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VILLAGE OF ROMEOVILLECOMPREHENSIVE PLAN

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING #3

December 12, 2016

FRAMEWORK PLAN, KEY STRATEGIES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Introduction2. Project Timeline

3. Strategies & Guiding Principles

4. Framework Plan5. Questions/Comments6. Site Concept Visioning

7. Next Steps

OVERVIEW

ROMEOVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | Steering Committee Meeting #3 | December 12, 2016 2

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KEY PLANNING THEMES

ROMEOVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | Steering Committee Meeting #3 | December 12, 2016

ADVANCING A BALANCED ECONOMIC BASEKEY PLANNING THEME #1

OVERVIEW

Romeoville’s legacy as an industrial town has provided a strong local economy and significant job growth. While the industrial base will remain a dominant part of the Village’s economy, diversifying employment opportunities, and providing for services, commercial, and entertainment uses that cater to needs of residents is necessary to create a more complete and sustainable community. • An increasingly mobile and tech-focused consumer base has

changed traditional shopping patterns, requiring new forms of development that support a mix of uses, improved pedestrian access, and entertainment and housing options that offer unique experiences.

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Expand the retail and entertainment footprint at nodes of concentrated development, including Uptown Square and the Weber Road/Romeo Road area[SEE FRAMEWORK PLAN MAP]

STRATEGIES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Improve connectivity via roads and pedestrian/bicycle paths from

neighborhoods and employment centers to retail nodes

Encourage big box and other similar large-format retailers to locate in mixed

use centers, while discouraging freestanding locations



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Diversify uses along the Weber Road corridor, with concentrated retail and mixed use development at nodes, and supportive land uses (office, residential, and services) between development [SEE FRAMEWORK PLAN MAP]


ABOVE: Site Development Guidelines for Lake St/Gary Ave NodeSource: DuPage County Lake Street Corridor Planning Study, Teska Associates, Inc.

Provide for high quality office spaces in and near

nodes that provide locational and amenity

advantages for firms serving local markets, and

the growing demand for off-site and specialty medical

services

Provide for high quality multiple-family housing

options near nodes that also provide transit access,

dinning, entertainment, recreational, and

employment offerings

Consider changes in corridor zoning to provide

for mixed-use and other non-retail development



Expand restaurant offerings in concentrated centers that appeal to a

wide variety of tastes and budgets, and draw both

residents and workers

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Encourage mixed-uses at development nodes that emphasize free-standing land uses rather than vertical mixed-use projects, typical in dense urban centers


ABOVE: Site Development Guidelines for Lake St/Gary Ave NodeSource: DuPage County Lake Street Corridor Planning Study, Teska Associates, Inc.

Integrate cultural arts and recreational uses

appealing to the needs of all age groups, including

senior citizens



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Diversify the employment base, which has historically concentrated in the manufacturing, industrial, and warehouse sectors• Expand opportunities within existing business

sectors by seeking businesses that provide a greater variety of skilled and higher technology oriented jobs

• Expand employment opportunities beyond existing business sectors by encouraging business growth in non-traditional industries, focusing on emerging industries such as health care, specialty craft industries (such as local breweries), and medical and technology oriented businesses




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Explore other non-traditional business opportunities, such as recreation and tourism based business and hospitality centers, that:• Take advantage of Romeoville’s environmental

resources, including its network of parks, open spaces, and regional trails

• Educate the public about environmental protection efforts, including those focusing on wetlands and the Hines emerald dragonfly

• Build public education campaigns around any future efforts that redevelop former industrial sites, particularly along the river and canal, in a responsible manner for recreation or other uses




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Make existing commercial centers more experienced based places to enhance function, activity, and productivity• Provide tangible experiences that can’t be offered

via online shopping; memorable experiences also encourage people to make return visits and use social media to spread the word

• Cultivate a greater sense of place via civic engagement in well planned public spaces (e.g., provide a civic plaza/park in Uptown Square to draw more people)




ENSURING MARKET-SUPPORTIVE STRATEGIESKEY PLANNING THEME #2

OVERVIEW

The Comprehensive Plan is guided by a realistic analysis of market conditions, that identifies feasible market-supportive strategies that the Village can undertake in cooperation with its partners. The Economic and Real Estate Market Analysis summarizes market findings and provide recommendations to diversify Romeoville’s tax base relating to office, industrial, and retail uses.

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Capitalize on Romeoville’s comparative advantages, including:• Excellent interstate highway access

• Housing options at affordable price points

• Proximity to customers, suppliers, and support services

• Access to a broad labor base

• Excellent community services and amenities

• Positive business climate




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OFFICE MARKET: Attract compatible office uses with the recognition that the office market is limited in Romeoville

INDUSTRIAL MARKET: Support a balanced economic base by taking a strategic approach when adding new industrial businesses to the Village’s strong and growing industrial sector

RETAIL MARKET: Concentrate retail uses at key nodes to strengthen a small core of commercial center rather than a scattered collection of retail businesses across the Village




ENHANCING ACCESS & MOBILITYKEY PLANNING THEME #3

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ENHANCING ACCESS & MOBILITYOVERVIEW

Transportation planning in Romeoville will take a multimodal approach to ensure all modes are properly integrated into the design of the built environment. The provision of safe and convenient routes for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are fundamentally tied to the Village’s focus on strengthening access to transit facilities and enhancing connectivity to the local system of parks, forest preserves, and open space.

