A Comprehensive Plan for Westchester

Nov 14, 2013

A Comprehensive Plan for Westchester

On June 24, 2014, the Village of Westchester adopted its Comprehensive Plan, which addresses residential and commercial development, transportation and the natural environment.
 
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.
 
The comprehensive planning process included three phases. The first phase involved 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 created a shared vision for the future and identified specific goals and recommendations to achieve that vision. The third phase included developing an implementation strategy intended to help the community put the plan's recommendations into action.

Public Engagement

The third phase of public engagement was an Open House format, which was held at the Westchester Community Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. With no formal presentation during this open house, nearly 40 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 July Open House, the public has had multiple opportunities to participate in the planning process. 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.

       

Open House Posters
The Public Open House, held July 2013, featured several posters summarizing the content of the Westchester Comprehensive Plan. View the posters to learn more about the key recommendations.

Timeline

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.

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Nov 14, 2013

A Comprehensive Plan for Westchester

On June 24, 2014, the Village of Westchester adopted its Comprehensive Plan, which addresses residential and commercial development, transportation and the natural environment.
 
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.
 
The comprehensive planning process included three phases. The first phase involved 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 created a shared vision for the future and identified specific goals and recommendations to achieve that vision. The third phase included developing an implementation strategy intended to help the community put the plan's recommendations into action.

Public Engagement

The third phase of public engagement was an Open House format, which was held at the Westchester Community Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. With no formal presentation during this open house, nearly 40 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 July Open House, the public has had multiple opportunities to participate in the planning process. 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.

       

Open House Posters
The Public Open House, held July 2013, featured several posters summarizing the content of the Westchester Comprehensive Plan. View the posters to learn more about the key recommendations.

Timeline

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.

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Westchester Existing Conditions Report

Westchester Comprehensive Plan

Westchester Comprehensive Plan Public Engagement Appendix