the 24 to 54 age group. This group makesup nearly 41.6 percent of the population. Thisdemographic group is important as it is thisgroup that represents the core full-timeemployable labor force for the city. The agegroup that represents child bearing age isbetween 24 to 44 years and comprises 29.5percent of Chenoa’s population. This percent-age is approximately the same as the countyand slightly higher than that of the state ofIllinois. Chenoa has a large number of chil-dren between the ages of 1 and 14. Chenoa’snumber in this category is higher than both the

county and state.Some of the greatest challenges to a com-

munity can be the aging of the population.Chenoa has a relatively high proportion ofpeople 60 years of age and older, comprising18.7 percent of the population. This is notuncommon for rural communities. There wasonly a slight increase of 2.1 percent since1990 of those 60 years and above. Thisincrease may become more significant as the25 to 54 age groups move into this older cate-gory.

Size of Household

The average number of persons per house-hold has been declining statewide and nation-wide in recent decades resulting in a greaterdemand for housing. Smaller householdsresult from lower birthrates, delays in mar-riage and in an increasing number of house-holds without children (empty nesters).

While the trends outside of Chenoa reflecta decline, the data for an average household

Age Group Chenoa Lexington Danvers HudsonMcLean County Illinois

under 5 8.0 6.0 8.4 9.7 6.5 7.15 to 9 7.2 7.7 9.6 10.1 6.7 7.5

10 to 14 8.6 7.9 8.8 8.3 6.5 7.315 to 19 5.8 8.1 8.0 7.2 9.2 7.220 to 24 4.4 4.7 4.1 3.0 13.2 6.925 to 34 13.7 12.7 15.2 17.2 14.2 14.635 to 44 15.8 16.3 19.2 19.9 15.0 16.045 to 54 12.1 14.4 11.2 12.9 12.2 13.155 to 59 5.6 6.6 3.0 3.6 3.9 4.760 to 64 3.7 3.2 3.6 2.0 2.9 3.765 to 74 7.7 5.8 5.3 3.5 5.0 6.275 to 84 5.2 4.8 2.5 1.8 3.4 4.385 plus 2.1 1.7 0.9 0.8 1.3 1.5

Tot. Pop. 1,845 1,912 1,183 1,510 150,433 12,419,293

Med. Age 36.2 36.7 32.2 32.5 30.5 34.7Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Percentage Age Distribution and Comparison

Chenoa and Selected Places, 2000

Table 5.2


in Chenoa has shown little change. The aver-age household size for Chenoa is 2.59 persons(see Table 5.3). Projections for housingdemand will reflect a range of householdsizes.

Income

An indicator of the relative wealth of acommunity and its needs is income. Incomewill reflect the ability to finance housing,community facilities and services. Medianhousehold income (MHI) for the City ofChenoa as reported in the 2000 Census was$44,420 (see Table 5.4). Chenoa’s MHI is

lower than both McLean County and the Stateof Illinois. According to the U.S. Census, thenational MHI average is $44,334, whichmakes Chenoa comparable with the nationalMHI. Approximately 63.6 percent of Chenoahouseholds (460) have incomes fallingbetween $35,000 to $75,000. Chenoa house-holds (158) with incomes below $25,000 rep-resent the second largest percentage at 21.9percent. Around 14.5 percent (105) of Chenoahouseholds had incomes at or exceeding$100,000 per year.

Type of Occupied

Units

Population in Units

Total% Change over 1990

2000 1990Owner 1,553 585 13.6 2.65 2.61Renter 292 128 -16.9 2.28 2.52

Total 1,845 713 6.6 2.59 2.59Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Table 5.3

Occupied Units Persons per Unit

Size of Household by TenureCity of Chenoa

Incomes Chenoa Lexington Danvers HudsonMcLean County Illinois

< $10,000 35 23 21 4 4,195 383,299< $15,000 44 63 16 11 3,014 252,485< $25,000 79 98 47 33 6,838 517,812< $35,000 100 88 47 37 6,766 545,962< $50,000 151 141 54 58 9,169 745,180< $75,000 209 198 145 177 12,493 952,940< $100,000 63 79 64 99 6,623 531,760< $150,000 35 65 34 67 5,427 415,348< $200,000 2 7 0 2 1,243 119,056> $200,000 5 4 2 6 1,024 128,898

Households 723 766 430 494 56,792 4,592,740

Median $ $44,420 $46,146 $52,647 $62,632 $47,021 $46,590Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Comparison of Median Household IncomesChenoa and Selected Places, 2000

Table 5.4


Education

The educational attainment in Chenoa hasbeen increasing. According to the 2000Census, 42.2 percent of Chenoa residents hadgraduated high school. This is an increase of14.2 percent since 1990 when only 28 percentof the population had received high schooldiplomas. In 1990, only 5.8 percent ofChenoa residents had obtained a bachelor’sdegree while 10.9 percent of the populationhad received a college degree by the year2000. The number of people receiving bache-lor’s degrees or higher increased 15.1 percentwhen comparing 1990 and 2000 figures (seeTable 5.5).

FUTURE POPULATION GROWTH

The City of Chenoa’s population projec-tions were developed for five-year incrementsthrough the 2025 planning period and for ten

year increments for the period 2030 through2050, resulting in an estimated 2035 popula-tion of approximately 2,300. The projectionfigures for 2010 were arrived at by consider-ing growth factors including possible futurecommercial and industrial development. TheCity of Chenoa and the McLean CountyRegional Planning Commission workedtogether to develop population projections.The projections are based on the followingassumptions:

� Chenoa will continue to be an attractiverural community that offers an appealingquality of life. People will continue to look atcommunities such as Chenoa as an alternativeplace to live and raise a family.

� The City of Chenoa will continue to seekto improve the business climate. This includesthe active recruitment of commercial andindustrial operations that can take advantageof established transportation arteries, such as

Level Chenoa Lexington Danvers HudsonMcLean County Illinois

< 9th grade 7.0 4.0 9.0 2.6 3.0 7.59-12 grade (no diploma) 9.9 6.6 4.4 5.0 6.3 11.1High school graduate (includes GED) 42.2 39.9 43.9 32.0 28.2 27.7Some college, no degree 21.4 24.6 23.1 21.5 20.5 21.6Associate degree 4.3 5.4 5.7 8.7 5.8 6.1Bachelor's degree 10.9 14.3 16.7 23.5 25.2 16.5Graduate or professional degree 4.2 5.2 5.0 6.7 11.0 9.5

High school graduates or higher 83.0 89.4 94.3 92.5 90.7 81.4Bachelor's degree or higher 15.1 19.5 21.7 30.4 36.2 26.1Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Percentage of Population Attaining Specified Level of Education Chenoa and Selected Places, 2000

Table 5.5

Year Chenoa Bloomington Danvers Downs Heyworth Hudson LeRoy Lexington Normal Towanda County

2005 1,855 67,800 1,220 1,550 2,850 4,550 3,400 2,100 47,700 535 156,5602010 2,020 70,800 1,250 2,300 3,300 1,600 3,500 2,250 50,100 575 162,5102015 2,040 74,900 1,300 3,100 3,750 1,700 3,650 2,450 52,500 580 170,0202020 2,105 79,000 1,350 3,900 4,150 1,850 3,750 2,650 54,900 590 177,6102025 2,170 83,100 1,400 4,050 4,350 1,950 3,900 2,900 57,400 595 185,1802030 2,240 87,200 1,450 4,250 4,600 2,050 4,000 3,100 59,800 600 192,4702040 2,370 95,500 1,600 4,600 5,200 2,150 4,300 3,700 64,600 610 208,6402050 2,500 103,700 1,700 5,000 5,450 2,500 4,550 4,350 69,500 620 227,650

Source: McLean County Regional Planning Commission, 2008

Table 5.6McLean County Area Population Projections


highways, interstates and railroads that servethe area.

� Resources will be made available fordevelopment in an organized and responsiblemanner that supports sound communityplanning concepts and design.

� City leaders will continue to encourageareas for redevelopment, including thedowntown, parks and establishedneighborhoods, that lead to increasedopportunities for business and recreation andenhance the quality of life.

� Development along Old Route 66,Cemetery Street (Illinois Route 24) and nearInterstate 55 will continue to stimulate theeconomy and contribute to population growth.

Population projections reflecting the aboveassumptions are presented in Table 5.6 andillustrated graphically in Chart 5.1. The city isprojected to grow by 325 residents or nearly18 percent to total 2,170 by the end of theyear 2025 planning period. Comparablegrowth is also projected to the year 2050.

These projections provide the basis for devel-oping the comprehensive plan and should beperiodically reviewed and revised when need-ed as part of a continuing planning process.

1 523

1,860 1,8471,732

1,8452,022 2,106

2,2382,369

2,501

2,000

2,500

3,000on

Chart 5.1Population Projection, 1950-2050

City of Chenoa

1,452 1,523

500

1,000

1,500

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Popu

latio

Source: McLean County Regional Planning Commission, 2008



Chapter 6Chapter 6

HOUSINGHOUSING

Providing housing that is adequate andaffordable can be a challenge for any commu-nity. This chapter examines the characteristicsof Chenoa’s current housing stock as well asthe demand for future housing. The projec-tions for housing are based on the populationprojections of the previous chapter.

EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS

Occupancy and Tenure

In 2007, the total number of occupiedhousing units in Chenoa was estimated to be713 out of a total of 772 units. Of the numberof occupied units, 585 were determined to be“owner units” while 128 units were identifiedas “rental units.” It is estimated that 71 of the128 renter units were not single-family ormobile homes. According to the 2000 Census,the City of Chenoa had 22 units classified astwo units. These renter units might includeduplexes. The largest housing classificationwas reported to be single family units.

Gross rents in Chenoa ranged from lessthan $300 to just under $1,000 per month.The average gross rent for the city was $465.The U.S. Census reported 54.7 percent ofhouseholds in Chenoa paid less than $500 permonth for rental housing. Another 33.1 per-cent of those living in rented housing paidbetween $500 to $1,000 per month. Another12.3 percent of those living in housing desig-nated as rental did not pay anything. This like-ly includes social service and/or group quar-ters housing. Of those living in rental housing,70 percent paid 35 percent or less of theirincome for housing while 17.7 percentreported that their rent exceeded 35 percent oftheir annual income (see Table 6.1).

Distribution and Density

Chenoa’s housing is concentrated along acorridor extending a number of blocks on bothsides of Cemetery Avenue (Illinois Route 24).A manufactured housing development consist-

ing of 24 units in 2000 is located near thevicinity of the I-55 Interchange north ofCemetery Avenue. A few high-density pocketsof homes can be found east of Division Street.Additional areas of housing are located nearthe elementary school (formerly Chenoa HighSchool) on the south side of CemeteryAvenue.

Housing and Neighborhood Design

Chenoa has housing of contemporary andtraditional neighborhood design. Areas arounddowntown feature traditional mixed uses withstore fronts below and residences above. Also,homes found closer to Cemetery Avenue onboth the north and south sides have more tra-

Gross Rent Number Percent

Less than $200 0 0Less than $300 11 8.5Less than $500 60 46.2Less than $750 40 30.8Less than $1,000 3 2.3Less than $1,500 0 0More than $1,500 0 0No monetary rent 16 12.3

Gross Rent at Percentage of Income

Less than 15 % 49 37.7Less than 20 % 17 13.1Less than 25 % 12 9.2Less than 30 % 9 6.9Less than 35 % 4 3.1More than 35 % 23 17.7Not Tabulated 16 12.3

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Table 6.1

AVERAGE GROSS RENT $ 465.00

RENT AS PERCENT OF INCOME 17.4

Gross Rent & Percentage of IncomeCity of Chenoa


ditional design elements. Sidewalks line moststreets in Chenoa. There is easy accessibilityto areas of commerce since the city is laid outon a traditional street grid system.

Contemporary neighborhood design can befound along the fringe of the city where thereis space to build larger homes. Characteristicsof contemporary neighborhood design arewider streets, larger lots and lack of side-walks. These designs apply to the new devel-opment areas located southeast of town as wellas some areas in the northeast.

Age of Housing Stock

The majority of homes (437) were built inChenoa before the 1960’s. There is also ahealthy stock of houses constructed before the1940’s. Since the 1960’s, 335 homes havebeen built in Chenoa. More recently, 103homes were built in Chenoa between 1970 and1979 which is considered to be the latest hous-ing boom. In the last 20 years, six homeswere built on average per year in Chenoa.During a period from 1980 to 1998, fewhomes were built. Another residential buildingsurge occurred in 1999-2000 when 41 homeswere added to the local housing stock.

Housing Quality

Homes in Chenoa have stood the test oftime. Many older homes (those 50 years orolder) are in good condition. These homes aredecorated with traditional accents and propertyis generally well-maintained. Homes locatedin the southern portion of the city are ofnewer construction and are not in need ofrepair. A few mobile homes are also locatedin this area with some needing repair orupdating. These residences need to be moni-tored and owners informed if housing condi-tions are not up to code. Most of the housingin the city can be considered of adequate qual-ity and above.

Affordability

Nearly 84 percent of the people in Chenoalive in owner-occupied housing. Like mostcommunities, the price of homes in Chenoavaries. According to the latest census data,homes in Chenoa range from less than$50,000 to more than $200,000. It is estimat-ed by the 2000 Census that approximately19.5 percent of homes in Chenoa are valuedbelow $50,000. More than 3.9 percent of thehomes in Chenoa are valued at $150,000 ormore. The median home value in Chenoa wasdetermined to be $74,800. Homes in Chenoaare considered quite affordable since manyresidences in McLean and Livingston Countyare more costly and some neighboring com-munities have homes valued at $1 million or

Year Built Number Percent

1990 to March 2000 41 5.31995 to 1998 28 3.61990 to 1994 17 2.21980 to 1989 28 3.61970 to 1979 103 13.31960 to 1969 118 15.31940 to 1959 153 19.81939 or before 284 36.8

TOTALS 772 100Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Residential ConstructionCity of Chenoa

Table 6.2

Estimated Value Number Percentage

Less than $50,000 103 19.5More than $100,000 404 76.5More than $150,000 15 2.8More than $200,000 6 1.1

Median Home Value $74,800Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

Value of Owner-Occupied HousingTable 6.3


more. According to the U.S. Census, the median

monthly mortgage for Chenoa is $800. Of theestimated 1,553 home owners in the area, 193utilized less than 20 percent of their annualincome on housing while another 81 usedbetween 20 to 30 percent of their income forhousing. Another 50 homeowners were report-ed to be using more than 30 percent of theirincome to pay housing costs.

FUTURE HOUSING DEMAND

Chenoa’s demand for future housing willdepend in large part on the amount and rate ofcommercial and industrial development that isrealized. With an anticipated populationincrease of between 400 and 450 persons overthe period of the plan, and with the assump-tion that new residential development willinclude a mix of housing types and densities,Chenoa will require between 130 and 180 newhousing units. The range in this projection isa function of the variability of householdsizes; the trend towards smaller householdsmay foster an increased emphasis on morecompact housing units, built at greater densitythan has been typical in the past. This trendalso reflects the development of housingoptions targeted to an aging population, ademographic trend expected to affect commu-nities across the country over the next 30 to50 years.

Should more aggressive growth take placeresulting from significant increases in avail-able local employment created by the develop-ment of the city’s new industrial and commer-cial districts, approximately 1,300 additionalpersons might reside in Chenoa, a very sub-stantial population increase for the period ofthe plan. Should such a population boom takeplace, considerable quantities of new housingwould be required. As many as 450 to 650new housing units could be needed. As notedabove, residential development on this scalewill require careful and thoughtful neighbor-hood design and planning, to minimize theimpact on the city.

WWith MortgageLess than $300 1Less than $500 16Less than $700 87Less than $ 1,000 132More than $1,000 90

Median Monthly Mortgage $ 800

Without MortgageLess than $250 69Less than $500 109More than $500 24

Median Monthly Payment $ 289

With Mortgageless than 20 percent 19320 to 24 percent 4425 to 29 percent 3730 to 34 percent 1135 percent or more 39Not computed 2Median Percent 18.4

Without Mortgageless than 20 percent 16620 to 24 percent 1025 to 29 percent 330 to 34 percent 435 percent or more 15Not computed 4Median Percent 11.3Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

of Household Income

Table 6.4Mortgage Status & Selected

Monthly Owner Costs (With Mortgage)

Mortgage Status as Percentage


New housing development should beplanned to maximize the efficient use of exist-ing and planned city services and infrastruc-ture. As noted above, the trend towards morecompact residential development offers a pathtowards this goal. In addition, developmentdirected towards the smaller families willmake it more practical for residents to age intheir homes and thus aid in maintaining stableneighborhoods.



Chapter 7Chapter 7

LAND USELAND USE

The distribution and intensity of land useare major determinants of sensible growth.Like other elements of this plan, land useplanning attempts to balance social, economicand environmental needs. The location andamount of land developed for different useslargely determine economic efficiency and thelivability of a community as well as environ-mental soundness.

In general, higher intensity developmentwith compact residential and commercial areasis more efficient in terms of tax revenuesreceived in relation to public expenditures forservices in a given area. It can also be moreenvironmentally sound because less land percapita is used than for low intensity develop-ment such as large lot subdivisions and stripmalls with expansive parking lots. Livabilityon the other hand usually requires a widerange of land use types and intensities in orderto provide for a wide range of human needsand life styles. The land use plan seeks aneffective balance between these sometimesconflicting ideals.

CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS

Current land use trends and characteristicshave important implications for planningfuture land use. Similarly, the implications ofcurrent trends in land use development mustbe considered in context with plan objectivesto identify possible needs. The distribution ofexisting land use in Chenoa is described belowand illustrated on Map 7.1.

Development Patterns

In addition to the historical influences thatshape the community, development patternsalso reflect cultural and economic effects.Chenoa’s distribution of residential neighbor-hoods, commercial areas and municipalamenities acknowledges its role as a destina-tion for the surrounding agricultural lands,and as a self-contained community providingthe quality of life that makes smaller cities

attractive to families and locally-owned neigh-borhood businesses. In addition, developmentpatterns at the western edge of the communityoffer access to the wider world, both for resi-dents who may work outside the community,and for economic development which capital-izes on Interstate 55, providing goods andservices to local residents as well as users ofthe highway.

