'Attractive' Algonquin streetscape called costly

Village trustees got a peek at an "attractive" and "costly" streetscape plan for Algonquin's Old Town district Tuesday night.

The comprehensive plan includes a gateway monument, a pedestrian plaza along Huntington Drive, a riverwalk around Crystal Creek and trail improvements on the Prairie Path.

The plan, paid for by a $33,000 grant from the state's Tomorrow Corridor Program, was developed by Planning Resources, which created design plans for Cornish Park and streetscape improvements along North Harrison Street.

Though cost estimates were not included in the "very rough draft" presented, Assistant Village Manager Jeff Mihelich noted the projects would have to be funded over several years.

"It's a very attractive plan, but it is also a costly plan," he said.

Having such a plan in place, he said, would help the village when applying for grants to help pay for some of the projects.

Making the downtown area more attractive and easier to navigate is vital not only for residents, but also will serve to bring more businesses into the community, Village President John Schmitt said.

"The plan is critical for making future deals happen," Schmitt said.

Residents will be able to view and submit comments about the plan for about a month through the village Web site and public hearings, Mihelich said. The plan, along with the public input, will then go back to designers and the village board.