City of Tuscola, IL | Comprehensive Plan | 2016-2036 by MSA Professional Services

2016-2036

Comprehensive Plan

CITY OF TUSCOLA

Prepared by the City of Tuscola with assistance from MSA Professional Services, Inc. Adopted May 23, 2016

Acknowledgements

Tuscola Elected Officials Daniel J. Kleiss, Mayor Alan R. Shoemaker, Ward 1 Phyllis Truitt, Ward 1 James Mark Maxey, Ward 2 Scott Day, Ward 2 Boyd Henderson, Ward 3 Dave Slaughter, Ward 3 Tim Hoey, Ward 4 Dan Cleland, Ward 4

Comprehensive Plan STeering Committee Dale Boyer, Finance Dan Meyer, Agribusiness Dave Butler, Community Advocate Fred McDonald, Real Estate Jeremy Tengwall, Downtown/Development Mike Damler, Resident at Large Morrie Mendenhall, Retail Randy Hastings, Real Estate Michael Smith, Education Susie Harbaugh, Agriculture Ted Mitchell, Clergical

City Staff Drew Hoel, City Administrator Alta Long, Treasurer Elizabeth A. Leamon, City Clerk Steve Hettinger, Building Inspector Denny Cruzan, City Services Foreman Craig Hastings, Police Chief Brian Moody, Fire Chief

MSA Professional Services, Inc. Stephanie Brown, AICP, Urban Planner Greg Crowe, AICP, Client Services Manager Andrew Bremer, AICP, Urban Planner

Tuscola, Illinois

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 | The Plan as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living Guide 1.2 | A Snapshot of Tuscola 1.3 | Existing Plans & Studies

Chapter 4: Land Use 4.1 | Goals, Objectives & Strategies 4.2 | Future Land Use 4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Chapter 5: Implementation and Action Plan 5.1 | Guiding Daily Decisions 5.2 | Guiding Annual Decisions 5.3 | Action Plan 5.4 | Amending the Plan

Table of Contents

Appendix B: Public Participation B.1 | Community Event B.2 | Community Survey B.3 | Visual Preference Survey

Appendix C: Maps Base Map | Planning Area Base Map | Inset Development Limitations Soils Existing Land Use Future Land Use Future Land Use | Inset Zoning Existing Transportation Future Transportation Parkland Proposed Public Plaza & Park Concept

Tuscola, Illinois

Resolution

Tuscola, Illinois

Amendment Log Amendment Number 1

Description of Amendment

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Tuscola, Illinois

Council Approval

Amendment Prepared By: Name & Title

Introduction This Chapter provides the foundation for the Comprehensive Plan, outlining why and how it was funded and developed. It also provides basic community information and the groundwork on which this plan was built.

1.1 The Plan as a “Living Guide” | 2 1.2 A Snapshot of Tuscola | 6 1.3 Existing Plans | 14

1 2

1 1-2

1.1 | The Plan as a “Living Guide”

Why a Comprehensive Plan? It is difficult to know what the future may bring for Tuscola, or for any community. As residents and businesses come and go, and economic trends rise and fall, changes will occur. The purpose of this plan is to establish a shared vision for Tuscola to guide future actions and decisions. This guidance provides predictability and consistency over time, which encourages investment. We plan so that we can act and react in a changing world with a confident understanding of our common values and goals. In order to best serve Tuscola and its needs, this plan gives a solid analysis of each of the following subject areas: Housing; Public Infrastructure; Municipal Government / Intergovernmental Collaboration; Transportation; Community Facilities; Economic Development; Agricultural & Natural Resources; and Zoning. These areas are all critical elements to analyze and consider when looking toward the long-term social and economic vitality of the community.

Plan Maintenance This planning document is a “living” guide for growth and change in the City of Tuscola. The plan represents the City’s best effort to address current issues and anticipate future needs; however, it can and should be amended from time to time if conditions warrant reconsideration of policies in this plan. If decisions are being made that are not consistent with this plan, then the plan has lost its relevance and should be amended. The process of amending the comprehensive plan should not be onerous, but it should trigger a brief pause to consider again the long term vision for the community. This plan’s value is dependent upon frequent use and occasional updates.

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Introduction

Illinois Comprehensive Planning Comprehensive plans are defined in the Illinois Local Planning Technical Assistance Act (Public Act 92-0768, Sec. 5). Here, the common elements addressed in a comprehensive plan are: 1. Land Use 2. Natural Resources 3. Historic Preservation 4. Transportation 5. Economic Development 6. Housing 7. Utilities & Community Facilities 8. Urban Design / Community Character 9. Agricultural & Forestry 10. Intergovernmental Cooperation All comprehensive plans include: • A statement of authority to prepare and adopt the plan. • Background data and analysis - including area history, a description of existing social, economic and physical (natural and man-made) conditions and trends, and economic and demographic projections. • Documentation of stakeholder’s interests and involvement - these include interests of residents, public officials, the business community, and developers. • Vision statement (or statement of desired goals and objectives) - desired outlook, generally 20 years from now. • Future plan map or maps - these maps depict various components, including land use, transportation, community facilities, and housing areas. • Plan Implementation - framework or schedule that describes specific measure to carry out the plan, the time frame to execution, and potentially cost ranges.

Tuscola, Illinois

1 1-3

1 1-4

1.1 | The Plan as a “Living Guide”

Plan Organization The plan is divided into five chapters plus several important appendices, as described below: Chapter 1 | Introduction Chapter 1 discusses the role of the plan, planning in Illinois, the planning area boundaries and regional context, and Tuscola’s previous planning efforts. Chapter 2 | Planning Process & Public Participation Chapter 2 outlines the planning process, including a description of the public participation methods and feedback as well as a summary of Tuscola’s assets and liabilities. Chapter 3 | Goals, Objectives, & Strategies Chapter 3 includes a vision for the future of the City, as desired in 2045, and goals, objectives, strategies, key indicators, and action steps for each element of the plan, including: Municipal Government/Intergovernmental Collaboration Transportation Community Facilities Public Infrastructure Economic Development Housing Agricultural & Natural Resources Zoning Ordinance Recommendations Chapter 4 | Land Use Chapter 4 describes current land use characteristics, defines future land use categories and policies, and presents the future land use map. Chapter 5 | Implementation & Action Plan Chapter 5 describes the tools and procedures by which the plan will be implemented and provides a detailed time line of action steps for successful implementation of the plan. Appendix A | Community Indicators Appendix A is a compilation of data that describes the existing conditions, trends, and projections for the City of Tuscola. This data informs the planning process and should be updated from time to time to track progress and change in the City. Appendix B | Public Input Appendix B is a compilation of complete results from the public input process. Appendix C | Plan Area Maps Appendix C is a complete index of all the maps created for the Comprehensive Plan in one easy and printable reference.

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Introduction

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Tuscola, Illinois

Regional Context

The study area for this Plan includes all lands in which the City has both a short- and long-term interest in planning and development activity. As shown on the following page, the Planning Area includes all lands within the current municipal limits and within the City’s potential 1.5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. The City is approximately 1,850 acres (2.89 square miles). The entire Planning Area is approximately 15,600 acres (24.4 square miles). See map on opposite page.

Tuscola is located along Interstate 57 in Central Illinois. It is within 50 miles of the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) of Champaign-Urbana and Decatur; within 100 miles of the MSA’s of Springfield, Bloomington-Normal, and Peoria; and around 150 miles of the MSA’s of Indianapolis, St. Louis, Chicago and the Quad Cities. See figure below.

Chicago 9,554,598 Quad Cities 383,030

Peoria 380,040

Bloomington-Normal 190,345 Champaign-Urbana 237,252

Indianapolis, IN 1,971,274

ile

Springfield 211,567

Decatur 108,350

les mi

St. Louis, MO 2,806,207

15 0

les

10 0

1-6

Planning Area

1.2 | A Snapshot of Tuscola

Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area 2014 Estimates

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850 E

Introduction

1 1-7

US 36

BASE MAP - PLANNING AREA

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS DATA SOURCES: BASE DATA PROVIDED BY DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS. AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ILLINOIS GEOSPATIAL DATA CLEARINGHOUSE, 2011 ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY) CITY OF TUSCOLA PARCEL

STREAM Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\13295001_Tuscola_BaseMap_8p5x11.mxd

750 1,500

Feet 3,000

Print Date: 12:20:10 PM 6/24/2015

Tuscola, Illinois

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1.2 | A Snapshot of Tuscola

History

1834 |

Earliest settler, William Brian, moved to the township.

1857 |

Tuscola was first laid out by surveyor Henry Clay Niles.

1859 |

Tuscola becomes the County Seat in Douglas County.

1876 |

Niles publishes complete Douglas County history.

1869 | March 11, 1869, the City was officially Chartered.

1903 |

Joseph G. Cannon, “Uncle Joe”, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as the Speaker from 1903-1911.

1913 |

The Douglas County Courthouse was dedicated on June 12, 1913. In the Douglas County Courthouse is the original Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Room which was set aside upon the building’s dedication as a meeting place for members of the G.A.R. and other patriotic veterans organizations. County officials have been told this room is unique in that it is only one of five remaining original G.A.R. meeting rooms in the United States.

1916 |

Nathaniel G. Ervin leaves 20 acres of land to the City for the sole use of a City Park.

1957 | A pool was added to Ervin Park. 1974 | Wimple Park was dedicated. The Land

was part of a donation from the Raymond Wimple farm.

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Introduction

Key Community Indicators The subsequent pages analyze the over arching population and demographic trends for Tuscola. Examination of these trends provide a foundation for the planning process and implementation of the plan. The data was collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, the American Community Survey (ACS), and local, regional and state sources. See Appendix A for a full report on Tuscola’s Community Indicators.

more arbitrary ‘Robust Growth’ in which Tuscola would experience a 3% growth in population every five years, or reach a population of 5,510 residents by 2045.

30-year Population Change 1980 - 2010

Population Trends & Projections Historically, population trends for the City of Tuscola show a meager, but steady increase in population. Then, between 1990 and 2000, the City experienced a mini ‘boom’ with a 6.82% jump in the population. The boom was short lived as the following decade brought Tuscola only a 0.72% resident increase. A similar pattern occurred in both Douglas County and Illinois.

4,155

8.0%

4,480

35-year Population Projection

There are many factors to consider and weigh when looking into population forecasts. Illinois provides population forecasts at the State and County levels into the year 2025. According to the State, Illinois is anticipating a modest 1% population percent increase every five years through 2045. Illinois is also expecting Douglas County to lose less than 1% in its population every five years through that same period. These two forecasts, in addition to local social, economic, and environmental factors must be considered when projecting the population of Tuscola over the next 20-30 years. To help combat the challenge of population forecasting, three scenarios were created. The first is a ‘Conservative Growth’ scenario in which Tuscola grows at a 0.5% rate which is half that of the State, but more than the County giving the City a population of 4,639 residents by the year 2045. The second scenario is a ‘Moderate Growth’ projection in which Tuscola is more in line with the projected growth of Illinois at 1% every five years, or a projected population of 4,803. The third is a

Tuscola, Illinois

4,480

4.0% (4,480) 7.0% (4,803) 23% (5,510)

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1-10

1.2 | A Snapshot of Tuscola

People 25.36%

19.87%

19.49%

16.58%

49.28%

12.83% 5.87%

<19

20-24

50.72%

25-34

35-49

50-64

Gender

65+

Age The distribution of age cohorts in Tuscola show an aging population consistent with Central Illinois. The smallest cohort is that of those aged 20-24. The assumption here is that this age range is typically away receiving a higher degree of education and/ or training outside of the community.

The breakdown between female and male residents in the City is average with an almost even split, with a slight edge to the females.

Housing 4%

Vacant

25%

Renter Occupied

2009 - 2013 71%

Owner Occupied

2010 Occupancy Nearly three-fourths (71%) of the City residents live in owner-occupied housing. This percentage held steady over the last decade, despite the 2008 housing market crisis, suggesting a resilient local housing market. The vacancy rate (4%) is just below what is considered the healthy range of 5% to 6%. This rate of vacancy allows for movement within the market. However, only a quarter of those vacancies are for homes, the other threequarters are rentals.

Avg. Median Value

$94,900

Average Median Value The value of a home is also an indicator to the strength of the housing market and in turn, the vitality of the community. Tuscola’s housing market appears to be holding on as the five year average median value of a home in the City, $94,900, is slightly less the County’s average value of $99,300, and well below the State’s of $182,300.

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Introduction

Housing

2010 1,935 units 2.31 persons per

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Household Counts

Year Structure Built

Household trends for the City of Tuscola show a 2.7% increase in households between 2000 and 2010, which was similar to that of the County (2.8%) but below the State (10.1%) for that same time period.

Tuscola can showcase a large variety in housing stock through the decades. Housing built in each decade adds variety to the housing stock while new housing will help accommodate the projected population increase in the upcoming decades as well as changes in housing preferences.

Nationally, the number of persons per household has been declining in recent decades which has been explained several ways, including fewer children per family, an increase in single parent households, and an increase in life expectancy. In 2010, Tuscola was below the National Average of 2.59 persons per household with 2.31 persons per. Douglas County had an average of 2.59 person per and Illinois was at 2.63.

2010 or later 2000 to 2009 1990 to 1999 1980 to 1989 1970 to 1979 1960 to 1969 1950 to 1959 1940 to 1949

Unit Type

1939 or earlier

Over three-fourths (77%) of the City residents live in single-family housing. Multi-family housing in the City has a good mix in the number of units per dwelling with 7% have 2 to 4 units, 6% having five to nine units, and 7% having dwelling greater than ten units. However, quality, price and location are not factored in this assessment.

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Single Family 2 to 4 Units

5 to 9 Units

10 or more

Mobile Home/Trailer

77%

Other 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Tuscola, Illinois

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1.2 | A Snapshot of Tuscola

Transportation Commuting Time to Work

<10 Minutes 39%

Nearly 50% of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commuters age 16 or older work within 14 minutes of their place of employment. Both Tuscola and Douglas County commuters, on average, have a travel time to work of 20.8 minutes, which is eight (8) minutes shorter than the State average commute. A large percentage (64%) of Tuscola workers have a commute that is less than 29 minutes. These times suggest most residents work in the City or in nearby areas.

45+ 3%

10 to 14 10%

15 to 19 6%

40 to 44 8%

20 to 24 5%

35 to 39 8% 25 to 29 4% 30 to 34 17%

Commuting Method to Work

Commuting in Tuscola is mostly done by car, with 84.3% of commuters traveling in a single occupant vehicle. This number is about 10% higher for Douglas County (74.7%) and Illinois (73.6%). Additionally, 11.3% of commuters in Tuscola carpooled to work, 0.0% walked, 1.6% biked, and 2.8% worked from home.

Single Occupancy

82.3%

Carpooled

10.7%

Worked at Home

4.1%

Walked

2.9%

Bicycled

0.0%

Public Transportation

0.0%

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Introduction

Economic Prosperity High School

43.2%

Some College

18.8%

Associate Degree

10.5%

Bachelor’s Degree

12.4%

Graduate / Professional Degree High School or Higher

5.5% 90.4%

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Educational Attainment

The percentage of Tuscola residents 25 years or older who have at least a high school diploma (90.40%) is higher than both Douglas County (83.8%) and Illinois (87.3%). The percentage of residents who have obtained a bachelor’s degree (12.4%) is lower than the State (19.5%). This percentage also saw a decrease over the two reporting periods, from just 16.7% in the 2005-2009 sample. While this could be sampling error in the data, it is generally inconsistent with regional and national trends, in which the recession economy encouraged more people to seek and complete post-secondary degrees.

Income Indicators Income is another way to look at the economic vitality of a community. For Tuscola, the per capita income at $25,282 is higher than the County’s $23,732. The median family ($66,349) and median household ($49,865) incomes for Tuscola are roughly the same as the County, but under preforming the State as a whole. These lower averages are certainly related to the level of educational attainment and percentage of individuals living below the poverty level. In the City, 10.9% of the population is estimated to be below the poverty level.

Occupations Not surprisingly Tuscola’s unemployment rate increased since 2000 alongside the County and State. Over 80% of workers in Tuscola earn a private wage and salary. And nearly a sixth (13.8%) of the labor force in Tuscola is employed by a Governmental (Local, State or Federal) entity. The most common occupational category among Tuscola’s residents is “Sales and office occupations” (30.4%) and is closely followed by “Management, business, science, and arts occupations” (28.0%). “Production, transportation, and material moving occupations” (17.0%) and “Service occupations” (16.2%) follow next, respectively. In this regard, Tuscola more closely resembles the State than Douglas County.

Sales and office occupations

30.4%

Management, business,

28.0%

science, and arts occupations Production, transportation,

17.0%

and material moving occupations Service occupations

16.2%

Natural resources, construction,

8.4%

and maintenance occupations

Tuscola, Illinois

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1.3 | Existing Plans

City of Tuscola Comprehensive Plan Adopted October 2001 In addition to goals and objectives for the areas of municipal government, natural environment, land cover, land use, transportation, and community services and public facilities, the Plan created a vision for the community in 2020. We envision that in 2020 Tuscola will: ...offer small town quality of life., ...be a center for commercial and civic activities, ...be a community with a strong and diverse economic base, ...offer a rich cultural environment with parks and open space and recreational and enrichment activities, and ...be a community that successfully balances community growth with the natural environment. The Plan also conducted a community survey and provided implementation strategies to meet the set goals.

the corridor. • Enhancement of the intersection of Route 36 and Main Street and create a “gateway” district into the Downtown.

Amishland TIF Adopted August 1986, Amended 1990, 1996 • Encompasses an area of approximately 35 blocks which include the Downtown and businesses developments along Route 36. • The redevelopment plan sets forth objectives to reduce, eliminate and prevent blighted conditions of the area. • It provides policies for assistance with economic development and redevelopment. • Sets forth goals for both public and private development.

Area 1 Redevelopment Plan Adopted 2003

Route 36 Corridor Development Plan

Extended the life of the TIF to cover the costs of the proposed projects.

Adopted August 2003 This plan outlined a program for rehabilitation, redevelopment and stabilization of the Route 36 Corridor as a way to combat disinvestment as well as signs of age and deterioration. Recommendations include: • Promotion of unified development around the Outlet Mall. • Consolidation of irregular sized lots and removal of some of the ingress / egress • Investment in pedestrian friendly access points. • Installation of enhancements at both ends of

Barker/Prairie Streets Redevelopment Plan Adopted 2011 Redevelopment plan for a blighted and vacant area (13.5 acres) of Tuscola which includes an abandoned waste water treatment plant. A majority of the land is subject to flooding.

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Introduction

Downtown Master Plan

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• Identified existing conditions such as under utilized/unsightly properties and connections from the downtown to other areas of Tuscola. • Identified potential areas for improvement and redevelopment from both the private and public sectors. • Introduced the creation of the a historic restoration district. • Provided a streetscape and facade restoration plan.

Tuscola, Illinois

1 Planning Process and Public Participation This Chapter provides an overview of the public participation process. Summaries of public input for the community event, citizen survey, visual preference survey, steering committee meetings, and stakeholders interview are provided.

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6

2.1 | Planning Process

2 2-2

Planning Process In the spring of 2015, the City of Tuscola engaged MSA Professional Services, Inc. to assist in the updating of its Comprehensive Plan, the previous of which had been completed in 2001. As is key to any successful plan, the public was engaged and incorporated throughout the planning process (See Appendix B for the complete Public Participation Plan and findings). Key components of the planning process included: Community Survey - using the online survey tool, Survey Monkey, a survey was made available for 6 six weeks. During this time over 150 participants gave feedback on a variety of topics covering the entire City and how it functions for the residents. Paper copies of the survey were also made available at City Hall and other key locations around town. Several hard copies were submitted by residents. Visual Preference Survey - along side the Community Survey, an online Visual Preference Survey was also administered. This survey used photos to gage residents’ tastes and preferences for potential future (re)development in and around Tuscola. During the same 6 week timeframe, nearly 100 residents participated. Project Website - MSA created and maintained a project website (http://tuscolacompplan.wordpress. com) to post draft material, notice meeting dates, host open dialogue, and gather feedback from interested individuals through direct email subscription. Community Event - MSA worked with the City and chose the annual Sparks in the Park event to use as a community engagement opportunity. A table was set up at the event and feedback was solicited from passerby residents. Maps were available for comment and the link to the survey was provided. Public Meetings - the project included eight (8) project meetings, four (4) of which were working sessions with the Steering Committee, which was

tasked by the Council to work with MSA to develop the updated Comprehensive Plan. Steering Committee - The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee consisted of members representing a wide range of public and private interests and acted as the primary, 12-member, sounding board for the planning process. The Committee met bimonthly from June 2015 to January 2016. All meetings were open to the public. Stakeholders - MSA interviewed individual community stakeholders. Topics of discussion focused on life and business within Tuscola. Assets and liabilities were discussed as well as goals of the individuals and those of their businesses or organizations of which they represent.

Incorporating Input into the Plan The goals, objectives and strategies of a comprehensive plan support the community’s vision for the future of Tuscola and address barriers and opportunities to realizing this vision. Elements of the plan have been crafted from individual participant’s ideas, common themes identified in stakeholder interviews, discussions and debates among Committee members, anonymous concerns identified in surveys, and the past experiences of the community as a whole. This input allows us to construct underlying themes as a frame for the plan, and provides information on what specific issues and ideas are most important to Tuscola’s citizens. This foundation ensures that the plan is not just a hollow document, but a guide for future decisions in Tuscola that are in line with the community’s ideals. From this foundation, a better Tuscola can and will be built.

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Planning Process & Public Participation

Project Schedule This Plan was discussed and developed through a series of working session meetings and interviews between June 2015 and February 2016 (see side bar for the project milestones). All meetings were public meetings and noticed as such.

May 2015 | Kickoff Process with City Staff and MSA June 2015 | Kickoff Meeting with Steering Committee; Survey Development July 2015 | Community event: Sparks in the Park; Survey Release (Community and Visual Preference) August 2015 | Meeting #2, Future Land Use Exercise; Survey Response Review December 2015 | Meeting #3, Goals and Objectives; Future Land Use Map Review January 2016 | Meeting #4, Strategies and Action Steps February 2016 | Stakeholder Interviews March 2016 | Draft Plan open for public comment April 2016 | Community Open House to review and comment on proposed documents. May 2016 | Plan Adoption by City Council

Tuscola, Illinois

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2-4

MSA worked with the City and chose the annual Sparks in the Park event to use as a community engagement opportunity. A table was set up at the event and feedback was solicited from passerby residents. In addition to simple face to face interaction with residents, maps were available for comment and the link to the survey was provided.

Comprehensive Plan 2035

Sparks in the Park

Sample of a business card distributed at the event.

2.2 | Community Event

Asset map and comment sheet created at the event.

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tuscola.org

>take surveys >receive updates >review drafts >give feedback >participate >join the conversation!

Planning Process & Public Participation

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Liability map and comment sheet created at the event.

Tuscola, Illinois

2.3 | Advertisements

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Comprehensive Plan 2035

Advertisement in the Tuscola Journal

UPDATING THE

City of Tuscola COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

During the next year, the City of Tuscola will work closely with the residents and business owners of Tuscola gathering input for an update to the Comprehensive Plan. Facilitated by consultant group, MSA Professional Services, Inc. out of Champaign, IL, the entire process will work to build a vision for the city; to provide goals, objectives and action steps; and to outline an effective implementation strategy. The plan will cover all aspects of life, employment, recreation and tourism within Tuscola. For more information on the process, please visit the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website:

tuscola.org

Here you will be able to:

>take the community & visual surveys >receive updates >review drafts of the plan >give feedback >participate >join the conversation!

We look forward to you joining the conversation. Your participation will ensure that tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tuscola is your Tuscola.

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Planning Process & Public Participation

Open House Social Media Ad

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 4:ooPM - 7:ooPM TUSCOLA CITY HALL 214 N MAIN ST TUSCOLA’S PLAN FOR THE FUTURE The City of Tuscola invites and encourages all residents to attend in reviewing and finalizing the vision for our town. The City partnered with MSA Professional Services and together have created an updated Comprehensive Plan for our City. This plan covers all aspects of our City from transportation and housing to economic development and agricultural resources. This Plan is the result of community input and direction. Through the Steering Committee meetings, community survey and community events, the public process formed many goals for the City of Tuscola.

To Review the DRAFT Plan Online Visit the City’s Website

For More Info Contact: Drew Hoel City Administrator 214 N. Main St. Tuscola, IL 61953 217-253-2112

tuscola.org

Tuscola, Illinois

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2.4 | Community Survey

2 2-8

Methods The Community Survey launched the first weekend in July at the community Sparks in the Park Fourth of July Annual event. This survey was designed to gather resident opinions on a range of topics relevant to preparing a plan to guide growth and change in Tuscola over the next 10-20 years. The survey covered quality of life, city facilities and services, housing preferences, economic development, and more. The community survey was available in two forms: 1) digitally via the City’s and Project’s websites and 2) by paper copies made available at the Municipal Building upon request. Availability of the survey was announced through newspaper articles, press releases, e-mail, websites, and other social media outlets. The 47-question survey was completed by 157 respondents or approximately 3.5% of the total population of Tuscola (4,480; 2010 Census). This section provides a profile of respondents, and main themes from the survey. Complete survey data is on file with the City of Tuscola.

Respondent Profile When collecting surveys, the goal is to obtain a crosssection which is representative of the community. The first seven (7) questions of the survey were directed at gathering this type of information. Full demographic data for Tuscola can be found in Appendix A. In this section these numbers are shown in orange. Of those that responded, the majority were female (64%/51%), and of the whole, were between the ages of 30-59 (63%/50%). The top occupational field was Education (28%). Other fields include: Retired (19%); Health Care (9%); Management (9%); Service (8%); Sales (7%) and Government (7%). Over 70%/50% of the respondents work in Tuscola, while 28% work in Champaign-Urbana. The few remaining respondents worked in other metropolitan areas within an hours drive of Tuscola or were retired.

Nearly 90%/77% of the respondents live in a singlefamily home; 6.4% live on a farmstead; and the remaining in some sort of apartment, condominium, or mobile home. Respondent home ownership is at 91%/56%.

Quality of Life When asked to note the top three (3) reasons “you and your family choose to live in Tuscola”, five responses stood out: Small Town/Rural Atmosphere (61%); Quality Schools (48%); Near Job/Work Here (42%); Near Family & Friends (41%); and Raised Here (37%). Select comments include: • Job opportunity here • Cost of housing 40 years ago • Tuscola is the ideal combination of a small community, but with the amenities of a larger town. (Outlet Mall, Dining, Community Services, etc.) • Unique small businesses • Shopping and restaurants Looking holistically, 87% of respondents would rate the quality of life in Tuscola as either good (67%) or excellent (20%). They also sight that over the last ten (10) years, the quality of life has improved (39%); stayed the same (39%); worsened (13%); and 9% were not sure. Respondents were then asked, “over the next 10-20 years, do you expect that the quality of life in the City will:” Responses were as follows: Improve (60%); Stay the Same (26%); Worsen (7%); and Not Sure (7%). Select Comments include: • Environmental factors worsening. • No real efforts to build local economy. • School system is not secure • If the academics in the school continues to slide • Tuscola appears to be on a growth trajectory. • As a citizen, I am thrilled by the prospect of being a part of Tuscola as it continues to develop and expand. • I am afraid that the crime rate will go up. • Walking paths will help improve people’s quality of life

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Planning Process & Public Participation

When asked what changes would improve the quality of life in Tuscola, these were top five (5) answers: Improve recreational facilities (60%); Increase employment opportunities (51%); Improve K-12 education (39%); Improve bike and pedestrian facilities (36%); and Decrease taxes and fees (34%). Select comments include: • Attract at least 1 nice/sit down restaurant • Increase employment opp. for small businesses • Improve appearance of railroad track areas and attract Amtrak • Request on Amtrak Stop • Pave brick streets • In particular, I’d like to put on the record that keeping the brick streets brick is important to me. • Improve/Enforce housing codes • More businesses in downtown/Improve downtown • Need recreation facilities and/or programs for all ages • High school students lack choices in elective classes. “ • If I were to leave it would be to obtain better schools, especially at the high school level. • Would love to see a large dog park. Would love to see swimming allowed at Wimple. Am hoping someday we get a really nice restaurant. • More activities for youth that doesn’t involve sports and relatively inexpensive to the youth/ family • Lack of entertainment opportunities in this community. Music in particular Respondents were then asked to state Tuscola’s biggest asset. A few common themes emerged and are as follows: • Tanger Outlet Mall / Available Retail • Small Town / Rural Atmosphere • Location (I-57 / proximity to larger metropolitan areas / near U of I) • Schools • Economic Development / Businesses / Industries • The People / Residents • Agricultural base

• Sense of Community and Safety When asked “what is your biggest concern for the future of Tuscola”, the responses are summarized into seven categories: 1) Over growth/loosing sense of community, 2) Attracting / Retaining / Expanding Tuscola’s Residents / Business / Industry, 3) The ability to maintain existing properties and infrastructure (including downtown), 4) Decline of Education / School System, 5) Lack of Affordable Housing, 6) Safety/Crime/Drugs/Vices, and 7) Lack of Sit Down/ Nice Restaurants and Amenities. Select comments include: • We need good jobs that draw quality people to town • Low number of homes in the middle class range (&120,000 to $165,000) • Success of the downtown retail arts and tourism • Infrastructure is aging • Up keep of properties • Population growth & losing the small town feel • Town will increase in population too quickly for services to keep up • Need to expand dining and shopping opportunities • That there will be no expansion in parks and recreation • Alcohol and drug use in our community • Immediate quality of high school education. ACT prep. High school dual credit options. Quality of options for class courses. Curriculum meeting the job market. • Holding on to young people and young families • Becomes a fast food, second hand store capital of the world

Tuscola, Illinois

2 2-9

2.4 | Community Survey

General transportation strengths listed cited were location/access/proximity to I-57, US-36 and US45; Amount of rail commerce; and existing road maintenance. Weaknesses cited were: lack of sidewalks/bike paths; lack of public transport; illmaintained brick streets; and noise pollution from trains.

Q16

Rate the following in Tuscola: Not Sure

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

Q17

During the next ten years, which of the following transportation investments do you support in Tuscola? Not Sure

Strongly Oppose

Oppose

Support

Strongly Support

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Investigate potential Amtrak Station in Tuscola

Improve rail infrastructure to increase local freight capacity

Investments in public transportation services

Maintenance to existing roadways (local, county and state)

Improve bicycling opportunities by developing off-street trails

140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Improve bicycling opportunities by adding bike lanes to existing roads

Thinking about the money spent on transportation in next ten years, respondents strongly supported measures toward maintenance / expansion / improvement of existing roadways and pathways. A plurality was also in favor of improving or adding bicycling pathways, both on- and off-road. Select comments include: • Local(in tuscola only) public transit not needed. • Streets are not wide enough for a bike lane. YES!!! to Amtrak Station in Tuscola! • I oppose public transportation and an Amtrak Station because I don’t feel like Tuscola is now or will soon be at a scale where these are necessary or useful developments. My focus would be on hardening or expanding existing infrastructure. The development around Shopko, re-purposing the truck stop lot, was spectacular, for example. • Again, historical aspect, yet still relevant. We are not only a farming community but are affected by the rail system itself. • I hate when trains stop and cover all railroad crossings!! • Biking is easy. We are in a community where you may safely ride without interference. Should that change I would support. • We have too much noise pollution of trains.

• Encourage Taxi service for personal transportation • Addition of public transportation could have an impact on the socioeconomic status of the community that will require additional resources to be provided as well.

Improvements/Expansion of existing roadways

2-10

When asked rate Tuscola’s transportation networks, a plurality of respondents felt that the State networks were in good to excellent condition (86%) while the county and local streets and sidewalks were in good to fair condition (approximately 90%). Select comments include: • Collaborative driving - carpooling; bike trails don’t exist; no one know about bus service • Need dependable Public Transportation & Amtrak Stop • Not aware of any bike trails • Need more walking biking paths. We have a lot of bikers and joggers here. • Our storm sewers are in desperate need of repair. • Save the brick roads, they also have historical merit. • Need sidewalks esp. to all schools

Maintenance to existing roadways (local, county and state)

Transportation

Planning Process & Public Participation

Agricultural & Natural Resources

• Bike trail - hard to do with farming equipment • We need more playgrounds like the new one that was just built • Need a new pool and a dog park • Would like more shade area at pool • Need to develop the old high school property trees, small shelter • I’m particularly impressed with Ervin Park. I would first suggest improving the roadways and parking within the park. It can become congested and potentially unsafe when children are present. • Baseball & softball fields (minus HS field) need updating • Need more walking & bike paths & enforce the pick up after your dog rules! • Pavilions at park could use updating • The park is great but there isn’t really any place to hike or let dogs run. • Have played in the volleyball sandpit for 25 years.

Please share your opinion on how important it is to protect each of the following resources in Tuscola. Not Sure

Not Important

Somewhat Important

Very Important

140 120 100 80 60 40 20 Groundwater

Cultural / historic sites & buildings

Q22

Forests / woodlands

0 Wildlife habitat

According to the respondents, 75% feel that the City currently has enough parks and recreation opportunities that meet the needs of their household (see Q22 at right). Select comments--which focused on parks and recreation--include:

Q19

Farmland

When asked specifically about existing policies, the plurality agreed that they at minium protected these natural resources (50-60%). However, many cited they were not well educated on existing policies and regulations. A large portion (30%-40%) also had no opinion which could either indicate more education is needed, or these types of policies and regulations are not closely monitored by the general public. Opinions on initiatives to protect and improve the natural environment through increased monitoring and regulation were met with similar results; 50-60% were in support of an increase while around 30% were not sure of such a change.

Have asked for lights and it never happens • Agree to a point there are no exercise points along the walking trail in the park. • I think a skate park would be a great addition and would NOT foster the “wrong” element within our town.

Air quality

Natural resources are vital to any community and the respondents of this survey overwhelmingly are in favor of protecting all types of natural resources (see Q19 at right).

Current park and outdoor recreational facilities around Tuscola currently meet you needs: Strongly Disagree 5%

Not Sure 1% Strongly Agree 11%

Disagree 19%

Tuscola, Illinois

Agree 64%

2 2-11

2.4 | Community Survey

In considering new construction for housing, respondents felt that new development should occur as follows: as infill within the developed areas of the City (59%); within or adjacent to existing City Land (76%); adjacent to the City but annexed in (68%); away from active farm operations (58%); and anywhere there is a suitable site for development (67%). However, for each option, one-quarter of the respondents were not sure where they thought new housing development should occur indicating some education and outreach may be necessary when considering such development in the future.

