Buffalo Grove envisions central business district along Lake-Cook corridor

Buffalo Grove will study the creation of a central business district and other economic opportunities along the Lake-Cook Road corridor, according to the 2016 Economic Development Strategic Plan approved by the village board Monday.

"One of the most important things that we need to develop a vision on is our Lake-Cook Road corridor," said Community Development Director Christopher Stilling, adding that the village will be working with community members and businesses to create a document outlining that vision.

Stilling said the potential central business district could be anywhere from Arlington Heights Road on the west to near Weiland Road on the east.

"We need to develop a vision for what we want to see five, 10, 15 years from now," he said. "And when we look at that vision, knowing the community and knowing that there are opportunities for a central business district - based on what the market demands are telling us, based on traffic patterns, based on what the residents are telling us - that's probably the best opportunity to explore that."

The 2016 economic plan was created with help from a steering committee and the results of a survey sent to 800 businesses, as well public input from an open house in December. Along with improving economic growth and quality of life, the plan's goals include evaluating opportunities to expand the village's boundaries and promote diverse housing opportunities.

Stilling said he expects to be back before the village board during the budget process later this year with a list of specific actions to take.

Trustees were supportive, while also emphasizing that the strategic plan is not binding and a more detailed action plan is essential.

"As an aspirational statement, I think that this document is a solid effort," Trustee Jeffrey Berman said. "The work plan is, in my opinion, a much more significant document. It sets forward actual, tangible steps that staff is committing to take on behalf of the board and the community to move forward in a real way. And that is something that we haven't had in the past, much to the frustration of members of the board and the public."

Noting the business survey garnered only a small number of responses, Trustee Andrew Stein said village officials should visit businesses in person. "The next time, let's not send 800 postcards," he said. "Let's see if we can knock on some doors."