In its residential neighborhoods, Chenoahas wisely retained the traditional pattern ofdevelopment characteristic of smallerMidwestern cities. This pattern allows forcompact residential development, and pro-duces neighborhoods that promote interactionamong residents, provide easy access through-out the community, and maximize infrastruc-ture investments. Commercial districts makeuse of central streets, and large-scale commer-cial uses are situated to permit access withouttraffic disruptions to residential areas.

Resources

Land use resources include both the landitself as well as the planning resourcesdesigned to make the most effective use of theland. Chenoa has access to abundant landresources, including areas already within thecity’s incorporated area. The community issurrounded by land in agricultural production;the city’s growth may be well accommodatedwithout requiring significant conversion ofagricultural land to urban uses. Streamcourses and areas prone to flooding may resultin some constraints on growth to the southeastof the city. Planning resources include theplans, planning process and ordinances avail-able to local government for use in guidinggrowth and development.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The growth predicted for Chenoa presentsa number of land use challenges and opportu-nities that will have an impact on the city’squality of life. These include achieving com-


pact and contiguous development patterns,minimizing conflicts, preserving adjacentfarmland and open space as the city grows,achieving fiscally sound development patterns,and providing people friendly neighborhoods.Each of these is described below.

Achieving Compact and ContiguousDevelopment

The concept of compact and contiguousurban development is consistent with thesocial, economic and environmental require-ments for sensible growth. Compact develop-ment is usually more efficient than sparse andfragmented development because it requiresless land and resources per unit of population.

However, there are different degrees ofcompactness which can have wide rangingimplications. Generally, Chenoa’s growth inrecent decades has maintained the benefits oftraditional patterns, while also accommodatingaltered circumstances created by the Interstate55 interchange. Although most new develop-ment occurs at the fringe of developed areas,it is usually contiguous and provided withservices and proper zoning. In some instances,particularly with respect to recent annexationsfor industrial development, large areas of landhave been brought into the city.

The consequences of less compact devel-opment often include a less pedestrian friendlyenvironment in residential and commercialareas, greater per capita costs and correspon-ding increases in taxes to provide services,and greater losses of farmland and openspace.

A major challenge for the future will be toachieve development that continues to be con-tiguous but is more compact. Meeting thischallenge will help avoid the consequencesnoted above and provide opportunities to pre-serve and enhance the local quality of life.Continued emphasis on traditional neighbor-hood residential development, and carefulimplementation of large industrial develop-ment, can be effective in achieving compactand contiguous development. This approach

offers opportunities that could prove beneficialin achieving land use objectives as well asother community development objectives out-lined throughout this report.

Minimizing Conflicts

Another challenge will be to develop landuse and transportation relationships that allowconvenient access to jobs, services and ameni-ties with a minimum of conflicts. An impor-tant early step in meeting this challenge is toidentify general guidelines for where growthshould and should not occur. These guidelinesare incorporated in the “Strategy” section ofthis chapter and should be considered in thereview of specific development proposals.

Preserving Farmland and Open Space

Although Chenoa’s projected growth, par-ticularly with respect to industrial and com-mercial development, will continue to presenta challenge for preserving farmland and openspace, the achievement of more compactdevelopment, by its very nature, would reduceland consumption of all types, including farm-land and other types of open space. Moreover,success in achieving other plan objectives forurban revitalization, balanced economic devel-opment and housing would also serve toreduce land consumption and help preservefarmland and open space.

Achieving Fiscally Sound DevelopmentPatterns

Achieving fiscally sound development pat-terns can be enhanced through compactgrowth, commercial development, and tradi-tional mixed use neighborhoods. The per capi-ta cost of providing services increases as thecompactness, or density, decreases. In gener-al, household sizes are getting smaller whilelot sizes are getting larger. Thus, higher rela-tive development costs are being spread over


3000 North Rd

Intersta

te 55

3050

East R

d

Old Ro

ute 66

3200 North Rd

Cemetery Ave

2950

East R

d

Divisio

n St

3100 North Rd

Third

Ave

Second

Ave

Lincoln St

Boles St

2850

East R

d

Fuller St

Illinois St

Veto S

t

Logan Ave

Owsley St

Sunset Dr

Grant

St

Sherid

an St

Mccle

llan St

Warren St

Kentucky Ave

Moreh

ead St Scott St

Main St

First A

ve

Fifth A

ve

Maple

St

North St

Emma St

Davis St

Mason

St

Picket

t St

Fourth

Ave

Weir S

t

York St

Letche

r St

Frontage

Rd

Michael Dr

Sevent

h Ave

Green

StCrittenden St

Franklin St

Hamilton St

Masso St

Hoselton Dr

Spruce

St

Enter

prise

Dr

Florence Ave

Sunrise

St

Mill St

Ash St

Ninth

Ave

Mellow

Dr

Autumn Ave

Clark St

All Seasons St

Sixth

AveMo

rnings

ide Dr

Eighth

Ave

Gerrard St

Lauren Cir

Douglas Dr28

50 Ea

st Rd

Inters

tate 5

5

First Ave

3100 North Rd

Fifth Ave

Logan Ave

3200 North Rd

Mill St

Old Ro

ute 66

Divisio

n St

Fourth

Ave

Old Route 6

6

3200 North Rd

Mill St

Legend


Lakes and Detention


Railroad

Existing Land UseResidentialCommercialIndustrialGovernment/InstitutionalConservation/RecreationAgriculture/Open Space

Other Features

McLean County


Map 7.1

Existing Land Use

¶McLean County

Regional PlanningCommission0.5 0 0.5 1 1.50.25

Miles

Data

source

s: Data

from

McLea

n Coun

ty Depa

rtment

of Bu

ilding

and Z

oning,

City o

f Chen

oa, M

cLean

Count

y GIS;

land u

se dat

a deri

ved fro

m on-

locatio

nand

other

data

review

.

Parcels


U.S. Route 24

fewer people. As a result, the ability of manycommunities to fund services is beingstretched to the limit or exceeded.

New commercial and industrial develop-ment may help alleviate the negative fiscalconsequences of growth. Studies have shownthat these uses generally provide greater taxrevenues for local governments than theyrequire for services. These revenues are oftenused to subsidize residential development.However, providing an adequate commercialtax base to meet the community’s needs maybe a challenge for smaller municipalities.Therefore, commercial and industrial develop-ment is an essential component of land useplanning. Sufficient land should be allocatedfor use by business and commerce. When cer-tain types of commercial and industrial devel-opment are effectively integrated into the City,the added tax revenues to be derived can makefor a more sound investment from the per-spectives of both the developer and the com-munity. If designed in a pedestrian-friendlymanner, the development can also be veryattractive and financially sound for the resi-dents as well.

Providing Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhoods

Providing pedestrian-friendly neighbor-hoods is key to preserving quality of life.People-friendly neighborhoods contain a rangeof housing types and densities for all agegroups and income levels, balanced around acommercial and mixed use center. Ideally,each neighborhood has a focal point and gath-ering place to provide local identity and distin-guish it from other places. In Chenoa, thismay include a park or school, a communitycenter or other municipal facility, or a neigh-borhood landmark

Perhaps the greatest challenge to develop-ing pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods is thepresent paradigm for low density, automobileoriented development. Chenoa benefits fromits foresight in resisting this paradigm, andshould continue to focus its developmentefforts away from automobile dependency. It

has taken most of the twentieth century for thependulum to swing from the compact, pedes-trian friendly designs of traditional neighbor-hoods to the lower density development seenelsewhere in McLean County. There are sig-nificant indications, however, that the socio-economic and environmental problems associ-ated with automobile dependency combinedwith increasing land and development costshave caused the pendulum to begin to swingback. As other communities relearn the les-sons of community design which Chenoaexemplifies, hundreds of pedestrian-friendlyneighborhoods are being developed around thenation and some interest has been shown inthis region.

STRATEGY

The following objectives, policies and spe-cific strategies comprise the overall strategyfor land use. The land use strategy, togetherwith the maps presented later in this chapter,provides a framework for evaluating develop-ment projects and for implementing land useinitiatives in the community. The strategy wasderived from the 2000 McLean CountyRegional Comprehensive Plan, and updatedand refined as appropriate to reflect currentconditions and anticipated changes in Chenoa.The overall strategy includes an assortment ofindividual strategies depicting more specificmeasures available to support the respectivepolicies. Each individual strategy should beconsidered in context with specific issues todetermine applicability. Priorities for imple-mentation are addressed in Chapter 10.

Goal

Land use patterns and intensities that enrichthe quality of life by equitably meeting thesocial, economic and environmental needs ofpresent and future generations.


Conservation and Recreation

Objective

Abundant open space to meet ecological andrecreational needs.

Policy

Support the provision of open space andgreenways in the Chenoa area, consistent withthe McLean County Regional Greenways Planand relevant local adopted plans and ordi-nances.

Strategies

� Identify planned greenways as a priorityland use.� Consider adopting stream buffer ordinancesfor planned growth areas.� Identify priority greenways, summarizeavailable strategies, and provide animplementation plan.� Maintain a close working relationship withgovernment agencies that provide funding andtechnical assistance to aid local governmentsin providing for parks, open space andbikeways.� Use subdivision ordinances to help meetstandards for new development and openspace.� Consider creating environmental overlaydistricts that include additional provisions orrestrictions for identified areas that containenvironmental features in need of specialattention.

Urban Buffer Areas

Objective

Urban buffer areas capable of sustainingthe economic and cultural significance offarming while providing for the reasonablegrowth of the city.

