 |
 |
 | |
|
Info
COUNTRYSIDE, Ill. - Imagine a mixed-use, multi-story Town Center as the "gateway" into the City offering both shopping and dining all at the doorstep of historic Route 66. Now picture pedestrian sidewalks taking you from shopping to dining all along the new streetscape of LaGrange Road. That is Countryside's new development vision as it prepares for its 50th anniversary. As directed by the City Council, Economics Research Associates of Chicago conducted an assessment that will help guide an economic redevelopment strategy to grow sales tax revenue into the future. As part of the assessment that included Council input, they also have outlined a redevelopment vision and implementation strategy to help the City and private investors make short- and long-term development decisions that contribute to the well-being of the City. "Countryside has a lot of development potential and we are excited to start pursuing a new vision that will continue to grow our strong economic tax base," said Mayor Robert Conrad. "Our business community is changing and we want to be ahead of the curve." Part of that vision includes a Town Center, a mixed-use, multi-story "gateway" into Countryside's commercial center as well as an entertainment district offering an intimate dining experience on north LaGrange Road.. The City Council recently created and implemented a business district, which will include the Town Center, on LaGrange Road between 58th Street and Joliet Road. It also has begun pursuing land acquisition of available property on LaGrange Road and is currently moving forward on the selection of a private sector development partner. The City Council narrowed a list of potential developers for review, which it accepted at its July 23 City Council meeting. Other elements include continuing the commercial corridor enhancements. Countryside is expected to begin the beautification of LaGrange Road this fall which will include new lighting, landscaping, pedestrian oases at the intersections and crosswalks. The vision also calls for the City to determine a location of a new City Hall and to pursue a redevelopment plan for Countryside Plaza. "This is many years in the making but it is important to start now. We want to be proactive in our development strategy and this allows us to invest in the right opportunity for our community," Conrad said. "During this difficult economic time, we are strategically mapping out our future and will be ready for potential opportunities." The assessment is part of the City's continuing development campaign. Recent developments include renovations and additions at Salem Square Shopping Center, the expansion of Autobarn Mazda and the renovation of Dominick's. More information is available by visiting gocountryside.net/development. |
| ||||||
 | ||||||
| ||||||
 | ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
|
||||||
|
© Copyright 2008 City of Countryside | 5550 East Avenue | Countryside, IL 60525
Legal Disclaimer