Elmhurst seeks input on downtown plan

Elmhurst officials are creating a new downtown plan to guide growth and development in the city’s core over the next decade.

When completed, the plan will cover everything from parking and transportation to streetscape and pedestrian access. It also will identify downtown catalyst sites and other redevelopment opportunities.

As part of the planning process, officials are seeking feedback from residents and stakeholders. A business listening session at city hall is set for 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. The session is aimed at downtown property and business owners.

Residents can learn about the project schedule and give their input during a public workshop at city hall from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 13.

In addition, the city encourages residents, business owners and developers to complete an online survey on how the downtown could improve. The survey, available at elmhurst-il-downtown-plan-hlplanning.hub.arcgis.com, should take about 15 minutes.

The city council in December agreed to hire Houseal Lavigne Associates, a Chicago-based urban planning firm, to update Elmhurst’s 2016 downtown plan. Houseal Lavigne will be paid up to $148,670 for a consultant’s fee.

The new plan is expected to be completed late this year.