Makeover for Route 137?

The computer-generated landscape looks lush, but whether that will translate to real enhancements in Libertyville's "other" business corridor along Route 137 may be a hard sell.

Though far from finalized, a proposed streetscape plan for the 1.2-mile stretch between Milwaukee Avenue and Butterfield Road received a favorable reaction from village leaders.

But the village has no money budgeted for any work there, and business owners are reluctant to pay a special tax to fund such a project.

In a recent presentation to the village board's streets committee, designers envisioned landscaped medians and road frontages, a bike path on the north side, entry signs, banners and other improvements along a successful but, in spots, unattractive commercial strip.

Updating the area, traveled by more than 30,000 vehicles a day, would be a large-scale project.

"This is as extensive a landscaped area as we have in the village," said Public Works Director John Heinz.

The village hired 3D Design Studio of Grayslake for $9,950 to produce the concept plan in response to an evolving group representing businesses along the corridor called Uptown Libertyville.

The village also has an interest, as design programs for main gateway corridors are suggested in its comprehensive plan.

"We thought we would take the initiative and try to come up with some ideas," said Village Administrator Kevin Bowens.

A big part of the plan features landscaping, signs and banners along the road, and landscaping for existing medians.

"Our intent would be wild flowers, perennials, things that take care of themselves and regenerate every year," Heinz said. "Sort of long, weaving swaths of color."

Some new medians also would be installed, such as in front of the state's driver's license facility, and existing access points would be consolidated to minimize turns onto Route 137.

"We know that will be a considerable item to discuss," Heinz said.

A bike path on the north side of the street would connect to the Independence Grove Forest Preserve and the Des Plaines River trail.

No cost estimate was provided, but the improvements were described as giving maximum impact for minimum expense. Burying power lines or installing curbs around medians to allow for trees, would add considerably to the cost, however.

Who would pay is another matter.

Bowens said no money is budgeted for a Route 137 streetscape, and a special taxing district may need to be established. Trustee Bob Peron was more direct.

"It will be an SSA (special service area)," he said. "I'm sure they're not thinking it's coming free."

That idea may not play with property owners, who have not seen the presentation.

"We will not be agreeable to any kind of SSA that would put an additional burden," on us, said Jack Martin, a force behind the loosely knit business group and owner of several properties along Route 137.

Martin said many property owners have made improvements on their own, and there is sufficient tax dollars already being generated.

"Now we think it's our turn to get something back from the village," he said.

Village officials said the proposed plan would be shared with business owners in a meeting to be scheduled.