Planning Programs and Projects

In late 2009, the Village of Wilmette began a planning process that leveraged the Village's high commuter usage of the rail and bus systems to create a long-range vision for an improved downtown area. This ten-month planning and design process built upon several other studies and engaged some 300 residents in the process. The study process evaluated market feasibility, infrastructure capacity, and most importantly public opinion to create the final plan recommendations. The result of the project created a Master Plan that suggests increased densities, building heights and a mix of acceptable land uses combined with an appropriately regulated urban design and public realm character for defined portions or Target Areas of the Village Center. Additionally, the Master Plan conceptually addresses other areas of the Village Center, most notably the Green Bay Road corridor and future redevelopment which may occur there.

The final Wilmette Village Center Master Plan is intended as a basis, or starting point, for any future detailed development planning, design or engineering that will be required leading up to construction and implementation of all or portions of the Plan. It is a guide and as an approved Village tool, it will provide the roadmap for future initiatives, Village leadership goal setting and budgeting and management of the downtown. It is a living document and must be easily and effectively managed and adaptable to changing market conditions. While the time horizon for this Master Plan has been identified as a 10 to 15 year program, it is important that staff and Village leadership update and benchmark the plan on a regular interval. The Village of Wilmette officially adopted the Village Center Master Plan document as an amendment to their comprehensive plan on January 25, 2011. The project's website contains detailed information and reports.

The vehicles and operations funded by this program will be used for demand responsive paratransit service to provide door-to-door service for populations of the disabled, low income, and senior populations in the urban portions of Kendall County. The project is designed to be the first phase of a countywide general public transportation system.

This is the first phase of a three-part plan to implement one of three regional call centers. The center will promote, enhance and facilitate access to transportation services, including the integration and coordination of services for individuals with disabilities, older adults and those individuals with low income. Facilitating the coordination of transportation services for work training work shops and work placement agencies are among the functions of the call center.