On Tuesday, June 26, 2012, the Blue Island City Council officially adopted the City of Blue Island Comprehensive Plan, which is the product of a community planning process that began in June 2011.  The final plan is available for download here. 

The City of Blue Island, a culturally rich community in south Cook County, is poised for citywide revitalization.  Located on the Calumet River just southwest of Chicago, Blue Island has historically been a transportation hub in the region, featuring diverse neighborhoods and a traditional central business district that are sources of community pride.  Building upon priorities set in the City's previously adopted plans, CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program worked with Blue Island to create a comprehensive plan that guides future growth and focuses on implementation.

Several previous planning efforts from the past ten years – such as those led by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) and Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) – have already enhanced Blue Island's natural, industrial, and commercial assets.  Then starting in June 2011, Blue Island worked with CMAP planners to build on those earlier efforts and expand their geographic scope by creating a citywide comprehensive plan.  The comprehensive planning process explored topics such as future land use; transportation improvements; parks improvements; community facilities; and arts and culture.  Tying the city's plan to priorities established in the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan, the new plan for Blue Island will guide its future growth and drive economic prosperity.

Blue Island Comprehensive Plan

Click here to view the City's official comprehensive plan, adopted June 26, 2012.

Existing Conditions Report

Click here to review a report of the current state of land use, transportation systems, open spaces, and other topics in Blue Island, which formed the basis of the Comprehensive Plan's recommendations.
 

Public Engagement

The third phase of public engagement was an Open House format, which was held in the East Annex of City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012.  With no formal presentation during this open house, nearly 50 attendees -- including elected officials, residents, and business owners -- dropped by to review and comment on the draft comprehensive plan's recommendations.

In addition to the April Open House, the public has had multiple opportunities to participate in this planning process.  In June, 2011, the public contributed during the first phase of the comprehensive plan by attending one of two kick-off meetings to discuss issues that the plan should address.  In October, 2011, residents and stakeholders attended a visioning workshop at MetroSouth Medical Center to share their ideas about how the City should look in the future.

Please click here to review the Public Outreach Appendix document, which outlines the community engagement strategy and implemention throughout the course of the comprehensive planning process.
 

Contacts

Jessica Simoncelli, CMAP Community Outreach Specialist
(jsimoncelli@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8631)

 

Project News Coverage

CMAP develops plan for a future of vibrant Blue Island, Blue Island Progress, April 25, 2012.

CMAP Local Technical Assistance Program, Blue Island Community Development Blog, July 11, 2011.