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Arlington Heights discusses beautifying major corridors

Arlington Heights officials are exploring ways to beautify two important corridors through town as a way to boost curb appeal and economic development.

The village board on Monday heard reports about the Rand Road corridor near Arlington Heights and Palatine roads, and about areas of Northwest Highway from the area near Arlington Park to the section just east of downtown.

Trustees agreed there are several projects that could be done to make those areas more appealing to business and customers, but they haven't yet made decisions on how much money should be spent.

The Rand Road area, also known as the Uptown shopping district, is important to the village because it encompasses more than 1.5 million square feet of retail space that generates $280 million in sales annually, according to village documents.

A consultant report from Teska & Associates suggested parkway and median improvements like trees and landscaping, better gateway signs branding the area, and upgraded pedestrian crosswalks to make the area more walkable.

Another study, done by the village staff of areas along Northwest Highway, found room for similar improvements such as landscaping, removing unattractive fencing and creating better pedestrian walkways.

Officials suggested phased improvements over the next five or six years for each area.

“Many things go into making successful commercial corridors,” said Village Manager Randy Recklaus. “One element that falls onto the village's shoulders is how the public space is designed and maintained. If we don't make the investment, it will not get done.”

Officials said some of the village's corridors are falling behind when compared to areas like Deer Park Shopping Center or Randhurst in Mount Prospect.

“We've got a lot of competition, not just from other communities but from the internet,” said Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development. “We should be concerned that we're losing market share by not keeping them attractive.”

Some trustees asked questions about the costs of improvements and if the burden could be shared with business owners, but they agreed that doing something is important.

“It's a reflection of what we think about our village,” Trustee Robin LaBedz said.

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