Please share your opinions about the types of new housing and housing improvements needed in Tuscola. 140 120 100 80 60 40 20

Not Sure

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Focus on improving existing housing quality

Executive (high-end) homes are needed

Starter (first time buyer) homes are needed

Assisted living facilities for seniors are needed

Senior condominiums and apartments are needed

Affordable housing is needed

Townhomes and condominiums are needed

Apartments (3+ bedrooms) are needed

Apartments (1-2 bedrooms) are needed

Apartments (studio/efficiency) are needed

0 Duplexes (2 units) are needed

When considering improvements to existing housing, the respondents were supportive on improving housing quality (43). To a lesser extent they supported improving the housing supply/mix (15%), housing cost (26%), and those with no opinion (16%).

Q23

Mobile home parks are needed

2-12

Since Tuscola is positioned to house residents who work in Tuscola, Champaign-Urbana and other surrounding communities, the housing element is a vital component to attracting and maintaining residents. According to the respondents, new housing types needed are single-family (75%), affordable (64%), senior condos/apartments (60%), and starter (first time buyer) homes (55%). Moreover, 90% of respondents agreed that there should also be a focus on improving the quality of existing housing. See Q23 at right.

Single-family housing is needed

Housing

Strongly Agree

Q25

In Tuscola, new residential development should be located: 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 As infill within the City Within or adjacent to Adjacent to the City but Away from active farm existing City land annexed in operations Not Sure

Strongly Disagree

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

Anywhere there is a suitable site for development

Planning Process & Public Participation

Economic Development Almost 50% of the respondents are employed within Tuscola which is comparable to the Census data findings (60% employed within Douglas County). A plurality of respondents feel that employment opportunities are lacking in Tuscola (54%) compared to the 35% who feel it is adequate. Select comments include: • Adequate for restaurant jobs, lacking for professional jobs! • My industry does not exist within Tuscola. Ideal case, I would like to see more professional jobs available within Tuscola. • Mostly min. wage jobs. • I think there is a huge lack of full time jobs here in town. But part time jobs are over flowing. When considering the security of the respondents’ current employment, 41% felt it was secure while 29% felt it was somewhat secure and only 6% felt insecurity about the future of their existing jobs. Respondents believe that the City should commit funding to retain, attract and grow private sector businesses and jobs in Tuscola (80%). Comments include: • Retaining is most important and most lacking • The TIF Program is very good. • QUALITY JOBS bringing quality people to town • That is what brought us here • Especially where such funding results in infrastructure that is generally beneficial to the city, even should the directly benefitting business cease operation. • Only if it does NOT offer tax breaks to move here. • If the town has enough positives, we don’t need to spend money to get or keep people here.

and on vacant infill sites (62%). See Q30 below. When asked if the respondents thought that Tuscola was a good place to start a business, 9% strongly agreed, 51% agreed, 14% disagreed, 2% strongly disagreed, and 25% were not sure. Of the respondents, 16% owned a business in Tuscola. Comments included: • Just need to citizens to support it such as a good sit down restaurant. Need to help or guide small businesses decide if they have what it takes to succeed. • Was not 10-20 years ago, very cliquish town. Now a bit better but no real Chamber of Commerce with city or economic development. • Great location • This of course depends greatly on what sort of business. When asked if they support or oppose the development of a variety of Industrial establishments, the respondents support transport industrial (70%), light manufacturing (82%), high-technology manufacturing (83%), and non-intensive agricultural related businesses (79%). Support for intensive agricultural operations came in at 38% and heavy manufacturing with 40% (and 33% opposing with the remainder unsure).

Q30

Should Tuscola offer financial incentives to encourage private sector development and investment? It Depends

Yes

140 120 100 80 60 40 20

Tuscola, Illinois

On undeveloped land (e.g. farmland)

On vacant infill sites

In the Downtown area

For non-retail businesses

For retail businesses

0 For residential development

Respondents also support incentives for private sector investment and development, but only in certain areas. They do not support incentives for residential development (36%) or on undeveloped land (23%). However, they do for retail businesses (57%), nonretail businesses (59%), in the downtown area (74%),

2 2-13

2.4 | Community Survey

2 2-14

When asked about the availability of places to shop in Tuscola, 25% find it plentiful, 56% find it adequate, and 18% find it lacking. Comments cited the Outlet Mall providing ample retail, but would like to see more local flavor and even mentioned a grocery store. Dining appeared to be a hot button issue with the survey respondents. Throughout the survey, the need for a “family-style” or “sit-down” restaurant was a common theme. When directly asked about the availability of places to dine in Tuscola, an overwhelming 87% of respondents find it “lacking” (See Q35 Opposite). Select comments include: • Need Family or “Sit-Down” Restaurants • Need an up to date sit down restaurant • Lacking in fine dining. • We need a nice restaurant in Tuscola • I mark adequate only because the ration of sitdown to fast food chain is too low. It would be an improvement to have a higher ratio of sit down dining. A Cracker Barrell or a Tuscany replacement would be ideal. • If we had more sit down type dining less people would go out of town to shop. • We have good options yet they overlap one another. We have Jimmy John’s and we have Subway? We have so many fast food restaurants. This town desperately needs culture, exposing some sort of cuisine would be more than perfect. Something so even similar as Mona’s in Atwood. One thing that would be nice is a breakfast or brunch place. • It’s all fast food :( • Need a good sit down place and a sports bar • SEVERELY LACKING. Ideally.....we could use a nice family restaurant with conference room facilities....it would be tremendous to “theme” them with portraits of city fathers and business leaders along with a history of what they contributed to the community along the way. Our car immediately turns to Champaign on the occasions that we have dinner out....there is simply nothing to choose from in Tuscola other than quick, fast food.

When asked how often they left Tuscola to shop, a plurality do so weekly (65%); while 31% do so monthly. Then when looking at the supply of various retail and services, respondents had this to say: 80% need more downtown retail shopping/services; 90% need more downtown restaurants; and 98% need more sit-down restaurants. (See Q37 Opposite) Select comments include: • Don’t need big box stores • Destination Store-hunting, quilting, Christian book/resources, woodworking. Brew Pub-locally served foods, wines, wine tasting room for Illinois wines. • More arts destination businesses • Tuscola lacks certain types of entertainment retail, such as bowling or a theater. • Parks... Again embrace what we already have. • Entertainment • Need Walmart, Target, or Meier, along with sitdown restaurants. • We definitely need more options for groceries. • I would check sit down restaurants twice if possible

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Planning Process & Public Participation

Q35

In your opinion, how would you describe the availability of places to dine in Tuscola? Not Sure, 0.0%

Plentiful, 1.6%

Q37

Please share your opinions about the supply of various retail and service businesses in Tuscola. Not Sure

Have too much

Have Enough

Need More

140

2-15

120 100

Adequate, 11.1%

80 60 40 20

Q36

How often do you leave Tuscola to shop? At least once per year, 1.6%

Never, 0.0%

Daily, 1.6%

Monthly, 31.5%

Weekly, 65.4%

Tuscola, Illinois

Other

Grocery stores

Sit-down restaurants

Fast-food restaurants

Hardware and building supply stores

Apparel and show stores

Boutique and specialty retail stores

Department and general merchandise stores

Convenience retail/services in/near my neighborhood

Lacking, 87.3%

Downtown restaurants

Downtown retail shopping/services

2.4 | Community Survey

2 2-16

Community Facilities & Services In considering services provided by the City, the respondents found these areas to be fair or poor: Recycling Program (53%); Cable / Telecommunications (64%); and Programs for Youth (61%). All other services rated either as good or excellent. See Q38 opposite. Select comments include: • Programs for Youth/Seniors: need more ways to tell town about it and share what exists. • We are spoiled with our disposal options and the youth are hard to communicate with • Need new ways to tell town about it and share what exists for youth and senior programs. • Internet speed is a town wide issue, recycling bins need to be emptied more often • Dedicated recycling depot would be great, including electronics drop off. More regular yard waste pickup days would be a nice convenience. • I would just like to say that for the services that I marked EXCELLENT, that they are all BEYOND EXCELLENT. When looking at where dollars should and should not be spent, respondents felt the same amount of money should be spent in most areas. However, a plurality would like to see more money spent on Recreational Programs (54%) and Programs for Youth (57%). The areas of Economic Development and Park Facilities had a strong showing for more money (about 45%) and the same amount of money (about 45%). See Q39. The top five (5) amenities cited as needed to be expanded or improved upon by either the City or a private developer were: Walking Trails (56%), Indoor recreation facilities (52%), Bike Trails (43%), Indoor Pool (32%), and a Splash Park and Dog Park tied at 27%.

The respondents were asked the open ended question regarding strengths and weaknesses of Tuscola’s community services. Select Strengths comments: • Fire Dept., ambulance & park • Recreation/park is biggest strength. • The strength is the ability to think cognitively and make decisions which are best for the whole. • We have a great volunteer base in tuscola. • Open to improvements and forward thinking • While not perfect they are far better than any town I have lived in • I think it has geared most recent improvements to toddler age children in the park. Now it is time to give the teen, preteen children more opportunities. • Willingness to ask what people think! Select comments on Weaknesses include: • You almost have to drive to everything. • We could use more entertainment... Miniature golf, movie theater, go-carts... • Not having trails • Lack of rec programs / facilities - need a YMCA or similar program • Schools - people need to recognize academics are not strong • Slow to implement • Opportunities for young people are only focused on sports, need greater diversity • Concentration of money in one area. • Need indoor facilities for all

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Tuscola, Illinois

Other

Economic Development

Programs for Youth

Programs for the Seniors

Same $

Programs for Seniors

Programs for Youth

Cable / Telecommunications

Street and Road Maintenance

Yard Waste Disposal Options

Storm Water Management

Snow Removal

Good

Historic Preservation

Less $

Affordable Housing

Fair

Recycling Program

Not Sure Poor From your experience, please rate the following 140 in Tuscola. services

Public School System

Public Library

Law Enforcement

Q38

Recreational Programs

No Opinion

Parks Facilities

Garbage Collection

Fire Protection

Family Practitioners

Emergency Care

Ambulance Service

Park and Recreation Facilities

Q39

Arts/Culture program Funding

140

General Community-wide Clean-up, etc.

Library Services

Fire and Emergency Services

Police Services

Planning Process & Public Participation

Excellent

120

100

2-17

The City of Tuscola supports many public services with a limited budget. How would you like the City to prioritize spending on these services? Please indicate your spending preferences based on your satisfaction with these public services. More $

120

100

2.4 | Community Survey

Not Important At All

Somewhat Important

Very Important

140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Preserving rural character and scenery

Attracting industry Preserving Increased renewable Protecting existing and potential jobs agricultural land and energy production residential areas production

Q45

How do you rate the following aspects of Tuscola? No Opinion

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

140 120 100 80 60 40 20

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Property upkeep/cleanliness

Aesthetic design of new development

0 Lighting control

Respondents were asked to rate seven (7) aspects of life in Tuscola. Generally, the plurality rated all seven as being either good or excellent. Property upkeep/ cleanliness was the only one to be rated more toward the fair to poor end of the spectrum. See Q45 at right for more information. Select comments include: • Too many absentee property owners leading to too many rundown, dilapidated properties that are eyesores to the neighborhoods & reflect poorly on the city and effect property sales & values. • With the increase in trains, the noise assocated with them blowing their horns has also dramatically increased. • There are a high number of poorly maintained properties that are a health and safety hazard. Absentee owners let property deteriorate. • I would like to see a tree planting project for Main

Whenever a development project is proposed, be it new homes, new commercial or manufacturing uses, or mining or energy uses, City leaders must balance competing interests. Please indicate the importance of each of the following to you:

Noise control

When asked to consider competing interests, respondents said it was very important to: preserve rural character and scenery (62%); Attract industry and potential jobs (53%); preserve agricultural land and production (61%); and protect existing residential areas (69%). As for increased renewable energy production, 50% stated it was somewhat important. See Q44 at right.

Q44

Signage control (size and location of signs)

When regarding land use policies and regulations, 22% would direct City leaders to be LESS restrictive and allow MORE flexibility on how land may be used and developed; 16% would prefer to see MORE restrictive policies with LESS flexibility; and 62% are okay with the policies which are currently in place. Select comments include: • Need to enforce property maintenance ordinances • Protect our environment-water/air/land • Need a property maintenance ordinance. • I do not know the policies • Allow more land for family housing

Street. The colors in the fall are stunning. Many of those trees are older and more trees need to be planted to prepare for when the older trees are gone. Maybe work with the Main Street home owners to plant more colorful trees. Are there any grants to replace/plant new trees? • Wish houses that are owned by the city would be mowed more often. Neighbors are all mowing a nearby yard, because city never checks on it and mows it, but the park gets mowed several times a week. • Noise control for trains -- too loud and too long

Number of street trees

2-18

A plurality of respondents (57%) think that Tuscola has experience some growth, but not a lot, over the last five (5) years while 31% think that the City has experienced a great deal of growth.

Access to parks

Land Use & Development

Planning Process & Public Participation

Respondents were then asked to rate five (5) aspects of life in DOWNTOWN Tuscola. Generally, the plurality rated all seven as being either adequate or excellent. Retail / Service supply and variety was one to rate as more inadequate (42%) than adequate (45%). See Q46 below for more information. Select comments include: • Downtown is down again - I have been here 25+ years and have seen it go up and down • Vacant buildings are a turn-off. Employees at businesses taking prime parking from customers, retailers need to realize that their hours the same as their customers cut their income. Need to adjust their hours or open late Friday and not limited weekend hours. • Dollar General needs an exterior face lift. • Unused buildings and poor upkeep on some and vacant lots. • I wish we could get business to stay open a little later down town • As I think about these aspects, I realize that I really do not use downtown much at all anymore..... nothing there. I “pass through” and maybe that is a starting point. What can make us STOP AND UTILIZE these businesses that are working so hard to succeed downtown? I truly believe there is a need for a SOUND comprehensive plan for that area on its own! • Need one pharmacy type store to be open 24 hours

Q46

How do you rate the following aspects of Downtown Tuscola? Very poor

Inadequate

Adequate

Excellent

140 120 100 80 60 40 20 Retail/service hours

Retail/service supply and variety

Parking convenience

Pedestrian safety and comfort

Attractiveness/charm

Lastly, the respondents were asked to name the ONE thing they would not want to see change in Tuscola. In total, 70 open-ended answers were given. Of those responses, 33% focused on ensuring that a “small town” feel was maintained; 11% wanted to ensure continued support the preservation of historic buildings and streets; 10% want to ensure the current feeling of safety; and 7% want to prioritize a high quality school system. Select comments include: • The small town feel • Don’t ever cover the brick streets. • The personal/property safety • Importance of schools in community • Losing local farmland to developments • Influx of big box stores and more low end housing • Our locality and sense of independence. We are the county seat and are stable within ourselves and a pillar of the county. I would hate to see too many chain locations within our town. • Don’t turn your back or forget about the folks that have been around for a long time by focusing only on new opportunities • Employment opportunities • Diversity of opportunities for work and recreation • Preservation of historical buildings. History is important. You can’t just tear stuff down because you don’t want to pay to keep it nice. • Noise pollution from trains and new development of homes • People caring about people • Become forward, out of the box, thinking on how to do things. • Keep the town neat and clean. • A good restaurant • Housing maintenance standards and keeping our school quality high • Regulation of signage along Rt. 36 Starting to look trashy. • Its desire to be a family-friendly community • Small town atmosphere.

Tuscola, Illinois

2 2-19

2.5 | Visual Preference Survey

2 2-20

Methods In addition to a Community Survey, a Visual Preference Survey was released. This survey was based solely on photos and the respondents preference to have that type of development within Tuscola. The community survey was available in two forms: 1) digitally via the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s websites and 2) by paper copies made available at the Municipal Building upon request. Availability of the survey was announced through newspaper articles, press releases, e-mail, websites, and other social media outlets. There were 98 responses to this survey.

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Planning Process & Public Participation

Corridor Commercial Development - Building Scale & Design For the next 5 photos, imagine each of these buildings developed along Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial corridors (Rt. 36, Rt. 45, I-57). Would you enjoy their size, shape and design in Tuscola?

2 2-21

YES | 84% NO | 16%

YES | 36% NO | 64%

YES | 14% NO | 86%

YES | 96% NO | 4%

YES | 84% NO | 16%

Tuscola, Illinois

2.5 | Visual Preference Survey

Corridor Commercial Development - Building Setback For the next 4 photos, imagine each of these buildings developed along Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial corridors (Rt. 36, Rt. 45, I-57). Do you like proximity to the road?

2-22

YES | 72% NO | 28%

YES | 73% NO | 27%

YES | 72% NO | 28%

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Planning Process & Public Participation

Commercial Signage For the next 5 photos, imagine how each of these types of signs would look along Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial corridors (Rt. 36, Rt. 45, I-57). Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, height and design in Tuscola?

2 2-23

YES | 33% NO | 67%

YES | 84% NO | 16%

YES | 65% NO | 35%

YES | 81% NO | 19%

YES | 23% NO | 77%

Tuscola, Illinois

2.5 | Visual Preference Survey

Commercial Corridor Streetscape Design For the next 5 photos, imagine how Route 36 and Route 45 might look when developed with a different design. Consider road width, sidewalks, lighting, medians, landscaping, bike lanes, etc.

2-24

YES | 82% NO | 18%

YES | 70% NO | 30%

YES | 72% NO | 28%

YES | 78% NO | 22%

YES | 43% NO | 57%

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Planning Process & Public Participation

Parking Lot Design For the next 3 photos, imagine how parking lots might be (re)developed along the commercial corridors. Consider the size, layout and design.

2 2-25

YES | 15% NO | 85%

YES | 90% NO | 10%

YES | 53% NO | 47%

Tuscola, Illinois

2.5 | Visual Preference Survey

Parking Lot Edges For the next 4 photos, imagine how each of the photos might look when considering the spaces between parking lots and the streets. Consider width, materials, uses, landscaping, etc.

2-26

YES | 61% NO | 39%

YES | 89% NO | 11%

YES | 80% NO | 20%

YES | 7% NO | 93%

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Planning Process & Public Participation DOWNTOWN - Now we are moving off of the main corridors and into Downtown Tuscola.

Downtown (Re)Development - Building Scale & Design For the next 4 photos, imagine each of these buildings if they were to be (re)developed in Downtown Tuscola. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, setback and general design in Downtown Tuscola?

2 2-27

YES | 77% NO | 23% YES | 97% NO | 3%

YES | 98% NO | 2%

YES | 75% NO | 25%

Tuscola, Illinois

2.5 | Visual Preference Survey

Downtown Signage For the next 4 photos, imagine each of these signs would fit within Downtown Tuscola. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, placement and general design in Downtown Tuscola?

2-28

YES | 87% NO | 13%

YES | 94% NO | 6%

YES | 81% NO | 19%

YES | 19% NO | 81%

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Planning Process & Public Participation

Downtown Streetscape For the next 4 photos, imagine the way each of these photos might function within Downtown Tuscola. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, placement and general design in Downtown Tuscola? Consider the way the space is designed and can and would be used.

2 2-29

YES | 57% NO | 43% YES | 83% NO | 17%

YES | 36% NO | 64%

YES | 89% NO | 11%

Tuscola, Illinois

2.5 | Visual Preference Survey

Service Areas For the last 4 photos, imagine the way each of these photos might function within Tuscola as far as utility and sanitary services are concerned. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, placement and general design in Tuscola?

2-30

YES | 29% NO | 71%

YES | 89% NO | 11%

YES | 66% NO | 34%

YES | 4% NO | 96%

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Planning Process & Public Participation

2 2-31

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Tuscola, Illinois

2.6 | Steering Committee Meetings

2 2-32

Steering Committee Steering Committees are an invaluable method to involve key stakeholders and explore important issues. Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steering Committee was the primary review body throughout the planning process. They met bimonthly with City Staff and Consultants to thoroughly discuss each component of the Comprehensive Plan. The following texts gives an abbreviated summary of each of the meetings.

Meeting #4 - Action Steps and Implementation The Committee used their final meeting to set action steps for the goals and objections from the prior meeting. They also identified stakeholders and champions for each action. City Staff later met with the consultants to set funding sources and where the City can work to ensure the goals are met and maintained.

Meeting #1 - Assets & Liabilities The group met for nearly 2 hours. Introductions were made, and the Consultants gave an overview of the process, the roles of the committee members, and the project schedule. The group was then lead through a Community Assets and Liabilities Exercise using a series of aerial maps. Topics covered were transportation, housing, agricultural & natural resources, economic development and downtown. The results are shown on the page opposite.

Meeting #2 - Future Land Use The meeting kicked off by reviewing the data collected on the existing conditions within and around Tuscola, specifically from the survey results. The group then spent the meeting looking at potential future uses for sites and areas all over the City. Discussion focused on future development areas as well as sites for redevelopment. The results can be seen in Chapter 4 - Land Use.

Meeting #3 - Goals & Objectives The group met for nearly two hours while crafting a vision for Tuscola and creating admirable and achievable goals. The Committee established twentyfive (25) goals and began crafting objectives and strategies as a means to that end.

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Maps from the first meeting with the Steering Committee.

Tuscola, Illinois

Goals, Objectives and Strategies This Chapter presents a vision for the future of Tuscola and describes goals, objectives, and strategies to achieve that vision. Housing, Public Infrastructure & Utilities, Transportation, Economic Prosperity, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Community Facilities & Services, and Collaboration & Partnerships are all addressed.

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9

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3.1 | Vision & Goals

Chapters 1 and 2 assessed where Tuscola currently stands; the values, assets, liabilities, opportunities, and threats. This Chapter seeks to find where Tuscola is going -- the vision -- and how the City is going to get there -- the goals, objectives, and action steps -- as defined as follows: Goal: A goal is a long-term target that states what the community wants to accomplish. Written in general terms, the statement offers an over-arching desired condition.

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Objective: An objective is a statement that identifies a course of action to achieve a goal. They are more specific than goals and are usually attainable through planning and implementation activities. Strategy: A strategy is a plan of action or policy statement designed to achieve the goals and objectives of the plan. Not all strategies will be implemented by the City and some may require collaboration with other entities. Policies typically use words like “shall” or “will” to designate firm commitments by the City. All future actions and decisions made by the City should be consistent with these policies, unless unforeseen circumstances arise which make a policy impractical or impossible to adhere to. Such occasions should be rare and probably indicate a need to amend this plan according to the procedures identified in Chapter 4. Policies using the words “should,” “encourage,” “discourage,” or “may” are intended to serve as a guide for City decisions and actions. Action Item: These are the small series of steps taken to achieve the objectives and goals. Individually, these usually do not realize big change, however, achieving many action steps can result in noticeable changes toward achieving the goal.

Our Vision

Tuscola will be an allencompassing community that provides outstanding products and services to our residents and visitors; inspiring a sense of community through our enhanced businesses, civic organizations, education, and recreational opportunities.

Tuscola 2035

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Goals, Objectives & Strategies

Our Goals

Agricultural & Natural Resources

Housing

H1 | Tuscola will encourage reinvestment in vacant lots and existing housing stock. H2 | The City will plan for safe and attractive housing to meet existing and forecasted housing demands. H3 | Future housing development will be in harmony with our sense of community.

Public Infrastructure

P1 | Tuscola will continue to invest in improving and replacing older, outdated or poorly/underperforming infrastructure. P2 | Sewer and water service will effectively meet the needs of current and future residents and businesses. P3 | The City will continue to address drainage challenges. P4 | Remaining brick streets will be repaired and maintained.

Transportation & Mobility

T1 | Provide a safe, efficient, reliable, multi-modal, and well-maintained transportation network. T2 | Local transportation systems will be wellcoordinated with regional systems and investments. T3 | Transportation routes will be aesthetically functional and become a visually vital part of the community. T4 | The City will invest in connected and safe pedestrian and bicycle pathways.

Economic Development

E1 | Retain, attract, create and expand businesses that strengthen the local economy, provide employment opportunities, grow the tax base, and enhance Tuscola. E2 | Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic base will be diverse, selfsufficient, and resilient. E3 | Encourage residents to support local businesses through education on the multitude of benefits to the community.

AG1 | Maintain, enhance and reinforce the aesthetic quality of life consistent with the character of the city and surrounding landscape by preserving agricultural lands and activities, rural vistas, waterways, and other natural areas. AG2 | Ensure safe land use (agricultural, industrial, and manufacturing) practices which protect, enhance, and are in harmony with the natural environment. AG3 | The City will support its agricultural heritage and ensure a competitive system as an enhanced economic opportunity and quality of life for residents.

Community Facilities & Services

FS1 | Tuscola will maintain and enhance recreation facilities and services that support both individual and community health. FS2 | Tuscola will respect its history and heritage by preserving and enhancing historic resources and celebrating our agricultural and railroad connections. FS3 | Tuscola will continue to offer strong educational systems that attract families and support success and social interaction. FS4 | Tuscola will explore the option for fiber / high speed communication infrastructure. FS5 | Tuscola will continue to encourage the activities and initiatives of civic and service organizations.

Municipal Government/ Intergovernmental Collaboration

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3.2 | Housing

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As a city grows and changes, the housing must also change to meet the needs of the population. While the City is not directly responsible for the development of housing, this chapter is included in the comprehensive plan to provide guidance for decision-makers and developers when considering additions to and renovations of the City’s housing stock. Diversity, quality, and affordability are the over arching themes in Tuscola’s housing goals.

Shared Citizen Concerns

1 | Need for new single-family homes; affordable housing; and senior condos/ apartments. 2 | Need to improve/maintain older, existing housing stock. 3 | New housing should be located within or adjacent to the City.

H1 | Tuscola will encourage reinvestment in vacant lots and existing housing stock. Objective H1.1: The City supports infill and redevelopment practices to reinvigorate older and/or deteriorating portions of the community. In the downtown area, the City will consider creative (re)development that includes a mix of residential units, small businesses and/or civic spaces. Strategies • The City will consider incentive programs for residential redevelopment in declining or struggling neighborhoods. • The City will support alternative uses for vacant properties which benefit the neighborhood (i.e. community gardens, mini parks, civic spaces, etc.).

H2 | The City will plan for safe and attractive housing to meet existing and forecasted housing demands. Objective H2.1: The City will develop and maintain land use plans that guide the location, design, use, and density of existing and future housing developments. Strategies • The city encourages the integration of varied housing types and lot sizes throughout the community to meet the needs of residents of varied income, age and health status. This may include single-family, two-family, multiple family or senior housing choices within the same development area. • New residential development should be connected to an existing or planned neighborhood area that incorporates traditional neighborhood design. Unplanned or unconnected residential development is strongly discouraged. • Review ordinances to ensure subdivisions are attractive through green space, landscaping, and hardscaping and are kept maintained. • Neighborhoods should include housing for all ages and family types. • Multi-family units will use good building design to blend with surrounding housing stock. • New development should be well connected to existing amenities within the city. • New development should be strategically located and arranged to not interrupt a potential greenway or unnecessarily use prime agricultural land/resources. Objective H2.2: Ensure that residential developments are built and maintained according to levels deemed safe by

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Goals, Objectives & Strategies

industry standards. Strategies • The City maintains a comprehensive building code that requires inspection of new structures and repair of unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions. • The City will increase its oversight and enforcement of property maintenance. • The City will actively enforce code violations related to housing standards and property maintenance. Objective H2.3: Existing neighborhoods will be maintained, enhanced and celebrated. Strategies • The City encourages and supports the creation of neighborhood associations and locally-led neighborhood planning efforts. • Redevelopment should be compatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood. • The City will work to improve infrastructure, walkability, lighting, streets, and sidewalks in existing neighborhoods.

H3 | Future housing development will be in harmony with our sense of community. Objective H3.1: Tuscola will encourage developers to offer safe, attractive and diverse housing options. Strategies • The City encourages a mixture of housing unit sizes, types, and market-rate price points in all neighborhoods. • The City will be aware of market demand for various housing types and will encourage development of units that respond to market demand. • The City will encourage these developments to use materials, designs, and architectural elements which reflect the existing character of the City which enhances the small town, rural life feel in Tuscola.

Housing Action Items

DD Continually analyze zoning and subdivision ordinances to ensure quality housing that meets current standards and needs. DD Update land development ordinances to require components of traditional neighborhood design and consideration of existing neighborhood context. Greenspace, trails, landscaping and well design hardscape should all be considered. DD Explore incentives to promote rehabilitation of existing housing within a historic preservation context. DD Evaluate surrounding communities’ incentive programs and types/styles for residential development to ensure Tuscola remains competitive in housing development. DD Increase budget for property maintenance enforcement.

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3.3 | Public Infrastructure

Shared Citizen Concerns

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1 | Lack of sidewalks in parts of town, particularly the north side between the school and park. 2 | Need for road maintenance and repair in parts of the City. 3 | Need for enhanced storm water management.

Local government is responsible for a broad array of essential services, such as sanitary sewer service, stormwater management, water supply, wastewater treatment technologies, roads, sidewalks, and pathways. The quality, efficacy and efficiency of these services have a direct relationship to quality of life for residents. While each of these services is individually managed and monitored, they are considered in the comprehensive plan to ensure that investment in these services serves the overall vision for the City. The over arching themes of the plan for these services are high quality, efficiency and equity.

P1 | Tuscola will continue to invest in improving and replacing older, outdated or poorly/under-performing infrastructure. Objective P1.1: The City will work toward the long term goal of installing curb and gutter systems (where feasible) in the older parts of town. Strategies • The City will identify where curb and gutter is not present and create a long-term plan for installation. Objective P1.2: The City will work to find funding and sufficient revenue sources to make the necessary upgrades, changes, and maintenance to its infrastructure. Strategies • Look for creative funding, such as grants or low interest loans, to help cover the cost of infrastructure.

P2 | Sewer and water service will effectively meet the needs of current and future residents and businesses. Objective P1.1: Sewer and water service will be safe. Strategies • Water quality standards will continue to be strictly adhered to, including both drinking water standards and standards for quality of treated wastewater returned to waterways to reinforce Tuscola’s high quality of life. Objective P1.2: Development will support the efficiency and fiscal sustainability of sewer and water systems. Strategies • The City will encourage infill development and other practices that efficiently and cost effectively utilize existing infrastructure. • The City will continue to make investments that allow for long-term cost control.

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Goals, Objectives & Strategies

P3 | The City will continue to address drainage challenges. Objective P3.1: The City will work to address the chronic flooding problems in parts of the City. Strategies • Continue improvements to the two drainage channels. • Continue to investigate alternate storage capacity.

P4 | Remaining brick streets will be repaired and maintained. Objective P4.1: The City will work toward making the brick streets safe by identifying a sufficient revenue stream. Strategies • Create a brick streets management plan by identifying and categorizing existing brick streets to prioritize repairs and maintenance over the long term.

Public Infrastructure Action Items DD Conduct regular review of sewer/water capacities to serve future growth and development. DD Stormwater Management Plan creation and implementation. DD Use good retention/detention methods for new development and ensure methods are used in redevelopment projects. DD Conduct a stormwater utility feasibility study. DD Review neighboring municipalities brick streets policies and maintenance programs.

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3.4 | Transportation & Mobility

Transportation is an essential aspect of life. It is about the ability to readily and safely gain access to work, school, shopping, recreation, medical care and social gatherings. It is also an essential component of most economic activity. The City of Tuscola’s over arching transportation themes are efficiency, maintenance, and enhancement of transportation options and thoroughfares.

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Shared Citizen Concerns 1 | Lack of baling/biking pathways. 2 | Lack of public transportation.

T1 | Provide a safe, efficient, reliable, multi-modal, and well-maintained transportation network. Objective T1.1: Ensure roads and paths meet the needs of multiple users. Strategies • New roads shall be built according to City standards and inspected before accepted for dedication. The City maintains requirements for new roads and driveways that aim to ensure safety for all users. Roadway design will account for snow removal needs, including adequate terrace width between the street and the sidewalk. The City may utilize its official mapping powers to coordinate long-term facility planning in its extraterritorial area. • The City encourages the development of neighborhoods that are oriented towards pedestrians and wellserved by sidewalks, bicycle routes, and other non-motorized transportation facilities. Bicycle and pedestrian ways, including sidewalks within developments shall be designed to connect to adjacent developments, schools, parks, shopping areas, and existing or planned pedestrian or bicycle facilities. • When considering new development proposals the City may require intergovernmental agreements that define the responsibilities of the City, the developer and neighboring jurisdictions regarding any required improvements to City streets and funding of such improvements. The City may also require that the property owner, or their agent, fund the preparation of a traffic impact analysis by an independent professional prior to approving new development. Where appropriate, the City may designate weight restrictions and truck routes to protect local streets. • The City will work with representatives from the IDOT and Douglas County to raise awareness of local concerns when State and County highways in the area are slated for improvement. The City will coordinate improvements to adjacent local roads, when appropriate.

T2 | Local transportation systems will be well-coordinated with regional systems and investments. Objective T2.1: The City will maximize the cost-effectiveness of the regional transportation system by coordinating planning, design and funding with regional and state agencies, as well as neighboring jurisdictions. Strategies • The City will work with neighboring jurisdictions to coordinate mobility goals and a vision for the future. • The City will inform the community about regional and state transportation projects, and will encourage public involvement. • Because of the large commuter population, the City will work with the Illinois DOT to improve access to and efficiency of major transportation routes through joint planning and policy initiatives. • Coordinate major transportation projects with property owners, neighboring communities, Douglas County, and the Illinois Department of Transportation. • Engage residents to ensure their commuting needs are being met.

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Goals, Objectives & Strategies

• The City will continue to support regional efforts with Central Illinois Public Transit.

T3 | Transportation routes will be aesthetically functional and become a visually vital part of the community. Objective T3.1: The City will coordinate with the Illinois Department of Transportation to ensure the Interstate-57 interchange is maintained. Strategies • The City will communicate with IDOT to ensure the interchange on I-57 remains in good condition. • The City will work with IDOT to improve the Right of Way surrounding the interchange to Tuscola. • The City will seek funding for aesthetic/artistic enhancements to the interchange which reflect the communities charm and vision. Objective T3.2: The City will coordinate with the railroad(s) to clean up crossings and associated right-ofway. Strategies • The City will reach out to the railroad company to clean up railroad right-of-way throughout the community. Most notably, the crossings at Main Street, Niles Avenue, Carico Street, and Prairies Street. Objective T3.3: Major interior thoroughfares will be visually appealing and functionally safe and efficient. Strategies • Pursue funding sources for installation and creation of artwork and enhancements along key routes and at key locations throughout Tuscola.

T4 | The City will invest in connected and safe pedestrian and bicycle pathways. Objective T4.1: The City will work toward ensuring connected and continuous pathways for daily and recreational use. Strategies • Create a bicycle and pedestrian plan to ensure connected, safe and efficient pathways throughout the community.

Transportation & Mobility Action Items

DD Analyze future road extensions and connections for future development areas to maintain proper street connections and traffic flow. DD Require sidewalks for all new development and major redevelopment projects, whether sidewalks currently exist adjacent or not. Encourage neighboring properties to install sidewalks. DD Install sidewalks where none currently exists. DD Work with IDOT to ensure safe and proper pedestrian crossings along Route 36. DD Initiate a greenbelt trail system and inter connectivity of parks.