Policy

Preserve farmland and open space within thecity’s 1-1/2 mile extra-territorial jurisdictionas urban buffer areas for use as holding zonesfor possible urban expansion after the plan-ning period.

Strategy

� As one of the conditions for approval,require non-farm development in urban bufferareas to be designed in a manner that con-serves farmland and natural areas and facili-tates the possible future provision of urbanservices to these and neighboring areas.

Urban Growth

Objective

Urban growth areas contiguous to existingurban areas and of sufficient size to accommo-date economic growth and projected popula-tion at a range of densities, along with sup-porting services.

Policy

Encourage urban development in or adjacentto the city’s existing incorporated area, whereessential services can be provided, and dis-courage urban development in other areas.

Strategies

� Engage in ongoing comprehensive land useplanning, through adoption and updating ofthe comprehensive plan.� Identify and utilize planned urban growthareas as a guide for development decisions.� Review and update zoning ordinances asappropriate to guide development decisionsand implement land use plans.� Use the extension of urban services as a


tool to guide development into planned growthareas.� Use annexation agreements to provide forproper zoning and municipal services fordevelopment projects that meet localrequirements and support the comprehensiveplan.� Support intergovernmental cooperation andagreements as appropriate in consideringspecific development proposals for thepurpose of guiding future development.� Allow projects to be developed at higherdensities than normally permitted when projectstrongly supports plan objectives.� As appropriate, consider theimplementation of impact fees as needed tooffset added costs for public services neededto serve new developments.� Adopt official maps to identify locations offuture public facilities, including parks,schools, municipal buildings and streets, torequire conformance to a planned streetsystem and reserve the necessary land.� Continue the use of tax increment financingto encourage redevelopment in urban areasand discourage development outside plannedgrowth areas.� Coordinate long range planning for urbanland use development with EPA authorizedFacility Planning Areas to help ensureappropriate sized tracts of land are available toaccommodate planned growth.

Development Areas

Objective

Establish development areas that provideabundant opportunities for social, cultural andeconomic interactions in the growing commu-nity.

Policy

Encourage urban development that is balancedaround institutional, commercial, industrialand mixed use centers in order to provide con-

venient opportunities for human interaction,and strengthen community and neighborhoodidentities.

Strategies

� Identify development areas incomprehensive plans to provide a guide forland use decisions.� Explore the use of density bonuses and thetransfer of development rights in themanagement of development areas whereappropriate.

FUTURE REQUIREMENTS ANDDISTRIBUTION

Chenoa is poised to accommodate newgrowth, helping to secure the city’s future as avital and sustainable community. Current andfuture residents will benefit from developmentproviding homes and economic opportunity.As the city grows, development should pro-vide for conservation and recreation, servicecenters for employment and commerce, andappropriate residential development. The pro-posed plan for future land use is illustrated inMap 7.2.

Conservation and Recreation Areas

These areas include parks as well as landsnot well suited for urban development due tolocation and/or physical constraints, such asflood plains and steep slopes. Conservationareas within the city may also provide transi-tions between urban uses. These areas mayhave scenic, aesthetic and ecological value andmany serve to help meet recreational needs aswell. However, additional local parks andopen space will be needed to provide for theneeds of new residents and neighborhoods.Flood plain areas may be suitable for agricul-tural or other low intensity use such as someforms of recreation, but a potential hazardexists for contamination of surface and subsur-


face water. Flood plains can help prevent pol-lutants from even far away sources fromentering groundwater and streams. As aresult, flood plains are excellent areas for theimplementation of conservation programs.

The plan provides for new park develop-ment within expanding neighborhoods in thesoutheastern portion of the city. Two neigh-borhood parks, one adjacent to the schoolcomplex, will serve residents in areas south ofCemetery Avenue. A conservation area is pro-vided as a buffer between possible future resi-dential development and anticipated industrialuses to be located between the railroad and2850 East Road; this land use may be modi-fied according to the needs of the neighbor-hood, once the nature of the industrial devel-opment is known.

Parks and Open Space

To supplement the existing park systemand serve an expanding population, two neigh-borhood parks are designated for placementwithin residential neighborhoods. The planalso provides for an open space buffer alongthe potential westward extension of BolesStreet, to provide for an natural area separat-ing residential development from anticipatedindustrial uses to the south.

Urban Buffer Areas

Chenoa’s urban buffer area consists of theland within an area one and one-half milesbeyond the present incorporation boundary.This area comprises the city’s extra-territorialjurisdiction. Such land should be preservedprimarily as open space at least until neededto accommodate future expansion of Chenoa.Compatible uses include agriculture, parks,trails, natural areas, greenways, and possiblyother forms of active and passive recreation.Conservation and cluster subdivisions mayalso be appropriate in urban buffer areas, asthese types of development are designed topreserve open space and be adaptable to the

provision of urban services in the event theservices become available. If and when urbandevelopment occurs in these areas, significantamounts of the open space should be incorpo-rated into the new developments.

Urban Growth Areas

The plan identifies areas for urban growthand prioritizes areas for both near-term andlong-term residential development. A primaryfocus of the plan is on extending existingneighborhoods. Other growth areas may con-tain concentrations of commercial, industrial,governmental or institutional uses that provideemployment, shopping, entertainment andservices for residents and visitors. The distri-bution of these planned future land uses isillustrated on Map 7.2 and described in thesections that follow.

Residential Development

As noted in Chapter 6, anticipated popula-tion growth in Chenoa requires that areas fornew residential development be identified. Indelineating growth areas for residential devel-opment, the plan considers existing residentialareas of the city, with the goal of enhancingestablished neighborhoods. Through thisemphasis on concentrating development adja-cent to such neighborhoods, greater efficiencyin the extension of necessary infrastructure ispossible. Demand for new development area iscalculated with consideration for new infra-structure demands, such as streets extensions,easements for utilities and the use of designtechniques needed to minimize stormwaterimpacts. The analysis also considers likelyvacancy rates over time, and other occupancyfactors.

Anticipating a moderate populationincrease of between 400 and 450 persons by2035, the plan provides for 154 acres of newresidential development, of which nearly one-tenth of the growth area is designated forhigher density development. This quantity of


3000 North Rd

Intersta

te 55

3050

East R

d

Old Ro

ute 66

3200 North Rd

Cemetery Ave

2950

East R

d

Divisio

n St

3100 North Rd

Third

Ave

Second

Ave

Lincoln St

Boles St

2850

East R

d

Fuller St

Illinois St

Veto S

t

Logan Ave

Owsley St

Sunset Dr

Grant

St

Sherid

an St

Mccle

llan St

Warren St

Kentucky Ave

Moreh

ead St Scott St

Main St

First A

ve

Fifth A

ve

Maple

St

North St

Emma St

Davis St

Mason

St

Picket

t St

Fourth

Ave

Weir S

t

York St

Letche

r St

Frontage

Rd

Michael Dr

Sevent

h Ave

Green

StCrittenden St

Franklin St

Hamilton St

Masso St

Hoselton Dr

Spruce

St

Enter

prise

Dr

Florence Ave

Sunrise

St

Mill St

Ash St

Ninth

Ave

Mellow

Dr

Autumn Ave

Clark St

All Seasons St

Sixth

AveMo

rnings

ide Dr

Eighth

Ave

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Legend


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Railroad

Proposed Land Use

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McLean County


Map 7.2

Land Use Plan

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McLean CountyRegional Planning

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Residential - Higher Density

Industrial

Residential - Low/Medium DensityConservation and Recreation

Government/Institutional

Agriculture/Open Space

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Residential Reserve

Mixed Use Town CenterU.S. Route 24

land will permit low to medium density devel-opment consistent with current developmentpatterns in Chenoa. Development areas arelocated primarily in the southern section of thecity, adjacent to existing neighborhoods, andto the school. Provision is also made for theextension of the manufactured housing districtlocated between Interstate 55 and Route 66,and north of Cemetery Avenue. As notedabove, within these lower-density areas, pro-vision is made for small neighborhood parksto serve the expanding population, and forareas of higher-density development, integrat-ed into both existing and developing neighbor-hoods, with easy access to parks and theschool complex. An additional location forhigher-density development has been identifiedat the site of the old school building twoblocks east of the downtown commercial dis-trict.

Residential Reserve

The plan also provides land for additionalresidential development in the event that newcommercial and industrial development in thecity produces a higher rate of populationgrowth than projected. The plan designatesareas as residential reserve to accommodate upto an additional 1,745 residents by 2035, anincremental increase of 1,290 persons beyondthe moderate growth projection. Such a rate ofgrowth would represent a substantial challengeto the city, and careful attention to sustainabledevelopment practices will be needed to main-tain neighborhood character and quality oflife. These practices may include the use ofneighborhood design concepts based on thetraditional patterns already in evidence inChenoa. Sustainability may also be enhancedby encouraging development at higher densi-ties. National, state and regional demographictrends suggest that smaller household size,combined with an aging population, willincrease the demand for more compact resi-dential development over the period of theplan.

To accommodate the potential for high

population growth, the plan identifies nearly263 acres as residential reserve. Two-thirds ofthis area is located east of the railroad, andadjacent to existing development or definedareas of residential growth discussed above.Specifically, growth areas for residentialreserve are located on the north and east edgesof the city, and between the school complexand the railroad. An additional area of resi-dential reserve is defined west of the Interstate55 interchange. Three-quarters of the definedresidential reserve development area is locatedwithin current corporate boundaries, thus pro-viding the city with the ability to managedevelopment consistent with emerging munici-pal needs and goals (see Map 7.2).

