Arlington Hts. eyes pedestrian plaza for north downtown

Arlington Heights is planning a pedestrian plaza downtown on the north side of Northwest Highway, but objections by the Illinois Department of Transportation could delay the project.

The village wants to close a small chunk of Miner Street between Dunton Avenue and Northwest Highway to create the plaza. The plaza, about 10,000 square feet, would feature green space and seating.

Village staff will develop new ideas for the plaza by next week, as a reaction to the IDOT proposals, said Charles Witherington-Perkins, director of planning and community development.

"The changes are more dramatic because of IDOT concerns," he said.

IDOT is involved because of the plaza's potential effects on Northwest Highway.

Construction costs of about $139,000 will come from the last money in the Tax Increment Financing II fund, said Derek Mach, village landscape planner.

The plaza fits in the master plan for the downtown, and bids for construction have been received.

Javier Villarreal, owner of Javier's Sabor Mexicano on the proposed plaza, said he is very excited about the plans and the prospect of having outdoor seating.

Jon Ridler, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, said downtown business people on the north side of the tracks have felt slighted, and this plaza could help them by providing a focal point and foot traffic.

"I think the plaza is a great thing for the north side," he said. "There will be the opportunity to have some outdoor seating on that side of the tracks.