KEY PLANNING THEME #3


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Strengthen facilities that support the transport of goods, services, customers, and the workforce• Encourage development patterns that minimize conflicts

between regular auto traffic and trucks that form the lifeblood of Romeoville’s strong industrial base

• Collaborate with Lewis University Airport to ensure future improvement and expansion plans are in concert with the Village’s plans

• Improve transit facilities [see details on next slide]

• Create safe and connected pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly along major corridors, at major intersections, and within mixed use nodes

• Ensure all Village transportation plans are consistent with planned improvements from IDOT and Will County




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Expand the transit network to boost ridership and provide a greater amount of options to travel to, from, and around the Village• Continue plans to build new Metra station

• Assess additional park-n-ride lots

• Improve existing Pace Routes 834 and 851, including potential for more stops and greater frequency

• Explore potential Pace routes on Weber Road and 135th

Street/Romeo Road

RIGHT: Proposed land use and transportation concepts for Romeoville’s Metra station areaSource: Romeoville East Side Plan, Teska Associates, Inc. PREFERRED METRA STATION AREA CONCEPT PLAN




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Utilize the RTA’s Setting the Stage for Transit and Pace’s Transit Supportive Guidelines for integrating transit-supportive design into bus corridors and the Metra station area• Transit access

• Site and roadway design

• Pedestrian and bike access

• Parking

BEFORE

AFTER

RIGHT: Example bus corridor with before and after effects to illustrate transit-supportive designSource: RTA Setting the Stage for Transit, Teska Associates, Inc.




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Although the Village has establish a comprehensive park and recreation system, 40 acres of additional parks at 6 locations have been identified by the Village to serve existing and future growth• Require open space contributions from new

developments or fees-in-lieu to expand open space and recreational facilities across the Village

• Ensure all parks are accessible by pedestrians and bicyclists, including a reasonable walking distance to all homes, where practical

ENHANCING ACCESS: OPEN SPACEKEY PLANNING THEME #3



DIVERSIFYING THE HOUSING STOCKKEY PLANNING THEME #4

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DIVERSIFYING THE HOUSING STOCKOVERVIEW

Expanding housing options will ensure residents can age in place by finding suitable housing types that meet their changing needs over time without having to leave Romeoville. To meet this end, promote housing policies that support the distribution of diverse housing types at varying price points. • Expand market rate housing, attainable housing, and rental

housing as part of mixed-use projects, particularly in relation to Uptown Square, the proposed Metra station area on the East Side, and other areas at nodes along major transportation corridors.

• Examine residential zoning districts in the Village Code to determine if sufficient opportunity exists for development of a range of housing types.



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Support the growing demand for apartment units, and the maintenance and investment of existing complexes

Provide housing options that cater to the university community, including students, professors, and staff

Integrate a mix of housing types near transit facilities with convenient access to restaurants, entertainment, and recreational opportunities

The Springs at Weber Road and HighPoint Community are two apartment complexes serving Romeoville residents




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Continue advancing the Village’s foreclosure mitigation program to minimize negative impacts of distressed properties

Explore land banking opportunities to stabilize existing neighborhoods and stimulate new development

Connect property and homeowners with maintenance and improvement programs to stabilize existing neighborhoods

The property at 601 W 135th Street is part of the Village’s foreclosure mitigation program




LEVERAGING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPSKEY PLANNING THEME #5

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LEVERAGING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPSOVERVIEW

From local businesses and industrial enterprises to educational institutions and community-based organizations, the Village continually strives to leverage its partnerships to support community events, provide services and programs to residents, advance the vibrant business culture, and enhance Romeoville’s identity as an exemplar place to raise a family, enjoy natural amenities, do business, continue education, or visit for experiences that are unique to Romeoville.



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Through Romeoville’s “Where Community Matters” branding program, the Village continues to value partnerships with its citizens, businesses and schools. The Village’s “Community of Partners” campaign provides the platform on which to leverage resources and foster greater collaboration between schools, high education institutions, and businesses. The program goal is to improve academic achievement, foster successful individuals, and enrich student experiences.



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The CMAP GO TO 2040 Regional Plan recognizes the importance of strong partnerships that invest in communities and the local workforce as essential to creating sustainable economies.

According to the CMAP Plan:


“The quality of our region's labor force is crucial for sustaining economic prosperity. Increasingly, job growth relies on the availability of well-educated, skilled workers for knowledge-based industries.”

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES

EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE

HUMAN CAPITAL

REGIONAL MOBILITY


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Maintain strong working relationships with all of the Village’s partners, from transit agencies, taxing districts, and other governmental bodies to businesses, non-profit foundations, and community-based organizations




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Work with local strategic partners to create efficiencies, leverage limited resources, and strengthen the collective capacity of Romeoville’s network of organizations to enhance the quality-of-life for residents, strengthen the business environment, and create vibrant commercial areas



Business partners can play many roles within the community, such as

guest speakers, job shadowing, mentorships, and internships.

