Glen Ellyn tesidents try to make 'dreamland' a reality

Theater, retail, green space, jobs, connectivity and train tracks were just a handful of terms that were tossed around Monday night as passionate Glen Ellyn residents collaborated, mapped out and discussed their vision of a perfect downtown.

Town Builder Studios hosted the first downtown Glen Ellyn Town Hall Meeting as part of a strategic plan study they took on in February.

First, consultants discussed findings from more than 100 interviews that touched on land use, the market, parking and historic architectures. Jim Louthen, Town Builder Studios president, said the entire planning process would take about a year. Next, about 60 people broke up into groups and designed their own downtown Glen Ellyn dreamland. Last, groups presented their plans to their peers.

"Vacancies are a signal that we need to respond, and we're going to do that together," Louthen said.

The study's open interaction and workshops will continue this week. Consultants will be available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at 476 N. Main St. for one-on-one interaction so residents can learn what the consulting group has to offer and give their own suggestions.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday a closeout presentation session will be held also at 476 N. Main St. to report findings from all three days.

Louthen said the purpose of the activities is to elicit public input.

"The residents and merchants have lived and worked here, and they know the community," he said. "A dynamic planning process allows for them to share their expertise and participate in the development of the plan.

"Ultimately, these are the people that will be affected."

Resident Amy Thompson said she had a very interesting and engaging conversation with her group.

"I think there were a lot of good ideas that came out of this," she said.

But her group also had many different views, and looks forward to Town Builder Studios putting it all together.

"Based on all this input, there are probably about as many opinions as there are people," she said jokingly.

Glen Ellyn's Planning and Development Director Staci Hulseberg said she's excited about the outcome.

"This is a very innovative process to do over three days," she said. "It offers the public ample opportunities to be involved."