Glencoe Seeks Public Input for 'Tune-Up' of Downtown

As part of a comprehensive set of initiatives to engage, inform and involve residents in the future plan for the downtown, Village of Glencoe officials today shared a calendar of community events highlighting the many activities available to residents to become involved in the planning process.

“We are embarking upon an exciting time in Glencoe’s history -- the review and ‘tune-up’ of our downtown district -- and will be using every venue we can to ensure our residents and businesses have many opportunities to share their ideas and comment on our process,” explained Caren Thomas, Plan Commission Chair.  Most notably, the Village is utilizing social media and online tools to make sure communication can occur “24/7” through its new project website: www.GlencoeTuneup.com.

In addition to using e-mail and other written updates, Village staff will be available at multiple summer events, including the Glencoe Farmer’s Market, 4th of July, Public Works open house, and Art Fair. Information is available at www.GlencoeTuneup.com.  One of the more novel ways to encourage resident participation is through a community “ideas chalkboard” located at Wyman Green.  

“We’ve borrowed an idea from community planner and artist, Candy Chang who has used public chalkboards to gather ideas and creative solutions about neighborhoods and business districts all over the US and across the world,” said Village Manager Philip Kiraly. “Using this chalkboard should be fun and we hope enlightening.”  Kiraly recommends interested community members follow along on the project’s website:  www.GlencoeTuneup.com to check out the calendar, contribute to the weekly “quick poll”, or post their photos of likes and dislikes about downtown Glencoe. Linked closely with the website, a smart phone and tablet app will be made available by late June and will provide another convenient way to communicate with the Village during the tune up. 

The Plan Commission will focus its attention on Downtown Glencoe through the fall and winter, considering issues of economic development, land-use, public spaces, and design guidance for businesses and potentially new developments.  Regularly scheduled Plan Commission meetings, held at Village Hall on the fourth Wednesday of each month, will be preceded by one or more panels of residents, business owners and community leaders who have informed viewpoints about the issues facing the Commission.  This review of Downtown Glencoe is part of a regular and planned review of the Village’s planning policies.  It is the first step in an overall assessment of the Village’s comprehensive plan, a review that commences approximately every 20 years.

All Panel discussions and Plan Commission meetings are open to the public and the Commission will seek public comment throughout the next few months.  An open house will be held early in 2015 in advance of any recommendations to the Village Board.

Staff Contact:

Nathan Parch, Planning and Development Administrator

847/835-4111, X 1118

nathanp@villageofglencoe.org

Upcoming events:

7/19/2014, 9:30-11 a.m.: Visit us at the Farmer's Market

7/23/2014, 6:30 p.m.: First Panel: Cultural Resources Partners

7/23/2014, 7:30 p.m.: July PC Meeting: Economic Development Strategy, cultural resources, arts, and hospitality

7/26/2014, 9:30-11 a.m.: Visit us at the Farmer's Market

8/2/2014, 9:30-11 a.m.: Visit us at the Farmer's Market

8/27/2014, 6:30 p.m.: Second Panel: School District, Park District, Library District

8/27/2014, 7:30 p.m.: Third Panel: Downtown Property Owners/Businesses

9/23/2014, 6:30 p.m.: Sept. PC Meeting: Land-use mix, urban form, scale and intensity

10/22/2014, 6:30 p.m.: Fourth Panel: Developers / Home Builders

10/22/2014, 7:30 p.m.: Oct. PC Meeting: Housing and Downtown as neighborhood

11/19/2014, 6:30 p.m.: Fifth Panel: Invited Leadership

11/19/2014, 7:30 p.m.: Nov. PC Meeting: Public Spaces, Places, Design Guidance, Connect to Surrounding Neighborhoods

12/17/2014, 6:30 p.m.: Sixth Panel: Transit Advisors (Pace & Metra) and Traffic/Parking Experts

12/17/2014, 7:30 p.m.: Dec. PC Meeting: Circulation, Parking, Transit and Accessibility