With respect to the residential and residen-tial reserve development areas, it is importantto emphasize that areas contiguous to existingresidential neighborhoods will be developedfirst, to achieve the greatest efficiencies inland utilization and public infrastructure cost.

Town Center

Chenoa is fortunate to have retained itstraditional downtown commercial district,including the City Hall and the PoliceDepartment. The town center retains a numberof architecturally interesting commercial struc-tures, and offers the prospect for commercialand industrial redevelopment. The historicalbusiness district is also close to the main park,and has good access to adjacent neighborhoodsand to Cemetery Avenue. This area of Chenoacan be the focus for mixed-use redevelopment,providing commercial, institutional and resi-dential development opportunities at the coreof the community, and reinforcing the attrac-tions of the downtown district. The downtownarea also provides opportunities for expandedor replacement city offices in an easily acces-sible and central location. It is illustrated onMap 7.2 as a mixed-use development districtextending from the railroad to the park.


Commercial Development

The plan identifies a variety of commer-cial development opportunities (see Map 7.2).Significant commercial development hasoccurred and is anticipated to continue alongCemetery Avenue, the primary east-west routethrough Chenoa. Additional areas for com-mercial development exist along CemeteryAvenue adjacent to the interchange withInterstate 55, and to Route 66. The plan pro-vides for 115 acres of development area forcommercial uses, all of which are easilyaccessible to Cemetery Avenue. Nearly half ofthe designated commercial development areais located between the interchange and therailroad, providing a commercial corridoralong Cemetery Avenue with access to Route66 and the interstate, and enhancing the com-mercial development already in place.Additional areas of commercial developmentat the east and west edges of the communityallow for development of ancillary commercialuses with easy access to the main arterial.

Industrial Development

As noted above, recently the City electedto annex significant portions of land immedi-ately adjacent to the Interstate 55 interchangeand the Route 66 intersection with CemeteryAvenue. These areas have been zoned forfuture industrial development, to leveragetheir access to both road and rail transporta-tion. The land use plan illustrates the designa-tion of more than 425 acres of developmentarea for industrial uses, primarily south ofCemetery Avenue, and lying east of Interstate55, surrounding Route 66, and extending east-ward to Division Street. An additional twelveacres of land designated for industrial devel-opment are located along Route 66 north ofMichael Drive (see Map 7.2).

The availability of this development areaposes significant opportunities and challengesfor Chenoa. Appropriate and sustainabledevelopment of these portions of the cityoffers the potential for creating new employ-

ment and other positive impacts on the munic-ipal and regional economy. However, devel-opment on such a large scale must be carriedout with an understanding of impacts on thequality of life for the community as a whole,particularly with respect to the demandsplaced on municipal infrastructure.Development proposals should be evaluatedcarefully, with due consideration given tocommunity impact. For developments expect-ed to rely on specific transportation facilities,such as the railroad and Route 66, proposalsshould also be evaluated to ascertain if thelevels of access sought are feasible.

As noted in the discussion regarding resi-dential development, proximity to existingrelated land uses, as well as to transportationand other infrastructure resources, is a vitalelement in determining the order and scope ofindustrial development. Maximizing the effi-ciency of such development in terms ofresource utilization will be important toadvancing Chenoa’s future prosperity and liv-ability.



Chapter 8Chapter 8

TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION

The location of transportation facilities hasa profound effect on land use development.The transportation plan should therefore com-pliment and reinforce a community’s land useplan. It should also provide for the safe andconvenient movement of persons and vehiclesto, from and within the community.Alternative modes of travel should also beconsidered in order to provide for the needs ofall residents including pedestrians and bicy-clists. The needs of these persons are particu-larly important in a smaller community whereshort distances between destinations and thelack of large volumes of motorized trafficmake non-motorized travel more attractive. Ina compact city such as Chenoa, there is greatpotential for the widespread use of alternatetransportation modes for many types of dailytrips. Encouraging the use of alternate trans-portation can benefit the community by reduc-ing stress on infrastructure, lowering costs,and contributing to the overall health of resi-dents through improved air quality.

EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Chenoa exemplifies the right-angled gridstreet pattern often seen in communities thatoriginally developed in the nineteenth andearly twentieth centuries. As noted in Chapter7, this pattern is highly efficient, providingmultiple avenues of access to any point in thecommunity, and minimizing the possibility oflocalized traffic congestion cascading throughthe street network. Relatively short blocklengths and narrower streets also promotemore careful use of the system, improvingsafety throughout the community.

Streets and Highways

Chenoa’s existing street system, illustratedon Map 8.1, is primarily characterized by agrid anchored to a primary east-west arterial,and generally provides efficient access topoints in and around the City. The primaryaccess to Chenoa and environs is provided by

Interstate 55 and Route 66, which connect theCity to Bloomington-Normal and Pontiac, aswell as other area locations. The principalarterial, Cemetery Avenue (U.S. Route 24)links the entire community, and provides addi-tional access from rural areas to the east andwest. Division Street is a major north-southelement of the street system providing accessto the central business district, and as it con-tinues beyond the city limits as a townshiproad, also providing connections to rural areassurrounding Chenoa. The residential sectionsof Chenoa are well-served, with streets con-structed at an appropriate scale for the levelsof traffic generated. In areas of more concen-trated commercial use, both on-street and off-street parking is available, and intersectionscontrolled by signage or signals manage trafficflow.

Trails

Chenoa has been an ongoing participant inefforts to develop and fund the Route 66Bicycle Trail, as part of a consortium of gov-ernment agencies, including McLean County,Bloomington, Normal and the IllinoisDepartment of Transportation. These effortscontinue, and are expected to result in a bicy-cle trail located on or near the historic Route66, in some areas incorporating the survivinghighway pavement into the trail facility. Untilthe planned trail is developed, an interim bicy-cle route using existing rural roads has beenproposed, although not yet adopted. Chenoahas announced plans to construct an area oftrail along Route 66 within the city, whichwill coordinate with the county-wide trailfacility. These potential improvements arediscussed under “Future TransportationFacilities,” below.

Rail

The Union Pacific rail line that runsthrough Chenoa provides direct freight railaccess to the transcontinental freight rail sys-


tem. For passenger rail, Chenoa residentshave the choice of Amtrak stations at Pontiacand Normal. Amtrak provides direct serviceto Chicago and St. Louis and intermediatepoints within Illinois, as well as connectionsto the national passenger rail network.

Air

Several airports serve the central Illinoisregion. The closest is the Central IllinoisRegional Airport (CIRA) in Bloomington,which offers extensive passenger service withdirect flights to Chicago, Atlanta, Georgia andOrlando, Florida, and seasonally to LasVegas, Nevada, as well as regional destina-tions. Air freight services are also available.Residents of McLean County also sometimeschoose to use airports located in Peoria andChampaign, and may also choose to travel byother modes to airports in the Chicago area.

STRATEGY

The following goal, objectives and poli-cies comprise the overall strategy for trans-portation. The transportation strategy providesa framework for evaluating the transportationneeds and impacts of major development proj-ects, and for implementing appropriate trans-portation development decisions. The strategywas derived from the 2000 McLean CountyRegional Comprehensive Plan, and updatedand refined as appropriate to reflect currentconditions and anticipated changes in Chenoa.Each individual strategy should be consideredin context with specific issues to determineapplicability. Priorities for implementationare addressed in Chapter 10.

Goal

A system of safe, reliable and efficient trans-portation facilities and modes that provideready access throughout the community for alltransportation modes, including non-motorized

and motorized modes, which is context sensi-tive, and which supports other elements of thecomprehensive plan.

Objective

A cost-effective and well-maintained streetnetwork to serve existing and planned devel-opment.

Policies

� Improve and maintain streets as necessaryto maintain a desirable level of servicethroughout the city and surrounding areas.� Provide for timely street extensions asneeded to properly serve new development.� Assess ongoing needs for street andhighway development to appropriately serveemerging needs, particularly in areas ofintensive industrial and commercialdevelopment.

Objective

Provide and maintain necessary infrastructureto support and promote use of alternate trans-portation modes.

Policies

� Continue participation in McLean CountyRoute 66 Bicycle Trail consortium.� Develop a plan for trail implementationwithin the city of Chenoa.� Provide for pedestrian and bicycle users innew residential and commercial development.� Investigate other methods for encouragingthe use of alternate transportation modes.

FUTURE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES

The transportation plan shown on Map 8.2delineates the potential transportation systemenhancements needed to serve growth areas in



Inte

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Map

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Four

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Wei

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Old

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6

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Old Ro

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Map 8.2

TransportationPlan


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Street Extensions

Proposed TrailPotential Trail

U.S. Route 24

Chenoa, and to provide for users of alternatetransportation modes.

Urban Streets

With carefully planned growth, as dis-cussed in Chapter 7, Chenoa is unlikely torequire the addition of major elements to thestreet system over the time frame of the plan.Certain streets may require extension or modi-fication to serve developing areas, as illustrat-ed on Map 8.2.

This section of the plan is designed to planfor the movement of vehicular traffic bydeveloping a classification of streets accordingto function. The different functions of the sys-tem and the applications of these functions tothe existing and proposed system is discussedin the following paragraphs.