In 2012, Nanophase Technologies Corporation entered into a

collaboration with Lewis University to investigate aspects of engineered

nanoparticle dispersions in polishing applications.


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Partner with higher educational institutions to advance the Village’s strong economic base by educating and training students who will enter the local workforce that fill the employment needs of local businesses and industrial enterprises• Lewis University

• Rasmussen College

• Joliet Junior College

• Romeoville High School



• Technical schools: Illinois Welding School and Wilco Career Center

Promote Romeoville as a center for advanced education and skill development

through partnerships with local educational institutions.

Expand workforce development programs with local educational institutions to help

workers gain marketable skills. Local colleges and technical schools provide a

valuable tool with long-term benefits to local companies by ensuring a highly

skilled and productive work force.


FRAMEWORK PLAN

Romeoville’s long range plan must be understood within the context of both its historic growth patterns and its current position in the region. Developing a long-term growth strategy is influenced by several factors, many of which the Village has no direct control. These factors include:

• Interstate, local roadway and rail systems

• Competitive market trade areas

• Retail concentrations of various types (neighborhood, downtown, and community)

• Regional open spaces and trail systems.

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FRAMEWORK PLAN


The purpose of the Framework Plan is to illustrate the basic planning and development principles that have and will form the organizational structure for growth and development in Romeoville.

PURPOSE

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FRAMEWORK PLANThe Framework Plan map describes gateways, centers/nodes, linkages, paths, and corridors that make up the physical landscape of Romeoville.

Greenway corridors primarily consist of natural areas, such as streams, floodplains, wetlands, wildlife habitats, which should be preserved and protected from development, but which also serve as additional opportunities for non-motorized connections and link to civic destinations.

GreenwayCorridors

Gateways are of two types: Identity markers at the entries into the community and provide the first glimpse into a community’s character, marked by welcome signs, special landscaping and highlights about its people and institutions; and Special Place markers identifying special districts in the Village, such the points of entry for the regional bike paths, as well as the entries to the Uptown area or other special districts.

Gateways

Nodes typically occur at the intersection of major roadway corridors, where concentrations of activities take place, such as major retail centers or institutions, such as Lewis University. Nodes consist of various types of land use concentrations, consisting of either areas of retail concentrations, or opportunities for new forms of development that provide for a great mix of uses and densities.

Nodes

Connections are the pedestrian and bicycle paths and corridors that provide non-motorized movement along which people travel and recreate, and which interconnect the City’s neighborhoods.

Connections

Primary Use Districts describes either the historic pattern of development to be preserved or expanded, and new approaches to development for existing areas, such as the Weber Road corridor, or new growth areas.

Primary UseDistricts


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FRAMEWORK PLAN


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FRAMEWORK PLAN


WEBER ROAD CORRIDOR

• Overall Approach: Diversify land uses along the corridor, providing a greater mix of commercial, residential, office, and retail/warehouse/service businesses.

• Weber Road/Romeo Road Node: Emphasize opportunities to create a mixed-use destination with linkages to nearby civic/education uses.

• Weber Road/Taylor Road Node: Provide uses that support key mixed-use/commercial nodes, such as residential, office and service businesses, with limited expansion of existing retail centers.

As a maturing community with limited opportunities for expansion, the Framework Plan identifies several key areas within the community that will be subject to the most significant change over the next 10 years. They are:

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FRAMEWORK PLAN



• Overall Approach: Strengthen the existing uses by creating an entertainment focused destination with supportive housing.

• Emphasize opportunities to build on new retail uses by clustering similar uses near Route 53 and expanding parking to the areas behind the Event Center.

• Explore the creation of a multipurpose central green/community gathering/and park space for events.

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FRAMEWORK PLAN


UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

• Overall Approach: Explore the development of a mixed-use district that provides commercial and housing opportunities that cater to faculty and students of Lewis University, as well as local residents.

• Take advantage of connections to natural areas on the University property and Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve through old train ROW.

• Create linkages to the Lockport Metra Station to promote TOD development.


SITE CONCEPT VISIONING

41ROMEOVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | Steering Committee Meeting #3 | December 12, 2016

Using an aerial map, 3D building blocks, and stickers, the committee will brainstorm potential site development concepts for the following two subareas:

- Lewis University Area (Route 53/Renwick Rd)

- Ward Farm (Weber Rd/Romeo Rd)

- Uptown Square (Route 53/Normantown Rd)

SITE CONCEPT VISIONINGINTERACTIVE MAPPING EXERCISE

SITE CONCEPTVISIONING


Lewis University Area(Route 53/Renwick Rd)

INTERACTIVE MAPPING EXERCISE


Ward Farm(Weber Rd/Romeo Rd)



GRAND BLVD TO MURPHY RD MURPHY RD TO SOUTH CARILLON BLVD SOUTH CARILLON BLVD TO TAYLOR RDSEGMENT A SEGMENT B SEGMENT C



Uptown Square(Route 53/Normantown Rd)


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