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3.5 | Economic Development

Shared Citizen Concerns 1 | Deteriorating buildings throughout town. 2 | Lack of “sit-down” style restaurants.

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3 | Need to retain/attract younger professionals/families. 4 | Lack of employment opportunities (outside of minimum wage retail) 5 | Lack of recent investment within the downtown. Economic prosperity is realized through the growth and retention of jobs, a diversity of businesses types, an increase in buying power, investment in the built environment, and a general improvement in the community’s already high quality of life. Creating economic prosperity requires the collaborative efforts of public and private entities, and the support of the community overall. Tuscola’s prosperity themes are education, diversity, industry, and growth from within. The City recognizes that economic success requires extensive collaboration with other public and private entities -- the City will be an active partner in these efforts and will avoid duplication of services. City “support” for these efforts may include staff time, funding, policies, or simply endorsement. Retention of young professionals, lack of higher paying jobs within the community, and proximity to Champaign-Urbana were all identified as issues that Tuscola must overcome to ensure economic prosperity.

E1 | Retain, attract, create and expand businesses that strengthen the local economy, provide employment opportunities, grow the tax base, and enhance Tuscola. Objective E1.1: Maintain strategies to promote sustainable economic development. Strategies • The City supports the expansion of existing businesses, and supports the attraction and development of new businesses that complement existing establishments for the employment of Tuscola citizens. • The City supports the idea of public-private partnerships and will work pro-actively with private business and land owners to facilitate investment in the community. • The City will continue to collaborate with neighboring municipalities, Douglas County, and local and regional economic development organizations to promote economic prosperity for the region. • The City may consider the use of public land acquisition to expand the commercial tax base of Tuscola. • The City encourages brownfield or infill (re)development before considering creating new sites within in Tuscola. • The City will work with private landowners and State agencies to clean up contaminated or blighted sites that threaten the public health, safety and welfare and to redevelop these sites to productive uses. • The City promotes its downtown as a compact, pedestrian-oriented business district that supports employment, shopping, and housing opportunities. Objective E1.2: Use the City’s transportation strengths and assets as economic drivers. Strategies • The City actively promotes the development of land along I-57, Rt. 36 and Rt. 45 for commercial/industrial businesses. Objective E1.3: Use the City’s agricultural strengths and assets as economic drivers. Strategies • The City continues to promote business growth connected to the agricultural economy, including local food production, value-added products (e.g. certified

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Goals, Objectives & Strategies

organic products), and specialty commerce. • The City continues to support the development of farm-based businesses and cottage industries within its boundaries and extraterritorial area to support farm families and enhance the agricultural economy and identity of the area. • The City will work to improve access and safety for agricultural implements traveling to and from the grain elevator located on the edge of Downtown. Objective E1.4: Create and maintain an attractive and aesthetically pleasing business environment. Strategies • The City maintains design guidelines for businesses to address landscaping, aesthetics, lighting, noise, parking and access. This is particularly important on main arterials and within the Downtown District. • The City and its partners will prioritize workforce recruitment through efforts to make and promote Tuscola as a great place to live and locate a business. (Promoting Tuscola’s high quality of life will make employee attraction and retention easier, and this will facilitate employment growth) • The City will support the creative arts, including live performance, public art installations, art galleries, etc., as an important element of workforce attraction and economic development. • The City will support healthy living practices and initiatives to increase community appeal and reduce health care costs. Objective E1.5: Existing Tuscola businesses will retain and expand employment, especially those considered “primary sector”. Strategies • The City will support the needs of growing businesses and will work with local/regional partners to provide programs, space and infrastructure necessary to support an expanding workforce. Objective E1.6: The City will have both space and incentive tools to support business creation, growth, and expansion. Strategies • The City will ensure an adequate supply of land for commercial and industrial development through land use controls (e.g. Zoning Ordinance or the Future Land Use Map). • The City will continue to use development tools such as tax

Tuscola, Illinois

Tuscola’s Workforce Not surprisingly Tuscola’s unemployment rate increased since 2000 alongside the County and State-Most likely due to the fact that in 2010 the United States was in an economic downturn commonly referred to as the “Great Recession”, accounting for the higher unemployment rates to be included in the five-year average. Over 80% of workers in Tuscola earn a private wage and salary. And nearly a sixth (13.8%) of the labor force in Tuscola is employed by a Governmental (Local, State or Federal) entity. Tuscola’s Economy The most common occupational category among Tuscola’s residents is “Sales and office occupations” (30.4%) and is closely followed by “Management, business, science, and arts occupations” (28.0%). “Production, transportation, and material moving occupations” (17.0%) and “Service occupations” (16.2%) follow next, respectively. In this regard, Tuscola more closely resembles the State than Douglas County. The “industry” that employs the most City residents is “Educational services, and health care and social assistance” category (21.2%) with retail trade not far behind (19.2%). Smaller numbers are employed in “Manufacturing” (15.7%), “Arts, entertainment, and recreation,

“Primary sector employers” are those that produce more goods or services than can be consumed by the local economy, and therefore export a portion of their output, bringing outside dollars into the local economy. and accommodation and food services” (11.5%), and “Transportation and warehousing, and utilities” (7.3%). This local employment profile is similar to that of the region.

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3.5 | Economic Development

incremental financing districts and enterprise zones to offer incentives that support employment growth. Objective E1.7: Entrepreneurialism and small business growth will be enthusiastically and continuously supported in Tuscola.

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Strategies • The City will support collaboration among its partners to provide local entrepreneurship training and encouragement. • The City supports the cottage industries which include home occupations and home-based businesses in residential districts as a means to enhance residents’ income opportunities, increase local employment, and foster business creation and entrepreneurship. However, activities that alter the residential character of the neighborhood, such as objectionable changes in traffic, noise, odor, light, or appearance of the home and property, will not be tolerated. • The City will support and promote minority- and women-owned businesses. Objective E1.8: Avoid land use conflicts between business and nonbusiness use. Strategies • Review and update the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Ordinance as necessary.

E2 | Tuscola’s economic base will be diverse, self-sufficient, and resilient. Objective E2.1: Attract new jobs to the community in varied, but specific, sectors. Strategies • The city will encourage and support efforts to recruit businesses and growth industries not currently prevalent in the City. Areas of focus should capitalize on the educated workforce and may include information technology, energy technology, professional services, and health-related products and services. • Agricultural services should also be exploited given the nature of the County and the history agriculture has played in and around Tuscola. • The City will work with key See Section A.4 Economic Prosperity stakeholders to establish a base of Appendix A: Community Indicators of creative industries (e.g. arts, Report for more information and data sciences, research, architecture) to on existing economic conditions and enhance quality of life and expand indicators for Tuscola and the region. the professional workforce.

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Education & Income The level of education attained by a community can provide valuable insight into the existing labor force, including availability of skilled and professional workers and demand for training opportunities. The percentage of Tuscola residents 25 years or older who have at least a high school diploma is 90.40%. The percentage of residents who have obtained a bachelor’s degree is 12.4%. This percentage also saw a decrease over the two reporting periods, from 16.7% in the 20052009 sample. While this could be sampling error in the data, it is generally inconsistent with regional and national trends, in which the recession economy encouraged more people to seek and complete post-secondary degrees. Income is another way to look at the economic vitality of a community. For Tuscola, the per capita income at $25,282 is higher than the County’s $23,732. The median family ($66,349) and median household ($49,865) incomes for Tuscola are roughly the same as the County, but under preforming the State as a whole. These lower averages are certainly related to the level of educational attainment and percentage of individuals living below the poverty level. In the City, 10.9% of the population is estimated to be below the poverty level. (The Census Bureau uses a set of income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to detect who is poor. If the total income for a family or unrelated individual falls below the relevant poverty threshold, then the family or unrelated individual is classified as being “below the poverty level”.)

Goals, Objectives & Strategies

Objective E2.2: Explore possibilities to increase the service sector and related areas to increase job opportunities for newer generations. Strategies • The City should consider the creation of a small business incubator to help further the development of small business and innovation within Tuscola. Objective E2.3: Encourage and promote the development of environmentally sustainable industries. Strategies • The emphasis will be placed on attracting businesses and industries that operate in a sustainable manner, contribute to the sustainability of the community as a whole, and are responsible environmental stewards. • Alternative crops for energy resources may be a sector in which Tuscola can excel.

E3 | Encourage residents to support local businesses through education on the multitude of benefits to the community. Objective E3.1: The City will start/support a buy and shop local campaign. Strategies • Use traditional and social media outlets to deliver message on benefits of patronizing local establishments.

Economic Development Action Items

DD Identify and plan for infrastructure investments required to make priority (re)development sites more competitive for economic development. DD Identify funding sources and mechanisms for public realm and capital improvements to support economic development. DD Identify target business types and offer incentives to businesses in those sectors to locate or expand in Tuscola. DD Develop and implement an internship and summer job programs to encourage residence of youth after college. DD Coordinate with local educational institutions to identify employment growth opportunities. DD Continuously update the City website and all social media outlets to emphasize the assets of Tuscola as a vibrant, modern community with a rich history and an exceptional quality of life not found in surrounding communities. DD Continue to develop the easy to understand “one-stop-shop” for economic development on the City website, with links to partner resources. DD Evaluate potential public/private partnerships for community benefit. DD Participate in monthly communications with key stakeholders to discuss the future of the area and maintain an open dialogue among entities. DD Create and enhance entry features to the community and to the downtown (e.g. landscaping, signage, banners, gateways, monuments, etc.). DD Promote growth of tax base in all areas of the community, including infill, redevelopment and improvements in existing developed areas and continued growth in planned new development areas. DD Investigate the implementation of an Overlay District to link the Downtown and Route 36 Corridor Plans.

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3.6 | Agricultural & Natural Resources

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The abundance and health of our agricultural and natural resources are vital to the well being of our community, the prosperity of our economy and the health of our regional ecological systems. This section outlines the objectives and strategies for preserving, protecting, and restoring our natural and agricultural resources. As our most visible natural resource, fertile farm ground, is considered a priority resource for protection, in balance with its transportation and recreation functions. Because all systems are interconnected, these strategies address water, land, wildlife, air, vegetation, food systems, and the welfare of our citizens.

Shared Citizen Concerns

1 | Industrial practices harming the natural environment. 2 | Quality air, groundwater, and farmland are vital to the citizens.

AG1 | Maintain, enhance and reinforce the aesthetic quality of life consistent with the character of the city and surrounding landscape by preserving agricultural lands and activities, rural vistas, waterways, and other natural areas. Objective AG1.1: Preserve productive agricultural lands or those lands that have severe limitations due to grades, soils, not suitable for building, or sensitive environmental areas such as wetlands, floodplains, and streams in order to protect these areas from degradation for continued agricultural use whenever possible. Strategies • The City discourages new development that is not contiguous with existing development. • The City will restrict development in areas that have documented threatened and endangered species, or have severe limitations due to steep slopes, soils not suitable for building, or sensitive environmental areas such as wetlands, floodplains, and streams (Hayes Branch and Scattering Fork and associated tributaries) in order to protect these areas from degradation. The City shall require these natural resources features to be depicted on all site plans, preliminary plats, and certified survey maps in order to facilitate preservation of natural resources.

AG2 | Ensure safe land use (agricultural, industrial, and manufacturing) practices which protect, enhance, and are in harmony with the natural environment. Objective AG2.1: The City will support and encourage land use practices which o not harm the natural environment.

Tuscola’s Agricultural & Natural Resources Tuscola has rich and varied natural and agricultural resources. Almost all of the open space surrounding the city is utilized for agricultural purposes with a mix of corn and soybean farms. Other open space is dedicated to pasture, floodplains and streams.

Strategies • Work with businesses and interest groups to ensure productive and safe practices. Objective AG2.2: Protect local water sources from harmful agricultural and industrial practices. Strategies • The City will use all available powers to protect sensitive environmental areas within the City’s extraterritorial area. • The City will ensure that stormwater runoff is contained as much as possible to prevent contaminated infiltration into the groundwater and running into the streams. Objective AG2.3: Improve stormwater system to prevent overflow during rain events.

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Goals, Objectives & Strategies

Strategies • Continue improvements to the two drainage channels along with investigate alternate storage capacity. Objective AG2.4: Practice techniques which both curb and prevent stormwater runoff. Strategies • The City will encourage the use of Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens for both residential and commercial uses. Objective AG2.5: Encourage the use of green infrastructure in new development and redevelopment projects. Strategies • The City will encourage permeable paving for surface parking lots. • The City will encourage the development of swales and rain gardens in future (re)development projects. “Green infrastructure” is a network of open spaces and natural features woven into the built environment that provides natural stormwater management and essential ecosystem connections.

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“Permeable paving” utilizes porous materials and laying techniques to allow water to percolate and infiltrate the soil beneath the paving, instead of running off as with impervious paving.

AG3 | The City will support its agricultural heritage and ensure a competitive system as an enhanced economic opportunity and quality of life for residents. Objective AG3.1: The City through its partners will stay abreast of the latest technologies and agricultural advancements to ensure a competitive market and sustainable production. Objective AG3.2: The City will work with partners like the Farm Bureau to form a specific agricultural strategic plan for the City with the intent of educating and informing residents while appropriately developing and growing the city and the agricultural sector.

Agricultural & Natural Resources Action Items

DD Consider the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater management and low-impact development. DD Educate and coordinate erosion control regulations in accordance with the NPDES regulations. DD Work to identify local point and non-point source pollution and implement steps for remediation. DD Develop a stormwater education program to inform citizens of BMPs including the use of rain barrels, rain gardens, green roofs, permeable paving, etc. DD Create a “green belt” along Hayes Branch Creek to protect water resources & create recreational opportunities.

Tuscola, Illinois

3.7 | Community Facilities & Services

Local government is responsible for a broad array of essential services (park and recreation facilities, fire and police protection, public schools, etc.). The quality, efficacy and efficiency of these services have a direct relationship to quality of life for residents. While each of these services is individually managed and monitored, they are considered in the comprehensive plan to ensure that investment in these services serves the overall vision for the City. The over arching themes of the plan for these services are high quality, efficiency, and variety.

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FS1 | Tuscola will maintain and enhance recreation facilities and services that support both individual and community health. Objective FS1.1: The City’s recreation facilities will be managed with an understanding of the diverse outdoor recreational needs and strong desires of the community. Strategies • The City will continue their work to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities. • The City will continue to develop recreational opportunities around Tuscola, including introducing trail facilities. • The City will coordinate recreational planning with other public and private entities to maximize resources (e.g. School District, Hospital, etc.). • The City will continue to improve existing park and recreation facilities and services to meet the needs of the community, while improving safety and efficiency of the facilities provided. • The City will explore the feasibility of an indoor recreation center through unique partnerships. • The City will explore all opportunities and potential for North Ward Park (See Chapter 4 - Land Use).

FS2 | Tuscola will respect its history and heritage by preserving and enhancing historic resources and celebrating our agricultural and railroad connections. Objective FS2.1: Tuscola will safeguard the City’s architectural, prehistoric, historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage. Strategies • The City will continue to support heritage planning through the Planning Commission’s review and the local designation of historic landmarks and districts. • The City will develop and maintain design guidelines for (re)development of potential historic districts, including the Downtown. • The City will promote and safeguard the historical landscape in addition to structures and districts. • The City will apply criteria for Capital Projects that require evaluation and mitigation of negative impacts to historic assets. • The City encourages (adaptive) reuse and rehabilitation of historic structures. Objective FS2.2: Tuscola will foster pride in the legacy of beauty and achievements of the past. Strategies • The City will collaborate with the Tuscola Public School District and other educational institutions to

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facilitate local history tours, projects and lesson plans. • The City will support and recognize private historic rehabilitation. • The City will incorporate historical heritage considerations in the development of neighborhood plans.

3.7 Objective FS2.3: Tuscola will utilize its historic assets for economic development.

Strategies • The City will promote its cultural and historical resources as amenities for prospective businesses and industries. • The City will continue to market its historic and cultural assets as tourist attractions, and will develop/ improve infrastructure and amenities to increase tourism.

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FS3 | Tuscola will continue to offer strong educational systems that attract families and support success and social interaction. Objective FS3.1: Tuscola Community Unit School District #301 will keep pace with changes to the population it serves. Strategies • The City will collaborate with the Tuscola Public School District to anticipate and plan for changes in the size or makeup of the City’s school-age population. • The City will support the School District and regional economic development agencies to attract and retain high quality educators and staff. Objective FS3.2: Tuscola’s Public Schools will be an integral part of community life, much more than simply a primary and secondary education service. Strategies • The City will collaborate with the School District to maximize the community’s capital investment in school facilities by making those facilities readily available, as feasible, for other uses that support social interaction and health within the community, such as community meetings, neighborhood festivals, and adult sports. • The City will collaborate with the School District to promote and make available to all residents certain services and events, such as student athletics and music and drama performances. • The City will support School District efforts to engage residents in the education process through tutoring, mentoring, and guest speaker initiatives. • The City will support and encourage School District efforts to teach students about local history and instill civic pride through knowledge of the community. • The City will work with and support the School District in attracting new families to the area. Objective FS3.3: Tuscola will encourage lifelong learning through public and private programs. Strategies • The City will support higher education institutions, such as the University of Illinois, Parkland Community

Tuscola, Illinois

3.7 | Community Facilities & Services

College, and Richland Community College, to provide continuing education, professional development, personal enrichment and summer programs for Tuscola residents. • The City will work with cultural and historical institutions (including the Public Library and the Douglas County Museum) to develop free and lost-cost educational and cultural programs for residents of all ages.

FS4 | Tuscola will explore the option for fiber/high speed communication infrastructure.

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Objective FS4.1: The City will inquire about the feasibility of high speed communication line through Tuscola. Strategies • Contact surrounding communities about costs and procedures to providing such a network within Tuscola.

FS5 | Tuscola will continue to encourage the activities and initiatives of civic and service organizations. Objective FS5.1: Ensure the continuation of community pride through support of local organizations’ events and happenings.

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Community Facilities & Services Action Items

DD Continue to facilitate and improve park and recreation facilities, programs, amenities and special events. DD Study feasibility of a Community Recreation Facility. DD Improve supply of information (uniform interpretive signage, websites, online forms, maps, etc.) at and for community facilities and key attractions. DD Pursue grants to update community facilities. DD Evaluate parks for compliance with ADA standards and prepare a transition plan to make necessary changes over time. DD Evaluated high speed internet for city residents and businesses. DD Include a public arts component in development Requests for Proposal for City-owned sites. DD Continue to support the development of heritage planning and consider the creation of a commission and/or action plan. DD Develop and maintain guidelines for development in historic districts. DD Continue to implement the Downtown Master Plan. DD Construct and maintain uniform interpretive wayfinding signage at key attraction locations to further promote the assets of the community. DD Look into feasibility of park board or more formalized structure for programming.

Tuscola, Illinois

3.8 | Municipal Government/Intergovernmental Collaboration

Successful and vibrant communities rely upon collaborative efforts among city businesses and organizations and benefit from partnerships with regional organizations and state and federal agencies. The City of Tuscola has a strong history of collaboration with multi-partner projects. This section defines the City’s strategies on collaboration and provides guidance on reaching out to new partners and maintaining existing relationships.

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GC1 | Foster and/or maintain mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships with neighboring municipalities, townships, Douglas County, State and Federal agencies, and the schools, colleges and universities which serve Tuscola residents. Objective GC1.1: Tuscola will think regionally while acting locally. Strategies • The City acknowledges the importance of regional systems and connections, especially for transportation, economic development, and natural resources protection, and will make a conscious effort to include neighboring jurisdictions, the County, and entities within the Tuscola region in major policy and planning related initiatives. • The City will continue to work with Central Illinois Public Transit to develop, fund, and implement regional planning and mobility efforts. • The City will make efforts to establish regional partnerships for special projects and issues, such as trail and recreation improvements, tourism, and sustainability. Objective GC1.2: Reduce costs and improve quality of municipal services through partnerships with neighboring towns and municipalities. Strategies • The City will actively participate, review, monitor, and comment on pending plans from neighboring municipalities, Douglas County, and State or Federal agencies on land use or planning activities that would affect Tuscola. • The City will continue to work with neighboring municipalities to identify opportunities for shared services or other cooperative planning efforts. Objective GC1.3: Communicate clearly with Douglas County and Regional Agencies to establish mutually agreeable development goals and objectives in the City’s extraterritorial area. Strategies • To the extent possible, the City will coordinate its Comprehensive Plan with any future Comprehensive Plan for the County. • The City will continue to work with Douglas County and Regional Agencies to identify opportunities for shared services or other cooperative planning efforts. Objective GC1.4: The City will coordinate with the School District on decisions affecting facilities and land use. Strategies • The City will work with the School District on any future facilities planning.

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GC2 | Tuscola will continue to collaborate with non-profit and private entities to improve the quality of life for Tuscola residents. Objective GC2.1: Tuscola will encourage more and better development through public-private partnerships. Strategies • The City will consider creative uses of its powers, borrowing capacity, and taxpayer funds to support private development projects that further public interests, especially for well-paying job growth, downtown investment, multi-modal transportation, and enhancement of arts and culture. Objective GC2.2: Tuscola will partner with non-profits to ensure adequate social services for all residents. Strategies • The City will collaborate with local non-profits and social service agencies to ensure there are sufficient resources for all residents and that service is fair and adequate. • The City will partner with agencies like United Way and American Red Cross to expand access to an awareness of emergency social services and sustenance programs.

GC3 | Tuscola will continue to collaborate with developers, public entities and private entities to expand employment / development opportunities. Objective GC3.1: Tuscola will support efforts and organizations geared towards furthering Tuscola’s primary employment sectors. Strategies • The City will support the adequate promotion of Tuscola as a great place to expand, grow and start a business or industry. • The City will support the adequate promotion of Tuscola as a great place to live and work.

Municipal Government / Intergovernmental Collaboration Action Items

DD Host meetings with regional partners to explore ways in which collaboration on programs or services can improve quality, access, and efficiency. DD Communicate with other jurisdictions whenever service contracts or major capital improvements are up for consideration, to identify cost savings opportunities through partnerships and shared service arrangements.

Tuscola, Illinois

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3.9 | Zoning Ordinance Recommendations

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Zoning Ordinance Overview

Permitted Uses

The Zoning Ordinance is a highly used and influential document for a community because it provides the ways and means to shape the look and feel of the built environment. It’s original purpose is to segregate uses that are thought to be incompatible, or at a minimum, reduce the impact of varying uses in close proximity. This regulatory process can help make sense of the built environment by controlling uses, managing land, and managing the bulk, density and mass of structures. Ultimately, the City’s Zoning Ordinance should protect the rights and value of all property owners and find ways to ensure all uses can harmoniously coexist.

The Zoning Ordinance (ZO) does contain an easy to use chart which clearly states if a use can or cannot be located within a district or if it would require a special use permit. The only districts not featured within the chart are the R-1 Single Family Residence and R-2 General Dwelling District. Generally speaking, the following is suggested:

While the City of Tuscola Zoning Ordinance has been updated on a need-to basis, the bulk of the Ordinance is dated by decades and, at minimum, in need of a serious revision. This section does not provide a new Ordinance or even rewrite parts of the Ordinance, but it does review strengths and weaknesses of the document and provides insight for consideration when the time comes for a full update or rewrite of the existing Ordinance. Since the time of the adoption of the last Comprehensive Plan in 2001, there have been over 70 petitions to the Zoning and Planning Commission for Variances (35), Special Use Permits (23), and Text Amendments (5). Surprisingly, only one (1) request for rezoning has been petitioned since 2001. Although, there were several requests for uses within the Transitional Zone. A cursory review of these petitions shows what might be considered standard requests: shallower setbacks in the front, side and rear yards, sign size, home occupations, fence height, etc. General Comments: • The Zoning Ordinance should incorporate best practices for urban planning and design. • Clear, updated illustrations should be used throughout the document to highlight important and key points. This can be especially helpful to convey intent and execution of setback, bulk, and height regulations.

Suggestions: • Future changes to the ZO should include the R-1 and R-2 districts on the Chart. • Remove outdated or obsolete uses. Example: Remove ‘Telegraph Office’. • Generalize some uses. Only call out uses which would require a special use permit or similar. For example, calling out specific types of retail uses isn’t necessary unless that use requires a special use permit in a district that other retail uses do not.

Special Uses Given recent trends in start up businesses and the desire to be ones own boss, special use permits may become more relevant and sought after. Additionally, more people are telecommuting and working remotely either from a home office or a virtual/rentable office space. Generally speaking, the following is suggested: Suggestions: • Home Occupations be considered in all residential districts as long as it does not hinder the look or feel of a residential environment. • Review and remove outdated and obsolete special uses and add newer uses to meet recent trends (e.g. work from home and small/start up businesses).

• The form, or presentation, of the Ordinance should pay careful attention in ensuring a clear, intelligible and readable document. • It should cover situations occurring today, but be flexible enough to allow for future changes in habits and desires.

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Existing Zoning District Analysis District

Pros

Cons

Transitional (T): The intent of • Controls expansion of City Services • Limited Commercial and this district is to ensure cohesive, • Prevents Sprawl and conserves Industrial uses are allowed contiguous development and to prevent prime agricultural land what is commonly known as “sprawl” development.

Suggestions no • Consider Commercial and Industrial uses near I-57 in the Transitional Zone

Single-Family Dwelling (D-1): The • Accommodates consumer typical lot intended in this district if for expectations for new housing newer single family detached homes. • Allows for population growth General Dwelling (D-2): This district covers all housing types and is found mostly in the older residential areas of the City.

• Accommodates older housing developments • Allows for a mix of units • Allows for higher density • Encourages infill development

Mobile Home Dwelling (D-3): This • Allows for alternative housing district allows for installation of mobile • Provides a safe, healthy, and homes. comfortable environment Single Family Residence (R-1): This • Similar to D-1 district is similar to the D-1 District • Utilities must be buried with the added allowance of a golf • No special uses course and without the allowance of special use permits.

• No special uses allowed

General Dwelling (R-2): Similar to the • Similar to D-2 D-2 District but without the allowance • Allows for mix of units of special use permits. • Zero lot lines allowed • No special use permits • Utilities must be buried

• No special use permits

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Highway Business (B-1): Located • Business types are ideal for large • Encourages large parking lots • Set maximum parking requirements primarily along Route 36 and the thoroughfare traffic (stormwater issues) to reduce amount of parking lot I-57 Interchange, this district caters to • Auto oriented/dependant • No maximum % of lot coverage • Assign a maximum lot coverage automobile traffic and encourages good % so that some area can be left traffic design in and between businesses. impermeable and for landscaping General Business (B-2): The intent • Good transition between B-1 and • No maximum % of lot coverage of this district is to accommodate B-3 businesses that do not require the space • Auto oriented/dependant or traffic volume of the B-1 District, but do require more than can be accommodated in the B-3 District.

• Assign a maximum lot coverage % so that some area can be left impermeable and for landscaping

Central Business (B-3): This District • Pedestrian oriented development primarily covers Downtown Tuscola • Multiple / Mix of uses allowed and encourages a mix of uses and • Higher density development pedestrian activity over automobile traffic. Light Industry (I-1): Uses that do not • Good transition between normally create a discernible nuisance Commercial and Industrial beyond the property lines.

• No maximum % of lot coverage

• Assign a maximum lot coverage % so that some area can be left impermeable and for landscaping

Heavy Industry (I-2): Uses which are • Not allowed near residential and • No maximum % of lot coverage potentially hazardous or which have prime retail nuisance effects when can be discernible beyond the property lines.

• Assign a maximum lot coverage % so that some area can be left impermeable and for landscaping

Floodplain (FP): An area identified by • Prevents increasing flood damages the Federal Emergency Management • Intent is to protect all properties Agency as prone to flooding. The inside and outside the district intent of this district is prevent harm to structures or uses within the area and to ensure the risk of flooding is not increased with new development.

• Incentives for removing development in the district or reducing existing problems

Tuscola, Illinois

3.9 | Zoning Ordinance Recommendations

Off-Street Parking & Loading

Miscellaneous Suggestions

Generally speaking, the following is suggested:

• Establish an Overlay District along the Route 36 Corridor and into the Downtown to provide design guidelines and bridge existing plans for the areas.

Suggestions: • Allow for and encourage permeable pavement materials to reduce stormwater runoff. • In the “General Requirements” section, landscaping should be encouraged at a minimum, if not required, for parking lots, and not just to screen between different land uses. Larger parking lots should require interior landscaping to break up large rows of parking spaces and potentially provide stormwater relief.

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Sign Regulations The sign regulations appear to be up to date. Changes made should reflect any future comments from the public or if the City and Sign Board of Appeals determine that the existing regulations are not creating or maintaining the type of environment desired by the community.

• Establish Landscaping Regulations to ensure holistic and quality site design along with a safe and attractive community. Landscaping regulations should include maintenance requirements and ideally would help reduce runoff. • Establish Lighting Regulations to limit light pollution while providing a safe community environment. • In addition to the Zoning Map and Ordinances, the City should provide a link to all zoning applications on the website. • Review and update as necessary all existing zoning permit applications.

Streets and Sidewalks • Establish a minimum sidewalk width if not already established elsewhere. • Establish rules and regulations for bike lanes and paths.

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Tuscola, Illinois

Land Use

This Chapter outlines goals, objectives and strategies specifically for land use, defines categories of land use, and describes the desired future use for the land in and around Tuscola.

4.1 Goals, Objectives & Strategies | 2 4.2 Future Land Use | 6 4.3 Future Land Use Categories | 8

4.1 | Goals, Objectives & Strategies

There are many unique uses of land across Tuscola, and many more ways to configure those uses. It is the City’s responsibility to regulate where and how development occurs so that conflict between incompatible uses is minimized, land and infrastructure are used as efficiently as possible, and Tuscola continues to grow as a pleasant, attractive place to live, work, shop, play and stay. This chapter features goals, objectives, and policies that apply to land use in general, and also strategies and guidelines for specific types of land use and their location within the City and its extraterritorial plat review area.

L1 | Tuscola will have an adequate supply of land in appropriate places to accommodate growth in all sectors. Objective L1.1: The supply of land to accommodate new development will meet local demand.

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Strategies • The City will work to ensure availability of appropriately zoned land for various types of development, recognizing that an efficient market requires a choice of multiple suitable sites. • The City will be proactive in efforts to increase supply for uses as necessary, including comprehensive plan amendments. If necessary and feasible, the use of financial incentives to specifically encourage an increase in supply of land or units if the market is for some reason not naturally responding to demand. Objective L1.2: Development will use land, utilities and community services as efficiently as possible. Strategies • Development in growth areas will occur incrementally, outward from the existing urban edge. Leapfrog development is strongly discouraged. • Infill development where City roads and utilities already exist is a priority for the City and is strongly encouraged. • The City will support and assist with the redevelopment of brownfield sites, as feasible. Objective L1.3: The City’s growth area will be protected from development incompatible with the future land use map. Strategies • The City will collaborate with Douglas County to encourage new development within the City’s 1.5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction that is compatible with the use, density and configuration recommendations of this Plan. • The City will continue to map the preferred routes and connection points for major streets in growth areas, and will ensure adequate and appropriate right-of-way dedication as land is divided. • Utilities and municipal services will be provided in accordance with development needs and the comprehensive plan. New utilities and municipal infrastructure will not represent an unreasonable cost to the City.

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Land Use

L2 | Tuscola recognizes the importance of neighborhoods and will guide growth in ways

that create or enhance balanced, pedestrian friendly neighborhoods.

Objective L2.1: Development and redevelopment in existing developed areas and growth areas will establish or enhance neighborhoods. Strategies • Any development with uses more intensive than neighboring residential uses will utilize siting and screening techniques to minimize a negative impact on those uses due to noise, light, traffic, etc. • New residential uses will not be isolated from other residents, will be assigned to a specific neighborhood area, and will credibly be perceived as part of that neighborhood. • Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will be added as necessary to improve access and close gaps in the transportation network. • Neighborhoods will generally include a mix of residential types and densities, as well as appropriate, small-scale retail and office uses. • The City will utilize the Planned Unit Development Process, as appropriate, to achieve projects that integrate residential and non-residential uses in creative ways not achievable with standard zoning.

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Land Use Action Items

DD Continually analyze existing and future land use maps to ensure land use needs are being accommodated and met. DD Continually strive to make transportation and mobility network connections. DD Continually ensure land uses are compatible and functioning in harmony.

Tuscola, Illinois

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4.1 | Goals, Objectives & Strategies

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CH 17 1050 E

1250 N

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PRAIRIE ST.

PHEASANT RUN RD.

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D R.

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LA KE S O R E H

WILS HIRE DR.

ASCOT WAY

FAIRLANE DR. HOLIDAY DR.

CARICO ST.

COURT ST .

ENTERPRISE ST.

NILES ST. INDIANA AVE. OHIO ST.

E ST.

1050 N

N. CENTRAL AVE.

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DR . HILL C REST

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NORTH LINE ST. BARKER ST.

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EXISTING LAND USE

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

WATER

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

CITY OF TUSCOLA

AGRICULTURAL

VACANT RESIDENTIAL; PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

PARCEL

AGRICULTURAL/CONSERVATION

COMMERCIAL

PARKS & RECREATION

VACANT COMMERCIAL

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC/CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

INDUSTRIAL

DATA SOURCES: BASE DATA PROVIDED BY DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS. AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ILLINOIS GEOSPATIAL DATA CLEARINGHOUSE, 2011 ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY

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Land Use

Tuscola’s Land Use Tuscola’s existing land use conditions as of 2015 are shown on the Existing Land Use Map on the opposite (a full size map can be found in Appendix C). The Tuscola planning area extends 1.5 miles from the current city limits. Much of this planning area 91% is currently in Agricultural, Conservation or Open Space use, as indicated by the pie chart below and on the left. The next largest portion is Residential with 3%. The second pie chart, below right, shows the mix of uses for the area only within the City’s municipal boundary. A significant portion of the city (25%) is currently dedicated to Residential. Agricultural/ Conservation land also uses about a quarter (26%) of the land. Refer to Appendix C for more information regarding existing land uses, including Productive Agricultural Areas, and Development Limitation Areas. Vacant Residential 0%

Vacant Residential - Planned Development 0%

Multi Family Residential 0%

4-5

Vacant Commercial 1%

Public / Civic / Institutional 1%

Industrial 2%

Water 0%

Single Family Residential 3%

Water 0%

Industrial 0%

Commercial 2%

Parks and Recreation 2%

4 Public / Civic / Institutional 11%

Agricultural 6%

Vacant Commercial 4% Agricultural / Conservation 20%

Agricultural / Conservation 16%

EXISTING LAND USE: PLANNING AREA Agricultural 75%

Commercial 11%

Vacant Residential Planned Development 1% Vacant Residential 2% Multi Family Residential 1%

EXISTING LAND USE: CORPORATE BOUNDARY

Parks and Recreation 17%

Single Family Residential 25%

Tuscola, Illinois

4.2 | Future Land Use

Future Land Use The Future Land Use (FLU) Map (opposite) identifies categories of similar use, character and density. These use categories are described in the preceding pages, including an explanation of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intent along with design and development strategies for each.

