Planning Programs and Projects

Updated regulations & design guidelines for both station areas were completed in August 2012. The RTA continues to track development progress in both station areas and to offer implementation assistance when appropriate.

The Plan was adopted by the Town Board on November 11, 2014. The Town has initiated some implementation efforts by securing technical assistance in 2018 from the RTA to amend the Town Zoning ordinance. 

In 2021 the Chicago Transit Authority was awarded funds for design engineering to improve the at-grade crossing of the Pink Line with Cicero Avenue. As identified in the plan, the condition of the roadway and the protective rubber boots at the crossing have deteriorated over time, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians. In addition, the signal system, roadway, and pedestrian gate mechanisms at the grade crossing will be upgraded. The CTA will work with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to make these critical system improvements. Changes to this grade crossing are a priority due to several safety incidents at the crossing that have put CTA staff and passengers at potential risk. 

The Main Street TOD Plan was adopted by the Evanston City Council on July 9, 2014. A nine-story mixed-use development at Chicago Avenue and Main Street that includes 112 apartment units above ground floor retail and second floor office and amenity space opened in fall of 2016. In 2017 the RTA assisted the City to create a TOD Parking Policy for areas surrounding this and other rail stations throughout the City. In 2018 the RTA awarded funds to install new bike racks at the Main Street Station via the RTA's Access to Transit Program.

The Village Board formally adopted the Plan on August 13, 2013. To continue support of the Village's TOD efforts, the RTA selected the Village as part of the 2014 Community Planning Program of Projects for a Developer Discussion Panel. The Panel convened on February 10, 2015 and a summary of this discussion can be found on the Fox Lake Developer Discussion Panel RTAMS page.

In September of 2017 the Village Board designated the Fox Lake station area as a Business District, where an additional 1% sales tax will be applied to generate revenue for promoting redevelopment and constructing public infrastructure.

This panel convened in July 2012 and a summary of this discussion can be found below in the Study Documents. The RTA is monitoring progress and will offer assistance with implementation as needed.

The Village used this document to seek out funding opportunities to fund the recommended improvements. In 2013 CMAP approved the RTA's submittal to fund 80% of the cost for local access to transit capital improvements for the Stone Avenue Metra Station, as recommended in this plan. The RTA has approved the local match as part of the 2014 budget and projects began in mid-2014. The full Access Improvements report can be found below in the Study Documents section below.

The draft final plan was presented to and accepted by the Village Board on October 21, 2013. The RTA continues to work with the Village on implementation activities. The current focus is on pedestrian access improvements.

The RTA worked with the Village to prepare a marketing brochure that highlights the opportunity sites and concept plans illustrated in the TOD plan. The brochure was completed in August 2014 and the Village will use it to court prospective developers. The brochure can be found below in the Study Documents.

In early 2015 the RTA applied for CMAQ funding on behalf of the Village, as a selected project in the Access to Transit Improvement Program, for sidewalk & access improvements in the Metra station area and was awarded funding (including Lake Villa). Projects should begin construction in 2017 or 2018.

In September 2017, the Village Board voted to designate the Metra station area a Business District in order to spur redevelopment. The additional taxes generated from the business district will be used for area improvements such as enhancements to private buildings, public infrastructure upgrades and beautification efforts.

This panel convened in April 2013 and a summary of this discussion can be found below in Study Documents. The RTA is monitoring progress and will offer assistance with implementation as needed.

This panel convened in December 2012 and a summary of this discussion can be found in the Study Documents section. The RTA is monitoring progress and will offer assistance with implementation as needed.