Planners hope to improve Antioch's downtown character

They could have stayed home to watch the Bears game, but about 50 people came out to hear about revitalization plans for downtown Antioch Thursday night.

Urban planners from Chicago-based Lakota Group and Antioch village officials presented details from an ongoing $100,000 study centering on "transit oriented development." The consultants were hired by the Regional Transit Authority which paid for the majority of the study's cost.

"This is about visualizing what you want your downtown to look like," said Lakota project manager Kevin Clark. "And then you develop a zoning code on how to get there.

Moving through a nearly 45-minute slide show, Clark spoke about the importance of implementing intelligent zoning regulations that would work to maintain the quaint and historical character of the business district, especially around the Metra train station.

When and if future development comes, he said village officials should make sure it's not done in a "hodgepodge" way. He stressed the need to be consistent in standards that enhance the town's character.

The study should be complete by the end of the year, Clark said. At that point, they will make detailed and specific zoning recommendations to the village's planning and zoning committee. In turn, the zoning committee will present those recommendations to the village board for final approval.

Dustin Nilsen is Antioch's head of planning and zoning. He said it's important the village hears ideas from business owners and residents.

"It's very much an opportunity to shape downtown for the future," Nilsen said. "You can shape this process and be a part of it. It's your village and it's only as good as the people behind it."