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The FLU map and the corresponding text are to be consulted whenever development is proposed, especially when a zoning change or land division is requested. Zoning changes and development shall be consistent with the use category shown on the map and the corresponding text. Where uses in this map differ from the current use, it is not the general intent of the City to compel a change in zoning or a change in use. Except in rare instances when the City may actively facilitate redevelopment of a priority site, the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of this map will be only reactive, guiding response to proposals submitted by property owners.

A petitioner may indicate approaches that will minimize incompatibilities between uses. Natural Resources The land does not include important natural features such as wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, scenic vistas or significant woodlands, which will be adversely affected by the proposed development. The proposed building envelope is not located within the setback of Floodplain zones (raised above regional flood line). The proposed development will not result in undue water, air, light, or noise pollution. Petitioner may indicate approaches that will preserve or enhance the most important and sensitive natural features of the proposed site. Emergency Vehicle Access The lay of the land will allow for construction of appropriate roads and/or driveways that are suitable for travel or access by emergency vehicles.

It may from time to time be appropriate to consider amendments to the Future Land Use Map. See Chapter 5 for a description of the procedural steps for amending any aspect of this plan. The following criteria should be considered before amending the map.

Ability to Provide Services Provision of public facilities and services will not place an unreasonable financial burden on the City. Petitioners may demonstrate to the City that the current level of services in the City, or region, including but not limited to school capacity, transportation system capacity, emergency services capacity (police, fire, EMS), parks and recreation, library services, and potentially water and/or sewer services, are adequate to serve the proposed use. Petitioners may also demonstrate how they will assist the City with any shortcomings in public services or facilities.

Agricultural The land does not have a history of productive farming activities, does not contain prime soils (see Prime Agriculture Map in Appendix C), or is not viable for long-term agricultural use. The land is too small to be economically used for agricultural purposes, or is inaccessible to the machinery needed to produce and harvest products.

Public Need There is a clear public need for the proposed change or unanticipated circumstances have resulted in a need for the change. The proposed development is likely to have a positive fiscal or social impact on the City. The City may require that the property owner, or their agent, fund the preparation of a fiscal impact analysis by an independent professional.

Compatibility The proposed development, or map amendment, will not have a substantial adverse effect upon adjacent property or the character of the area, with a particular emphasis on existing residential neighborhoods.

Adherence to Other Portions of this Plan The proposed development is consistent with the general vision for the City, and the other goals, objectives, and policies of this Plan.

Amending the Future Land Use Map

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Land Use

1250 N

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CH 17 1050 E

1250 N

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D R.

1100E

LA K E S O R E H

PRAIRIE ST.

PHEASANT RUN RD.

1150 N

WILS HIRE DR.

ASCOT WAY

FAIRLANE DR. HOLIDAY DR.

OHIO ST.

NILES ST.

COURT S T .

CENTER S T .

SALE ST. N. CENTRAL AVE.

PRAIRIE ST.

VI EW

D HILL C R ES T

CHURCH ST.

4-7

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TUSCOLA BLV D . I-57

GL E N

CEMETE RY DR.

900 E

US 36

1050 N

WIL SON S T . DAGGY ST. HOUGHTON ST. VAN ALLEN ST. SCOTT ST. PINZON ST. FICKLIN ST.

CIRCLE DR.

WASHINGTON ST.

NEWKIRK ST.

ENTERPRISE ST.

NORTH LINE ST.

BARKER ST.

CARICO ST.

PA RK E ST .PA RK E ST . MAIN ST.

1050 N

1100 E

1000 E

US 45

I-5

800 N

FUTURE LAND USE

CITY OF TUSCOLA

WATER

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL / LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

PARCEL

AGRICULTURE / CONSERVATION

MIXED USE

INDUSTRIAL

STREAM

PARKS & RECREATION

COMMERCIAL

MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC / CIVIC / INSTITUTIONAL

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Tuscola, Illinois

4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Using the Future Land Use Map

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The future land use categories identify areas of similar use, character, and density. These classifications are not zoning districts - they do not legally set performance criteria for land uses (i.e. setbacks, height restrictions, density, etc.); However, they do identify those Tuscola Zoning Ordinance districts that currently fit within each future land use category. In some cases, potential revisions to the zoning ordinance are noted. The strategies listed with each category are provided to help landowners and City officials make design decisions during the development process consistent with the intent of the land use category. These strategies may be used to help determine whether to approve a rezoning, which zoning district to apply, and what conditions to set, if any. Many categories also feature design recommendations.

The nine categories designated on the Future Land Use Map are:

Agricultural/Conservation

Commercial

Parks & Recreation

Public/Civic/Institutional

LDR

Low Density Residential

Commercial/Light Industrial

MHR

Medium-High Density Residential

Industrial

MU Mixed Use

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Land Use

Agricultural/Conservation (AG)

This land use category is intended for areas where the rural character will be preserved, primarily located in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extraterritorial jurisdiction and unlikely or infeasible for urban development prior to 2036. Uses allowed in this future land use category include farming, farmsteads, forestry, open space, rural residential, farm family businesses, or other agriculture-related businesses. The majority of these lands are undeveloped; however they may contain farmsteads or residential developments generally with a minimum lot size of 10 acres. To prevent potential conflicts with farm operations, new housing should locate at the edges of fields, on non-productive lands, and away from hydric (wet) soils. Developments within this category are served by private wells and on-site waste treatment (septic) systems. Also included in this category are Open Space and Conservation areas. These are land which the City wishes to protect because they are vital to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecosystem and/or they are considered an important part of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character and culture. Conservation areas may include land that is restricted from development due to slope or wetland characteristics, generally identified on the Development Limitations Map in this plan. Conservation areas may also include land that is otherwise developable but which the City chooses to protect by preventing such development. The intended use for Conservation land is passive recreation (bike and walking paths, cross country ski trails, etc.).

Parks & Recreation (P)

This land use category includes property where active recreation is the primary activity and where there is typically no commercial or residential use. The City, County, or State usually owns these properties. Some stormwater management or other utility/institutional uses (e.g., water towers) maybe located within these areas. These lands can be public or privately owned.

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Low Density Residential (LDR)

This land use category is intended for existing and planned neighborhoods that feature a mix of housing types with the majority of homes consisting of singlefamily and duplex units. These neighborhoods will be served by municipal sanitary sewer and water systems. Municipal and institutional land uses (parks, schools, churches, and stormwater facilities) may be built within this district area. The preferred density range is 2-4 units per acre.

Medium-High Density Residential (MHR)

This land use category is intended for planned neighborhoods of that feature a mix of housing types. This type of development will be served by municipal sanitary sewer and water systems. Municipal and institutional land use (e.g. parks, schools, churches, and stormwater facilities) may be built within this area. The preferred density range is 4-8 units per acre.

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Mixed Use (MU)

This land use category is intended for pedestrianoriented commercial, office, entertainment, civic/ institutional, and residential uses in a “traditional downtown setting” with on-street parking and minimal building setbacks. This area will remain as the City’s focal point and activity center. Businesses that are encouraged for this area include restaurants, small grocery or specialty food shops, laundromats, hairdressers/barbers, jewelers, hardware stores, small professional/business offices uses that reinforce the City center’s “small-town” character. Several parcels within this area are under-utilized or are in disrepair and are candidates for redevelopment. The City will actively promote the rehabilitation or redevelopment of these parcels for commercial, civic, or mixed uses. Uses in the MU area are expected to be integrated both vertically and horizontally.

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Commercial (C)

This land use category is intended for areas suitable for existing and planned commercial development.

Public / Institutional (PI)

This land use category includes properties owned by the City, the school district, and religious institutions. These uses are planned to remain at their present locations in and near the center of the City to continue to conveniently serve residents.

Commercial / Light Industrial (CI)

This land use category accommodates large-scale commercial, office, and light industrial uses with location requirements and operational characteristics not suitable within Community Business or Mixed Use districts. Highway Businesses / Light Industrial may include hotels/motels, high-volume restaurants and drive-thru establishments, gas stations, autorepair, and other high-traffic uses.

Industrial (I)

This land use category is appropriate for indoor manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, office and outdoor storage usage. The intensity of industrial development is regulated by the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zoning ordinance.

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Agricultural / Conservation (AG) The Agricultural/Conservation category is intended to preserve land and rural character in areas deemed unlikely or infeasible for urban development prior to 2036. It also protects areas vital to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecosystem. Preferred uses in these areas include open space, farming, farmsteads, agricultural businesses, forestry, quarries, and limited rural residential on well and septic. Additionally, passive recreation, such as bike and walking paths, would be ideal.

Conservation Development

Suitable Zoning Districts At the time this Plan was created, almost all zoning districts allowed agricultural / conservation uses. Zoning Ordinance Considerations â&#x20AC;˘ In order to protect prime agricultural land, the City should consider a category specifically for these uses to help protect prime agricultural resources.

Conservation development usually attempts to hide development from the main road(s) through natural topography, landscape buffers, and setbacks in order to preserve rural character.

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Discouraged Layout

Desirable Layout #1

Desirable Layout #2

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Land Use Strategies

AG-1 | New homes should be sited on nonproductive soils in ways that minimize disruption of agricultural use and avoid the creation of new access points to state highways. Small lots (e.g. 1.5 acres) are preferred, especially if the remaining land is in agricultural use. AG-2 | Rural residential subdivisions containing 5+ homes are discouraged, except in areas where urban development is unlikely to occur, even many years from now. AG-3 | Rural residential subdivisions are strongly encouraged to utilize conservation design strategies that minimize the disruption of natural features and rural character. AG-4 | Limit development for at least 750 feet on either side of the Hayes Branch Creek to create a continuous â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenbeltâ&#x20AC;? through Tuscola. AG-5 | Create passive recreational opportunities through the greenbelt such as canoeing, bicycling, walking/running, and hiking. AG-6 | Ensure a connection of the greenbelt to other destinations, such as Ervin Park, Wimple Park, and the schools.

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Parks & Recreation (P) Parks and recreation areas are intended for active recreational uses which are open to the public and might be owned by the City, County, State, or Federal Governments. Suitable Zoning Districts These uses are permitted and suitable in almost all zoning districts.

Land Use Strategies

P-1 | All residents will have access to parks and recreation facilities. P-2 | Existing natural areas identified as Parks and Recreation are to be preserved, though limited access should be provided to foster awareness and appreciation for the area. P-3 | The development and improvement of future Parks and Recreation areas should be focused on creating/expanding/connecting a trails system.

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P-4 | The development and improvement of indoor recreational opportunities should be explored. P-5 | The development and improvement of outdoor recreational opportunities should be explored. P-6 | The public should be continuously engaged to ensure the development and maintenance of recreational facilities suit the needs of the community.

New Public Plaza / Park The City of Tuscola owns a large tract of land which they desire to see developed in the long term. However, given current market conditions and the desire for amenities for the residents, a plan has been developed to turn the vacant lots into an outdoor public space. The majority of the activity occurs on the southern portion of the lot with a flexible entertainment space, two age group playgrounds, an exercise area, a sitting area, and space for food trucks and vendors. The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee approved this plan with intent for City Council to implement the design in the near future. (See potential new park on the opposite page)

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Land Use E. Overton Street Decorative corner treatment

North Scale: 1”=40’-0”

N. Indiana Street

N.Niles Avenue

Existing 5’ Sidewalk

Potential Enclosed Paws Park Option 1

Open Space

Existing 5’ Sidewalk

New 5’ Sidewalk Open space/ concert viewing area Option 2

Lawn terrace, typical

Exercise Station Clusters, typical

Shade Tree, typical Ornamental Tree, typical

10’ wide paths, typical

Benches, typical

Potential Enclosed Paws Park Option 2

Paved flexible staging area Plaza/Dance Floor

Playground Ages 2-5 Central gathering area with benches and drinking fountains Playground Ages 5-12 Ornamental Plantings, typical

Food Cart Staging Area 1 Open space/ concert viewing area Option 1

Benches, typical

Open space/ concert viewing area

Entry Plaza with decorative paving and movable seating

Food Cart Staging Area 2

Ornamental Plantings, typical

Tuscola Public Plaza and Park Concept

Tuscola, Illinois

E Sale Street

Tuscola, Illinois

Bicycle racks, typical Streetscape with raised planters/ event spill over area

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Residential: Low Density (LDR) & Medium - High Density (MHR)

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Residential areas are intended for existing and planned neighborhoods that feature a mix of housing types with the majority of homes consisting of single-family and duplex/twin home units with some multiple units mixed in. Low Density Residential areas are intended for single-family and duplex/twin units on typical sized lots. Medium - High Density Residential areas are intended for multiple units (multi-family buildings, rowhouses, townhomes, senior housing and small- to medium-sized multifamily buildings of 3-20 units) or areas with a higher floor area ration. In all growth areas designated for “Residential” it may be appropriate to consider some non-residential uses, as described in the strategies below.

• Small commercial that serves neighborhood needs R-3 | Infill development will protect the character of existing residential neighborhoods. R-4 | Consider higher-density residential building formats, in areas that have the following: • Access to multiple transportation modes, including the bike and pedestrian network and transit services. • Convenient access to restaurants, and retail and service businesses. R-5 | Higher-density residential building formats are an appropriate transitional use between commercial areas and lower-density residential.

Suitable Zoning Districts At the time this Plan was created, D-1, D-2, and D-3 zoning districts are most suitable; however, the residential zoning districts should be amended to more accurately reflect the intentions of the Residential category, as described below (see Chapter 5 for more information). • Allow for more dense or multi-family units outside of the current D-2 General Dwelling District.

Land Use Strategies

R-1 | Urban services will be required for all new development, including municipal water, wastewater and stormwater management systems. R-2 | Though low density housing is the predominant use in most neighborhoods, healthy, balanced neighborhoods may also include other uses that support the needs of residents, including: • Parks and recreational facilities • Small municipal and institutional facilities • Community centers • Places of worship • Day care centers

This graphic illustrates how a single-family homes can use varying techniques to create a relationship with the street.

Design Strategies The City encourages residential projects (new construction and remodeling) to incorporate design strategies that will maintain neighborhood property values over time and enhance the social function and safety of the neighborhood. These designs should also reflect the charm and character of the surrounding area and City. Relationship to the Street: Buildings and sites should be designed to establish visual and physical connections between the public realm of the street and the private realm of the home, with layers of increasingly private space in between.

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• The mix of architectural themes or styles should generally be consistent within a neighborhood, but repeated use of identical floorplans or colors is strongly discouraged, especially for adjacent buildings. Remodeling and Additions: Changes and additions to existing structures should complement the design of the existing structure.

This graphic illustrates how a multi-family building can use varying techniques to create a relationship to the street.

Consider the following techniques (See graphic on previous page): A | The front door should face the street and there should be a clear route to the door from the street or sidewalk. B | There should be windows on the street facade C | Building setbacks will vary according to building type, lot size, and surrounding setbacks, but should generally not exceed 50 feet. D | Incorporate a covered front porch, or at least a raised stoop, preferably covered. E | Utilize low fences, hedges, or other landscaping to establish a layer of privacy behind the sidewalk. Relationship among buildings: Buildings within a neighborhood should be both cohesive and varied. Consider the following techniques: • Homes along a street should utilize similar setbacks to establish a consistent “street wall”. • Home sizes may vary along a street, but should utilize design techniques such as similar roof line heights and deeper setbacks for portions of wider houses to minimize apparent size variations. • When adjacent to lower density residential buildings, larger buildings should incorporate strategies to minimize the apparent size of the building, including flat roofs instead of pitched roofs, deeper setbacks for upper stories, and/or variation in the depth of setback along the building facade.

Consider the following techniques: • Select window types and proportions that match the rest of the house. • New exterior materials should match, or be complementary, to existing materials. • Avoid enclosing covered porches, when possible. If enclosing a covered porch, maintain the appearance of a porch, rather than attempting to blend the porch seamlessly with the rest of the house. Garages: Consider garage location and scale to avoid a “garage-scape” street appearance, such as setting back the garage door at least 5 feet behind the front façade . Landscaping: Provide generous landscaping, with an emphasis on native plant species, especially along street frontages. Developments of higher-density residential building formats should use trees and low shrubs in and around parking areas to partially obscure views of parking while retaining visual connections to maintain personal safety. Lighting: Exterior lights should be full-cut-off fixtures that are directed to the ground to minimize glare, light trespass and light pollution. Limited uplighting is acceptable for architectural accentuation, flag lighting, and to highlight key civic features (e.g. church steeples). Service Areas (for Higher-Density Building Formats): Trash and recycling containers, streetlevel mechanical, rooftop mechanical and outdoor storage, should be located or screened so that they are not visible from a public street. Screening should be compatible with building architecture and other site features by using appropriate materials.

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Mixed Use (MU) The Mixed-Use area is intended to provide a unique mix of commercial, residential, public and related uses in a pedestrian-friendly environment. In Tuscola, this area primarily centers around what is known as the Downtown. Included may be a mix of retail and service commercial, office, institutional, medium density residential, public uses and/or park and recreation uses. Uses can be integrated either vertically (i.e. use over another use) or horizontally (i.e. multiple uses on one property).

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Suitable Zoning Districts At the time this Plan was created, B-3 Central Business District is the most suitable district within the City Zoning Ordinance. It is recommended a new zoning district be created to accurately reflect the intentions of the MU category.

Land Use Strategies

MU-1 | Commercial uses in MU areas will be smaller-scale establishments serving the local market and/or niche markets, rather than large users serving regional demand and generating significant traffic and parking needs. Businesses encouraged in these areas include restaurants, small grocery or specialty food shops, laundromats, salons, hardware stores, small professional offices, and boutiques.

Height and Architectural Character: Multi-story buildings are preferred, though single-story buildings may be appropriate in low density settings. Buildings should incorporate architectural elements that provide visual interest and human scale, such as differentiation of the ground floor level, awnings or canopies over entrances, etc. Relationship to the Street: Buildings and sites should be designed to establish visual and physical connections between the public realm of the street and the private realm of the building. Consider the following techniques: â&#x20AC;˘ The front door should face the street and there should be a clear route to the door from the street or sidewalk. â&#x20AC;˘ There should be windows on the street facade. Retail and service spaces should have large, clear windows that provide good visual connection between the building interior and the sidewalk. â&#x20AC;˘ Building setbacks will vary according to building type and lot size, but should generally be as close to the sidewalk as practical. Front yard parking is discouraged.

MU-2 | Upper-floor residential units are strongly encouraged over a ground-floor retail space. MU-3 | Medium density residential uses will generally be located where there is convenient access to restaurants, retail and service businesses. Design Strategies The City encourages all new mixed-use projects to incorporate design strategies that will maintain neighborhood property values over time and enhance the social function and safety of the neighborhood.

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Relationship among Buildings: Buildings within a neighborhood, or within a single development, should be both cohesive and varied. Consider the following techniques: â&#x20AC;˘ When adjacent to lower density residential buildings, larger buildings should incorporate strategies to minimize the apparent size of the building, including flat roofs instead of pitched roofs, deeper setbacks for upper stories, and/or variation in the depth of setback along the building facade. â&#x20AC;˘ The mix of architectural themes or styles should generally be consistent within a neighborhood or development, but there should be variation in floorplan, facade design, and color choice to avoid monotony. Garages: Street-facing garages doors should be avoided whenever possible. Parking: Front yard parking is discouraged. When necessary, front yard parking should not exceed a single double-loaded aisle. Preferred alternatives are undergound/under building, side yard, rear yard, and on-street parking.

Landscaping: Street frontages should use both hardscape improvements and native plants to provide visual interest and a comfortable pedestrian environment. Use trees and low shrubs in and around parking areas to partially obscure views of parking while retaining visual connections to maintain personal safety (see below).

Lighting: Exterior lights should be full-cut-off fixtures that are directed to the ground to minimize glare and light pollution, and especially to avoid light trespass to nearby residential property. Limited uplighting is acceptable for architectural accentuation, flag lighting, and to highlight key civic features (e.g. church steeples). Building Materials: High-quality exterior finish materials are strongly encouraged on all visible sides of a building, such as kiln-fired brick, stucco, and fiber cement siding. Signs: Signs should be pedestrian-scaled. Desired sign types include building-mounted, window, projecting, monument and awning. Service Areas: Trash and recycling containers, streetlevel mechanical, rooftop mechanical, outdoor storage, and loading docks should be located or screened so that they are not visible from a public street. Screening should be compatible with building architecture and other site features. Stormwater: Rain gardens, bio-retention basins, permeable pavement and other stormwater management technologies should be utilized to filter pollutants and infiltrate runoff (see below).

Stormwater management techniques (from top left to bottom right): rain garden, bio-swale, pervious pavers, & porous pavement

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Commercial (C) This land use category is intended for office and retail that need large tracts of land unavailable within the small-scale downtown/mixed use area, but which can be integrated within and on the edge of residential neighborhoods. Commercial uses may include bowling alleys, supermarkets, furniture stores, banks, larger professional/business offices and similar commercial uses.

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Suitable Zoning Districts B-1 (Highway Business) B-2 (General Business District)

Land Use Strategies

C-1 | Commercial areas should generally be served by public transit, a contiguous sidewalk network, and safe bike routes to connect to the neighborhoods and the rest of Tuscola.

oriented towards the street (toward the larger street on corner lots) and should have a public entrance. Architectural Character: The building should be designed using architectural elements that provide visual interest and a human scale that relates to the surrounding neighborhood context. Building Materials: The building should be constructed of high quality, long lasting finish materials, especially along prominent facades with frequent customer traffic. Building Projections: Canopies, awnings, and/or gable-roof projections should be provided along facades that give access to the building. (See graphic below)

C-2 | The City encourages and supports investment in small neighborhood commercial uses and sites in existing neighborhoods. Sites deemed no longer viable for commercial use should be considered for residential redevelopment. C-3 | (Re)Development will be well designed to integrate with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and will not endanger the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood. Highquality, long-lasting materials will be used.

Building Projections - Awnings or canopy structures help define the building entrances and provide visual interest along the street frontage.

C-4 | Native landscaping and other aesthetically appealing elements will be used to enhance commercial properties. Design Strategies The City encourages all commercial projects to use design strategies that will maintain property values over time. This section offers different strategies for businesses within or near residential neighborhoods. Relationship to the Street: The building should be designed such that the primary building facade is

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Signs: Signs should be not larger or taller than necessary based on the context of the site, and within the limits established by the zoning ordinance. Desired sign types include building-mounted, window, projecting, monument and awning. Parking: Front yard parking should be limited; side yard, rear yard, or below building alternatives are preferred. Shared parking and access between properties is encouraged to minimize curb cuts and make more efficient use of land and paved surfaces and prevent more stormwater runoff. Landscaping and trees should be incorporated into all surface parking areas to improve aesthetic and environmental performance. Vegetative buffers should be provided between pedestrian circulation routes and vehicular parking/circulation. Access drive lanes should be separated from parking stalls to reduce congestion. (See side bar) Landscaping & Screening: Generous landscaping should be provided with an emphasis on native plant species. Landscaping should be placed along street frontages, between incompatible land uses, along parking areas, and in islands of larger parking lots. Use trees and low shrubs in and around parking areas to partially obscure views of parking while retaining visual connections to maintain personal safety. (See side bar) In some instances these areas should be screened with landscaping, ornamental fencing, or a combination of the two.

Service Areas: Trash and recycling containers, street-level mechanical, rooftop mechanical, outdoor storage, and loading docks should be located or screened so that they are not visible from a public street. Screening should be compatible with building architecture and other site features.

Parking, Landscaping & Screening - The above concept illustrates shared parking between two developments connected by an access drive and includes vegetative buffers along all pedestrian routes.

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Commercial / Light Industrial (CI) Commercial / Light Industrial areas are intended for retail, service, and office uses that serve neighborhood, community and regional markets. Examples include large retail and service businesses, offices, clinics and health care facilities, hotels, restaurants and entertainment businesses, storage, and automobile sales and services. The type and size of use will be determined by location and market forces.

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Moreover, they are good areas for business park-like uses such as showrooms, warehousing, storage, and light industrial uses with associated office functions. Business park developments are usually designed in a unified manner and feature both public and private landscaping, and common directory signage and/or site entry features. Suitable Zoning Districts B-1 (Highway Business) B-2 (General Business District) I- 1 (Light Industry)

Relationship to the Street: The building should be designed such that the primary building facade is oriented towards the street (toward the larger street on corner lots) and should have a public entrance. Buildings visible from the highway should also have attractive building elements along the corridor. Architectural Character: The building should be designed using architectural elements that provide visual interest and a scale that relates to the surrounding neighborhood context. A consistent design theme or style among different sites is not necessary. Building Materials: The building should be constructed of high quality, long lasting finish materials, especially along prominent facades with frequent customer traffic and/or high visibility from major roads. Building Entrances: Building entrances should utilize architectural features that make them easy to find and which provide some measure of protection from the elements immediately in front of the door. (See Below)

Land Use Strategies

CI-1 | Commercial / Light Industrial areas should generally be served by public transit, a contiguous sidewalk network, and connected to safe bike routes when available. CI-2 | The City encourages and supports investment in highway commercial businesses, especially commercial along I-57, Route 36 and Route 45. CI-3 | The City encourages the development of a Light Industrial Park west of town and in the south east quadrant of the I-57 Interchange. CI-4 | Any new business parks will utilize design standards to establish and maintain a consistent and quality appearance. Design Strategies The City encourages for all commercial and light industrial projects to use design strategies that will maintain property values over time.

There are many ways to architecturally define building entrances on office/industrial buildings. Above are a few examples with varying degrees of protection provided.

Building Projections: Canopies, awnings, and/ or gable-roof projections should be provided along facades that give access to the building. Signs: Signs should be not larger or taller than necessary based on the context of the site, and within the limits established by the zoning ordinance.

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Desired types of signs include building-mounted, monument and free-standing. Common directory signs at business park entrances and a common style or format for all sites are encouraged. (See below)

civic features (e.g. church steeples and flag poles). Stormwater: Rain gardens, bio-retention basins, permeable pavement and other stormwater management technologies should be utilized to filter pollutants and infiltrate runoff. Service Areas: Trash and recycling containers, street-level mechanical, rooftop mechanical, outdoor storage, and loading docks should be located or screened so that they are not visible from a public street. Screening should be compatible with building architecture and other site features.

Industrial (I) Examples of common directory signs at business/ industrial park entrances.

Parking: Front yard parking should be limited; side yard, rear yard, or below building alternatives are preferred. Shared parking and access between properties is encouraged to minimize curb cuts and make more efficient use of land and paved surfaces. Landscaping and trees should be incorporated into all surface parking areas to improve aesthetic and environmental performance. Vegetative buffers should be provided between pedestrian circulation routes and vehicular parking/circulation. The use of on-street parking is encouraged when appropriate. Access drive lanes should have adequate throat depths to allow for proper vehicle stacking and to reduce congestion.

Industrial areas are intended for light or heavy manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, wholesale trade, accessory offices, and similar uses. Industrial areas are typically larger, individual sites not part of a larger business park. Suitable Zoning Districts I-2 (Heavy Industry)

Land Use Strategies

I-1 | Industrial areas should be located near regional transportation routes. Uses with a large workforce should also be served by public transit when available/feasible.

Landscaping: Generous landscaping should be provided with an emphasis on native plant species. Landscaping should be placed along street frontages, between incompatible land uses, along parking areas, and in islands of larger parking lots. Use trees and low shrubs in and around parking areas to partially obscure views of parking while retaining visual connections to maintain personal safety. Lighting: Exterior lights should be full-cut-off fixtures that are directed to the ground to minimize glare and light pollution, and especially to avoid light trespass to nearby residential property. Limited uplighting is acceptable for architectural accentuation, flag lighting, and to highlight key

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Public / Civic / Institutional (PI) Public and institutional areas are intended for churches, schools, cemeteries, art and cultural facilities, government facilities and other parcels that are owned by a public or quasi-public entity. This category does not include parks and recreation areas. Suitable Zoning Districts These uses are permitted in almost all zoning districts.

Land Use Strategies

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PI-1 | Decommissioned public properties, such as schools and libraries, should be reused or redeveloped in ways compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Design Strategies Many public and institutional uses are located in or next to residential areas. The following strategies are intended to mitigate negative impacts on surrounding uses. Traffic and Parking: Parking and driveway access should be designed to minimize the impacts of vehicle headlights, congestion, and aesthetic appearance on the surrounding neighborhood. Parking lots should be buffered from adjacent residential uses by a landscaping buffer that blocks headlights and the view of parked cars. Landscaping: Buildings that are much larger than surrounding residential uses should utilize landscaping and even fencing to mitigate the apparent size of the building and the effects on neighboring properties. This can include a combination of planting beds, foundation plantings, ornamental shrubs and trees, and shade trees that will help the larger structures blend into the neighborhood. Lighting: Exterior lights should be full-cut-off fixtures that are directed to the ground to minimize glare and prevent all light trespass to adjacent residential uses.

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Transportation Improvements The map on the next page shows future improvements the City should consider in regards to transportation infrastructure. These improvements not only consider the function of multi-model transportation, but the form. Improving both form and function will improve the experience for any user traversing Tuscola. Design Strategies The improvements and suggestions are based on accommodating pedestrian traffic and enhancing both the pedestrian and vehicular experience throughout Tuscola. Pedestrian Improvements: A sidewalk on or along North Line Road was sighted as a need throughout the process to safely connect the school to the neighborhoods and Ervin Park. This is shown as Option A on the map. While this is currently the collector street for the north side of town, it does have limitations with the narrow size of the right-ofway. Option B suggests moving the collector street south onto Barker Street and making the necessary multi-modal improvements on the available rightof-way here.

and Downtown Tuscola, three spots were sited for a potential “gateway” or special “entry feature”. This could be a roadside monument, an artistic sign, or an actual gateway over the roadway. The intent is provide a visual cue that you are entering a special district. This gateway treatment should be a consistent design with the other corridor treatments and elements. Corridor Enhancements: These enhancements should include lighting, wayfinding signage, monuments and gateways, landscaping and planters, and similar features which provide aesthetic enhancements and pedestrian improvements to the two main corridors: Main Street and Route 36.

Pedestrian Enhancements: There are six locations where pedestrian and cyclist must cross either railroads or Route 36 on a regular basis. These crossing currently lack any sort of pedestrian friendly crossing. Areas where these would be useful have been circled in yellow. Improvements could include one or any combination of signage, street markings, lights, or bump-outs. Proposed Multi-Purpose Trail: Multi-purpose trails are becoming quite popular in municipalities large and small. They offer a safe route for exercise and recreation for residents. And, if the route is well planned, can also double as a transportation route for residents to navigate the City. The proposed route (dotted green line) loops the city and follows the two water ways within Tuscola and connects destinations such as the schools, Ervin and Wimple Parks, and the downtown. Gateway: Based on the main entrances into Tuscola

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4.3 | Future Land Use Categories

Option A: North Line Road This route is the current east/westroute used on the north side of town. It is limited in rightof-way space making the addition of sidewalks difficult. It is the most convenient location from Route 45. Option B: Barker Street There is more right-of-way here making the installation of sidewalks and infrastructure improvements more viable. However, it is not as easily accessed from Route 45.

Option A

Option B

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TRANSPORTATION | FUTURE CITY OF TUSCOLA PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS

GATEWAY

PARCEL

PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENTS

CORRIDOR ENHANCEMENTS

STREAM

PROPOSED MULTI-PURPOSE TRAIL FUTURE CITY ROADWAY

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Tuscola, Illinois

Implementation and Action Plan

This Chapter outlines how the vision of the Plan is implemented in everyday decisions and annual goal-setting and budgeting. It also describes how and when the Plan should be amended. The Chapter provides a plan for implementing the action items described at the end of each land use section in Chapter 3, and includes who is responsible for each action and an approximation for completion.

5.1 5.1 5.3 5.4

Guiding Daily Decisions | 2 Guiding Annual Decisions | 4 Action Plan | 6 Amending the Plan | 12

5.1 | Guiding Daily Decisions

City Roles & Responsibilities Responsibility for implementing this plan lies primarily with City Council, City Zoning Board of Appeals, and City Staff. City Council City Council sets priorities, controls budgets and tax rates, and often has the final say on key aspects of public and private development projects. The value and legitimacy of this plan is directly related to the degree to which Council members are aware of the plan and expect City actions to be consistent with this plan. Each council member should have a copy of the plan and should be familiar with the major goals and objectives described herein. City Council should expect and require that staff recommendations and actions both reference and remain consistent with this plan.

5 5-2

Plan Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals Land use and development recommendations are a component of this plan, and the members of the Plan Commission have a major role in guiding those decisions. Commissioners must each have a copy of this plan and must be familiar with its content, especially Chapter 4: Land Use. It is generally the responsibility of the Commission to determine whether proposed projects are consistent with this plan, and to make decisions and recommendations that are consistent with this plan. In cases where actions that are inconsistent with this plan are deemed to be in the best interest of the City, The Commission should initiate efforts to amend the plan to better reflect City interests. This will help to reinforce the legitimacy of the plan as an important tool in City functions.

City Staff Key City Staff have a significant influence on the selection and completion of all kinds of capital and operational projects. It is imperative that individuals in key roles know about, support, and actively work to implement the various strategies and actions in this plan. Specifically, the following people should consult and reference the comprehensive plan during goalsetting and budgeting processes, during planning for major public projects, and in the review of private development projects: • City Administrator • City Services Foreman • Building/Electrical Inspector These key staff members are expected to know and track the various goals, objectives, strategies and actions laid out in this plan, and to reference that content as appropriate in communications with residents and elected and appointed officials. All other department directors should also be award of the plan and the connections between the plan and City projects. The purpose of this extra effort is to strengthen staff recommendations and reinforce the plan as a relevant tool integral to City functions. The City Administrator, as lead administrative official of the City, is responsible for ensuring that other key staff members are actively working to implement this Comprehensive Plan.

Moreover, this group also serves as the Zoning & Sign Board of Appeals which advises the City Council on all matters related to variance requests from the City’s Zoning Ordinance regulations, as well as serves as the appeals board for zoning rulings made by the City of Tuscola City Council.

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Implementation & Action Plan

Education & Advocacy

Utilizing Existing Tools

Implementation of this plan also depends, to a great degree, on the actions and decision of entities other than City Government. The Action Plan (see Section 5.3 of this Chapter) indicates responsible parties that the City of Tuscola does not control or direct. These include, and are not limited to:

Many of the strategies identified in the plan presume the use of existing City ordinance and programs. The City’s key implementation tools include:

• Community Unit School District #301 • Tuscola Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. • Tuscola Community Foundation • Tuscola Tourism Board • Douglas County • Illinois Department of Transportation It is necessary to persuade these entities to be active partners in the implementation of the goals, objectives, and strategies of this plan. The following City activities can support this effort. • Share this plan with each organization, including a memo highlighting sections of the plan that anticipate collaboration between the City and the organization. • Take a lead role in establishing a collaboration. • Know and communicate the intent of relevant objectives and strategies - partner organizations need to understand and buy in to the rationale before they will act.