For the purposes of this plan, the streetsystem has been classified into three groupsaccording to function. These classificationsare major streets, collector streets and localstreets. Design principles for each aredescribed below. It should be noted that dis-tinctions among the classifications may be lessprecise in smaller communities where trafficvolumes are generally low, and automobiletraffic does not pose a major impediment tocommunity activities.

Major Streets

Major streets should be designed to pro-vide continuity and connect the communitywith nearby highways and other populationcenters. It should also provide for a limitednumber of intersections with other streets anddiscourage direct access from private proper-ty. In Chenoa, these streets include CemeteryAvenue and Route 66. With respect toCemetery Avenue, its functions modifytowards that of a collector street in the moreheavily residential eastern portion of Chenoa.

Route 66 is expected to provide significantaccess to industrial and commercial develop-ment areas west of the railroad line. Care

should be taken in locating new industrialdevelopment to ensure that access is adequatefor the anticipated traffic to be generated, andthat the resulting traffic patterns do not signif-icantly impede access for other travelers.

Collector Streets

Collector streets should be designed tocollect traffic from the local street system anddistribute it to the major streets. Collectorstreets should not function as alternative“through” streets, and this can be accom-plished by limiting the length of segments thatcomprise the system and by spacing collectorstreets so as not to be located close to majorstreets. Again, Cemetery Avenue providesfor these functions, as does Division Street.

Local Streets

Local streets should carry low volumes oftraffic and serve as access to abutting proper-ties. Local streets comprise the majority ofstreet mileage in the city. These streets shouldbe designed to discourage through traffic bylimiting continuity or by providing stop signsor other traffic calming methods. Much ofthe street system in Chenoa is properly classi-fied as local, in that streets serve immediateneighborhoods, and are not subjected to trafficpressure from higher-volume through traffic.With new development, local streets such asSpruce and Boles may be extended to com-plete the street grid in a growing residentialneighborhood adjoining the school complex,and to anchor additional neighborhood streetsin development areas (see Map 8.2).

Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation

As noted above, Chenoa is a participant inthe multi-jurisdictional Historic Route 66 bicy-cle trail project, which will establish a trailalong the historic Route 66 highway. A coun-ty-wide interim bicycle route has been pro-


posed, utilizing existing township and countyroads, as illustrated on the transportation planmap.

As shown in Map 8.2, the city anticipatesthe construction of a segment of bicycle trailalong Route 66 itself, between CemeteryAvenue and the Livingston County line.Additional segments of bicycle trail proposedwithin the city would tie the Route 66 facilityto various Chenoa neighborhoods. These ele-ments of the trail system are not yet pro-grammed for design and construction, butcould feature in future development efforts.



Chapter 9Chapter 9

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYFACILITIESFACILITIES

Community facilities contribute to improv-ing the quality of life. Such facilities includepublic works, schools, parks and governmentbuildings. These facilities are important forattracting and supporting growth within acommunity. A community facilities planshould work in conjunction with the land useplan towards achieving the goals set for acommunity. Community facility improvementscan be costly. Therefore, it is necessary toplan well in advance for such capital improve-ments.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

The intent of the community facilities planis to provide for these essential facilities andservices in support of the land use plan. Mostfacilities should be in locations where they areeasily accessible for present and future resi-dents of the community, and adequate landshould be reserved.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Public buildings included in this section

are city hall, fire station, and public library.The locations of these buildings are shown onMap 9.1. Public buildings should be locatednear the center of the service area in order tobe equally accessible for all citizens. Theplanning process should also consider the needfor possible future expansion of these build-ings.

City Hall

This building is located on the corner ofGreen Street and Lincoln Avenue. The city’sadministrative offices and police departmentare located in this building. The facility is inthe downtown business district near the centerof the community. There is adequate on-streetparking adjacent to the building. Twicemonthly city council meetings are held withincity hall as well as monthly zoning boardmeetings. It would be difficult to expand thebuilding due to limited land available at thislocation.

Chenoa Police Department


Fire Station

The City of Chenoa Fire Department islocated at 940 S. Cemetery Ave (IllinoisRoute 24). The facility was previously locatedin the downtown area but moved to its presentlocation early in the decade. Although notcentrally located, responders can answer callsquickly within the 97.4 square mile servicearea, which includes adjacent rural areas. Thedepartment consists of a 22-member volunteerforce. The department has one rescue truck,one brush truck, three pumpers and one tankerat its disposal. The Chenoa Fire Departmentreceives approximately 141 emergency callseach year. The current building is sufficientand is located on a parcel of land whereexpansion could easily take place.

Public Library

The Chenoa Public Library opened in1913. It is located at 211 S. Division Street.Before serving the community as a library, itwas a Presbyterian church when it was built in1862. It also served other denominations as

well before the previous occupant offered thebuilding and land to the city in 1912. TheChenoa Library became a district library in2002. Current services offered by the libraryinclude internet access, copying services, achildren’s story hour, book discussion foradults as well as a computer class for begin-ners. The current facility is adequate for thepopulation it serves. However, any significantincreases in population would merit considera-tion of a future expansion of library servicesand facilities.

Future Buildings

No additional needs for public buildingswere identified, although the adequacy of cur-rent buildings should be monitored as the citygrows. Plans for future facilities should focuson the renovation or adaptive reuse of facili-ties in the downtown area. This central loca-tion enhances access to the city’s public build-ings.

Chenoa Public Library


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Second

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McLean CountyRegional Planning

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Facilities Planning AreaProposed Facilities Planning Area

U.S. Route 24

SCHOOLS

The local school system is one of the mostimportant features of a community, and is ofvital importance to its future. In addition toserving as centers of learning, the schools canalso serve as local activity centers. Schoolscan be a center of pride and provide a senseof community, thus contributing to the growthand overall stability of the community. Awell-respected school system can also attractcommunity growth and development.

Design Principles

Schools should be designed to accommo-date current and expected future student popu-lations. School buildings should be centrallylocated or as close as possible to the servicearea populations. It is preferable that schoolsbe located near parks and playgrounds whenpossible. This allows the facilities to functiontogether as centers of activity. Care should betaken to locate schools away from busy streetsfor reasons of safety.

Existing Schools

Chenoa is located within the consolidatedPrairie Central Community School District #8.The district has a total enrollment of approxi-mately 2,200 students. District #8 is com-prised of a high school (located in Fairbury),junior high school, upper elementary buildingand four elementary schools. Prairie Central-Chenoa Elementary School consists of gradespre-kindergarten through fourth grade. Theschool enrolls approximately 170 students.The average class size at the school is 15 stu-dents. The number is lower than district andstate averages for class sizes at this level. Theaverage class size in the district for pre-kindergarten through fourth grade is 18 stu-dents. The state average is 21 students. Theelementary school is located in the old ChenoaHigh School building. Prairie Central UpperElementary School and Junior High are bothlocated within the town of Forrest. The upperelementary school serves grades five and six,fifth grade having an average class size of 23students and sixth grade having an averageclass size at 22. Prairie Central Junior Highserves grades seven and eight. The averageseventh grade class includes 19 students and

Prairie Central Chenoa Elementary School


the average eighth grade class size is 17.

Future Schools

The need for additional schools is notanticipated during the planning period if cur-rent schools are properly staffed and main-tained. The City of Chenoa and the PrairieCentral School District should closely monitorlocal enrollments in relation to communitypopulation growth to help ensure continuedadequacy. Any significant increases in popula-tion may merit consideration for future schooladditions. The current physical plant comfort-ably accommodates the current school popula-tion.

PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Local communities need to provide ade-quate parks and recreation facilities for its citi-zens. Parks and community green space isimportant for not only health and recreation,but as an important local esthetic. The City ofChenoa and the Chenoa Park District areresponsible for providing and maintaining thelocal park and recreation facilities.

Design Principles

Parks can be of various sizes and servediverse geographic areas of a community. TheNational Recreation and Park Association rec-ommends there should be ten acres of park-land or open space for each 1,000 persons liv-ing in a community. Community parks aregenerally large areas that are centrally locatedand are designed to serve the entire communi-ty. Neighborhood parks serve immediateneighborhoods. These spaces are smaller thancommunity parks and are intended to be locat-ed in key geographic areas throughout thecommunity. Neighborhood parks include pic-nic areas and active recreational amenities.

“Mini-parks” are also an option. Theseparks are usually an acre or less in size andnormally intended for passive recreation activ-ities. These parks can be placed anywhere andusually feature a picnic area and limited play-ground equipment for children. Mini-parksshould be at least a quarter of a mile awayfrom the nearest park or open space.

Chenoa Community Park


Existing Parks

Chenoa’s Main City Park is located in thecenter of the city at the intersection ofDivision and Warren Streets. The park sitsjust to the east of downtown Chenoa and issurrounded mostly by residences. Main CityPark features a baseball diamond, lighted ten-nis courts, picnic shelters, playground equip-ment and grassy open areas.

Located on the west side of the city off ofSunset Drive is the Silliman Lake area. Thisopen space offers fishing, a playground area,picnic shelters and a walking trail. Near OldRoute 66 on Morehead Street is Redbird Park.This park has an outdoor swimming pool,sand volleyball court, picnic shelter and aplayground.

