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Possible makeover in works for Algonquin's downtown

Algonquin could be one step closer to getting a downtown facelift if the village board approves an agreement for a streetscape concept plan.

As part of the proposed $143,332 agreement, Christopher Burke Engineering, Inc., and Lakota, a Chicago-based planning and urban design company, would survey the downtown area and create a detailed redevelopment plan.

The village originally had set aside $200,000 for a concept plan in its 2015-16 budget.

"It's a conceptual plan that will provide some color renderings of what our downtown can be - what our general theme is going to be, what the specific important elements are of our redevelopment," Public Works Director Robert Mitchard said.

The streetscape plan is essentially "the bread and butter" of a redevelopment project, Mitchard said Tuesday. It would provide details on improvements such as bike pathways, parking, pedestrian walkways and lighting. The proposed agreement also states that the plan must take into consideration aesthetics, cost, funding strategies and maintenance.

The plan would involve the entire downtown commercial district, Mitchard said, which includes Route 31, Main Street and Harrison Street, along with parts of Jefferson and Washington streets.

Mitchard said the village has been in talks about downtown redevelopment for nearly 20 years. The completion of the Western Bypass project has moved traffic out of downtown, giving the village the perfect opportunity to set a revitalization project in motion, he said.

"Some of the businesses that are there are great, but we want to bring other businesses and other uses downtown," Mitchard said. "We want to attract people downtown to shop, to eat, for entertainment, to enjoy the riverfront."

Once the concept plan is completed, it will be presented to residents and businesses for feedback. Then, if it's approved by the village board, construction likely would be phased in over three to four years, Mitchard said.

"We need to start a new interest in downtown," he said. "It may never be Geneva or St. Charles, but downtown Algonquin certainly has charm and attraction. We need to enhance it."

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