Riverfront ideas sound good to N. Aurora

The North Aurora riverfront project will not have a final concept plan for at least another month, but the elements of that plan are coming together and village trustees like what they see.

Trustees got their chance to look at two preliminary concepts Monday. The plans had been presented to the public last month.

"We need to take the opportunity to continue increasing the viability and use of the riverfront. It certainly is a beautiful part of town," Village President John Hansen said.

The area, roughly between routes 25 and 31 along State Street, is just as important as the Route 31 corridor, where the village has encouraged revitalization in the past few years, Hansen.

Tod Stanton of Design Perspectives reviewed some common themes of the two concepts, including a boardwalk similar to the structure in Atlantic City, N.J. A boardwalk, with a span wide enough to support vendors, would be both unique and practical, he said.

No other riverfront in Illinois has a boardwalk, and its elevated deck would be flood resistant, Stanton said.

"I like the boardwalk idea," Trustee Mark Gaffino said. "We have to get started. We have a nice area there that is just dead."

Other elements common to both plans were a dramatic increase in parking and access to the river, a children's garden and opportunities for environmental and local education.

The riverfront area would also look to improve what is already in place, including widening the bike trail and highlighting unique geological formations, Stanton said.

Trustee Dale Berman said the ideas were great, but he would like to know what the Fox Valley Park District thinks of the plan because they are a significant land owner around the Fox River and they could help secure land grants.

No cost estimate is available, however, Stanton said the project will take several phases over many years before it is complete.

The results of four months of talking to residents suggest that most people want a riverfront development, and a majority of people are willing to see at least some tax increase to make it happen.

Stanton said most businesses see the development as good for business and would consider a sales tax increase acceptable to fund part of the project.