Round Lake Heights Seeks A Downtown Identity

Round Lake Heights Seeks A Downtown Identity

December 5th, 2012

by Gene Carey

Jonathan Burch = Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

On Dec. 4th the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning in conjunction with the Village of Round Lake Heights, held a workshop at the Round Lake Middle School in Round Lake Heights. Representing CMAP were Jonathan Burch, Associate Planner, and Pete Saunders, Senior Land Use Planner. The workshop ran a little over an hour and a half and consisted of a presentation showing a current Economic Conditions Report (ECR) along with several forward-looking recommendations.

Attendees broke into small groups

More residents who came to participate

At each group of tables there were three large colored graphs, each showing the areas that were to be discussed during the evening. After each phase the participants were asked for their small groups feedback and then a poll was taken using those neat little devices that you can punch in a number and the results are immediately tallied.

The first graphic that was discussed showed several locations where existing businesses were located along with possible future areas that could become a “downtown” area, thus giving the Village of Round Lake Heights an identity.

The following photo shows the 1st graphic and the video just below it can be stopped and started to explain the numbered areas.

First graphic that was discussed showing current businesses along with possible future “downtown” areas. As you view the graphic you might be interested to know that Item #3 seemed to carry a lot of interest with the idea of extending Warrior through a future downtown district and connecting at Rollins Road. There is land that would have to be aquired including the church that took over the old Nix Furniture Outlet.

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Flooding issues and a student path were hot topics

The other two graphics that were reviewed and discussed dealt with annexing more land into the village, flooding issues (1 and 2), bike paths, sidewalks, senior centers to keep long time residents in the area, completing a hard path with lighting between RLH and Countryside subdivision (4) for students who walk to school.

Overall, it was a very informative workshop and I’m sure that after all the feedback from the residents and village staff is digested there will be a clearer picture on what to expect in years to come. Funding will be the bigger issue. For many, the thought of getting involved in long term planning is often discarded as “I don’t plan on being here that long”, but things don’t always work out that way. There were plenty of long time residents who showed up.