Operational Tools • Annual Goal-Setting Process • Annual Budget Process • Capital Improvement Program • Strategic Plan • Master Plans (Comp Plan, Corridor, TIF, etc.) Regulatory Tools • Land Use Regulations • Site Design Standards • Building and Housing Codes • Zoning Ordinance Funding Tools • Tax Abatement • Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Districts • Enterprise Zones • State and Federal Grant Programs

Tuscola, Illinois

5 5-3

5.2 | Guiding Annual Decisions

Annual Report

Link to Annual Goals & Budget

To provide lasting value and influence, this plan must be used and referenced regularly, especially during budgeting and goal setting processes. To inform these annual processes, City staff will prepare, with input from other departments and the City Administrator, a concise Comprehensive Plan Annual Report with the following information:

The most important opportunity for this plan to influence the growth and improvement of the City is through the annual goal-setting, budgeting and capital planning processes. These existing annual efforts determine what projects will and will not be pursued by the City, and so it is very important to integrate this plan into those processes every year.

• Action items in progress or completed during the prior 12 months (celebrate success!)

The compilation of actions in the next section is a resource to support decisions about how and where to invest the City’s limited resources. The Annual Report should draw from these actions. Planning Commission should make formal recommendations for Council consideration, identifying those choices and commitments most likely to further the goals and objectives identified in this plan.

• Staff recommendations for action items to pursue during the next 12 months. • City actions and decisions during the past 12 months not consistent with the plan (if any).

5 5-4

• Staff recommendations for any amendments to the adopted plan.

The following process and schedule is recommended: July Staff completes the Comprehensive Plan Annual Report. August Planning Commission considers Annual Report and makes formal recommendation to Council regarding action items to pursue and comprehensive plan amendments. September Department Directors consider Annual Report and Planning Commission recommendations, complete goal setting exercises. Council holds a public hearing and considers adoption of any comprehensive plan amendments. October City Council Goal Setting November to February Budget preparation process March Budget Adopted

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5 5-5

Tuscola, Illinois

5.3 | Action Plan

About the Action Plan The following pages feature a compilation of actions identified in Chapter 3 to help the City achieve its various goals and objectives. Target Completion The “deadlines” identified to achieve these actions are not firm - rather they are indications of when the City may choose to pursue an action based on its importance or difficulty. Where multiple deadlines are noted, this indicates an ongoing or repetitive activity. Responsible Parties Most of these actions require leadership and effort by multiple people and organizations. These tables indicate those parties considered necessary for implementation. Potential Funding Sources Most of these actions come with some cost. It is presumed that most could be supported by tax revenue from the City’s general fund. Where other sources of potential funding may exist, such as grant programs, these are noted.

5 5-6

Housing Target Completion Action Step 1 | Continually analyze zoning and subdivision ordinances to ensure quality housing that meets current standards and needs. 2 | Update land development ordinances to require components of traditional neighborhood design and consideration of existing neighborhood context. Greenspace, trails, landscaping and well design hardscape should all be considered.

20162020

5 | Increase budget for property maintenance enforcement.

2025+

***Ongoing***

Responsible Parties

Potential Funding

City Staff, Plan Commission, City Council

General Funds

City Staff, Plan Commission, City Council

Community Development Assistance Program

***Ongoing***

City Staff, Realtors

3 | Explore incentives to promote rehabilitation of existing housing within a historic preservation context. 4 | Evaluate surrounding communities’ incentive programs and types/styles for residential development to ensure Tuscola remains competitive in housing development.

20202025

City Staff, City Council

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General Funds

Action Complete

Implementation & Action Plan

Public Infrastructure Target Completion Action Step

20162020

1 | Conduct regular review of sewer/ water capacities to serve future growth and development.

20202025

2025+

***Ongoing***

2 | Conduct a stormwater utility feasibility study

Responsible Parties

Potential Funding

City Staff, IEPA

CDAP - Public Infrastructure, IEPA State Revolving Loan Fund

Action Complete

City Services Foreman, City Administrator

3 | Stormwater Management Plan creation and implementation.

Public Works, City Council

4 | Use good retention/detention methods for new development and ensure methods are used in development projects.

***Ongoing***

City Services Foreman, City Administrator

City Services Foreman, County Engineer

5 | Review neighboring municipalities brick streets policies and maintenance programs.

Transportation & Mobility Target Completion Action Step 1 | Analyze future road extensions and connections for future development areas to maintain proper street connections and traffic flow.

20162020

20202025

Responsible Parties

2025+

Potential Funding

***Ongoing***

City Staff, IDOT

***Ongoing***

City Staff, Plan Commission, City Council

***Ongoing***

City Services Foreman, Plan Commission, City Council

Safe Routes to School

4 | Work with IDOT to ensure safe and proper pedestrian crossings along Route 36.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, IDOT

IDOT, ITEP, SRTS

5 | Initiate a greenbelt trail system and inter connectivity of parks.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, City Council

ITEP, IDNR

2 | Encourage neighboring properties to install sidewalks.

3 | Install sidewalks where none currently exists.

Tuscola, Illinois

Action Complete

5 5-7

5.3 | Action Plan

Economic Development Target Completion Action Step

5-8

20202025

2025+

Responsible Parties

Potential Funding

TIF

1 | Identify and plan for infrastructure investments required to make priority (re)development sites more competitive for economic development.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, TCED

2 | Identify funding sources and mechanisms for public realm and capital improvements to support economic development.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, TCED

3 | Identify target business types and offer incentives to businesses in those sectors to locate or expand in Tuscola.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, TCED

***Ongoing***

City Staff, School District (HS & Guidance Counselor), Local Businesses

5 | Coordinate with local educational institutions to identify employment growth opportunities.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, Illinois Workforce Development

6 | Continuously update the City website and all social media outlets to emphasize the assets of Tuscola as a vibrant, modern community with a rich history and an exceptional quality of life not found in surrounding communities.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, Tourism/ Marketing Director

7 | Continue to develop the easy to understand â&#x20AC;&#x153;one-stop-shopâ&#x20AC;? for economic development on the City website, with links to partner resources.

***Ongoing***

City Staff

***Ongoing***

City Staff, TCED, Developers, Entrepreneurs

***Ongoing***

TCED, City, Local Developers

4 | Develop and implement an internship and summer job programs to encourage residence of youth after college.

20162020

8 | Evaluate potential public/private partnerships for community benefit. 9 | Participate in monthly communications with key stakeholders to discuss the future of the area and maintain an open dialogue among entities. 10 | Create and enhance entry features to the community and to the downtown (e.g. landscaping, signage, banners, gateways, monuments, etc.).

City Staff, TCED

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TIF

DCEO

ITEP, TIF

Action Complete

Implementation & Action Plan

11 | Promote growth of tax base in all areas of the community, including infill, redevelopment and improvements in existing developed areas and continued growth in planned new development areas. 12 | Investigate the implementation of an Overlay District to link the Downtown and Route 36 Corridor Plans.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, Developers

City Staff

Agricultural & Natural Resources Target Completion Action Step

20162020

1 | Consider the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater management and lowimpact development.

20202025

Responsible Parties

Potential Funding

In conjunction with management plan and utility.

IEPA

2025+

2 | Educate and coordinate erosion control regulations in accordance with the NPDES regulations.

City Staff, NRCS, Farm Bureau

3 | Work to identify local point and non-point source pollution and implement steps for remediation.

City Staff, NRCS, Farm Bureau

4 | Develop a stormwater education program to inform citizens of BMPs including the use of rain barrels, rain gardens, green roofs, permeable paving, etc.

City Staff, SWCD

Green Infrastructure Grants

5 | Create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;green beltâ&#x20AC;? along Hayes Branch Creek to protect water resources & create recreational opportunities.

City, NRCS, SWCD, IDNR, LCF, Drainage Commissioners

IDNR, NRCS, SWCD

Tuscola, Illinois

Action Complete

5 5-9

5.3 | Action Plan

Community Facilities & Services Target Completion Action Step 1 | Continue to facilitate and improve park and recreation facilities, programs, amenities and special events. 2 | Study feasibility of a Community Recreation Facility.

5 5-10

20162020

20202025

2025+

***Ongoing***

Responsible Parties

Potential Funding

City Staff, School District, Private Clubs/Organizations

IDNR

City Staff, School District

3 | Improve supply of information (uniform interpretive signage, websites, online forms, maps, etc.) at and for community facilities and key attractions.

***Ongoing***

4 | Pursue grants to update community facilities.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, School District, Businesses

5 | Evaluate parks for compliance with ADA standards and prepare a transition plan to make necessary changes over time.

City Staff

6 | Evaluate high speed internet for city residents and businesses.

City Staff

7 | Include a public arts component in development Requests for Proposal for City-owned sites.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, Developers

8 | Continue to support the development of heritage planning and consider the creation of a commission and/or action plan.

***Ongoing***

City Staff, IHPA

***Ongoing***

City Staff, Businesses

City Staff, TCED

9 | Develop and maintain guidelines for development in historic districts. 10 | Continue to implement the Downtown Master Plan. 11 | Construct and maintain uniform interpretive wayfinding signage at key attraction locations to further promote the assets of the community. 12 | Look into feasibility of park board or more formalized structure for programming.

City Staff

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IDNR

Action Complete

Implementation & Action Plan

Municipal Government / Intergovernmental Collaboration Target Completion Action Step 1 | Host meetings with regional partners to explore ways in which collaboration on programs or services can improve quality, access, and efficiency. 2 | Communicate with other jurisdictions whenever service contracts or major capital improvements are up for consideration, to identify cost savings opportunities through partnerships and shared service arrangements.

20162020

20202025

Responsible Parties

2025+

Potential Funding

Action Complete

City, TCED, Tourism, Neighboring Jurisdictions

***Ongoing***

Emergency Responders

5 5-11

Tuscola, Illinois

5.4 | Amending the Plan

Plan Monitoring, Amending & Updating Although this Plan is intended to guide decisions and actions by the City over the next 10 to 20 years, it is impossible to accurately predict future conditions in the City. Amendments may be appropriate from time to time, particularly if emerging issues or trends render aspects of the plan irrelevant or inappropriate. The City may be faced with an opportunity, such as a development proposal, that does not fit the plan but is widely viewed to be appropriate for the City. Should the City wish to approve such an opportunity, it should first amend the plan so that the decision is consistent with the plan. Such amendments should be carefully considered and should not become the standard response to proposals that do not fit the plan. Frequent amendments to meet individual development proposals threaten the integrity of the plan and the planning process and should be avoided.

5 5-12

update is a major re-write of the plan document and supporting maps. The purpose of the update is to incorporate new data and to ensure, through a process of new data evaluation and new public dialogue, that the plan remains relevant to current conditions and decisions. An update every ten years is recommended, though the availability of new Census or mapping data and/or a series of significant changes in the community may justify an update sooner.

Any changes to the plan text or maps constitute amendments to the plan and should follow a standard process as described in the following section. Amendments may be proposed by either the City Council or the Plan Commission, though a land owner or developer may also petition Plan Commission to introduce an amendment on their behalf. Amendments may be made at any time using this process, however in most cases the City should not amend the plan more than once per year. A common and recommended approach is to establish a consistent annual schedule for consideration of amendments. This process can begin with a joint meeting of the Plan Commission and City Council (January), followed by Plan Commission recommendation (February), then public notice procedures leading to a public hearing and vote on adoption by City Council (March or April). The 20-year planning horizon of this plan defines the time period used to consider potential growth and change, but the plan itself should be fully updated well before 2036. Unlike an amendment, the plan

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Plan Amendment Process In the years between major plan updates it may be necessary or desirable to amend this plan. A straightforward amendment, such as a strategy or future land use map revision for which there is broad support, can be completed in about six to eight weeks through the following process: Step One A change is proposed by City Council, Plan Commission, or staff and is placed on the Plan Commission agenda for preliminary consideration. Private individuals (landowners, developers, others) can request an amendment through the City Superintendent, who will forward the request to Plan Commission for consideration. Plan Commission decides if and how to proceed, and may direct staff to prepare or revise the proposed amendment. Step Two When Plan Commission has formally recommended an amendment, a City Council public hearing is scheduled and at least two weeks public notice is published. Notice of the proposed amendment should also be transmitted as appropriate to other entities that may be affected by or interested in the change, such as Douglas County or other Regional Agencies. Step Three City Council hears formal comments on the proposed amendment, considers any edits to the amendment, then considers adoption of the amendment. Step Four Staff completes the plan amendment as approved, including an entry in the planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amendment log. A revised PDF copy of the plan is posted to the City web site and replacement or supplement pages are issued to City staff and officials who hold hard copies of the plan.

Tuscola, Illinois

5 5-13

3 A.1 A.2 A.3 A.4 A.5 A.6 A.7 A.8 A.9

Community Indicators Report This Report is a summary of current conditions and recent trends in Tuscola, based on the best available data. The purpose of these indicators is to enable informed choices about the future of the City. This report is included as an appendix to the comprehensive plan so that it may be easily updated from time to time as new data becomes available.

A.1 | Demographics

About the Data

A A-2

These indicators utilize a mixture of local, county, state, and federal data sources. The U.S. Census has historically been a key source of data for many community indicators. Much of the information previously collected by the decennial U.S. Census is now collected only by the American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects sample data every year and reports estimates of population and housing characteristics. For communities smaller than 20,000 people, the best available estimates are reported as rolling averages over 5-year periods â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they indicate average conditions over the reporting period rather than a snapshot of a single point of time. Because the ACS estimates are based on a sample of the population, they include some error. The margin of error is reported for each estimate, and is an indication of how reliable the estimate is. As a general rule, the ACS data is quite reliable at the State level, generally reliable at the County level, and less reliable at the municipal level. The margin of error makes the data much more difficult to interpret. To simplify tables in this plan, the reliability of each value is indicated simply by the formatting of the text. For each ACS estimate, the margin of error is divided by the estimate. If the error is 10% or less than the estimate, the value in the table is bolded and underlined (See sample table below). In graphs, the ACS data exceeding this 10% error threshold will be denoted at the bottom of the graph.

data because they are measured in different ways. While some of the tables in this report show both decennial census data and ACS data, caution should be used when trying to draw conclusions about trends by comparing the two sets of numbers.

This report is a summary of current conditions and recent trends in Tuscola, based on the best available data. The purpose of these indicators is to enable informed choices about the future of the City.

The second important note when using ACS estimates is that they cannot be compared to decennial census Demographic Profile

City

Number 1990 2000 2010 Avg. 2009-2013

County

Percent

1,242 1,389 1,435 378

error exceeds 10%

2.20% 3.40% 10.00%

Number

Percent

79,364 100,601 145,452 253,053

5.00% 6.00% 7.00%

Census data ACS data

error less than 10%

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Population & Age Trends Historically, population trends for the City of Tuscola show a steady increase in population. The City experienced a mini ‘boom’ between 1990 and 2000 with a 6.82% increase in population. The boom was short lived as the following decade brought Tuscola only a 0.72% increase in residents. A similar pattern occurred in both Douglas County and Illinois. There are many factors to consider and weigh when looking into population forecasts. Illinois provides population forecasts at the State and County level into the year 2025. According to the State, Illinois is anticipating a modest 1% population percent increase every five years. Illinois is also expecting Douglas County to lose less than 1% in its population every five years. These two forecasts, in addition to local social, economic and environmental factors must be considered when projecting the population of Tuscola over the next 30 years. To help combat the challenge of population forecasting, three scenarios were created. The first is a ‘Conservative Growth’ scenario in which Tuscola grows at a rate (0.5%) which is half that of the State, but more than the County. The second scenario is a ‘Moderate Growth’ projection in which Tuscola is more in line with the projected growth of Illinois at 1% every five years. The third is a more arbitrary ‘Robust Growth’ in which Tuscola would experience a 3% growth in population every five years. The distribution of age cohorts in Tuscola show an aging population consistent with Central Illinois. The smallest cohort is that of those aged 20-24. The assumption here is that this age range is typically away receiving a higher degree of education and/or training outside of the community. Gender, as to be expected, is split down the middle, with a slight edge to the females (51%).

Population Projections - 3 Scenarios

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, State of Illinois Data Portal (2015-2025 Projections), MSA Projections 6,000

5,500

5,000

4,500

4,000 1990

2000 2010 Historic Change

2015 2020 2025 Conservative Growth

2030 2035 Moderate Growth

2040 2045 Robust Growth

Population Trends & Projections

Source: 2010 U.S. Census, State of Illinois Data Portal (2015-2025 Projections), MSA Projections - Moderate Growth Scenario City of Tuscola 4,155

1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045

Douglas County 19,774

Illinois 11,426,518

4,164

19,464

11,430,602

4,448 4,480 4,502 4,525 4,548 4,570 4,593 4,616 4,639

19,922 19,980 19,860 19,766 19,711 19,652 19,593 19,534 19,476

12,419,293 12,830,632 12,978,799 13,129,238 13,263,654 13,396,291 13,530,253 13,665,556 13,802,212

Age Distribution

Source: 2010 U.S. Census Data 25.36% 19.87%

A-3

19.49% 16.58%

12.83%

5.87%

Under 19

Tuscola, Illinois

20 - 24

25 - 34

35 - 49

50 - 64

65 & over

A.2 | Housing

Household Counts

Occupancy & Housing Stock

Household trends for the City of Tuscola show a 2.7% increase in households between 2000 and 2010. This occurred despite the decline in total population over that period because average household size dropped from 2.35 to 2.31 over that period.

The diversity of Tuscolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing stock is typical of small towns in the Midwest, with over three-quartersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consisting of single family homes. Multi-family housing in the City has a good mix in the number of units per dwelling with 7% have 2 to 4 units, 6% having five to nine units, and 7% having dwelling greater than ten units.

Looking into the future, three projections are offered based on the three population growth scenarios. All three assume a stabilized average household size of 2.3 persons, consistent with the long-term national trend on household size, which has finally leveled off after six decades of decline explained by fewer children per family, an increase in divorce and single parent households, and an increase in life expectancy. In 2010, Tuscola was below the National average of 2.59 persons per household and the County average of 2.57 with only 2.31 persons per household. This may be attributed to the larger number of seniors and empty nesters. Household Projections - 3 Scenarios

Source: US Census Bureau; MSA Forecasts based on projected population growth and 2.3 persons per household. Conservative Growth

Households

2000 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045

1,885 1,935 1,957 1,967 1,977 1,987 1,997 2,007 2,017

Percent Change

Moderate Growth

Households

n/a 2.7% 1.2% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5%

1,885 1,935 1,967 1,987 2,007 2,027 2,047 2,068 2,088

Robust Growth

Percent Change

Households 1,885 1,935 2,006 2,066 2,128 2,192 2,258 2,326 2,396

2.7% 1.7% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0% 1.0%

Percent Change 2.7% 3.7% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0%

2,500

A-4

2,250

2,000

Three-fourths of the City residents live in owneroccupied housing. In correlation with the 2008 housing market crisis, this percentage of vacant units rose at the end of the decade. Additionally, the distribution of vacant units is out of balance and important to note. There is an appropriate balance between the interest of landlords/sellers and the interests of renters/buyers in a healthy market. The healthy balance for owner-occupied homes is typically between 1% and 2%, reflecting the fact that sellers typically live in their homes while they are on the market and units are rarely vacant. A healthy balance for rental units is around 5%, allowing renters options in the market and the ability to move in immediately. The average vacancy rate of 13% for both owner-occupied and rental housing is high for the City despite the circumstances. Tuscola can showcase a large variety in housing stock through the decades. Housing built in each decade adds variety to the housing stock while new housing will help accommodate the projected population increase in the upcoming decades. It should be noted that the American Community Survey estimates did not pick up any new structures being built after 2010 in Tuscola. However, the City of Tuscola Building Inspectors reported 23 new structures built between 2010 and 2014.

1,750

1,500 2000

2010

Historic Change

2015

2020

Conservative Growth

2025

2030

2035

Moderate Growth

2040

2045

Robust Growth

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Unit Type

Unit Occupancy

Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average

Mobile Home or Trailer 10 or more 3% 7% 5 to 9 Units 6% 2 to 4 Units 7%

Homeowner Vacancy Rate 24% Rental Vacancy Rate 76%

Vacant 13%

Single Family 77%

Renter Occupied 21% Owner Occupied 66%

Year Structure Built

Source: American Community Survey *Error greater than 10% on all data; **Number provided by the City of Tuscola, IL

2010 or later** 2000 to 2009 1% 11% 1990 to 1999 10% 1980 to 1989 5% 1970 to 1979 12% 1960 to 1969 14%

1939 or Earlier 28%

A A-5

1940 to 1949 5% 1950 to 1959 14%

Tuscola, Illinois

A.2 | Housing

Affordability & Value Affordable housing opportunities are often provided through the sale of older housing units. Housing is generally considered “affordable” when the owner or renter’s monthly housing costs do not exceed 30% of their gross monthly income. Tuscola appears to be rather affordable for residents as only 23% of Tuscola homeowners pay more than 30% of their gross income. As for renters, it appears to be less affordable as over half (52%) of renters exceeded the “affordable” threshold. While these numbers are important indicators of affordability, it is also important to note that some residents may consciously choose to devote more than 30% of their income to household and lifestyle expenses. The median rent of $741.00 for Tuscola is higher than the County median of $686.00, but less than Illinois’ median rent of $890.

A A-6

The value of a home is also an indicator to the strength of the housing market and in turn, the vitality of the community. The median value of a home in Tuscola is slightly less than one in Douglas County; $94,900 compared to $99,300. However, both the City and County lag behind Illinois’ median home value which is nearly double at $182,300. However, it should be noted that Illinois’ average also includes the Chicago Metro Area housing market which is drastically different than the markets in Central Illinois.

Selected Monthly Homeowner Costs Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average

Less than 20% 20% to 24.9% 25% to 29.9% 30% to 34.9% 35% or more Not computed

Percent 60% 14% 12% 1% 13% 0%

Selected Monthly Costs for Renters Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average

Less than 15% 15% to 19.9%

Percent 19% 7%

20% to 24.9% 25% to 29.9% 30% to 34.9% 35% or more Not computed

16% 7% 5% 42% 5% 47%

Exceed affordable threshold Median Rent

$741

Value (For Owner Occupied Units) Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average

Less than $50,000 $50,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 to $299,000 $300,000 to $499,999 $500,000 or more Median Value

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2009-2013 AVG 10% 45% 29% 8% 7% 1% 1% $94,900

Community Indicators Report

Subsidized & Senior Housing Meadow Green Apartments 201-207 Luke Street, 200-206 Nicholas Drive, 209-211 Hanna Court Southgate Manor 112 East Daggy Otto Real Estate 7078-715 East Barker

Housing Programs Currently, the City does not have any housing assistance programs available.

A A-7

Tuscola, Illinois

A.3 | Transportation & Mobility

Commuting Nearly 50% of the City’s commuters age 16 or older work within 14 minutes of their place of employment. Both Tuscola and Douglas County commuters, on average, have a travel time to work of 20.8 minutes, which is eight (8) minutes shorter than the State average commute. A large percentage (64%) of Tuscola workers have a commute that is less than 29 minutes. These times suggest most residents work in the City or in nearby areas.

Place of Commute

Approximately 60% of the workforce is employed within Douglas County. The percentage of residents who work out of the county is relatively high (39.1%) and is most likely due to the location of multitude of employers in nearby Champaign, Macon, and Coles Counties.

Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average

A A-8

Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average

City of Tuscola Within Douglas County

Within the City Outside the City Outside of County, Within State Outside of State

Douglas County

60.0% ---

58.3% ---

--39.1% 0.9%

--41.3% 0.4%

Method of Commute Worked at Home

Douglas County

Other Means

City of Tuscola

Bicycle Walked Public Transportation Carpooled Single Occupancy 0.0%

20.0%

40.0%

60.0%

80.0% 100.0%

Major Modes of Travel

Commuting Time to Work

Source: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average; *Error greater than 10% on all data

90 or more minutes 40 to 44 0% Less than 5 60 to 89 minutes 8% 2% 13% 35 to 39 45 to 59 8% 1% 5 to 9 26%

30 to 34 17%

25 to 29 4% 10 to 14 20 to 24 10% 15 to 19 5% 6%

Aviation Service The privately owned and operated, Tuscola Airport (K96), is located two miles southwest of Downtown Tuscola. It is open to the public 24 hours each day. • Covers an area of 12 acres • Elevation of 665 feet • One (1) lighted runway designated 9/27 with a gravel surface, 2,660ft. by 30ft. • No air traffic control tower • Fuel, 100LL, MOGAS • Private storage and maintenance available The airport primarily supports single-engine general aviation aircraft, but may also accommodate small twin-engine general aviation aircraft and occasionally business aircraft activity.

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Community Indicators Report

As for nearby local airports, Tuscola is 71.4 miles from the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington; 35 miles from the Decatur Airport in Decatur; 27 miles from Coles County Memorial Airport in Charleston; and 18 miles from Willard Airport in Savoy. For larger airports, it is 2.6 hours from Chicago - O’Hare; 2.5 hours from St. Louis - Lambert; and 2 hours from Indianapolis - International. Motor Carrier All federal, state, county, and local roads are classified into categories under the “Roadway Functional Classification System” based upon the type of service they provide (see Transportation Facilities Map on the next page for road classifications in the Plan Area). In general, roadways with a higher functional classification should be designed with limited access and higher speed traffic. Interstate 57, which runs north and south along the east side of Tuscola, is designated as a Class I Roadway. There is (1) interchange off of I-57 into Tuscola. Additionally, there are two US Routes (Class II) which service Tuscola: US Route 45 runs north and south along the west side of the City and US 36 which runs east to west along the south side of Tuscola. US 36 is the road which the I-57 interchange dissects and serves as the primary commercial corridor for the community. Additionally, there is one (1) freight terminals, four (4) local carriers, and fourteen (14) interstate carriers located in Tuscola. Roadway Improvement Projects Illinois’ Five Year Highway Improvement Program identifies projects by county and project limits. This list provides projects to be completed between 2015 and 2019. Currently, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) does not have any plans for projects within or around Tuscola. However, due to the location of a private fertilizer plant to be located in Tuscola, IDOT is providing $12.3 million in state road improvements for the area.

In addition, $1 million dollars in public infrastructure improvements along the state routes are also planned by IDOT. Specific details on all the improvements have not been released at this time.

Bike, Pedestrian & Transit Travel At present, the City of Tuscola does not maintain a citywide transit system, nor are there any plans for the implementation of one. Sidewalks, Trails, & Routes Pedestrians and bicyclists use a combination of roadways, sidewalks, and off-street trails. While many of the City’s residential neighborhoods include sidewalks there are some neighborhoods throughout the City where sidewalks are limited. The City’s Subdivision Code currently mandates the installation of sidewalks within new subdivisions. The City of Tuscola has one walking path at the north end of Ervin Park on the north side of town. No other trails are planned at this time. Transit Service Currently, Tuscola (and Douglas County) is served by the Central Illinois Public Transit system. This service provides residents with transportation to Champaign, Urbana, Arthur, Arcola, Atwood, Carmargo, Villa Grove, and Newman. To utilize the service, residents must call ahead and arrange the transport. Additionally, Douglas County recently released a Request for Proposals for additional transit services within the County. Railroad Service Tuscola is at the intersection of three Class I mainline railroads: CSX Transportation, Union Pacific, and Canadian National (Illinois Central). These lines are primarily used for industry, not passenger rail. Vehicular Traffic Motorized transportation is heavily used daily around and through Tuscola. The map on the opposite page shows the Average Daily Traffic Counts for the Planning Area.

Tuscola, Illinois

A A-9

A.3 | Transportation & Mobility

A A-10

TRANSPORTATION | EXISTING

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS DATA SOURCES:

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

INTERSTATE

CITY OF TUSCOLA

MAJOR COLLECTOR

BASE DATA PROVIDED BY DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS. MINOR ARTERIAL AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ILLINOIS GEOSPATIAL DATA CLEARINGHOUSE, MINOR COLLECTOR 2011 ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY

PARCEL

OTHER PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL

LOCAL ROAD OR STREET

ROAD DATA PROVIDED BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, 2014.

STREAM Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\13295001_Tuscola_Transpotation_8p5x11.mxd

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

750 1,500

Feet 3,000

Print Date: 12:57:51 PM 2/22/2016

Community Indicators Report Option A: North Line Road This route is the current east/westroute used on the north side of town. It is limited in rightof-way space making the addition of sidewalks difficult. It is the most convenient location from Route 45. Option B: Barker Street There is more right-of-way here making the installation of sidewalks and infrastructure improvements more viable. However, it is not as easily accessed from Route 45.

Option A

Option B

A A-11

TRANSPORTATION | FUTURE CITY OF TUSCOLA PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS

GATEWAY

PARCEL

PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENTS

CORRIDOR ENHANCEMENTS

STREAM

PROPOSED MULTI-PURPOSE TRAIL FUTURE CITY ROADWAY

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Tuscola, Illinois

750

1,500

Feet 3,000

Print Date: 9:13:18 AM 4/13/2016

A.4 | Economic Prosperity

Education & Income

A-12

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2005-2009 Average & 2009-2013 Average; *Population 25 years and over Avg. 2005-2009 Avg. 2009-2013 43.20% 34.80%

HS Grad

Tuscola

Some College Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree

Illinois

Douglas County

Graduate/Prof. Degree High School Grad or Higher HS Grad Some College

23.70%

18.80%

9.20%

10.50%

14.00%

12.40%

8.60% 90.50% 37.5%

5.50% 90.40% 37.4%

22.4%

22.1%

6.7%

Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Graduate/Prof. Degree

10.9% 5.2%

7.5% 11.8% 4.4%

High School Grad or Higher

82.6%

83.8%

HS Grad

28.1%

27.1%

Some College

20.6%

21.3%

7.2%

7.4%

Bachelor's Degree Graduate/Prof. Degree

18.6% 11.2%

19.5% 12.0%

High School Grad or Higher

85.7%

87.3%

Associate Degree

INCOME TRENDS Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Average

Tuscola

Per Capita

Douglas County

Income is another way to look at the economic vitality of a community. For Tuscola, the per capita income at $25,282 is higher than the County’s $23,732. The median family ($66,349) and median household ($49,865) incomes for Tuscola are roughly the same as the County, but under preforming the State as a whole. These lower averages are certainly related to the level of educational attainment and percentage of individuals living below the poverty level. In the City, 10.9% of the population is estimated to be below the poverty level. (The Census Bureau uses a set of income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to detect who is poor. If the total income for a family or unrelated individual falls below the relevant poverty threshold, then the family or unrelated individual is classified as being “below the poverty level”.)

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT*

Illinois

The level of education attained by a community can provide valuable insight into the existing labor force, including availability of skilled and professional workers and demand for training opportunities. The percentage of Tuscola residents 25 years or older who have at least a high school diploma (90.40%) is higher than both Douglas County (83.8%) and Illinois (87.3%). The percentage of residents who have obtained a bachelor’s degree (12.4%) is lower than the State (19.5%). This percentage also saw a decrease over the two reporting periods, from just 16.7% in the 2005-2009 sample. While this could be sampling error in the data, it is generally inconsistent with regional and national trends, in which the recession economy encouraged more people to seek and complete post-secondary degrees.

Avg. 2009-2013 $25,282

Median Family

$66,349

Median Household

$49,865 10.9%

Below Poverty Per Capita Median Family

$23,732 $65,220

Median Household

$52,741 10.3%

Below Poverty Per Capita

$29,666

Median Family Median Household

$56,797

Below Poverty

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

$70,344 14.1%

Community Indicators Report

Existing Labor Force A community’s labor force includes all people over the age of 16 classified as employed or unemployed as well as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Those not included in the labor force statistics include students, homemakers, retired workers, seasonal workers not currently looking for work, institutionalized people, and those doing only incidental unpaid family work.

Employment Status*

As a whole, Tuscola’s average unemployment rate is similar to that of the County and State at 8.1%. (This rate is a reflection of the average unemployment rate over a five year period which included the “Great Recession”. It is not an accurate depiction of today’s unemployment, but rather a big picture look at trends.)

Class of Worker

Tuscola’s labor force overall mimics that of the County and State.

Occupations

• Not surprisingly Tuscola’s unemployment rate increased since 2000 alongside the County and State. Note, in 2010 the United States was in an economic downturn commonly referred to as the “Great Recession”, accounting for the higher unemployment rates to be included in the five-year average. • Over 80% of workers in Tuscola earn a private wage and salary. And nearly a sixth (13.8%) of the labor force in Tuscola is employed by a Governmental (Local, State or Federal) entity. • The most common occupational category among Tuscola’s residents is “Sales and office occupations” (30.4%) and is closely followed by “Management, business, science, and arts occupations” (28.0%). “Production, transportation, and material moving occupations” (17.0%) and “Service occupations” (16.2%) follow next, respectively. In this regard, Tuscola more closely resembles the State than Douglas County. • The “industry” that employs the most City residents is “Educational services, and health care and social assistance” category (21.2%) with retail trade not far behind (19.2%). Smaller numbers are employed in “Manufacturing” (15.7%), “Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services” (11.5%), and “Transportation and warehousing, and utilities” (7.3%). This local employment profile is similar to that of the region.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2005-2009 & 20092013; *Population 16 years and over.

In Labor Force (2009-2013) Unemployment Rate In Labor Force (2005-2009) Unemployment Rate

City of Tuscola 3,534 8.1% 3,452 5.6%

Douglas Illinois County 15,408 10,124,119 6.4% 10.5% 14,921 9,958,475 8.0% 5.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2009-2013

Private Wage & Salary Government Worker Private Not-for-Profit Worker Self Employed & Unpaid Family Worker

City of Tuscola 80.0%

Douglas County 71.7%

13.8%

14.1%

13.0%

4.2% 2.1%

5.3%

8.9% 4.9%

8.8%

Illinois 73.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2009-2013 40.0%

City of Tuscola

35.0%

Douglas County

30.0%

Illinois

25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Management, business, science, and arts occupations

Service occupations

Industry

Sales and office occupations

Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations

Production, transportation, and material moving occupations

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Public administration Other services, except public administration Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services Educational services, and health care and social assistance Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste… Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing Information Transportation and warehousing, and utilities Retail trade Wholesale trade Manufacturing Construction Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining

Tuscola, Illinois

Illinois Douglas County City of Tuscola

A A-13

A.4 | Economic Prosperity

Business & Industry Industrial Sites At present, the City of Tuscola does not have an Industrial/Commercial Park, however, there is the opportunity to develop a new business park at the southeast corner of the interchange where 300 acres are available. Major Employers The largest employer in the Cabot Corporation with just over 180 employees. However, if part time employment is considered, the Tanger Outlet Center employees the largest amount of employees over the holidays with 486 employed. Other major employers include School District #301, Lyondill Equistar Chemicals, and the Douglas County Government.