Kelleher Park is located on the north endof Chenoa at Third Street and Illinois. Thispark has a basketball court, walking trail,baseball diamond, playground and a largegrassy open area. The old Chenoa HighSchool football field adjacent to the PrairieCentral Chenoa Elementary School is alsoavailable for use by the community. Althoughthere are not any parks located on the southside of Chenoa, the Chenoa Park District hasprovided many outdoor recreational opportuni-ties for its citizens.

Future Parks

The City and the park district should peri-odically assess the need for expansion of parkfacilities in Chenoa, consistent with newdevelopment in both existing and new neigh-borhoods. Generally, park design standardsindicate that 10 acres of park area should beprovided for every 1,000 residents. In addi-tion, parks should be located within neighbor-hoods, to provide easy and safe access for allusers, including children. The needs of theneighborhood should be evaluated when plan-ning the amenities and facilities in new andredeveloped parks.

As noted in Chapter 7, the plan providesfor the development of new parks within

expanding residential neighborhoods in thesoutheastern section of Chenoa. Two pro-posed neighborhood parks, one adjacent to theschool complex, will serve residents living inareas south of Cemetery Avenue. The planalso provides for an open space buffer alongthe potential westward extension of BolesStreet, to provide for a natural area separatingresidential development from anticipatedindustrial uses to the south.

WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS

Water and sewer systems are vital compo-nents of a community’s infrastructure. Cleanwater is essential for public health whilesewer systems are necessary for the collectionand disposal of wastewater. The availability ofwater and sewer service is an importantrequirement for community growth. The fol-lowing summary of the city’s water and sewersystem is based on information provided bythe Farnsworth Group.

Existing Water Systems

The city has an average daily demand forwater of 190,000 gallons. The storage capaci-ty of the system is 200,000 gallons. Treatmentcapacity is 309,600 gallons per day.

Future Water System

The city’s water treatment capacityappears adequate for the foreseeable future,although careful maintenance and monitoringwill need to continue as growth occurs. Thecity would also benefit from additional storagecapacity at this time as well as into the future.

Existing Wastewater System

The wastewater treatment plant in Chenoawas built in 1981 and is currently operating at70 percent of capacity. The treatment facilityhas a design capacity of 260,000 gallons per


day. The facility currently treats approximate-ly 182,000 gallons per day.

Future Wastewater System

The city’s engineers have recommendedthe wastewater treatment plant be expanded toa population equivalent of 5,000 to provideabundant capacity for all anticipated residen-tial, commercial and industrial development.A wastewater plant with this capacity wouldbe more than capable of serving the growthanticipated in this comprehensive plan. Anexpanded facility could be built adjacent to thecurrent wastewater facility to the north whereapproximately 20 acres of land is available.

Stormwater Management

Drainage problems are an issue throughoutChenoa due to the age and poor condition ofsewers, swales and inlets. Some areas arewithout storm sewers and rely entirely onroadside ditches.

Flood prevention and improving drainagewill continue to be a community concern. Arecommendation would be to rehabilitate thewaterway which passes through Chenoa fromnorth of Route 24. Major improvements areneeded to improve drainage along this corri-dor. Storm water detention should also bedeveloped south of Route 24. Storm sewerswill be necessary as this area of Chenoa con-tinues to develop.

Chenoa water storage


This study addressesthe problem of sensiblyaccommodating growth that islikely to occur as a result ofthe anticipated developmentof a central sewer system toserve the community. Its pur-pose is to provide an advisoryguide for public and privateactions regarding the futuredevelopment of the communi-ty. The study begins with asurvey and analysis of rele-vant background data to iden-tify local issues and concerns.It then identifies objectivesand presents recommenda-tions to address those devel-opment related issues. To ful-fill its purpose, the study con-cludes with a discussion ofthe methods, responsibilities,and policies for carrying outplan recommendations andultimately meeting planobjectives.

MMEETTHHOODDSS OOFFIIMMPPLLEEMMEENNTTAATTIIOONN

There are a numberof methods available to localgovernments for the achieve-ment of plan objectives.These methods include a vari-ety of special programs and acombination of legal, finan-cial and administrative tools.Following is a brief descrip-tion of the various methodswhich can be used to carryout the plan. These methods

are summarized on Table10.1.

LLeeggaall TToooollss

Legal tools includesuch regulatory measures aszoning ordinances, subdivi-sion regulations, and the offi-cial map. Because it controlsthe use of land, the zoningordinance is probably the sin-gle most effective means ofimplementing a community’sland use plan. The City ofLexington currently has azoning ordinance. The exist-ing zoning ordinance will bereviewed and updated asneeded to reflect current con-ditions and effectively supportthe recommendations of thiscomprehensive plan.

Subdivision regula-tions are another effectivetool. These regulationsrequire coordination of newstreets and other physicalimprovements to land with anexisting or planned street sys-tem, provide standards for lotlayout and street design,require adequate street rights-of-way and alignment of col-lector streets in conformancewith the transportation plan,require drainage facilities andeasements where necessary,and may require the installa-tion of utilities, sidewalks,trails, parks, and schools toserve new areas of develop-

ment. The City’s existingsubdivision ordinance will bereviewed to help ensure itsrequirements are up-to-dateand will adequately supportthe comprehensive plan andthe projected growth pre-scribed in the plan.

The official map andcodes represent other meansfor meeting plan objectives.Codes provide sound stan-dards for the construction,use and occupancy of build-ings. The City has adoptedthe Building Officials andCode Administrators (BOCA)Building Code to help assureproper construction practices.The official map provides themunicipality with a means toreserve land designated forpublic purposes for a oneyear period from the time theland is subdivided. The mapidentifies the location offuture public facilities andstreets and, in effect, servesnotice that the municipalityintends to acquire the desig-nated land through purchase,dedication or donation. Theadoption of the official mapmeans the City may delayany action by a land ownerthat would preclude theextension of a street or thedevelopment of other publicfacilities. An official mapwas prepared to reflect thespecific public projects identi-fied in the comprehensiveplan (see Figure 9).

City of Lexington Comprehensive Plan 5959

Implementation

C H A P T E R

1010

6060 City of Lexington Comprehensive Plan

Table 10.1Summary of Frequently Used Tools for Implementing the Comprehensive Plan

Legal Tools

Zoning OrdinanceA zoning ordinance controls the use of land and is an effective means of supplementing a community's land use plan. Zoning decisions can be more defensible if based on the land use plan.

Subdivision Regulations

These regulations require coordination of new street and other physical improvements to land with an existing or planned street system and provide standards for a lot layout and street design. Subdivision regulations also require adequate street rights of way and alignment of collector streets in conformance with the transportation plan. They also require drainage facilities and easements where necessary and the installation of utilities to serve new areas of development. Also included in subdivision ordinances may be provisions for planned unit developments and for dedication for community facilities.

CodesCodes provide sound standards for the construction, use and occupancy of buildings.

Official MapThe official map provides the municipality with a means to reserve land designated for public purposes for a one-year period from the time that such land is subdivided. The map pinpoints the location of future public facilities and can serve notice that a city intends to acquire the designated land.

Financial Tools

Capital Improvement Programs

The capital improvements program includes a list of capital projects on a priority basis scheduled for a defined period of time (usually about six years). These programs usually include an estimate of the costs and funding sources for each project.

Federal/State Aid ProgramsThese programs provide technical and financial assistance for communities to help solve physical, economic and social problems. Competition for these monies are keen.

Tax Increment FinancingTax Increment Financing (TIF) is a strategy that allows improvements to be financed by bonds to be retired from revenue-generated from the increase in property taxes that result from the improvements made within the TIF district.

Administrative Tools

Annexation

This allows for control over outward growth and growth that should not be impeded. Annexation policies should depend on the extent to which the municipality is prepared to extend streets and utilities and other urban services. These policies should be established by what type of capital improvement program is in place. Pre-annexation agreements are standard requirements for zoning approval and utility extension in most developing areas.

Intergovernmental Coordination

Improvement programs or land development proposals should be reviewed for consistency with the McLean County Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. When possible, land development proposals should mirror guidelines of neighboring communities and townships, government taxing bodies, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Commerce Commission. This ensures order and mutual compatibility and efficiency in resource allocations.

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FFiinnaanncciiaall TToooollss

Financial tools forcarrying out the plan includethe capital improvements pro-gram, federal and state aidprograms and tax incrementfinancing. The capitalimprovements program is atool for public decision mak-ing that consists of a list ofcapital improvement projectson a priority basis scheduledfor a defined period of time(usually about six years),along with an estimate of thecosts of each project. Thecapital improvements pro-gram schedules the timing ofpublic improvements and pro-vides a clear picture of thecommunity’s financial obliga-tions at any point in time.The City will consider thedevelopment of a capitalimprovements program toreflect the recommendationsof the plan. Federal and stateaid programs provide techni-cal and financial assistancefor communities to help solvecertain physical, economicand social problems. Thiswould be the likely source offunding for developing asewer system to serve theCity. Although there is usual-ly stiff competition, thesepotential resources will beinvestigated and applicationssubmitted as appropriate.

