Buffalo Grove’s 2050 vision gets nod from planning panel

Buffalo Grove’s planning and zoning commission voted this week to recommend the village’s 2050 comprehensive plan.

The plan, which touched on such areas as land-use, housing, economic development, transportation and sustainability, earned praise from a village trustee in attendance Wednesday, Lester Ottenheimer III.

“While there is no perfect document, this comprehensive plan is one of the most impressive comprehensive plans I have ever seen in being involved in the village,” he said.

Community Development Director Nicole Woods provided a series of data points, including the expected population growth by 27% from the current 43,000 residents.

Key recommendations include preserving industrial corridors; continuing implementation of the Lake Cook Corridor Plan; facilitating private-public redevelopment along the Dundee Road corridor, including reinvestment in Cambridge Commons.

It also calls for diversifying housing stock, including exploring senior housing, and emphasizing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and promoting walking access.

Commissioner Jason Davis raised issues around the village's demographics, asking how the plan would attract young professionals. His daughter, he noted, is in her 20s and wants to live in Buffalo Grove but doesn’t need a luxury apartment.

Commissioner Neil Worlikar said he would like the village’s partnerships with local school districts highlighted.

Commissioner Chad Gregory said he appreciated the plan touching on accessory dwelling units as a potential housing option. He also mentioned a zoning update he would like to see.

“I would love to just get rid of parking minimums,” he said. “It hamstrings businesses from coming in, it hamstrings our development plan, and does not allow for us to build up and use our lands in more dense manners.”

It will now head to the village board for approval later this summer.