Major Employers & Manufacturers

Source: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, 2013 Employer

Product/Service

Approximate Employment

Union Affiliation

Year Established

Cabot Corporation

Cab-o-sil

164

Int'l Chem Wo

1958

School District #301

Education

117

84 part time

1901

Tanger Outlet Center Lyondill Equistar Chemicals

Outlet Center

116

370 part time

1994

Polyethelene, Etc.

100

Oper. Eng

1953

Douglas County Government

Government Services

None

1885

Tuscola Health Care Center Panhandle Easter

Heath Care Natural Gas

60 35

AFL-CIO

1949

Cargill, Inc.

Elevator/Grain Expor

None

1972

City of Tuscola

Municipal Government

Northrup King

Sead Bean Processing

A A-14

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

1974

1857 20 part time

1990

Community Indicators Report

Employment Projections The Illinois Department of Employment Security encourages economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing Employment Services to Illinois residents and employers, analyzing and disseminating essential Labor Market Information, and administering Unemployment Insurance programs. Douglas County falls within the IDES Local Workforce Area 23 (LWA 23). Statewide, the fastest growing industries are ‘Healthcare and Social Assistants’ and ‘Professional and Business Services’. In LWA 23, the fastest growing industry is ‘Biomedical Engineers’. See the chart at right for the top fifteen list. (Please note, while many sectors in both Industry and Occupations are the fastest growing, they may not employ the most employees.)

Employment Projections: Industry Local Workforce Area 23, 2010-2020 Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security, 2010 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Title Biomedical Engineers

Base Projected Employment Employment 2010

2020

% Change

Annual Compound

2010-2020

Growth Rate

16.00

28.00

75.00

5.76

Locksmiths & Safe Repairers

6.00

9.00

50.00

4.14

Social Scientists & Related Occs, All Other

5.00

7.00

40.00

3.42

Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers

30.00

42.00

40.00

3.42

Ambulance Drivers/Attendants, Ex EMTs

13.00

18.00

38.46

3.31

Skin Care Specialists

21.00

29.00

38.10

3.28

Interpreters & Translators

28.00

38.00

35.71

3.10

268.00

363.00

35.45

3.08

23.00

31.00

34.78

3.03

17.00 55.00 14.00 32.00 770.00

22.00 71.00 18.00 41.00 986.00

29.41 29.09 28.57 28.12 28.05

2.61 2.59 2.54 2.51 2.50

15.00

19.00

26.67

2.39

Emergency Medical Techs & Paramedics Lay-Out Workers, Metal & Plastic Biological Technicians Logisticians Motorcycle Mechanics Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Home Health Aides Financial Examiners

Employment Projections: Occupation Local Workforce Area 23, 2010-2020 Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security, 2010

The fastest growing occupations in the state are ‘Home and Healthcare’, ‘Financial/Computer/Mathematical Occupations’, ‘Healthcare Practitioners & Technical Occupations’, ‘Healthcare Support’, and ‘Skilled Labor: Masons/Electricians/Plumbers/Pipe fitters/ Steamfitters/Mechanics/Welders’. In the LWA 23 many of the fastest growing occupations fall within these categories. Healthcare jobs in general are growing rapidly, both regionally and statewide due in part to the aging population and recent changes in the healthcare system. See the chart at right for a detailed list.

North American Industrial Classification System Base Projected (NAICS) Employment Employment Title

2010

2020

Annual Compound

Change 2010-2020

Growth Rate

Other Information Services

12.12

Scientific Research & Development Services

7.96

Funds,Trusts & Other Financial Vehicles

6.24

Other Ambulatory Health Care Services

295

453

158

4.38

Computer Systems Design Related Services

111

4.17

Internet, Web & Data Processing Services

3.73

1229

1755

526

3.63

158

223

3.52

3473

4892

1419

3.48

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing Management, Scientific & Tech. Services Employment Services

A A-15

Tuscola, Illinois

A.4 | Economic Prosperity

Development Tools The City of Tuscola employs several tools to support economic development within the City. The Tuscola Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts serve as the entirety of the local incentive package, which are used to promote economic development. Incentives within two (TIF 1& 2) of the three TIF Districts include: • Property tax rebates • Land Acquisition • Infrastructure improvements • Low interest loans for commercial property improvements To date, the TIF District incentives have proven to be an effective tool for spurring new retail development and improving the physical condition of the buildings located within the districts.

A A-16

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Community Indicators Report

1150 N

City of Tuscola TIF Map

US 45

PRAI RIE ST.

PHE AS ANT RUN RD.

TIF 1

LAKE S HORE DR.

TIF 2

IRON HORS E CT.

IRON HORS E DR.

1100 E

TIF 3

PRAI RIE VI EW AVE . ERV IN PARK DR.

Major Roads Local Roads

PO NDER DR.

CH 17 1050 E

PRAI RIE CT.

HOLI DAY DR.

MARI S COV E

EL DORADO DR.

WIL SHI RE DR.

CRES TV I EW DR.

PARKS IDE DR.

FAIRL ANE DR.

ERV IN PARK DR. ERV IN PARK DR.

FORE S T GLE N

NORTH LI NE S T.

BARKER ST.

ASCO T WAY BARKER ST.

ENS E Y ST.

INDI ANA AV E .

NILE S S T.

OV ERT ON S T.

SAL E S T.

CARICO S T.

SHO RT S T.

OV ERT ON S T.

PE M BROKE S T.

EM BARAS S AV E .

OV ERT ON S T.

COURT ST.

CENT ER S T.

TIM M ONS DR.

BEE CHE R AVE .

N. CENT RAL AV E .

WIL SO N ST.

EM BARAS S AV E .

INDI ANA AV E .

CARICO S T.

JOHN S T.

VAN AL LE N S T.

COURT ST.

WAS HI NGTO N S T.

OHIO S T.

MAI N S T.

CENT ER S T.

PRO GRE SS BLV D. PRO GRE SS BLV D.

FAIRV IE W DR.

US 36

EAS T V IE W DR.

SO UTHGATE DR.

SO UTHLAND DR.

CIRCLE DR.

FINA DR.

VAN V OO RHIS DR.

EG YP TI AN T R.

TOM MY K. MART IN ME M ORIA L DR.

ME ADOW V IE W DR.

FICKL IN S T.

I-57

OHIO S T.

NILE S S T.

PI NZON S T.

EM BARAS S AV E .

SCO TT S T.

INDI ANA AV E .

PARK E S T.

HOUGHTO N S T.

VAN AL LE N S T.

WIL SO N ST.

MC PHE RS ON ST.

S. CE NTRAL ST.

WIL SO N ST.

HALT S T.

S. CE NTRAL ST.

PRAI RIE ST.

N CHI CAGO

PARK E S T.

AV E .

OV ERT ON S T.

PE M BROKE S T.

SUNS E T DR.

OHIO S T.

NEWKI RK ST.

I-57

NEWKI RK ST.

DAGGY S T.

1050 N

ENT ERP RI SE S T.

PARK E S T.

BUCKNER ST.

NANCY DR.

CARICO S T.

RAY MO ND DR.

COURT ST.

NORTH LI NE S T.

FLE E TWO OD DR.

DORIS DR.

1050 N

PI NE CT.

CENT ER S T.

DOUGL AS DR.

GL EN

V IE

CEDAR CIRCL E

S PI NE CI RCLE

ST DR

CEM E TE RY DR.

S CHERRY DR.

S PO PL AR DR.

. I-57

US 45

1000 E

CHURCH S T.

Source: City of Tuscola, Illinois

Tuscola, Illinois

A A-17

HILL CRE ST DR.

LC H IL

N M APL E CI RCLE

TUS COLA BLVD.

NICKLO US DR.

A.5 | Agricultural & Natural Resources

Physiography & Open Space Physiography Douglas County lies entirely within the Bloomington Ridged Plain of the Central Lowland physiographic province. The Bloomington Ridged Plain is part of the Wisconsinan till plain that is characterized by a series of end moraines and ground moraines. Douglas County also lies entirely within the Illinois and Iowa Deep Loess and Drift major land resource area. Most of the present surface materials and landforms are the result of glacial ice, running water, and windblown deposits of the most recent glacial stage, the Wisconsinan which deposited anywhere from 20 feet to more than 200 feet of drift throughout the county. The central part of Douglas County is surrounded by glacial moraines from different ice advances and retreats. The Arcola Moraine lies to the south and west, and the Pesotum and West Ridge Moraines are to the north. A large part of Douglas County was covered by a glacial lake between these moraines.

A A-18

The relief in Douglas County is low on the nearly level and gently sloping, broad uplands. The greatest change in relief is in areas along major drainageways, where stream downcutting has caused 50- to 65-foot drops in elevation from the adjacent uplands. The elevation in the county ranges from about 600 feet to about 720 feet above mean sea level. The highest elevation is near the village of Newman on the West Ridge Moraine. The lowest elevation is where the Embarras River exits the county southwest of Oakland. Mineral & Natural Resources At the time of settlement, about 41,000 acres of the county was forestland. In 2002, about 2,901 acres, or about 0.9 percent of the county, was forestland and pasture forestland. The remaining forestland is typically along the major streams and their tributaries. Much of this land is not tillable because of the slope or the frequency of flooding and is maintained for

conservation reasons. It provides important areas of wildlife habitat. Gravel, stone, and agricultural lime are quarried from an area just east of Tuscola where limestone bedrock lies near the land surface. Oil and gas fields west of Interstate 57 and in a small area near Murdock have mostly been capped. Natural gas storage areas are located west of Interstate 57. Coal was a considerable resource in Douglas County until 1991, when the shaft and slope mine near Murdock closed. Agricultural Land and Open Space There are approximately 14,225 acres of agricultural land and open space in the planning area which is approximately 91% of the land. The majority of this land is located outside of the City of Tuscola but within the planning area. Soils Soil also is a very valuable natural resource; it provides a growing medium for plants, a surface to build upon, a filter for waste products, a sink for carbon, and storage for excess rainwater. The Land Evaluation score from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, emphasizes farmland productivity for a majority of the soils within the County. The dominant kinds of parent material in Douglas County are till, loess, outwash, alluvium, colluvium, and lacustrine sediments which were deposited by wind, water, glaciers, or glacial meltwater. In some areas, the materials have been reworked by wind or water after deposition. Source: Soil Survey of Douglas County, Illinois, United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and in cooperation with Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station. 2004.

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

850 E

Community Indicators Report

US 36

A A-19

SOILS

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

DRUMMER SILTY CLAY LOAM 0-2% SLOPE

CITY OF TUSCOLA

FLANNIGAN SILT 0-2% SLOPE

PARCEL

MILFORD SILTY CLAY LOAM 0-2% SLOPE

STREAM

DRUMMER-MILFORD SILTY CLAY LOAM 0-2% SLOPE OTHER SOILS

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DATA SOURCES: BASE DATA PROVIDED BY DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS. SOIL DATA PROVIDED BY THE USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE. AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ILLINOIS GEOSPATIAL DATA CLEARINGHOUSE, 2011 ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY

750 1,500

Feet 3,000

Print Date: 2:04:52 PM 6/4/2015

Tuscola, Illinois

A.5 | Agricultural & Natural Resources

Water Resources Watersheds

Floodplains

Douglas County is fed by two hydraulic watersheds: 1) the Upper Kaskaskia, and 2) the Embarras.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated 100- and 500-year floodplains within the planning area are illustrated on the Development Limitations Map. The majority of the floodplain lies along two streams. The first is along the banks of the Hayes Branch Stream which runs northeast to southwest along the northeast corner of Tuscola. The second is along the banks of the Scattering Fork Stream which runs northeast to southwest along the southwest corner of Tuscola.

Surface Water The Kaskaskia and Embarras Rivers drain most of the county. The Kaskaskia River ultimately drains into the Mississippi River south of St. Louis. The Embarras flows into the Wabash River, which then joins the Mississippi River at the southern tip of Illinois. The flood plains along these rivers and their tributaries are generally flooded annually, and the soils in these areas often have a high seasonal water table. Because the county has such low relief, ponding occurs on many soils. Most areas are sufficiently drained for the commonly grown crops such as corn and soy beans. Subsurface tile drains have been installed in most of the fields, and an extensive system of drainage ditches supplements the natural drainage.

A A-20

Wetlands There are not many wetlands within Douglas County, however, there are some here and there which include Freshwater Emergent Wetland and Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland and follow the streams and rivers within the County. See Flood Plain - Development Limitations Map.

The county has approximately 788 acres of impounded water, and most of this water is in farm ponds. The Kaskaskia and Embarras Rivers provide habitat and opportunities for recreation. The county has another 288 acres of miscellaneous water in the form of settling ponds and wastewater treatment ponds. These areas are not typically considered useful for wildlife habitat or recreation. Ground Water Groundwater is a critical resource, not only because it is used as a source of drinking water, but also because rivers, streams, and other surface water depend on it for recharge. Groundwater contamination is most likely to occur where fractured bedrock is near the ground surface, or where only a thin layer of soil separates the ground surface from the water table. The county has an abundant supply of ground water in the sand and gravel deposits in buried valleys and in areas where glacial drift is thick. The municipal water supplies and many rural areas depend on ground-water wells.

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

850 E

Community Indicators Report

US 36

A A-21

DEVELOPMENT LIMITATIONS PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

100-YEAR FLOOD (1.0%)

CITY OF TUSCOLA

500-YEAR FLOOD ZONE (0.2%)

STREAM

PIPELINE PARCEL

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CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS DATA SOURCES: BASE DATA PROVIDED BY DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS. SOIL DATA PROVIDED BY THE USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE. AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ILLINOIS GEOSPATIAL DATA CLEARINGHOUSE, 2011 ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY.

750 1,500

Feet 3,000

Print Date: 11:43:54 AM 4/6/2016

Tuscola, Illinois

A.6 | Community Facilities & Services

General Facilities Health Care Facilities Carle Clinic, located at the corner of Egyptian Trail and Route 36, and offers seven providers focused in Family Medicine and Midwifery/Women’s Services. Christie Clinic is located at 300 North Main Street and offers Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Foot and Ankle Surgery, OB/GYN and Pediatrics on site. Tuscola Pain & Wellness, located at 902 South Court, combines chiropractic care as well as whole food supplements. Sarah Bush Lincoln convenient Care Clinic starting construction on new facility at corner of Progress Boulevard and Route 36 in July of 2015. Police & Emergency Facilities Law enforcement in the City is provided by the Tuscola Police Department, located at 204 N Parke Street. There are currently seven (7) full time officers and the facility was partially renovated in 2014. The Double County Sheriff ’s Office and County Jail are also located in Tuscola as 920 S Washington Street.

A A-22

Fire protection is provided by the Tuscola Fire Department which is comprised of municipal, paid on call employees under the direction of the Fire Chief. The department serves an area of 6,000 people over 77 square miles with two (2) stations: 1) 104 E Pinzon Street, and 2) 204 N Parke Street (which may need expanded or replaced in the near future).

• Community Building, 122 W North Central Street • Douglas County Courthouse, 401 S Center Street • Douglas County Emergency Operation Center, 200 S Prairie Street • U.S. Postal Office, located at 120 E Sale Street Cemeteries There is one cemetery located within the City of Tuscola. • Tuscola Township Cemetery - Prairie & Route 36 In addition, a new and undeveloped cemetery has been sited at the corner of Church and Cemetery Drive. Library Facilities Tuscola is served by the Tuscola Public Library, located at 112 E Sale Street. They are a part of the Illinois Heartland Library System and is governed by a Board of Directors. School Facilities The City is served by the Tuscola Community Unit School District #301 which is a Early Childhood-12 public school system with 3 schools. The district operates one (1) elementary school, one (1) middle school, one (1) high school.

The emergency medical system is under contract through the City.

• North Ward Elementary (Grades Early Childhood - 4th); 1201 N Prairie Street

Government Facilities

• East Prairie Middle School (Grades 5-8); 409 S Prairie Street

• City Hall, located at 214 N Main Street • City of Tuscola Public Works (Street Department), located at 1009 E South Central • Senior Center, 133 W Sale Street

• Tuscola Community High School (Grades 9-12); 500 S Prairie Street Nearby Higher Education Facilities

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There are seven higher education facilities located within fifty miles. • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL (about 23 miles; FT enrollment: 43,603) • Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL (about 30 miles; FT enrollment: 9,775) • Millikin University, Decatur, IL (about 36 miles; FT enrollment: 2,340) • Parkland Junior College, Champaign, IL (about 28 miles, FT enrollment: • Lake Land College, Mattoon, IL (about 42 miles; FT enrollment: 18,000) • Richland Community College, Decatur, IL (about 41 miles; FT enrollment: 7,600)

A A-23

Tuscola, Illinois

A.6 | Community Facilities & Services

Utilities & Services Waste Water & Sanitary Sewer System

• 661,232 high daily gallons

The City of Tuscola Wastewater Treatment Plant, located 1100 E County Road 1150 N, was constructed in 1988 and uses a (sprayfield) land application system with 0.5 MGDs. The South Treatment Plan, on Hillcrest Drive, was built in 2003 and uses an oxidation ditch is a daily design flow of 0.75 MGDs. In total, the plants provide the capacity to treat 1.25 million gallons per day. In addition, the City can store 15 million gallons of excess water in the Excess Flow Basin in the event of heavy rains or a temporary shutdown of one of the plants. The city owns and maintains a system of sewer mains and lift stations. The City just finished filing the compliance maintenance annual report in January of 2015 and have not received their scoring. Currently, the City’s average wastewater flow is 615,874 gallons per day. Within the City, there is only one private septic system, but 49 can be found in an extra-territorial subdivision.

• 900,000 daily American Water

To help with maintenance of the stormwater systems, the City does offer leaf pick-up for residents.

A-24

from

Illinois

• 750,000 gallon reserve in water tower Solid Waste & Recycling Facilities Solid Waste services are contracted out to a private contractor with exclusive contract for residential and commercial collection. The City does not provide any Solid Waste or Recycling services directly. Solid waste is disposed of in Charleston to a transfer station as no landfills are located nearby. There are community recycling drop off centers throughout town. Telecommunications Facilities Telecommunication is provided by Frontier Communications. They have three (3) cell towers in the community. Cable service is provided by Mediacom LLC. Both companies also provide internet. Power Plant & Transmission Lines

Water Supply

allocation

The City of Tuscola owns and operates its own water distribution system, which consists of water mains, fire hydrants, and the elevated storage tank. The treated water is purchased from Illinois-American Water Company in Champaign, Illinois, and piped to Tuscola through a 14” water pipeline. The City’s current allocation of water is 900,000 gallons per day.

Power (gas & electric) is provided by Ameren Illinois. There is one substation located at the corner of Prairie St. and Route 36.

The City recently completed a three year project of converting approximately 2,400 meters to automatic read meters. These meters allow the City to more accurately bill customers and also assist in detecting leaks early which, in turn, saves resident’s money. Water facts: • 134,342,296 gallons used annually • 368,061 gallons average daily flow

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Parks & Recreation In total, the City operates approximately 60 acres of parkland. Based on the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) recommendations, the City currently has a surplus of 19.2 acres using a policy of ten (10) acres per 1,000 people. Assuming the population projections for Moderate Growth (see chart below) and the City doesn’t add additional parkland, the City will have a surplus of 15.97 acres by year 2045.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recommends 6-12 total acres of parks or recreation space per 1,000 people within a community. NRPA also defines park and open space types, including desirable size, service area, and total acres needed to service a community. • Mini Parks - 2 acres or less in size, servicing 1/8 mile radius (0.25-0.5 acres / 1,000 residents) • Neighborhood Playgrounds - 2-4 acres in size, servicing 1/4 mile radius (0.5-1.5 acres / 1,000) • Neighborhood Parks - 2-10 acres in size, servicing 1/4 mile radius (1.0-2.0 acres/ 1,000) • Community Play fields/Parks - 5 acres or more, servicing 1.0 mile radius (5-8 acres / 1,000)

Although the total acreage is an easy indicator that a community has met its recreation and parkland needs, it is not the only indicator. Access to parkland is also an important indicator. Generally speaking, any park is accessible by vehicle; however, walkability is even more important, especially for children and young adults. Therefore, neighborhood parks should be within a 1/4 mile in order to service that neighborhood. As the Parkland Service Map on the next page illustrates, there are many neighborhoods which are not served by designated park space within a quarter mile walking distance.

Also shown is a rendering for a potential new park on an existing green space, east of Downtown. The potential for this park was taken into consideration when calculations for park surplus and deficit were done. For more information on the park, please see Chapter 4 - Land Use.

Parkland Needs Forecast, 2010-2045 Source: City of Tuscola, MSA Projections

Conservative 2010 Population Demand (10 acres/1,000) Total City Operated Supply Surplus/Deficit (6 acres/1,000)

4,480 44.80 64 19.20

2030 4,570 45.70 64 18.30

Moderate 2045 4,639 46.39 64 17.61

2010 4,480 44.80 64 19.20

2030 4,662 46.62 64 17.38

Robust 2045 4,803 48.03 64 15.97

2010 4,480 44.80 64 19.20

2030

2045

5,042 50.42 64 13.58

5,510 55.10 64 8.90

Existing Parkland Source: City of Tuscola Name Ervin Park Swimming Pool Festival Park Wimple Park Public Plaza Area SUBTOTAL: Iron Horse Golf Course SUBTOTAL: GRAND TOTAL:

Acres

Amenities Playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, ball diamonds, batting cage, sand and mud volleyball 23.60 courts, horseshoe pits, walking track, pavilions, picnic areas, and barbecue grills. -0.20

Found withing Ervin Park. Full size, full depth swimming pool; Diving area with springboards; Wading pool; Vending machine concessions and Tropical-Sno operation with pavilion seating area; 72’ long “tube” water slide Located in Historic Downtown Tuscola. Cedar Victorian gazebo, ringed with landscaping, benches, antique streetlights, and brick sidewalks.

37.05 Fishing, walking, pavillion, picnic area, restrooms 3.20 Currently 2 vacant lots, City is investigating the potential for a plaza/gathering/open space 64.05 178.20 Privately owned 18 hole golf course 178.20 242.25

Tuscola, Illinois

A A-25

A.6 | Community Facilities & Services

CH 17 1050 E

1150 N

US 45

PHEASANT RUN RD.

WILSHIR E D R. FAIRLANE DR.

S COVE

ELDORADO DR.

RI FOREST GLEN M A

HOLIDAY DR. DOUGLAS DR.

BARKER ST.

COURT ST.

OHIO ST.

BARKER ST.

PEMBROKE ST. SALE ST.

PRAIRIE ST.

HALT ST.

US 36

RE S

CEMETE RY DR.

S CHERRY DR.

HILLCREST DR.

I-57

IEW DR. IR V G LEFA NV IE W D R.

H IL

APGAR AVE

MEADOW VIEW DR.

KEY DR.

EGYPTIAN TR.

CIRCLE DR.

OHIO ST.

PINZON ST.

EMBARASS AVE.

CENTER ST.

WASHINGTON ST.

PA RK E ST .

900 E

VAN ALLEN ST. SCOTT ST.

FICKLIN ST.

FINA DR. VAN VOORHIS DR.

EMBARASS AVE.

DAGGY ST. HOUGHTON ST.

S DR

JOHN ST.

N. CENTRAL AVE.

M ON

BEECHER AVE.

CARICO ST.

PEMBROKE ST.

SHORT ST.

OVERTON ST. OVERTON ST.

NILES ST.

OVERTON ST.

NEWKIRK ST.

I-57

NEWKIRK ST.

S. CENTRAL ST. WILSON ST.

US 36

1050 N

BUCKNER ST.

ENSEY ST.

MAIN ST.

N CHICAG O AV

FLEETWOOD DR. NORTH LINE ST.

M TI

US 45

PA RK E ST .

CENTER ST.

NORTH LINE ST.

1050 N

TUSCOLA BLVD.

ERVIN PARK DR.

1100E

L AK

RE O SH

1000 E

CHURCH ST.

I-5 7

A-26

PARKLAND

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PRIVATE PARKLAND

CITY OF TUSCOLA

PARKS & RECREATION LAND

PARCEL

OPEN SPACE

STREAM

0.25 MILE WALKING DISTANCE

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Print Date: 9:42:31 AM 12/1/2015

Community Indicators Report E. Overton Street Decorative corner treatment

North Scale: 1”=40’-0”

N. Indiana Street

N.Niles Avenue

Existing 5’ Sidewalk

Potential Enclosed Paws Park Option 1

Open Space

Existing 5’ Sidewalk

New 5’ Sidewalk Open space/ concert viewing area Option 2

Lawn terrace, typical

Exercise Station Clusters, typical

Shade Tree, typical Ornamental Tree, typical

10’ wide paths, typical

Benches, typical

Potential Enclosed Paws Park Option 2

Paved flexible staging area Plaza/Dance Floor

Playground Ages 2-5 Central gathering area with benches and drinking fountains Playground Ages 5-12 Ornamental Plantings, typical

Food Cart Staging Area 1 Open space/ concert viewing area Option 1

Benches, typical

Open space/ concert viewing area

Entry Plaza with decorative paving and movable seating

Food Cart Staging Area 2

Ornamental Plantings, typical

Tuscola Public Plaza and Park Concept

Tuscola, Illinois

E Sale Street

Tuscola, Illinois

Bicycle racks, typical Streetscape with raised planters/ event spill over area

A A-27

A.7 | Community Character

Heritage Planning

Downtown Tuscola

Historic Preservation Commission

While there is no formal group championing only the Downtown, both the City and the Tuscola Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. (TCED), have interest in seeing Downtown Tuscola thrive. These two entities have worked to provide guidance and/or incentives for developers and businesses within the Downtown District.

The City of Tuscola has many historically and culturally significant features that contribute greatly to the City’s identity. However, there is currently no Historic Preservation Commission or organization tasked with overseeing historic resources within Tuscola. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has identified 74 properties within the City which have historic significance, but no official designation has been made (See map at right). Included among these resources is a Carnegie Library, a U.S. Post Office, several churches, and the Cemetery.

A plan was created for the District to help guide both public and private development within the Downtown. Below is a bulleted summary.

Just outside of Tuscola, in Lerna, IL, is the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. This site preserves the the 1840s farm of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother of President Abraham Lincoln. This is an 86-acre historic site owned and operated by the State of Illinois, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

• Identified potential areas for improvement and redevelopment from both the private and public sectors.

• Identified existing conditions such as under utilized/unsightly properties and connections from the downtown to other areas of Tuscola.

• Introduced the creation of the a historic restoration district. • Provided a streetscape and facade restoration plan.

A A-28

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Source: Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Historic Architectural Resources Geographic Information System (HARGIS), December 2015

A A-29

Tuscola, Illinois

A.8 | Collaboration & Partnerships

Existing Areas of Collaboration There are a number of entities, both private and public, working together for the betterment and improvement of Tuscola and the Region. Below is a list of partners identified during the Comprehensive Planning Process. • City of Tuscola (Council, Boards and Commissions, & City Staff) • Tuscola Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. • Community Unit School District #301 • Tuscola Community Foundation • Tuscola Tourism Board • Douglas County • Douglas County Farm Bureau • Soil and Water Conservation District • Illinois Department of Transportation • Illinois Environmental Protection Agency • Illinois Department of Natural Resources • Natural Resources Conservation Service • Illinois Historic Preservation Agency • Illinois Workforce Development • Land Conservation Foundation • Drainage Commission • Local Realtors • Local Businesses, Developers and Entrepreneurs • Local groups, clubs and organizations • Emergency Responders

A A-30

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A A-31

Tuscola, Illinois

A.9 | Land Use

Existing & Projected Land Uses

Existing Land Use - City Limits

The City of Tuscola is surrounded by prime agricultural land. While on the surface, this may appear to be the only encumbrance to development as there are no significant wetlands or steep slopes in the area, there are built barriers such as the railroad and I-57 which limit access and hinder development by making utility extensions and access challenging. The majority of land within the City limits is used for either agricultural purposes or residential. However, much of the land currently being farmed is slated for future development into commercial, industrial or residential. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;planning areaâ&#x20AC;? identified on the Existing Land Use Map is the City limits plus a buffer of one-anda-half from those limits, corresponding the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extraterritorial land use and subdivision review jurisdiction. When this land is taken into account, the major use is agricultural in nature.

When considering annexations and future land use when it comes to growth and development, it is important to looking at the existing land. Based on a conservative growth model, the City currently has and will have a surplus of vacant/available residential land and commercial land. These were based on .66 acres for each new projected household and .02 acres for each new commercial space. If the City wishes to increase and plan for industrial land, they might want to consider adding 2 acres.

Source: MSA Mapping

Industrial 2%

Water 0%

Public / Civic / Institutional 11%

Agricultural 6%

Vacant Commercial 4% Agricultural / Conservation 20%

Commercial 11%

Vacant Residential - Planned Development 1% Vacant Residential 2%

Parks and Recreation 17%

Multi Family Residential 1% Single Family Residential 25%

Existing Land Use - Planning Area Source: MSA Mapping

Vacant Residential - Planned Development 0%

Vacant Residential 0% Multi Family Residential 0%

Vacant Commercial 1%

Public / Civic / Institutional 1% Water 0%

Single Family Residential 3%

Industrial 0%

Commercial 2%

Parks and Recreation 2%

Agricultural / Conservation 16%

Agricultural 75%

A-32

Projected Land Use Needs, 2014-3045 Source: MSA Predictions

2010 Population Households Residential (acres) Commercial (acres) Industrial (acres)

4,480 1,935 396 162 30

2015 4,502 1,957 398 165 31

2020 4525 1,967 398 168 31

2025 4548 1,977 399 172 31

2030 4570 1,987 400 175 32

2035 4593 1,997 400 179 32

2040 4616 2,007 401 182 32

2045 4639 2,017 402 186 32

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Existing Vacant/ Available

Change

5 24 2

34 67 -

Surplus/ Deficit

29 43 (2)

Community Indicators Report

A A-33

EXISTING LAND USE

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PLANNING AREA

AGRICULTURAL/CONSERVATION

VACANT RESIDENTAL; PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

CITY OF TUSCOLA

AGRICULTURAL

COMMERCIAL

PARCEL

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

VACANT COMMERCIAL

STREAM

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC/CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

INDUSTRIAL

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Tuscola, Illinois

B.1 Community Event | 2 B.2 Community Survey | 6 B.3 Visual Preference Survey | 112

Public Participation Report This Appendix is a compilation of all input collected during the comprehensive planning process. The goals, objectives and strategies of this Comprehensive Plan were created, in part, as a response to the issues identified and ideas collected herein.