Tax increment financ-ing is another financial tool.It comes under the heading ofthe “public/private partner-ship.” As such, it requirescooperation between a privatedeveloper or developers and

the municipality. The legisla-tion is written to enable themunicipality to assist a pri-vate developer in projects thatwould not have been econom-ically feasible were it not forthis participation.Furthermore, the municipalityis allowed to recover all or aportion of its costs for publicimprovements out of theincrease in property taxes thatresults from the new activity.The City has benefited from atax increment financing dis-trict established around the I-55 interchange and extendingto include the downtown area(see Figure 10). Caution willbe exercised when consider-ing this technique for residen-tial development due to thepotential for insufficient rev-enues, particularly for theschool district, to meetincreased demands.

AAddmmiinniissttrraattiivvee TToooollss

Administrative toolsinclude such measures asannexation, street and utilityextensions, and intergovern-mental coordination.Annexation is an importantstep toward meeting planobjectives. To maintain con-trol over developing territoryand to insure that outwardgrowth and development willnot be impeded, annexationwill be necessary. Theaggressiveness of annexationpolicies will depend, in part,on the extent to which theCity is prepared to extendstreets and utilities and pro-vide other urban services as

determined from the capitalimprovements program. Withrespect to intergovernmentalcoordination, the City willrelate its proposals andimprovement programs tothose of other governmentalagencies such as the schooldistrict, the township, thecounty, and the IllinoisDepartment ofTransportation, so that coor-dinated efforts can be madeto use mutual resources tosolve common problems andto achieve common objec-tives.

PPrrooggrraammss ffoorr PPuubblliiccUUnnddeerrssttaannddiinngg

Public understandingand support are essential forthe successful implementationof the plan. The public mustbe aware of the problems andopportunities facing the City,and of how the plan can assistin solving the problems andin taking advantage of theopportunities for the benefitof all citizens. There are avariety of programs whichcan be utilized to helpachieve public understandingand support. Among these areplanning publicity programswhich publicize elements ofthe plan, programs for thepreparation of yearly progressreports outlining whatimprovements have been andare scheduled to be madeaccording to the plan, andprograms for the preparationand community-wide distribu-tion of summary reports out-lining the important parts of


the plan. These and similarprograms are effective meth-ods for achieving publicunderstanding and support ofthe plan.

RREESSPPOONNSSIIBBIILLIITTYY FFOORRIIMMPPLLEEMMEENNTTAATTIIOONN

To meet communitygoals and objectives willrequire decisive actions. Theresponsibility for taking theseactions must be assumed byboth public and privategroups. These groups includethe City government, the CityPlanning Commission, andprivate citizen groups.

MMuunniicciippaall GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt

The City Council, asthe legislative body, has themajor responsibility for car-rying out the plan. Therefore,for the plan to be effective,the City Council must pursuean active implementation pro-gram. Such a program shouldbegin with the official accept-ance of the plan. Followingadoption by the City Council,the plan represents an officialstatement of communitydevelopment goals, objec-tives, proposals, and policiesreflecting the combined think-ing of municipal officials andinterested citizens. The nextstep in the process is to initi-ate improvements. Once thecapital improvements pro-gram has been developed,refined and approved, theCity Council will initiate theimprovements specified there-

in beginning with the top pri-orities. The implementationprogram will proceed withthe enactment or revision ofregulatory measures as appro-priate.

PPllaannnniinngg CCoommmmiissssiioonn

A duly appointedPlanning Commission canserve as the communityaction coordinator and havethe specific responsibility formaintaining a current commu-nity plan, capital improve-ments program and regulatorymeasures, and can undertakespecial projects as directed bythe City Council. In addition,the Planning Commission canmake recommendations to theCity Council concerning eachof these matters and can carrythe plan and related ordi-nances to the public throughthe scheduling of appropriatepublic hearings and the devel-opment of programs for pub-lic understanding. The CityPlanning Commission canalso provide valuable assis-tance in the review of specificdevelopment projects for con-sistency with the comprehen-sive plan. The City PlanningCommission can assume theseresponsibilities and more toassist City officials in carry-ing out the plan.

PPrriivvaattee CCiittiizzeenn GGrroouuppss

Although the need forpublic understanding and sup-port has already been pointedout, it should be emphasized

that private citizens have adirect responsibility for carry-ing out the plan and workingtoward the betterment of thecommunity. Citizen actioncommittees can be formed toprovide many useful services.They can serve as fact findingbodies in studies of specificproblems and can offer alter-native solutions to those prob-lems. Such committees can beextremely helpful in a varietyof civic projects includingneighborhood improvementcampaigns, beautificationprograms and bond issue sup-port programs. Private citi-zens can also be a valuableaid in supporting the plan andkeeping the general publicinformed of its proposals.

PPOOLLIICCIIEESS FFOORRIIMMPPLLEEMMEENNTTAATTIIOONN

Policies are guide-lines for actions needed tomeet plan objectives. Actionis an essential component ofthe planning process, and theneed for action has beenemphasized previously in thisreport. This chapter hasdescribed the methods andresponsibilities for implemen-tation and now concludes thecomprehensive plan reportwith an identification of thepolicies designed to assist incarrying out the plan. Thesepolicies are outlined on thefollowing pages.

NNaattuurraall EEnnvviirroonnmmeenntt

• Encourage the preservation


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of natural drainage sys-tems and waterways inorder to reduce runoffrates, reduce flooding andimprove water quality

• Encourage the sizing ofstormwater detention/retention areas to be largeenough for dual use asparks

HHiissttoorriicc PPrreesseerrvvaattiioonn

• Encourage the develop-ment and/or updating of abrochure to highlight thehistorical, cultural, andarchitectural sites andstructures the City has tooffer both to residents andvisitors

• Coordinate with theMcLean County HistoricalSociety to investigate thepossibility of nominatingspecific historic sites andstructures to be placed onthe National Register ofHistoric Places

EEccoonnoommiicc DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

• Promote planning andcode enforcement that willmaintain high standardsfor development in orderto enhance the quality oflife in the community

• Actively promote the com-munity as a favorable areafor the location of busi-ness and industry by car-rying out a program fordeveloping promotional

literature and providingcontact with outside busi-ness leaders

PPooppuullaattiioonn GGrroowwtthh

• Support planning andfacilities design that isconsistent with the adoptedpopulation projections

HHoouussiinngg

• Encourage a wide range ofhousing types, styles, den-sities and costs to meet theneeds of all income levelsand age groups

LLaanndd UUssee

• Encourage innovativeapproaches to developmentsuch as Planned UnitDevelopment and neo-traditional planning whichprovide for open space,mixed and multiple uses,and pedestrian orientation

• Encourage compact devel-opment of land contiguousto existing developmentand services, and discour-age “leap frog” develop-ment

• Provide for the extensionof public improvementssuch as streets, watermains, and sanitary sewerlines when available tosupport growth that is con-sistent with the plan

• Adopt a zone district map

that places a majority ofthe land in proposedgrowth areas in a “hold-ing” district, such as anagricultural district, andonly make changes to thezoning map when specificdevelopments are pro-posed and found to becompatible with the plan

• Encourage the preserva-tion and rehabilitation ofthe downtown commercialdistrict by seeking partici-pation in the Main StreetProgram and by promot-ing high density residentialdevelopment in and nearthe downtown

• Encourage the establish-ment of industrial parks,designed attractively andefficiently with adequatefacilities, service roads,and other necessary sup-porting facilities to attractindustry and centralize thelocation of industrialdevelopment

• Encourage the planningand construction of newcommercial developmentin attractive well-designedclusters to curtail sprawl-ing strip commercialdevelopment along majorstreets

• Conduct a thorough designreview of proposed com-mercial and industrialdevelopments, so as tocreate positive impacts inthe areas of attractiveness,safety, compatibility andtraffic flows


• Discourage the occurrenceof obnoxious and offensivefumes, odors, noises,effluent by-products andemissions in the city

TTrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn

• Require the dedication ofright-of-way for majorstreets as a prerequisitefor the approval of thesubdivision of land

• Promote the acquisition,development, and mainte-nance of both on-road andoff-road trails to expandopportunities for recre-ation, tourism, and alter-native modes of trans-portation

CCoommmmuunniittyy FFaacciilliittiieess

• Begin the process ofacquiring sites that areneeded for future commu-nity facilities, includingparks, greenways andtrails

• Coordinate the planningand capital improvementsprogramming for park andrecreational facilities withthose of the LexingtonPark District and theMcLean County ParksDepartment

• Provide water and sewerservice to City residentsonly and require annexa-tion to the City as a pre-requisite for providing

service outside the corpo-rate limits

AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn

• Develop a formalized cap-ital improvements programto reflect the recommenda-tions of the plan and iden-tify funding for plannedimprovements

• Develop a plan for annex-ation to help control thedevelopment of land adja-cent to the present corpo-rate boundaries

• Encourage the adoption ofan official map so thatland designated for publicpurposes can be reserved

• Encourage intergovern-mental coordination bymeeting with appropriategovernmental agencies todiscuss common problemsand alternative solutions

• Revise existing zoning andsubdivision regulations toconform with the plan,permit neo-traditional andplanned unit development,and provide for the dedi-cation of land for parks,greenways, trails andschools

• Encourage the develop-ment of programs toexpand public understand-ing and support of theplan and to increase citi-zen participation in carry-ing out the plan

• Encourage the develop-ment of special projectsand studies addressingparticular communityproblems

• Periodically review andupdate the comprehensiveplan

• Support continuing plan-ning programs that mayinclude a park master planencompassing recreationalfacilities and programmingas well as historic and nat-ural resource preservation


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