Antioch seeks input on Lifestyle Corridor plan
More than bargains will be on display Thursday at the sidewalk sale in downtown Antioch.
Residents and visitors can review and ask questions about the Antioch Lifestyle Corridor plan, an ambitious attempt to connect users to key destinations and eventually position the village as the crossroads of a regional trail system.
Work began last October to fashion the plan, which is considered a blueprint to promote an active lifestyle while creating a community asset that could create economic development opportunities.
The detailed document has been assembled by a steering committee representing various interests with guidance and assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. The agency has partnered with dozens of communities, including several in Lake County, on a variety of projects to support the agency's “Go To 2040” regional comprehensive plan.
In Antioch, two public meetings have been part of the process, and more input is sought before a final plan is adopted by the village. Because summer is a busy time for many, the decision was made to bring the plan to the public.
The documents and maps will be available and CMAP representatives will be on hand from 1 to 7 p.m. on Main Street during the sidewalk sale that's part of the village's Taste of Summer festival.
“We thought the traditional open house might not draw enough people, so we're looking for alternatives to bring the project to the people,” said village Trustee George Sakas, a member of the steering committee that has approved the draft.
“We hope to get people walking by saying, 'What's going on here?' and getting their input,” said Jason Navota, a principal planner with CMAP and manager of the Antioch project.
At more than 100 pages, with an accompanying 27 pages of maps and graphics, the plan provides a detailed vision, policies and recommendations, and other information on a multiuse path that incorporates trail segments, sidewalks, on-street paths and new connections to link three distinct districts within town.
The western district promotes education and exploration of natural resources. History and entertainment are among the attractions of the central downtown core, and the eastern portion offers health and wellness opportunities, such as the Tim Osmond Sports Complex.
“We'll be asking people to just give us some idea what segments they think should be implemented first,” Navota said.
Eventually, the local portion would connect with the Chain O' Lakes State Park on the west with the Des Plaines River Trail on the east.
The plan envisions short- and long-term improvements to capitalize on the village's “Antioch, Authentic by Nature” promotional campaign.
“We've got the lakes, we've got hills, we've got recreation areas, we've got the historic downtown. It's all part of the vision we see for improving the Antioch community,” Sakas said of the Lifestyle Corridor concept.
Navota said having an approved plan also will improve the village's chances of snaring federal and other funds.