Plans to improve 5 parts of Elmhurst
The Elmhurst City Council is soon to consider a series of five subarea plans as an update to the city's 2009 comprehensive plan. Here's an overview of the ideas, listed in a 41-page document available here: https://www.elmhurst.org/DocumentCenter/View/15205/DRAFT-Elmhurst-Subarea-Plans.
York and Vallette
Goals: Take advantage of history as former commuter station district and location next to Illinois Prairie Path.
Suggestions: Replace single-story commercial with multistory residential over retail; ensure buildings have views of Prairie Path; use city-owned parking lot for special events; widen sidewalks to 10 feet; remove curbside parking; bury utility lines; standardize lighting.
Lake Street
Goals: Increase desirability of business district; improve appearance of public and private properties; increase safety and mobility.
Suggestions: Remove frontage road on south side of Lake east of Walnut Street; Install 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of Lake at least five feet from street; add gateway feature at Lake and Grand Avenue.
First and York
Goals: Spur redevelopment of multistory, mixed-use buildings to complement new Metra Station, to be built beginning in 2019.
Suggestions: Build walkway and alley system to divide block into six units; clean, restore and upgrade facades; convert city parking lot into temporary social space for events; build new Schiller Square plaza.
Butterfield west of York
Goals: Better mix of institutional, commercial and residential uses; integrate Elmhurst Hospital into neighborhood.
Suggestions: Introduce multifamily housing - potentially assisted living; make bicycle improvements; complete network of sidewalks; annex unincorporated properties.
North Avenue and Route 83
Goals: Promote strategic redevelopment at northwest and southeast corners; improve pedestrian access for nearby residents; create gateway into city.
Suggestions: Install 6-foot-wide sidewalks at least five feet from street; limit driveways; landscape "leftover" open space; add gateway sign.