B.1 | Community Event

B B-2

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B B-3

Tuscola, Illinois

B.1 | Community Event

B B-4

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B B-5

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey The following results are a direct download from the online tool, www.surveymonkey.com, which was used to gather the public input. If paper surveys were submitted to the City, they were entered into surveymonkey, verbatim, and included in these results. TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q1 Your age (person filling out the survey) Answered: 153

Skipped: 4

Under 18 yrs

18 - 29 yrs

30 - 39 yrs

40 - 49 yrs

50 - 59 yrs

60 - 69 yrs

70 and older

Answer Choices

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Under 18 yrs

2.61%

18 - 29 yrs

13.73%

30 - 39 yrs

28.10%

40 - 49 yrs

19.61%

50 - 59 yrs

15.03%

60 - 69 yrs

12.42%

70 and older

8.50%

Total

153

B-6

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q2 What is your gender? Answered: 150

Skipped: 7

Female

Male

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Female

64.00%

Male

36.00%

Total

150

B B-7

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B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q3 How many people in each of the following age groups live in your household, including yourself? Answered: 153

Skipped: 4

0 - 5 yrs

6 - 17 yrs

B B-8

18 - 34 yrs

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35 - 49 yrs

50 - 64 yrs

B B-9

65 and older

4 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

0 0 - 5 yrs

6 - 17 yrs

18 - 34 yrs

35 - 49 yrs

50 - 64 yrs

65 and older

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

6 or more

70%

80%

90%

100%

6 or more

Total

64.41% 38

27.12% 16

8.47% 5

0.00% 0

25.51% 25

31.63% 31

33.67% 33

6.12% 6

2.04% 2

0.00% 0

1.02% 1

30.12% 25

46.99% 39

21.69% 18

1.20% 1

0.00% 0

21.88% 21

27.08% 26

51.04% 49

0.00% 0

42.67% 32

30.67% 23

26.67% 20

0.00% 0

55.36%

21.43%

23.21%

0.00%

B B-10

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Q4 In what community do you work? Answered: 128

Skipped: 29

Tuscola

Champaign-Urban a

Decatur

Mattoon-Charles ton

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Tuscola

70.31%

Champaign-Urbana

28.13%

Decatur

0.00%

Mattoon-Charleston

1.56%

Total

128

Other (please specify)

Date

retired

10/22/2015 9:52 AM

Retired

10/21/2015 1:51 PM

None

10/5/2015 11:03 PM

retired

8/26/2015 8:03 AM

retired

8/17/2015 8:35 PM

Two are retired

8/17/2015 7:22 PM

retired

8/17/2015 6:26 PM

Arthur

8/1/2015 8:53 AM

retired

7/18/2015 8:08 PM

Disability

7/18/2015 2:08 PM

Retired

7/17/2015 4:33 PM

Sidell, IL

7/17/2015 10:16 AM

student

7/9/2015 10:55 AM

6 / 108

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B B-11

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 14

Student

7/9/2015 9:21 AM

Retired

7/8/2015 9:49 PM

Bloomington

7/7/2015 8:24 PM

Travel for work

7/7/2015 6:56 PM

retired

7/7/2015 3:32 PM

Stay at home mother

7/7/2015 3:15 PM

Tolono

7/7/2015 3:09 PM

7/7/2015 3:06 PM

B B-12

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Q5 What is your occupation? Answered: 127

Skipped: 30

Farming

Education

Manufacturing

Sales

Health Care Industry

Government

Management

Homemaker

Retired

Service

Unemployed

Transportation

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Farming

1.57%

Education

28.35%

Manufacturing

4.72%

Sales

7.09%

Health Care Industry

8.66%

Government

7.09%

Management

8.66%

Homemaker

3.94%

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Tuscola, Illinois

B B-13

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Retired

18.90%

Service

7.87%

Unemployed

1.57%

Transportation

1.57%

Total

B B-14

127

Other (please specify)

Date

retired

10/22/2015 9:52 AM

business owner

10/22/2015 9:04 AM

Construction

10/17/2015 10:41 PM

accounting

9/4/2015 7:56 PM

Union electrician

8/17/2015 7:22 PM

Finance

8/17/2015 2:08 PM

Pastor

8/8/2015 3:58 PM

babysitting

8/3/2015 2:13 PM

Software Development

7/20/2015 10:03 PM

Disability

7/18/2015 2:08 PM

veterinary technician

7/17/2015 9:31 PM

Self employed Photographer

7/17/2015 8:46 AM

Banking

7/15/2015 4:01 PM

Architecture

7/9/2015 3:14 PM

Engineering

7/9/2015 11:22 AM

student

7/9/2015 10:55 AM

student

7/9/2015 9:21 AM

none

7/9/2015 7:09 AM

Chemist/Laboratory Supervisor

7/8/2015 8:21 PM

Comment

7/8/2015 5:58 PM

Religious Organization

7/8/2015 4:00 PM

Graphic Design (freelance)

7/8/2015 1:38 PM

Banking

7/7/2015 10:36 PM

Office

7/7/2015 6:21 PM

engineering

7/7/2015 5:24 PM

Environmental arena

7/7/2015 5:00 PM

Groundskeeping

7/7/2015 4:16 PM

Finance

7/7/2015 4:07 PM

design and computers

7/7/2015 3:23 PM

Sahm

7/7/2015 3:15 PM

Teaching

7/7/2015 3:09 PM

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Q6 What type of dwelling do you live in? Answered: 155

Skipped: 2

Farmstead

Single-Family Home

Mobile Home

Condominium

Unit in a duplex Unit in an apartment... Unit in assisted liv... Other (please specify) 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses 4

Farmstead

2.58%

Single-Family Home

89.03%

Mobile Home

1.29%

Condominium

0.65%

Unit in a duplex

0.65%

Unit in an apartment facility

4.52%

Unit in assisted living facility

0.00%

Other (please specify)

1.29%

138

Total

155

Other (please specify)

Date

unit in downtown

8/18/2015 11:55 PM

Plus one loves on apartment on top of gsrsge

8/17/2015 7:22 PM

B B-15

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B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q7 Do you own or rent your home? Answered: 155

Skipped: 2

I own my home

I rent or lease my home

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answer Choices

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

I own my home

89.03%

138

I rent or lease my home

10.97%

Total

155

B B-16

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Q8 If you would like more information on the Comprehensive Plan process and about events associated, please enter your email address. Answered: 43

Skipped: 114

Responses

Date

kjlandeck@juno.com

10/22/2015 10:12 AM

devon@flesorscandy.com

10/22/2015 9:04 AM

dr.sauy@mchsi.com

10/21/2015 4:11 PM

dragracer1956@hotmail.com

10/21/2015 3:27 PM

lselen@jlallen.com

10/17/2015 10:41 PM

voellers@aol.com

10/5/2015 11:03 PM

daspillman@frontier.com

9/17/2015 1:25 PM

dr.sally@mchsi.com

8/27/2015 9:24 AM

fheilich@msn.com

8/19/2015 11:37 AM

Vintagekarma@gmail.com

8/18/2015 11:55 PM

jmanzella@firstmid.com

8/17/2015 2:08 PM

abrewer28@yahoo.com

8/14/2015 5:41 PM

tuscola@jimtorbit.com

7/20/2015 10:04 PM

torbite@tuscola.k12.il.us

7/20/2015 9:44 AM

staci_homann@yahoo.com

7/19/2015 10:58 PM

elfk69@hotmail.com

7/18/2015 2:09 PM

jnolan611@netscape.net

7/17/2015 10:16 AM

drudins@yahoo.com

7/17/2015 9:37 AM

Liny90@frontier.com

7/17/2015 9:14 AM

timmooneyford@gmail.com

7/15/2015 7:28 PM

carannmcc@gmail.com

7/14/2015 9:21 AM

Jeanh9649@gmail.com

7/10/2015 8:51 PM

Sdtpmt1999@yahoo.com

7/8/2015 9:01 PM

cdetbrown@gmail.com

7/8/2015 8:39 PM

Leegreen@illinois.edu

7/8/2015 8:22 PM

M.donnals@mchsi.com

7/8/2015 5:59 PM

kvsickle@yahoo.com

7/8/2015 1:54 PM

stonemillsdesign@mac.com

7/8/2015 1:39 PM

Spencercle18@gmail.com

7/8/2015 10:22 AM

terjer46304@gmail.com

7/7/2015 10:07 PM

Tuscola_spirit_2003@hotmail.com

7/7/2015 9:37 PM

katiejdixon@gmail.com

7/7/2015 9:29 PM

Results hidden to protect anonymity, but are on file with the City of Tuscola.

12 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-17

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q9 What are the THREE most important reasons you and your family choose to live in Tuscola? Answered: 143

Skipped: 14

Agriculture

Near Job/Work Here Appearance of Homes Property Tax Rates Community Services Quality of Public Services Quality Neighborhood

Cost of Housing

Quality Schools

Raised Here

Recreational Opportunities

Low Crime Rate

Small Town / Rural... Natural Beauty of Area

Near Family & Friends Other (please specify) 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

B-18

Answer Choices

Responses 2.10%

Agriculture

14 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Near Job/Work Here

41.96%

Appearance of Homes

3.50%

Property Tax Rates

1.40%

Community Services

2.80%

Quality of Public Services

2.10%

Quality Neighborhood

16.08%

Cost of Housing

9.79%

Quality Schools

48.25%

Raised Here

37.06%

Recreational Opportunities

0.00%

Low Crime Rate

20.28%

Small Town / Rural Atmosphere

60.84%

Natural Beauty of Area

5.59%

Near Family & Friends

41.26%

Other (please specify)

4.90%

Total Respondents: 143

Other (please specify)

Date

job opportunity here

10/21/2015 4:17 PM

Cost of housing 40 years ago

10/21/2015 3:10 PM

Job opportunity here

8/27/2015 9:31 AM

Tuscola is the ideal combination of a small community, but with the amenities of a larger town. (Outlet Mall, Dining, Community Services, etc.)

7/20/2015 10:52 PM

unique small businesses

7/17/2015 9:35 PM

Shopping and restaurants

7/17/2015 9:17 AM

Did not really have a choice as I am assigned my location by my bishop, but we had asked for this area

7/8/2015 4:02 PM

B B-19

15 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q10 Overall, how would you rate the quality of life in Tuscola? Answered: 143

Skipped: 14

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Excellent

19.58%

Good

67.13%

Fair

12.59%

Poor

0.70%

Not Sure

0.00%

Total

143

Comments

Date

Not as many opportunities as in a larger area (YMCA, Park Services programs)

7/9/2015 10:01 AM

taxes are too high

7/8/2015 10:24 AM

Stop with the fast food chains. Get a family sit down restaurant.

7/8/2015 7:38 AM

Noise pollution from trains is a big problem.

7/7/2015 6:03 PM

B-20

16 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q11 Over the past 10 years has the quality of life in Tuscola: Answered: 142

Skipped: 15

Improved

Stayed the Same

Worsened

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Improved

38.73%

Stayed the Same

38.73%

Worsened

13.38%

Not Sure

9.15%

Total

142

Comments

Date

Only slightly worsened . More empty store fronts downtown, loss of restaurants, fewer ____

10/21/2015 4:17 PM

In the past 4 years the schools are getting worse. No longer Blue Ribbon status.

10/21/2015 3:10 PM

No IA in Jr. High. No new softball/baseball diamonds short sighted on the opportunities a full size gym at NW and new diamond to host large school as well as non school tournaments. It would have brought sales tax to all from mall/downtown/all retail, hotels, restaurants, gas....as well as income to those business owners and would provide income for opportunities for new businesses.

9/4/2015 8:01 PM

More empty storefronts downtown, loss of restaurants, fewer festivals

8/27/2015 9:31 AM

Only lived here less than four years so far

8/19/2015 12:01 AM

heroin epidemic

7/17/2015 9:14 AM

many properties not taken care of, lots of apartments.

7/11/2015 5:09 PM

More businesses here but not more opportunities of things to do (activities center like YMCA)

7/9/2015 10:01 AM

On one hand, we have grown with wonderful businesses, but on the other, I think we've also been dealing with lots of

7/8/2015 7:47 PM

prevalent drugs.

17 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-21

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 10

Sadly Tuscola has gone down hill regarding things for people in the Community to do. We no longer have any festivals or large events that draw crowds like we use to. The Sparks in the Park has mud volleyball, three on three and a couple of bands that cater to one type of people. Nothing really fun and inviting like carnival rides, a selection of vendors, or booths throughout the park. The "Farmer's Market," is sad to see each Saturday. Someone needs to step

7/8/2015 2:03 PM

in and think out of the box. We need to have a community that draws out more of the locals to support our town. 11

I've only been here for 9 years.

7/8/2015 1:42 PM

It seems like the quality in the schools isn't quite what it once was. And there is a definite drug problem that needs address. We also need something for our kids to do.

7/7/2015 9:42 PM

I purchased my home and moved to Tuscola in August 2014, I do not have a 10 year opinion.

7/7/2015 3:32 PM

B B-22

18 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q12 Over the next 10-20 years, do you expect that the quality of life in the City will: Answered: 141

Skipped: 16

Improve

Stay the Same

Worsen

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Improve

60.28%

Stay the Same

25.53%

Worsen

7.09%

Not Sure

7.09%

Total

141

Comments

Date

with fertilizer plant I am very concerned about environmental factors worsening. QOL - no real efforts to build local economy. most businesses are left on own to build self up - there is a secure foundation in fire/police safety - housing

10/21/2015 4:17 PM

is secure. School system is not secure - always watch that $ 2

If the academics in the school continues to slide - too much teach turn over.

10/21/2015 3:10 PM

my feeling us that improvements in education will probably miss my kids and improve in other communities that's why I day worsen instead of stay the same.

9/4/2015 8:01 PM

With fertilizer plant, I am concerned about environments focus worsening QOL-No real efforts to build local economy. Most businesses are left on own to build self up. There is a secure foundation in fire/police safety. Housing is secure. School system is secure-ALWAYS watch that $$

8/27/2015 9:31 AM

Tuscola appears to be on a growth trajectory. This is great. As a citizen, I am thrilled by the prospect of being a part of Tuscola as it continues to develop and expand.

7/20/2015 10:52 PM

I am afraid that the crime rate will go up.

7/15/2015 4:16 PM

walking paths will help improve people's quality of life

7/10/2015 8:54 PM

See above.

7/8/2015 2:03 PM

Unsure what the increase in population due to Cronus will do to Tuscola.

7/7/2015 3:42 PM

19 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-23

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q13 Please indicate your top FOUR changes which you think would improve the quality of life in Tuscola. Answered: 141

Skipped: 16

Improve K-12 education

Improve post-seconda... Increase employment...

Expand retail shopping... Improve recreational...

Improve community... Increase diversity of...

Improve quality of... Increase affordabilit...

Improve public safety Decrease taxes and fees

Improve bike and pedestri... Improve road infrastructure

Improve public transit Improve utility serv...

Improve access to high spee...

B-24

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Answer Choices

80%

90%

100%

Responses

21 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Improve K-12 education

39.01%

Improve post-secondary education opportunities

12.77%

51.06%

Expand retail shopping options

20.57%

Improve recreational facilities

59.57%

Improve community services

24.11%

Increase diversity of housing types

4.96%

Improve quality of housing

9.22%

Increase affordability of housing

9.93%

Improve public safety

2.84%

Decrease taxes and fees

34.04%

Improve bike and pedestrian facilities

35.46%

Improve road infrastructure

17.73%

Improve public transit

9.93%

Improve utility service (including telecommunications)

12.06%

Improve access to high speed internet

26.24%

Increase employment opportunities

Total Respondents: 141

Other/Comments

Date

at least 1 nice restaurant Increase employment opp. for small businesses

10/21/2015 4:17 PM

Improve appearance of railroad track areas

10/21/2015 3:55 PM

Request on Amtrak Stop

10/21/2015 2:51 PM

Pave brick streets

10/21/2015 2:40 PM

Nice sit down restaurant

10/21/2015 2:20 PM

Increase small business opportunities. At least one nice restaurant.

8/27/2015 9:31 AM

We need a full service resturant and no more fast food. But realize fast food is great for travelers

8/17/2015 7:26 PM

I would like to see some kind of housing code. Too many derelict houses. It gives a bad impression to people coming to our town to buy or start a business

8/17/2015 1:49 PM

more businesses in down town

7/17/2015 9:35 PM

We need to consider totally revamping the downtown that has been on the decline for decades. Improvement of streets, added sidewalks. Coordination of civic groups so that we can have a flow of "events" throughout the spring, summer and fall PROMOTED by an organized and VERY active Public Relations group to bring others to Tuscola for more than just a simple visit.

7/10/2015 11:41 AM

We have no rec facilities or programs in the community. Many want to be active outside but the availibility in non existant. We also need a decent resturant (not fast food).

7/9/2015 10:01 AM

fun stuff for kids to do

7/9/2015 7:15 AM

Park and Recreation Director

7/8/2015 9:55 PM

Strong need for sit-down restaurant (TGIF, Chilis, 54th St. Bar & Grill). High school students lack choices in elective

7/8/2015 6:48 PM

classes. 15

Improve restaurants

7/8/2015 6:01 PM

22 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-25

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 16

"Nice" restaurant

7/8/2015 3:43 PM

I would love for Tuscola to have a Y facility. The old Northward lot would be perfect for it. That lot is beautiful and just sits there empty. Our community would get so much use out of a Y. So many got to surrounding areas and spend

7/8/2015 2:03 PM

there money elsewhere. Tuscola needs to do something to encourage people to spend here. Even if we built a new Community building on that lot and added features to it, I think it would help. Why spend money on the current building?? Tuscola needs a much larger area and could rent it out even more than it is now. 18

I wouldn't mind paying more taxes if the money is spent well.

7/8/2015 3:10 AM

If I were to leave it would be to obtain better schools, especially at the high school level.

7/7/2015 7:19 PM

Would love to see a large dog park. Would love to see swimming allowed at Wimple. Am hoping someday we get a really nice restaurant.

7/7/2015 6:30 PM

More activities for youth that doesn't involve sports and relatively inexpensive to the youth/family

7/7/2015 5:21 PM

lack of entertainment opportunities in this community. Music in particular.

7/7/2015 3:35 PM

YMCA

7/7/2015 3:16 PM

In particular, I'd like to put on the record that keeping the brick streets brick is important to me.

7/7/2015 3:07 PM

B B-26

23 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q14 What is Tuscola's biggest asset? Answered: 114

Skipped: 43

Responses

Date

Tanger Outlet

10/22/2015 10:03 AM

I-57 - 2 chemical plants - good leadership

10/22/2015 9:36 AM

agriculture

10/22/2015 9:09 AM

location - crossroad to C/U - M/C - D

10/21/2015 4:17 PM

location

10/21/2015 3:55 PM

agriculture

10/21/2015 3:28 PM

It's people

10/21/2015 3:10 PM

Location on I-57 & Railroads; Tanger Mall

10/21/2015 2:51 PM

progressive

10/21/2015 2:40 PM

Small town close to big cities

10/21/2015 2:20 PM

Forward Thinking Community Leaders

10/21/2015 2:07 PM

Close to University of Illinois

10/17/2015 10:44 PM

small town atmosphere

10/2/2015 3:11 PM

Mall

10/2/2015 2:54 PM

Nothing changes

9/17/2015 1:26 PM

the outlet mall....just because it is a stand out compared to other like communities.

9/4/2015 8:01 PM

Location-crossroad to C/U-M/C-D

8/27/2015 9:31 AM

Location

8/19/2015 11:40 AM

Brian Moody, TIF, attracting business

8/19/2015 12:01 AM

Schools

8/17/2015 8:38 PM

Small but with a lot to offer

8/17/2015 7:26 PM

the people

8/17/2015 6:32 PM

Schools

8/17/2015 2:11 PM

Its people

8/17/2015 1:49 PM

None

8/14/2015 5:42 PM

Many people with long term commitments to the community

8/8/2015 4:02 PM

mall

8/3/2015 2:18 PM

Tuscola has an energy or attitude that feels akin to the optimistic post-war 1950's. I recommend that we invest in and very cautiously grow the city experts and leadership groups.

7/20/2015 10:52 PM

Many food/retail services for a small town

7/20/2015 9:49 AM

It's volunteer fire dept

7/18/2015 9:39 PM

Community atmosphere

7/18/2015 8:47 PM

The people

7/18/2015 8:47 PM

It is close to two universities.

7/18/2015 8:13 PM

Our locality. We have hard working individuals and many others who are capable and well driven. Due to being a small town we all are known for pitching in.

7/18/2015 7:26 PM

24 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-27

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

B B-28

Small town but have what you need here

7/17/2015 9:47 PM

small town charm

7/17/2015 9:35 PM

Small town living

7/17/2015 4:08 PM

people

7/17/2015 10:19 AM

the people

7/17/2015 9:39 AM

my house

7/17/2015 9:14 AM

Accessibility

7/17/2015 8:48 AM

School system

7/15/2015 7:31 PM

Small town atmosphere

7/15/2015 4:16 PM

Willingness to grow & change with time

7/12/2015 7:59 PM

shopping mall and chemical plants

7/11/2015 5:09 PM

Friendly people

7/10/2015 8:54 PM

Its proximity to major roadways such as I-57, route 36 and route 45.

7/10/2015 11:41 AM

Outlet mall

7/9/2015 11:26 AM

closeness to champaign

7/9/2015 10:57 AM

Small knit.community

7/9/2015 10:37 AM

The mall

7/9/2015 10:01 AM

tanger outlets mall

7/9/2015 7:15 AM

Overall cleanliness

7/8/2015 9:55 PM

small town, friendly people, friendly community

7/8/2015 9:33 PM

Schools

7/8/2015 9:06 PM

The convenience of having retail options here.

7/8/2015 8:49 PM

Schools

7/8/2015 8:24 PM

businesses

7/8/2015 7:47 PM

Our shopping mall, community swimming pool, and other shopping (ex: IGA, Sav Mor, Do It Best, etc.)

7/8/2015 6:48 PM

Farm ground

7/8/2015 6:01 PM

Small community that is able to provide most services for its residents

7/8/2015 4:02 PM

People

7/8/2015 3:43 PM

Park

7/8/2015 2:30 PM

Location - access to major highways - access to anywhere

7/8/2015 2:13 PM

I think the mall and our schools are our biggest draw.

7/8/2015 2:03 PM

Outlet mall and surrounding businesses

7/8/2015 1:42 PM

Ranger outlet mall

7/8/2015 10:40 AM

mall

7/8/2015 10:24 AM

Ervin Park

7/8/2015 8:14 AM

"Tourist" attractions

7/8/2015 7:38 AM

Schools

7/8/2015 3:10 AM

Brian moody

7/8/2015 12:05 AM

It's people

7/7/2015 10:38 PM

the main street brick road and the down town that needs rebuilt with more shops.

7/7/2015 10:16 PM

The community feel.

7/7/2015 9:42 PM

25 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 76

small town atmosphere while being close to larger towns

7/7/2015 9:31 PM

Tanger Outlet Center

7/7/2015 8:35 PM

Safe environment

7/7/2015 8:28 PM

Shopping mall

7/7/2015 7:50 PM

Small town feel

7/7/2015 7:46 PM

Mall

7/7/2015 7:25 PM

small town with good shopping

7/7/2015 7:19 PM

Schools

7/7/2015 7:00 PM

People

7/7/2015 6:30 PM

The town has everything you need from grocery stores to hardware stores. We have all we need in one town.

7/7/2015 6:03 PM

Schools

7/7/2015 5:47 PM

It is a small town with many bigger city amenities

7/7/2015 5:31 PM

retail

7/7/2015 5:27 PM

Mall/small town appeal

7/7/2015 5:21 PM

School system

7/7/2015 5:12 PM

Blank canvas, lots of land, lots of buildings to redo

7/7/2015 5:02 PM

Clean small town that is not overrun with new housing.

7/7/2015 4:48 PM

Community involvement

7/7/2015 4:24 PM

The Outlet Mall & good schools

7/7/2015 4:23 PM

School district

7/7/2015 4:22 PM

Quiet/safe town

7/7/2015 4:21 PM

It's rural lifestyle.

7/7/2015 4:19 PM

Outlet mall

7/7/2015 4:14 PM

RETAIL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A COMMUNITY OF 4,000

7/7/2015 4:09 PM

100

The people

7/7/2015 3:51 PM

101

School/Youth

7/7/2015 3:49 PM

102

Small town atmosphere

7/7/2015 3:42 PM

103

The outlet mall and Cronus

7/7/2015 3:37 PM

104

Flesors

7/7/2015 3:35 PM

105

school

7/7/2015 3:26 PM

106

Mall

7/7/2015 3:16 PM

107

School District

7/7/2015 3:14 PM

108

LOCATION

7/7/2015 3:12 PM

109

small town and potienial growth

7/7/2015 3:10 PM

110

Sports

7/7/2015 3:10 PM

111

Small town feel

7/7/2015 3:09 PM

112

Schools

7/7/2015 3:09 PM

113

A good school system

7/7/2015 3:07 PM

114

Its location

7/7/2015 2:24 PM

26 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-29

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q15 What is your biggest concern for the future of Tuscola? Answered: 111

B B-30

Skipped: 46

Responses

Date

No Tax Base

10/22/2015 10:03 AM

New Family Restaurants, new Dollar General

10/22/2015 9:36 AM

environmental safety

10/22/2015 9:09 AM

complacency & stagnation - environmental (fert. plant)

10/21/2015 4:17 PM

State of Illinois

10/21/2015 3:55 PM

environmental safety

10/21/2015 3:28 PM

Making Tuscola attractive for young families to move to

10/21/2015 3:10 PM

Enforcement of ordinances for property maintenance. Too many unkempt and dilapidated buildings in town

10/21/2015 2:51 PM

We need good jobs that draw quality people to town

10/21/2015 2:20 PM

Infrastructure is aging

10/21/2015 2:07 PM

That it will continue to be a sports-centric community and therefore will not evolve

10/17/2015 10:44 PM

solving problems within the state government to keep people living in the state of Illinois

10/2/2015 3:11 PM

Schools

10/2/2015 2:54 PM

Nothing changes

9/17/2015 1:26 PM

immediate quality of high school education. ACT prep. high school dual credit options. quality of options for class courses. curriculum meeting the job market.

9/4/2015 8:01 PM

complacency & stagnation-environmental (fertilizer plant)

8/27/2015 9:31 AM

Offering services and shopping opportunities

8/19/2015 11:40 AM

Success of the downtown retail arts and tourism

8/19/2015 12:01 AM

empoyment

8/17/2015 8:38 PM

Alcohol and drug use in our community

8/17/2015 7:26 PM

continuing to grow

8/17/2015 6:32 PM

Youth migration

8/17/2015 2:11 PM

We need better twenty first century social media about our town.

8/17/2015 1:49 PM

To many rude people

8/14/2015 5:42 PM

Holding on to young people and young families

8/8/2015 4:02 PM

I honestly don't know

8/3/2015 2:18 PM

Though I have no reason to believe this will occur, I worry about the city losing a major employer. A combination of prevention and contingency seems a good topic for city leadership.

7/20/2015 10:52 PM

Keeping people involved in the community

7/20/2015 9:49 AM

High school preparatory classes for college need to improve

7/18/2015 9:39 PM

improvement of recreation activities

7/18/2015 8:47 PM

Population growth & losing the small town feel

7/18/2015 8:47 PM

There are too many people who are not concerned about work.

7/18/2015 8:13 PM

27 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 33

Becoming too commercialized with corporate America. We need to remember of how we started off as a town. I think certain things can help us improve our town by doing more festivals and things downtown. We focus much on sports and should focus on the arts and programs that allow the town to enjoy things as a whole.

7/18/2015 7:26 PM

Lack of entertainment or social activities

7/18/2015 2:15 PM

Employment

7/17/2015 9:47 PM

businesses leaving

7/17/2015 9:35 PM

Drug control

7/17/2015 4:08 PM

crime/drug use

7/17/2015 9:39 AM

economy

7/17/2015 9:14 AM

As we grow in size comes new problems that we must be ready to address and handle.

7/15/2015 7:31 PM

Crime

7/15/2015 4:16 PM

State financial crisis affecting our town

7/12/2015 7:59 PM

up keep of properties

7/11/2015 5:09 PM

Small school

7/10/2015 8:54 PM

As a bedroom community, that it will continue to lose its identity with nothing that "sparks" interest to draw outsiders to stop and take a look at us. The Tanger Outlet Mall is probably the closest thing that does that now....but we need to develop quality FULL SERVICE restaurants and a true feature to make our community a "destination."

7/10/2015 11:41 AM

Need to expand dining and shopping opportunities

7/9/2015 11:26 AM

increased crime

7/9/2015 10:57 AM

Finding quality affordable housing

7/9/2015 10:37 AM

It will turn in to a Mahomet or Monticello

7/9/2015 10:01 AM

That there will be no expansion in parks and recreation

7/9/2015 9:23 AM

none

7/9/2015 7:15 AM

Streets and roads

7/8/2015 9:55 PM

drug usage, underage drinking, not enough activities for kids and teenagers

7/8/2015 9:33 PM

Jobs

7/8/2015 9:06 PM

Keeping the infrastructure up to date

7/8/2015 8:49 PM

Downtown businesses,

7/8/2015 8:24 PM

The drug use not being dealt with

7/8/2015 7:47 PM

The draw of industry will increase population and bring more crime to the city. It is important to me that the city remains a wholesome community where our citizens feel safe on the streets.

7/8/2015 6:48 PM

Schools

7/8/2015 6:01 PM

That schools will consolidate and our students will have to go to another town for education.

7/8/2015 3:43 PM

Town will increase in population too quickly for services to keep up

7/8/2015 2:13 PM

Families choosing not to live here because of the lack of things for their children and them to do.

7/8/2015 2:03 PM

That the quality of the school system doesn't go downhill.

7/8/2015 1:42 PM

Focusing on activities/facilities of a few and not for the whole

7/8/2015 10:40 AM

safety after expanding

7/8/2015 10:24 AM

It's going to get too big

7/8/2015 7:38 AM

N/A

7/8/2015 3:10 AM

short-sighted council members

7/8/2015 12:05 AM

Rapid growth instead of steady

7/7/2015 10:38 PM

28 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-31

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 70

empty, run down houses and lots that aren't maintained make certain areas of our town look run down. I also think that there needs to be more for kids to do in town. I think the town lacks things for kids of all ages to do. also family the lack of family dinning needs to change. with the mall here there are people that come from all over the place and they constantly ask for family restaurants other than Denny's. we are constantly having to tell them we have nothing to that

7/7/2015 10:16 PM

they say we will finish up here and head to Mattoon or Champaign then. 71

Drug use and education improving to what it used to be. We need to teach our children things out side of some text books. Sportsmanship being a big one.

7/7/2015 9:42 PM

rising house prices

7/7/2015 9:31 PM

Loss of support of locally owned businesses

7/7/2015 8:41 PM

That we will be able to keep up with our growth.

7/7/2015 8:35 PM

None at this time

7/7/2015 8:28 PM

Roads

7/7/2015 7:50 PM

Continuing to stay safe while growing

7/7/2015 7:46 PM

More crime developing

7/7/2015 7:25 PM

quality of education

7/7/2015 7:19 PM

Higher property taxes

7/7/2015 7:00 PM

Afraid Tuscola / Douglas county will tax me out of my home. Real estate taxes are a huge burden for me.

7/7/2015 6:30 PM

Low number of homes in the middle class range (&120,000 to $165,000)

7/7/2015 6:03 PM

Better employment opportunities

7/7/2015 5:47 PM

I would hate to see it get too big and bring in negative big city issues. crime, drugs etc...

7/7/2015 5:31 PM

Growth

7/7/2015 5:27 PM

No emphasis for nonathetics will create more youth acting out in bad ways

7/7/2015 5:21 PM

the proposed chemical plant

7/7/2015 5:12 PM

No planned growth strategy which would lead to a suburban type or development where traffic and crappy business are everywhere.

7/7/2015 5:02 PM

That it will tear down old structures in favor of new buildings. Preserve history!!!!

7/7/2015 4:48 PM

Lack of affordable housing

7/7/2015 4:24 PM

The community is very clicky & has a bad reputation for being snotty. If you're not someone with money or have a

7/7/2015 4:23 PM

"good" last name, you're a no body.

B B-32

cost of living

7/7/2015 4:22 PM

Becoming to much like champaign and not keeping the small town feel.

7/7/2015 4:21 PM

It will become too industrialized.

7/7/2015 4:19 PM

Not enough local jobs

7/7/2015 4:14 PM

LOSING THE SCHOOL

7/7/2015 4:09 PM

Jobs

7/7/2015 3:51 PM

Crime/Drugs

7/7/2015 3:49 PM

Becoming to large and losing the small town feel.

7/7/2015 3:42 PM

100

The school not being able to compete for new taxpayers in the community.

7/7/2015 3:37 PM

101

Becomes a fast food, second hand store capital of the world

7/7/2015 3:35 PM

102

people moving out to put their children into larger school districts that have better facilities and opportunities i.e. St. Joe, Mahomet, Unity

7/7/2015 3:26 PM

103

Competitive K - 12 Education; Specifically 9 - 12

7/7/2015 3:17 PM

104

public safety

7/7/2015 3:12 PM

105

not enough affordable housing and school is not prepared for influx of students

7/7/2015 3:11 PM

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 106

infrastructure as town grows

7/7/2015 3:10 PM

107

Safety

7/7/2015 3:10 PM

108

Lack of recreational for families. Need YMCA

7/7/2015 3:09 PM

109

N/a

7/7/2015 3:09 PM

110

Providing appropriate places for kids to keep entertained and out of trouble

7/7/2015 3:07 PM

111

Over population

7/7/2015 2:24 PM

B B-33

30 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q16 Rate the following in Tuscola: Answered: 134

Skipped: 23

State Highways

County Roads

Local Streets

B B-34

Sidewalks

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Bike Trails

Public Transportati...

10%

Excellent

20%

30%

Good

Fair

Excellent State Highways

40%

50%

Poor

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Not Sure

Good

Fair

Poor

Not Sure

Total

17.29%

68.42%

13.53%

0.00%

0.75%

133

4.48% 6

59.70% 80

33.58% 45

2.24% 3

0.00% 0

134

4.48% 6

46.27% 62

39.55% 53

9.70% 13

0.00% 0

134

0.00% 0

19.40% 26

46.27% 62

33.58% 45

0.75% 1

134

0.79%

4.72%

11.81%

55.91%

26.77%

127

0.00% 0

8.53% 11

23.26% 30

35.66% 46

32.56% 42

129

County Roads

Local Streets

Sidewalks

Bike Trails

Public Transportation Services

Other (please specify)

Date

collaborative driving - carpooling; bike trails don't exist; no one know about bus service

10/21/2015 4:20 PM

Need dependable Public Transportation & Amtrak Stop

10/21/2015 2:51 PM

32 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-35

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 3

bike-i don't want to pay for it. public transit- I don't know how much it is needed. I don't need it so I think it is fine. everything in town is walking distance so public transit is only needed for those that truly can't walk there.

9/4/2015 8:03 PM

Not aware of any bike trails

8/8/2015 4:06 PM

Not sure if we need public transporatation services??

7/15/2015 7:35 PM

Need more walking biking paths. We have a lot of bikers and joggers here.

7/10/2015 8:56 PM

On really needs to be paved and not rocked like it has been for the last few years and there really needs to be lines put on that road.

7/7/2015 10:20 PM

Our storm sewers are in desperate need of repair.

7/7/2015 6:38 PM

Save the brick roads, they also have historical merit.

7/7/2015 3:39 PM

Need sidewalks esp. to all schools

7/7/2015 3:12 PM

B B-36

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q17 During the next ten years, which of the following transportation investments do you support in Tuscola? Answered: 132

Skipped: 25

Maintenance to existing...

Improvements/Ex pansion of...

Improve bicycling...

B B-37

Improve bicycling...

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Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Maintenance to existing...

Investments in public...

Improve rail infrastructu...

B B-38

Investigate potential...

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

10%

20%

Strongly Support

30%

40%

Support

50%

Oppose

60%

70%

80%

Strongly Oppose

90%

100%

Not Sure

Strongly Support

Support

Oppose

Strongly Oppose

Not Sure

Total

46.97% 62

49.24% 65

1.52% 2

0.00% 0

2.27% 3

132

19.69%

69.29%

3.15%

0.79%

7.09%

127

25.98% 33

43.31% 55

18.11% 23

2.36% 3

10.24% 13

127

34.38% 44

48.44% 62

7.81% 10

1.56% 2

7.81% 10

128

40.94% 52

54.33% 69

0.79% 1

3.15% 4

127

6.87%

52.67%

19.08%

4.58%

16.79%

131

6.92% 9

33.08% 43

26.92% 35

5.38% 7

27.69% 36

130

20.77% 27

45.38% 59

15.38% 20

4.62% 6

13.85% 18

130

Maintenance to existing roadways (local, county and state)

Improvements/Expansion of existing roadways

Improve bicycling opportunities by adding bike lanes to existing roads

Improve bicycling opportunities by developing off-street trails

Maintenance to existing roadways (local, county and state)

Investments in public transportation services

Improve rail infrastructure to increase local freight capacity

Investigate potential Amtrak Station in Tuscola

Comments

Date

Existing roads not wide enough for bike lanes; YES!!! to Amtrak

10/21/2015 4:20 PM

local(in tuscola only) public transit not needed. isn't the town only about 4 square miles?

9/4/2015 8:03 PM

Streets are not wide enough for a bike lane. YES!!! to Amtrak Station in Tuscola!

8/27/2015 9:39 AM

An amtrak train station would be a giant

8/17/2015 1:53 PM

I opposed public transportation and an Amtrak Station because I don't feel like Tuscola is now or will soon be at a scale where these are necessary or useful developments. My focus would be on hardening or expanding existing

7/20/2015 11:09 PM

infrastructure. The development around Shopko, repurposing the truck stop lot, was spectacular, for example. 6

Again, historical aspect, yet still relevant. We are not only a farming community but are affected by the rail system itself.

7/18/2015 7:31 PM

I hate when trains stop and cover all raliroad crossings!!

7/9/2015 10:04 AM

An addition of an Amtrak Station would not benefit our citizens. This would only increase crime.

7/8/2015 6:51 PM

Amtrak station would be awesome.

7/8/2015 7:40 AM

Biking is easy. We are in a community where you may safely ride without interference. Should that change I would

7/7/2015 10:42 PM

support. Amtrak would be great but C-U and Mattoon are quick drives. 11

We have too much noise pollution of trains.

7/7/2015 6:03 PM

Encourage Taxi service for personal transportation

7/7/2015 3:39 PM

Addition of public transportation could have an impact on the socio-economic status of the community that will require additional resources to be provided as well.

