Originally incorporated in 1925, the Village of Westchester grew rapidly in geographic size and population to become a thriving community.  Located just 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, Westchester is within close proximity to O'Hare and Midway airports, interstate systems (I-88, I-290 and I-294), and a network of beautiful natural spaces and forest preserves.  Westchester is also home to recreational, educational, and public service institutions, making it an ideal place to live, work and raise a family.  Today, there is significant potential for infill development and redevelopment.  Recognizing these possibilities, the Village embraces the need to create a shared vision that will lead to an increase in social and economic prosperity in Westchester.

Now, the Village of Westchester is embarking on an interactive, community-based process to develop its first comprehensive plan in 55 years. The plan will provide a context in which decisions affecting the future of Westchester can be made with some certainty that today's choices -- whether large or small -- contribute to achieving the long-term goals and vision of the entire community. This planning process will explore opportunities in land-use planning, residential and commercial development, transportation, parks and open space, and numerous other aspects important to the Village's prosperity. The comprehensive plan will identify and build upon the community's assets and identify ways to support regional goals from the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan.

The process to create a comprehensive plan will include three phases. The first phase includes a detailed analysis of existing land uses, resources, and community facilities, as well as gathering initial public input regarding the issues and opportunities in the Village. During the second phase, the community will create a shared vision for the future and identify specific goals and recommendations to achieve that vision. The third phase will develop an implementation strategy intended to help the community put the plan's recommendations into action.
 

Public Engagement

The public has had multiple opportunities to participate in this planning process thus far. On February 2, 2012, the public contributed during the first phase of the comprehensive plan by attending a kick-off meeting to discuss issues that the plan should address. On May 30, 2012, residents and stakeholders attended a visioning workshop at the Westchester Community Church to share their ideas about how the Village should look in the future. A public Open House will be held in Spring 2013 (Date/Location TBD).
 

          
Upcoming Events

           Westchester Open House
              Spring 2013 (Date/Location TBD)
             
For more information and to RSVP to this public event, please contact Ricardo Lopez, CMAP Outreach and Engagement Specialist (rlopez@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8766)

Contacts

Melissa Headly, Community Development Director, Village of Westchester (mheadly@westchester-il.org or 708-345-0199)

Ricardo Lopez, CMAP Community Outreach Specialist (rlopez@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8766)

Samantha Robinson, CMAP Associate Planner (srobinson@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8712)

For more on the project and upcoming events, please check the Village of Westchester's webpage (coming soon). You can also follow CMAP's Twitter feed @GOTO2040 for the latest updates.