Focus groups to discuss development near Bartlett Metra station

Focus groups are set to begin meeting this week to discuss a downtown housing and commercial development the village of Bartlett is considering.

A few weeks ago, the village, along with the Regional Transit Authority, began studying the area bound by North Avenue, Devon Avenue, Prospect Avenue and Western Avenue to determine the best location for a mixed-use development officials hope will attract people who regularly use the Metra.

"This is a plan where we're striving to tie the downtown together into a more cohesive area instead of just individual properties," Bartlett Economic Development Coordinator Tony Fradin said.

He said the study should help guide Bartlett when it comes to developing the downtown area.

The focus groups include retail and restaurant owners, staff from the village and other taxing bodies, among other potential stakeholders.

After the village stakeholders meet in their focus groups, Bartlett will hold a public meeting at Bartlett Hills Golf Course Nov. 4.

Fradin says he expects residents who attend the public meeting to weigh in on the strengths, weaknesses and threats of the potential downtown development.

The study is costing the village $25,000. The RTA provided a $100,000 grant for the planning stage.

In addition to working with the RTA, the village is working with Solomon Cordwell Buenz, a Chicago-based firm, as its consultant.

Once the study is complete, Bartlett and the RTA will work together to determine the size of the development and what it would look like.

RTA Manager of Local Planning and Programming Heather Tabbert said earlier this year the goal of project is "to promote transit and encourage walking and getting away from car dependency."