Update: the Summit Comprehensive Plan was unanimously adopted by the Village Board of Trustees on April 7, 2015. The final plan is available for download.
The Village of Summit is located along the Illinois and Michigan Canal, just 12 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Since its incorporation in 1890, this historic and ethnically diverse community has grown rapidly and is now home to approximately 11,000 residents who enjoy family-oriented neighborhoods, fine schools, and easy access to the region's highways and transit network. Its close proximity to the Stevenson Expressway, Tri-State Tollway, Chicago Midway International Airport, and Argo Crossing Rail Junction also make Summit a prime location for a growing business district and manufacturing industry.
The Village of Summit sought assistance from CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program to improve the built environment and capitalize on the Village's strategic location. Specifically, Summit saw a need for creating a comprehensive plan for the community and was seeking input on the opportunities for housing and transit-oriented development. CMAP and the Village embarked on a comprehensive planning process in late 2013.
The new comprehensive plan will serve as a guide for elected officials, municipal staff, community residents, business owners and potential investors, allowing them to make informed community development decisions affecting land use, transportation, infrastructure, and capital improvements. By following the plan, those decisions can help achieve the long-term goals and vision of the community.
This planning process consists of three main phases. The first phase assesses existing conditions in the Village, including stakeholder engagement. During the second phase, initial recommendations will be created and vetted with Village staff and officials. The third phase will include report creation, community feedback, and report adoption.