Background

Work Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Background

The groundwork for this project was laid in 2000, when the Berwyn Development Corporation, in partnership with the City of Berwyn and the Village of Oak Park, secured an “Illinois Tomorrow” Grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to do a first-ever comprehensive redevelopment plan for the Roosevelt Road corridor. That plan, which was released in 2003, recommended encouraging pedestrian travel with wider sidewalks, landscaping and better lighting; improving traffic flow and control with medians; and attracting retail and residential development to the area. In 2006, the Town of Cicero joined Berwyn and Oak Park to help implement the recommendations of the redevelopment plan. In April 2007, the three communities signed an intergovernmental agreement that established the Roosevelt Road Advisory Committee (comprised of representatives from each municipality) to oversee the project. In January 2008, the committee selected a consultant team to prepare design plans for streetscape improvements and new zoning regulations for the corridor planning area.

Work Plan

The consultants will produce two major work products as part of the project: (1) a streetscape design plan, which will focus on all components of the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, lighting, parking and traffic circulation and (2) updated zoning regulations, focusing on the physical “form” of private development, redevelopment and rehabilitation activities along the corridor.

The project will be conducted in three phases. After an initial reconnaissance and data-gathering phase, work on the streetscape design plan and zoning regulations will occur concurrently.

(click to view a PDF version of the timeline)

What is a streetscape design plan?

A streetscape design plan is a policy document that establishes the official vision and recommendations for future landscape and construction improvements to streets and sidewalks in an area. The Roosevelt Road streetscape design plan will build upon the 2001 Roosevelt Road redevelopment plan.

The term “streetscape” encompasses all of the physical elements encountered by people who use streets and sidewalks. Common streetscape features include:

• Sidewalks and crosswalks
• Street design including lane width and surface treatments
• Lighting
• Street trees and grates
• Public art
• Street furniture, including benches and trash receptacles
• Signage and decorative banners
• On-street parking
• Bus stops

What is form-based zoning?

The 2003 redevelopment plan recommends the use of form-based zoning regulations for the Roosevelt Road corridor. Form-based zoning is a type of zoning that seeks to produce a specific urban form. Form-based zoning regulations are intended to create a predictable and pleasant environment for people by controlling the physical form of development, with a lesser emphasis on land use. This is in contrast to conventional zoning, which has historically focused on use issues almost exclusively.   Form-based zoning regulations address the relationship between building facades and public areas (e.g., streets and sidewalks), the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and character of streets. The regulations in form-based zoning codes are presented in both diagrams and words and are typically keyed to a map that designates the appropriate form and scale (and therefore, character) of development rather than merely what types of land uses or businesses are allowed.  

How can I participate in the Roosevelt Road project?

During the course of the project, there will be many opportunities for folks to offer input or get information about the project. Check out the events page for information about upcoming meetings/events and watch for notices of key meetings. 

What are the boundaries of the study area?

The study area includes all properties that front on Roosevelt Road (north and south sides of street), from Austin Boulevard to Harlem Avenue.

What if I have questions or ideas I’d like to share?

If you have questions or want to provide input, please join us at a scheduled meeting or event, or don’t hesitate to contact us at comments@rooseveltroad.com.

Will this project require road construction on Roosevelt Road?

The streetscape design component is likely to contain recommendations for the redesign and re-engineering of traffic lanes, on-street parking, the location of private drives, pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks, and other elements including street trees, landscaping and signs.

The City of Berwyn is currently planning utility work for the portion of Roosevelt Road within their jurisdiction. This will result in construction along the roadway. The three municipalities are working closely with the consultant team to appropriately and efficiently time the streetscape process so that any future construction activity is coordinated with planned utility work to minimize impacts on businesses, residents, and those who travel the Roosevelt Road corridor.