What's In Niles' Future? Village Reveals Tentative Plan

New building developments at , additional bike paths and bus routes and intersection improvements at Shermer and Waukegan roads and Milwaukee Avenue and Ballard Street were just a few suggestions revealed at Tuesday’s public presentation of the village’s comprehensive plan.

The plan, a living document, is a long-range guide for the village to help manage growth during the next 15-20 years. The last comprehensive plan was developed in 1971.

Courtney Kashima of Houseal, Lavigne and Associates, the consulting firm the village of Niles hired to develop the comprehensive plan, worked with an appointed Niles sub-committee. Over the course of the past year, the firm held workshops to gather input from business owners, residents and other stakeholders.  After listening to the input, the team developed the document.

Earlier:

“We did notice people love living here. The goal was to take what you’ve got and improve it,” Kashima said. “We want those small victories that people can see.” 

Kashima likened the plan to a village checklist, with short-term and long-range goals. If adopted, residents could see improvements to the appearance and sustainability of the village.

What’s on the check list?

• Adding sidewalks in residential areas, and areas near schools, which lack them
• Installing public art displays throughout the village
• Determining a location for a farmer’s market
• Expanding the use of solar powered traffic signals 

The plan also suggests hiring an urban planner on village staff to oversee implementation of the comprehensive plan.

“If you want to make this any different than the last plan, you need (an urban planner),” said Fred Kudert, a member of the subcommittee. 

Long Range Improvements

The comprehensive plan also includes some concept proposals, guidelines and ideas to get village officials thinking about addressing issues.

The plan includes a concept proposal to address congestion and safety concerns on Milwaukee Avenue between Monroe and Oakton streets, including developing a center turn lane and parallel street parking.

At the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Dempster Street, the plan proposes signage, or possibly a mural, concept to improve the look of the underpass.  

"Any of the big proposals are concepts not recommendations," Kashima said. "There are plenty of recommendations, but the concepts can change to make them the right move for the village."

Officials expect a vote on the draft plan at Thursday’s Planning and Zoning meeting before the document will be finalized and sent to the village board. The village board is expected to vote on the plan in October, officials said.

The draft is available on the village website.