7/7/2015 3:20 PM

36 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-39

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q18 What are Tuscola's strengths/weaknesses regarding Transportation Infrastructure? Answered: 69

Skipped: 88

Responses

Date

Weakness: no cab service

10/22/2015 9:10 AM

Strength: 2 state hwy - interstate; roads in good repair; lack of awareness of rural transport van; carpooling to C/U M/C - D - Parkland, etc.

10/21/2015 4:20 PM

I-57

10/21/2015 3:55 PM

public transportation

10/21/2015 3:45 PM

Close to I-57, US-36, & US-45

10/21/2015 2:51 PM

City has attempted to keep up with needed repairs.

10/21/2015 2:10 PM

Good access to highways but no public transportation.

10/17/2015 10:46 PM

amount of railway and highways/interstate coming through town

10/2/2015 3:15 PM

The amount of sidewalks is very low, causing many people to walk and run on the roads. More sidewalks are a necessity to get people out walking and to have a safe place for the children to walk.

9/17/2015 1:29 PM

The country road which is Prairie extended, the stretch in between the villa grove road and Pesotum.

9/4/2015 8:03 PM

Strength-2 State Hwys-Interstate Roads in good repair Lack of awareness of rural transportation van. Carpooling to

8/27/2015 9:39 AM

C/U-M/C-Parkland 12

Lack of convenient public transportation including rail service.

8/19/2015 11:42 AM

They seem to be doing well at prioritizing problem areas in road maintenance and the rr crossings

8/19/2015 12:04 AM

very limited public transportation

8/17/2015 6:33 PM

Trains are too loud no matter where you live.

8/17/2015 2:14 PM

Amtrak would be great

8/17/2015 1:53 PM

Brick streets are a plus but need to be better maintained - especially concrete curbing and hole repair

8/8/2015 4:06 PM

Northline is terrible. It used to be a decent road, then for some reason you oil and graveled it. Blacktop it and and put in a sidewalk or bike lane. Need bike trails/paths.

8/4/2015 2:31 PM

Strength - The convergence of railways and interstate provide a clear economic advantage for Tuscola. Both the downtown and highway 36 roadway developments are a high point. Weaknesses - Some local roads and alleyways

7/20/2015 11:09 PM

would benefit from repair or improvement. The east / west railways running through town is flanked by some buildings in poor repair and could be improved or beautified. This is especially true in the area around downtown. I do not see Tuscola in need of significant public transportation need at this time, or in the mid term future. I may be short sighted

B B-40

here, but it appears to me that Tuscola isn't yet at this scale. 20

Strengths: main roads are well-kept Weaknesses: sidewalks are poor, difficult to bike with little ones due to rough sidewalks, alleys are filled with pot holes

7/20/2015 9:52 AM

Trains stopping in the middle of town

7/19/2015 11:01 PM

The city streets are kept up very well, but something needs to be done about northline. It need a bike/walking lane

7/18/2015 8:50 PM

added and needs widened. 23

Definitely our advantage over the rest of the county for our national roadways that pass through. Our trains may be a bit of a hassle for newcomers, but they will settle within due time. I think one weakness could possibly be the amount of traffic lights we have as a small town on merely one mile of a road is a bit unsettling, though currently they are

7/18/2015 7:31 PM

necessary. 24

Need better public transportation.

7/17/2015 9:49 PM

Not sure

7/17/2015 4:10 PM

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 26

rough rr crossings, would like "quiet zone" rules for rr's, get rid of pavement bricks.

7/17/2015 9:42 AM

Access to and from interstate.

7/17/2015 9:15 AM

Older streets and alleys that need updated and repaired. Sidewalks need repaired or added. Bike trails needed. I sidewalk/trail is needed from the golf course and Northward areas to the other side of town like the park. I feel main roads are in very good shape.

7/15/2015 7:35 PM

Easy access.

7/10/2015 8:56 PM

Transportation has been well planned over the past years with easy access to the "inside" of the city and excellent routes "around the edge" on all sides.

7/10/2015 11:45 AM

more residential streets need curb and gutter and improved drainage systems.

7/9/2015 11:29 AM

Lack of transoprtation for those who cannot drive.

7/9/2015 10:04 AM

Weakness: no ability for green transportation (bicycling)

7/9/2015 9:27 AM

none

7/9/2015 7:19 AM

The roads are well maintained. The city allows slow moving vehicles like golf carts is a strength also.

7/8/2015 8:53 PM

Would love to have a bike trail and a place to rollerblade!

7/8/2015 8:27 PM

North Line needs a sidewalk/ bike lane, much like Prairie street has.

7/8/2015 7:51 PM

Easy access

7/8/2015 6:02 PM

Good access to other communities through the state highways, but need to improve streets and sidewalks to be more pedestrian/biker friendly

7/8/2015 4:03 PM

Need to keep maintaining the roads and re-do roads and sidewalks in connection to a long-term plan

7/8/2015 3:47 PM

Too many city streets have no sidewalks, putting bicycles, skateboards, children in the streets to play - can be

7/8/2015 2:16 PM

dangerous 42

I do not think there is an issue regarding the Transportation Infrastructure in Tuscola.

7/8/2015 2:06 PM

Not sure, but we are an active community. Pedestrians would appreciate repairs to sidewalks!

7/8/2015 1:45 PM

Rough roads tear my car up. Bike lanes are not used in my opinion. Would love off trail bike paths and better upkeep on the walking path at the park.

7/8/2015 10:45 AM

The only weakness is public transportation but I don't think we have enough people to have a successful bus system. It could put the school buses out of business if they make stops to/by schools

7/8/2015 7:40 AM

Location to highways and interstate is biggest strength. Non existent bike paths and trails are greatest weakness.

7/8/2015 12:08 AM

Research techniques. No decision has been done on a whim.

7/7/2015 10:42 PM

Some roads in town need redone

7/7/2015 9:44 PM

Easy access to interstate

7/7/2015 8:32 PM

Roads/sidewalks aren't that great in areas.

7/7/2015 8:07 PM

Strengths access to railroads

7/7/2015 7:47 PM

Many roads need improved as far as water drainage and general age

7/7/2015 7:28 PM

Trains blocking the town is a weakness.

7/7/2015 6:38 PM

Noise pollution from trains is a problem in Tuscola.

7/7/2015 6:03 PM

Not enough public transportation if they plan on expanding.

7/7/2015 5:49 PM

Many sidewalks are poor or don't exist in some subdivisions.

7/7/2015 5:34 PM

not enough options for public transportation. I.e. after bars close to help people not drive home.

7/7/2015 5:23 PM

Again a blank canvas, we are at a great crossroads. Just need to utilize it smart and sustainably

7/7/2015 5:04 PM

Dial-a-Ride is a joke

7/7/2015 4:26 PM

Safety for the number of children that ride bikes around town

7/7/2015 4:26 PM

Weakness: bike lanes

7/7/2015 4:22 PM

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Tuscola, Illinois

B B-41

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 62

N/A

7/7/2015 4:21 PM

Recreational pathways for bikes, running, walking. Crowned roads are in town.

7/7/2015 3:54 PM

Neutral

7/7/2015 3:45 PM

Curbs and drainage are horrendous. During storms some intersections are not usable.

7/7/2015 3:39 PM

the work along 36 (adding of curbs and level sidewalks) has been a huge improvement to our city. I wish side streets

7/7/2015 3:29 PM

could slowly be curbed and have sidewalks added as well. 67

Access to I-57 and Rt 36 makes travel quite convenient.

7/7/2015 3:20 PM

I love the brick roads and I think that they should be kept up so that they don't have to be replaced. Some of the sidewalks are in horrible shape.

7/7/2015 3:09 PM

I-57 is a strength. Rail crossings are a weakness. Lack of sidewalks also a problem.

7/7/2015 2:26 PM

B B-42

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q19 Please share your opinion on how important it is to protect each of the following resources in Tuscola. Answered: 132

Skipped: 25

Air quality

Farmland

Wildlife habitat

Forests / woodlands

B-43

Groundwater

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Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Groundwater

Cultural / historic sit...

10%

20%

Very Important

30%

Somewhat Important

Very Important Air quality

Farmland

Wildlife habitat

Forests / woodlands

Groundwater

Cultural / historic sites & buildings

40%

50%

60%

Not Important

Somewhat Important

70%

80%

90%

100%

Not Sure

Not Important

Not Sure

Total

86.26% 113

12.21% 16

1.53% 2

0.00% 0

131

73.48% 97

23.48% 31

2.27% 3

0.76% 1

132

52.31% 68

35.38% 46

9.23% 12

3.08% 4

130

53.49% 69

33.33% 43

8.53% 11

4.65% 6

129

84.09% 111

13.64% 18

0.00% 0

2.27% 3

132

45.38% 59

6.15% 8

3.08% 4

130

Comments

Date

Void short term gains & loose long term resources

10/21/2015 4:22 PM

kill the rabbits and squirrels they eat my flowers and vegetables. if you call dollar general historical than no do not

9/4/2015 8:22 PM

protect that :-) o. just remembered, put up a white or tan vinyl fence etc to hide the stuff (I believe electrical stuff) on rte. 36 by Proud Marys. 3

Avoid shortterm gains & loose longterm resources.

8/27/2015 9:59 AM

Keep attracting business to downtown to occupy and maintain historic properties.

8/19/2015 12:06 AM

We need to get flouride, etc out of all city water!!

7/8/2015 1:47 PM

Owners should show that they are willing to open the books when requesting dollars. Means test grants.

7/7/2015 3:42 PM

B-44

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q20 In your opinion, current environmental policies and regulations in Tuscola adequately protect the following environmental areas from damage or disruption: Answered: 129

Skipped: 28

Surface water (streams,...

Groundwater

Forests & woodlands

B-45

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Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Highly erodible soils

Floodplains

10%

20%

Strongly Agree

30%

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Agree Surface water (streams, rivers, lakes)

Groundwater

Forests & woodlands

Highly erodible soils

Floodplains

B B-46

40%

Agree

50%

60%

70%

80%

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

90%

100%

Not Sure

Strongly Disagree

Not Sure

Total

17.83% 23

41.86% 54

4.65% 6

1.55% 2

34.11% 44

129

17.05% 22

44.96% 58

3.10% 4

0.78% 1

34.11% 44

129

11.72% 15

42.19% 54

3.91% 5

1.56% 2

40.63% 52

128

13.95% 18

39.53% 51

6.98% 9

0.78% 1

38.76% 50

129

6.25% 8

42.97% 55

10.94% 14

2.34% 3

37.50% 48

128

Comments

Date

I need to be educated

10/22/2015 9:11 AM

Too much emphasis on Econ Dev has been a highly ____ - dirty fuel - product development

10/21/2015 4:22 PM

drains close to my home do not drain well/quickly enough when we have over an inch of rain

10/2/2015 3:24 PM

Too much emphasis in economic development has been on highly dirty fuel-product development.

8/27/2015 9:59 AM

What forest and woodlands are there?

8/4/2015 2:31 PM

Unfortunately, I have no current knowledge of Tuscola environmental regulations. I do not view Tuscola as a carelessly destructive community, but this is simply an observation.

7/20/2015 11:15 PM

The agriculture sector works tirelessly with state agencies to continually improve and utilize best management practices in order to be the best stewards of the land which also protect their city neighbors.

7/10/2015 11:48 AM

I am not sure what the policies are

7/8/2015 8:55 PM

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 9

Could still use some more work on the flooding stuff.

7/7/2015 9:47 PM

A lot of building up of natural flood plains. Where is all that water supposed to go?

7/7/2015 8:45 PM

I an not familiar with the policies of this nature

7/7/2015 5:37 PM

NO FRACKING!!

7/7/2015 5:05 PM

B B-47

44 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q21 Initiatives to protect and improve the natural environment sometimes include increased monitoring and regulation efforts. Would you support or oppose the following efforts? Answered: 128

Skipped: 29

Increased regulations ...

Increased regulations...

Closer monitoring o...

More regulations ...

Better enforcement ...

B-48

Support

10%

20%

Oppose

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Not Sure

45 / 108

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80%

90%

100%

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Support Increased regulations on the use of pesticides and fertilizers

Increased regulations regarding the development near streams and rivers

Closer monitoring of private septic systems

More regulations to protect agricultural lands

Better enforcement of existing laws and regulations

Oppose

Not Sure

Total

58.59% 75

16.41% 21

25.00% 32

128

60.63% 77

13.39% 17

25.98% 33

127

53.97% 68

16.67% 21

29.37% 37

126

56.69%

11.81%

31.50%

127

73.23% 93

4.72% 6

22.05% 28

127

Comments

Date

I need to be educated

10/22/2015 9:11 AM

After living on the east coast, I know first hand the importance of these regulations to keep land and property safe.

8/19/2015 12:06 AM

I'm sorry, I just don't have a handle on this topic.

7/20/2015 11:15 PM

I feel currently that our law enforcement is at a good level the way they are. Possibly needing to enforce and protect other aspects of the town.

7/18/2015 7:37 PM

More than "more laws" or "stronger enforcement," it is VITAL that all parties "come to the table" for dialogue to better understand what is already being done to safeguard streams and the water supply. Everyone involved has the best interests of their families at heart.

7/10/2015 11:48 AM

I support reasonable regulations but oppose govt regulating people to death.

7/7/2015 6:42 PM

B B-49

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Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q22 Current park and outdoor recreational facilities around Tuscola currently meet your needs: Answered: 132

Skipped: 25

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answer Choices

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Strongly Agree

11.36%

Agree

63.64%

Disagree

18.94%

Strongly Disagree

4.55%

Not Sure

1.52%

Total

B B-50

132

Comments

Date

Bike trail - hard to do with farming equipment

10/21/2015 4:22 PM

We need more playgrounds like the new one that was just built

10/21/2015 3:12 PM

need a new pool and a dog park

10/2/2015 3:24 PM

now fine for our family but was bad for our last 12 years. fighting for diamond time. no way to reserve the diamond beyond rec games. and on another note extending past city outdoor, renting the school gyms should include volleyball poles and net. how is the basketball hoops and nets part of the gym and rentable but volleyball poles and net are equipment?

9/4/2015 8:22 PM

Would like more shade area at pool

8/17/2015 1:56 PM

Need to develop the old high school property - trees, small shelter

8/8/2015 4:09 PM

I'm particularly impressed with Ervin Park. I would first suggest improving the roadways and parking within the park. It can become congested and potentially unsafe when children are present.

7/20/2015 11:15 PM

We have very good parks in town, but some improvements to the pool and concession area is needed

7/18/2015 8:53 PM

47 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 9

I think we lack certain amenities for those that we are so capable of. Such as not much is done involving Wimple Park, that seems forgettable at times. Possibly events can be held out? Music and or Bluegrass nights, town picnics, kiteflying?

7/18/2015 7:37 PM

Baseball & softball fields (minus HS field) need updating

7/12/2015 8:01 PM

need more walking & bike paths & enforce the pick up after your dog rules!

7/9/2015 10:37 AM

As stated above, Tuscola needs more options for families. We need to be spending out money here to help Tuscola, not other local towns.

7/8/2015 2:08 PM

fix wood playground at park

7/8/2015 10:28 AM

overall I agree but the prarrie land pride play area really needs some work not just paint but fixing the things that are broken.

7/7/2015 10:25 PM

great park improvement

7/7/2015 9:49 PM

Would be awesome to see the tennis courts upgraded!!!!!!!!!!!!

7/7/2015 8:42 PM

Need more recreational facilities for the public.

7/7/2015 5:51 PM

Pavilions at park could use updating

7/7/2015 4:28 PM

The park is great but there isn't really any place to hike or let dogs run.

7/7/2015 4:24 PM

Some of the playground equipment needs to be repaired and repainted

7/7/2015 4:17 PM

Have played in the volleyball sandpit for 25 years. Have asked for lights and it never happens

7/7/2015 3:52 PM

Agree to a point there are no exercise points along the walking trail in the park.

7/7/2015 3:42 PM

Dog park and baby park needed

7/7/2015 3:31 PM

Need to update park and make more family friendly

7/7/2015 3:13 PM

I think a skate park would be a great addition and would NOT foster the "wrong" element within our town.

7/7/2015 3:11 PM

B B-51

48 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q23 Please share your opinions about the types of new housing and housing improvements needed in Tuscola. Answered: 131

Skipped: 26

Single-family housing is...

Mobile home parks are...

Duplexes (2 units) are...

B B-52

Apartments (studio/effi...

49 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Apartments (1-2 bedroom...

Apartments (3+ bedrooms) ar...

Townhomes and condominiums...

B B-53

Affordable housing is...

50 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Senior condominiums...

Assisted living...

Starter (first time buyer)...

B B-54

Executive (high-end)...

51 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Focus on improving...

10%

Strongly Agree

20%

30%

Agree

40%

Disagree

Strongly Agree Single-family housing is needed

Mobile home parks are needed

Duplexes (2 units) are needed

Apartments (studio/efficiency) are needed

Apartments (1-2 bedrooms) are needed

Apartments (3+ bedrooms) are needed

Townhomes and condominiums are needed

Affordable housing is needed

Senior condominiums and apartments are needed

Assisted living facilities for seniors are needed

Starter (first time buyer) homes are needed

Executive (high-end) homes are needed

Focus on improving existing housing quality

50%

60%

70%

Strongly Disagree

Agree

Disagree

80%

90%

100%

Not Sure

Strongly Disagree

Not Sure

Total

27.78% 35

46.83% 59

12.70% 16

0.79% 1

11.90% 15

126

0.00% 0

7.94% 10

41.27% 52

40.48% 51

10.32% 13

126

2.33% 3

45.74% 59

28.68% 37

6.20% 8

17.05% 22

129

3.17% 4

28.57% 36

35.71% 45

10.32% 13

22.22% 28

126

5.47% 7

39.84% 51

32.03% 41

5.47% 7

17.19% 22

128

7.14%

31.75%

28.57%

9.52%

23.02%

126

6.30% 8

49.61% 63

21.26% 27

4.72% 6

18.11% 23

127

23.81% 30

39.68% 50

19.84% 25

4.76% 6

11.90% 15

126

12.00%

48.80%

20.80%

0.00%

18.40%

125

10.24% 13

37.01% 47

30.71% 39

3.15% 4

18.90% 24

127

15.08% 19

40.48% 51

27.78% 35

3.17% 4

13.49% 17

126

2.38% 3

17.46% 22

53.97% 68

12.70% 16

13.49% 17

126

39.84%

50.78%

2.34%

0.78%

6.25%

Comments

Date

52 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

128

B B-55

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 1

We have more assisted living facilities for seniors than the area can support. Focus in improving existing housing quality in certain neighborhoods.

10/21/2015 4:24 PM

Need to enforce property maintenance

10/21/2015 2:55 PM

Assisted living-we have more than this area can support. Improve housing in certain neighborhoods.

8/27/2015 10:01 AM

Strongly would like to see certain homes cleaned up in Tuscola as there are some very trashy areas. Maybe some

8/17/2015 7:31 PM

new laws? 5

Improve existing houses very much needed

8/17/2015 1:58 PM

Many old homes are lanquishing and running down the neighborhoods - city intervention could lead to those properties being sold and rehabilitated

8/8/2015 4:12 PM

I particularly want to emphasize good quality first time buyer homes. This segment, I believe, contributes positively to

7/20/2015 11:23 PM

the long term growth of The city. 8

We have such great historic houses in town, some need to be fixed, but regardless of their condition they need to be

7/18/2015 7:42 PM

cherished. 9

There has been an admirable focus on improving the quality of housing in the northeast part of town. I would like to see that continue if properties are available for sale for development that can be razed and new structures added.

7/10/2015 11:56 AM

There are several properties currently for sale throughout Tuscola that represent all of the choices listed above. Unless and until there is a major influx of need for more, it really isn't necessary. Homes are currenlty on the market for quite some time before a sale occurs. 10

Out the slum lords, do not get into the business of senior housing. The Meister property was a fiasco

B B-56

53 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

7/7/2015 3:44 PM

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q24 Which of the following aspects of housing is most important to improve in Tuscola? Answered: 130

Skipped: 27

Housing supply (mix)

Housing cost

Housing quality

No opinion

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Housing supply (mix)

14.62%

Housing cost

26.15%

Housing quality

43.08%

No opinion

16.15%

Total

130

B B-57

54 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q25 In Tuscola, new residential development should be located: Answered: 129

Skipped: 28

As infill within the City

Within or adjacent to...

Adjacent to the City but...

B B-58

Away from active farm...

55 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Anywhere there is a suitabl...

10%

Strongly Agree

20%

30%

40%

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Agree As infill within the City

Within or adjacent to existing City land

Adjacent to the City but annexed in

Away from active farm operations

Anywhere there is a suitable site for development

50%

Agree

60%

70%

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

80%

90%

100%

Not Sure

Strongly Disagree

Not Sure

17.95% 21

41.03% 48

15.38% 18

2.56% 3

23.08% 27

117

10.74% 13

65.29% 79

5.79% 7

1.65% 2

16.53% 20

121

9.40% 11

58.12% 68

12.82% 15

2.56% 3

17.09% 20

117

18.64% 22

38.98% 46

14.41% 17

0.85% 1

27.12% 32

118

19.05% 24

47.62% 60

11.11% 14

7.94% 10

14.29% 18

126

Comments

Date

Develop Residential Old North Ward Site

10/21/2015 2:13 PM

whose definition of suitable

9/4/2015 8:50 PM

Going outside the existing city water and sewer grid would be an expensive infrastructure upgrade when there are

8/19/2015 12:10 AM

plenty of empty lots in town to build on. 4

In general, I would recommend improving or developing existing space within the city before expansion, but I do not strictly oppose expansion.

7/20/2015 11:23 PM

I would share concern about locating housing in the middle of a farm. It's no different than building in the middle of the

7/10/2015 11:56 AM

Kraft plant in Champaign....they're already located there, you'd be locating in the middle of industry....and it's important for people to truly stop and understand that business people are making a living off of land that in many cases is a multi-generational legacy. Just because a certain faction deems it "better for the general public as a whole" doesn't mean it is appropriate to disrupt business and those who have built their livlihood on that land. I'm quite certain that

7/8/2015 12:11 AM

56 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-59

those who would like to see this happen would not be willing to give up their career or their current home just because someone else thinks it's time for a better use. I would suggest the development of a LAND USE COMMITTEE that would be comprised of interests from MANY factions, including agriculture. 6

Total

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q26 In which geographic location are you currently employed? Answered: 120

Skipped: 37

Tuscola

Champaign-Urban a Metro Area Decatur Metro Area

Mattoon-Charles ton Metro Area I work at/from home

I'm Retired

I'm Unemployed

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Answer Choices

B B-60

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Tuscola

46.67%

Champaign-Urbana Metro Area

25.83%

Decatur Metro Area

0.00%

Mattoon-Charleston Metro Area

2.50%

I work at/from home

5.83%

I'm Retired

17.50%

I'm Unemployed

1.67%

Total

120

Other (please specify)

Date

Two retired but one retired person made their living in the champaign-Urbana metro area

8/17/2015 7:35 PM

College student.

7/18/2015 7:58 PM

Disabled

7/18/2015 2:31 PM

Sidell, IL

7/17/2015 10:25 AM

student

7/9/2015 11:03 AM

Student

7/9/2015 9:34 AM

I am in school

7/9/2015 7:33 AM

Bloomington

7/7/2015 8:42 PM

57 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 9

Travel for work

7/7/2015 7:08 PM

also work part-time @ mall in Tuscola

7/7/2015 5:30 PM

B B-61

58 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q27 In your opinion, how would you describe the availability of employment opportunities in Tuscola? Answered: 127

Skipped: 30

Plentiful

Adequate

Lacking

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answer Choices

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Plentiful

1.57%

Adequate

35.43%

Lacking

53.54%

Not Sure

9.45%

Total

B B-62

127

Comments

Date

more for college - associate degree jobs

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

Adequate for restaurant jobs, lacking for professional jobs!

10/21/2015 3:14 PM

More for college-associate degree jobs.

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

My industry does not exist within Tuscola. Ideal case, I would like to see more professional jobs available within

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

Tuscola. 5

mostly min. wage jobs.

7/11/2015 5:22 PM

the problem is people aren't applying. I think there is a huge lack of full time jobs here in town.But part time jobs are over flowing.t

7/7/2015 10:35 PM

Adequate for those prepared.

7/7/2015 2:32 PM

59 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q28 How secure do you believe your employment to be over the next 3-5 years? Answered: 125

Skipped: 32

Secure

Somewhat secure

Insecure

Don't know

Unemployed

I'm Retired

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Secure

40.80%

Somewhat secure

28.80%

Insecure

6.40%

Don't know

3.20%

Unemployed

2.40%

I'm Retired

18.40%

Total

125

Comments

Date

Self employed

7/17/2015 8:56 AM

B B-63

60 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q29 Do you believe the City should commit funding to retain, attract or grow private sector businesses and jobs in Tuscola? Answered: 127

Skipped: 30

Yes

Not Sure

No opinion

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answer Choices

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses 101

Yes

79.53%

5.51%

Not Sure

11.02%

No opinion

3.94%

Total

B B-64

127

Comments

Date

Retaining is most important and most lacking

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

The TIF Program is very good.

10/21/2015 2:58 PM

QUALITY JOBS bringing quality people to town

10/21/2015 2:23 PM

Most important and most lacking.

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

That is what brought us here

8/19/2015 12:14 AM

Especially where such funding results in infrastructure that is generally beneficial to the city, even should the directly benefitting business cease operation.

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

Only if it does NOT offer tax breaks to move here.

7/17/2015 9:50 AM

I am quite unfamiliar with "how" this would be done. Would enjoy learning more about it before offering an opinion.

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

If the town has enough positives, we don't need to spend money to get or keep people here.

7/7/2015 6:53 PM

61 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q30 Should Tuscola offer financial incentives to encourage private sector development and investment? Answered: 124

Skipped: 33

B B-65

62 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

For residential...

For retail businesses

For non-retail businesses

In the Downtown area

On vacant infill sites

B B-66

On undeveloped land (e.g....

Yes

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

It Depends

63 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

80%

90%

100%

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Yes For residential development

For retail businesses

For non-retail businesses

In the Downtown area

On vacant infill sites

On undeveloped land (e.g. farmland)

It Depends

Total

35.83% 43

33.33% 40

30.83% 37

56.56%

19.67%

23.77%

122

58.97% 69

13.68% 16

27.35% 32

117

74.19% 92

7.26% 9

18.55% 23

124

62.18% 74

13.45% 16

24.37% 29

119

23.33%

50.00%

26.67%

Comments

Date

We have a lot of empty business sites - work on that 1st

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

...all depending on what they are

10/21/2015 2:23 PM

::Cited TIF for all "Yes" answers::

10/21/2015 2:14 PM

We have a lot of empty business sites-work on that first.

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

Use financial incentives to promote the improvement of existing locations. I also favor incentivizing business over residential development. At this point in time, I feel that would be most beneficial to the community.

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

We have done well with a few new places downtown, the fitness center, Flesor's, Vault and Vintage Karma within the last 10 years; downtown Tuscola NEEDS to be embraced even more. We need a sense of entertainment and more

7/18/2015 7:58 PM

120

localized shops. People come from all over to go to our mall. By going to the outlet mall they don't get to know Tuscola by entering our town only 500 feet in. Downtown is an obvious way to get to know and see Tuscola. 7

I will admit that I am "uneasy" about offering incentives to "new" business when long term EXISTING business owners have worked long and hard to maintain services for the citizens of Tuscola WITHOUT this financial assistance. PLUS....I am VERY uneasy when we offer incentives to a new business to come in that offers the same products and

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

services as an existing business that has been here for years and struggled through the hard times without help. Not exactly fair to throw competition their way. IF, however, a new business that offers goods and services NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED in Tuscola were to scout our community as a potential location, I would be much more at ease with that possibility. 8

Stop gifting tax exemptions for everyone but citizens who live and spend money here

7/7/2015 3:50 PM

B B-67

64 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q31 Do you own or operate a business in the area? Answered: 127

Skipped: 30

Yes

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answer Choices

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Yes

15.75%

84.25%

107

Total

127

B B-68

65 / 108

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q32 Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: "Tuscola is a good place to start a business." Answered: 126

Skipped: 31

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Strongly Agree

8.73%

Agree

50.79%

Disagree

14.29%

Strongly Disagree

1.59%

Not Sure

24.60%

Total

126

Please comment

Date

Lack of Population

10/22/2015 10:08 AM

Was not 10-20 years ago - very cliquish then. Now a bit better but no real changes of communication with City or ED

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

Just need to citizens to support it such as a good sit down restaurant. Need to help or guide small businesses decide if they have what it takes to succeed.

10/21/2015 2:58 PM

Perhaps with a new building inspector it might be.

10/17/2015 10:51 PM

Was not 10-20 years ago, very cliqueish town. Now a bit better but no real Chamber of Commerce with city or economic development.

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

Great location

8/17/2015 2:03 PM

This of course depends greatly on what sort of business. That said, Tuscola offers a growing community, talent base, and local transportation infrastructure. It is also not so far away from larger cities such as Champaign and Mattoon so as to be inaccessible.

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

Depends on what the business is

7/18/2015 8:57 PM

66 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-69

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 9

Evidently not because we have several businesses that have gone out of Tuscola.

7/18/2015 8:27 PM

Re-opening of Flesor's is a great truth. It was a sour moment decision that changes the sisters' lives. Other stores like the Pantry, Vault, and Vintage Karma. From now on we get to see how long they will last by the looks of Kelsey's

7/18/2015 7:58 PM

Furniture. 11

I think it is AS LONG AS the business owner has ALL of his "bases" covered. You cannot simply open your door without EXCESSIVE efforts in the way of public relations, advertising, and participation in civic groups, offering to have a presence at community and school events, etc. I have seen businesses come and VERY QUICKLY GO when they don't PROMOTE themselves effectively. (Obviously, that might be true ANYWHERE, but in a small town, it's even

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

MORE important.) 12

They usually don't last

7/9/2015 10:57 AM

Depends on the business

7/7/2015 5:55 PM

B B-70

67 / 108

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Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q33 Do you support or oppose the development of the following types of industrial establishments in City? Answered: 126

Skipped: 31

B B-71

68 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Transport industrial...

Light manufacturin...

Heavy manufacturin...

High-technology manufacturing

Intensive agricultural...

B B-72

Non-intensive agricultural...

Support

10%

20%

Oppose

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Not Sure

69 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

80%

90%

100%

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Support Transport industrial (warehousing, distribution centers, etc.)

Light manufacturing (product assembly, product fabrication, etc.)

Heavy manufacturing (primary manufacturing such as foundries, etc.)

High-technology manufacturing

Intensive agricultural operations (e.g. â&#x20AC;&#x153;factoryâ&#x20AC;? farms or egg processing plants, etc.)

Non-intensive agricultural related businesses (implement dealer, etc.)

Oppose

Not Sure

Total

70.40% 88

12.80% 16

16.80% 21

125

81.75% 103

6.35% 8

11.90% 15

126

39.68% 50

33.33% 42

26.98% 34

126

83.33%

4.76%

11.90%

105

126

37.90% 47

36.29% 45

25.81% 32

124

79.20% 99

4.80% 6

16.00% 20

125

Other (please specify)

Date

no heavy manufacturing - too much toxic crap for environment. NO! NO! NO! to intensive agricultural operations

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

Too much toxic crap for environment.

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

I believe we need to be VERY, VERY careful about appearing "too desperate" to locate industry in this community. Sometimes you get what you ask for and if you're willing to "take anything," it can be more detrimental than helpful to your cause. I also believe the public needs to be MUCH better informed during the process than they have in the past.

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

The citizens who pay taxes and raise their families here are "investing" themselves in the community and need to be kept abreast much more effectively. We only have the newspaper currently.....and many citizens have had to learn more about development in Tuscola from word-of-mouth or through news agencies out of Champaign. 4

if the type of company lowers property values then we don't want them here. note the poverty stricken "river towns" of western Illinois. no at plants utilizing largely migrant based work forces.

7/8/2015 12:17 AM

Outside city in Industrial areas are fine.

7/7/2015 3:45 PM

B B-73

70 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q34 In your opinion, how would you describe the availability of places to shop in Tuscola? Answered: 127

Skipped: 30

Plentiful

Adequate

Lacking

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answer Choices

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Plentiful

25.20%

Adequate

55.91%

Lacking

18.11%

Not Sure

0.79%

Total

B B-74

127

Comments

Date

Need new Dollar General

10/22/2015 9:40 AM

Home center is great - plenty of retail with mall.

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

Outlet Mall

10/21/2015 3:14 PM

[Lacking] Except for Tanger

10/21/2015 2:58 PM

except for the winter hours that the outlet mall keeps and iga should open earlier and close later.

9/4/2015 9:08 PM

Home Center is great-plenty retail with mall.

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

Particularly when considering the size of Tuscola. It's an embarrassment of riches. Local stores do command a

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

premium, but the local convenience is fantastic. 8

We need a second grocery store to get competition.

7/18/2015 8:27 PM

discount food place needed

7/11/2015 5:22 PM

71 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 10

The Tanger Outlet Mall has been TREMENDOUS in MANY ways to both Tuscola and the County. The County was financially "in the red" when it came to town and in the first year alone, the budget turned from red to black due to the taxes contributed by Tanger alone. Both of my children had their first jobs at Tanger Outlet Mall and made good money while learning valuable people skills that have assisted them in their careers after college. I make every attempt to do

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

as much shopping as I can at the mall and keep those dollars at home. In addition, Sav Mor Pharmacy, Tuscola's OUTSTANDING hardware store and other privately owned businesses are a tremendous asset to our community. 11

Need another grocery store

7/9/2015 10:43 AM

shopko stinks need something bigger

7/8/2015 10:34 AM

Need a cheaper grocery store

7/7/2015 4:22 PM

We need a party store like the paper factory ever since that one closed :(

7/7/2015 3:17 PM

B B-75

72 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q35 In your opinion, how would you describe the availability of places to dine in Tuscola? Answered: 126

Skipped: 31

Plentiful

Adequate

Lacking

Not Sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

Answer Choices

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Plentiful

1.59%

Adequate

11.11%

Lacking

87.30%

110

Not Sure

0.00%

Total

B B-76

126

Comments

Date

Need a Sit-Down Restaurant

10/22/2015 9:56 AM

Need Family or "Sit-Down" Restaurants

10/22/2015 9:40 AM

Tuscany - luncheonette

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

Sit Down Restaurant

10/21/2015 3:14 PM

Need an up to date sit down restaurant

10/21/2015 2:58 PM

Not enough good family restaurants.

10/2/2015 3:17 PM

Steak House -

10/2/2015 3:03 PM

Lacking in fine dining.

9/17/2015 2:11 PM

we need a Billy Barooz (like in Champaign) or a JT Walkers (like in Mahomet)

9/4/2015 9:08 PM

Miss Tuscany and 1871 Luncheonette

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

Need a sit down resturants

8/17/2015 7:35 PM

73 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 12

we need a nice restaurant in Tuscola

8/17/2015 6:40 PM

I mark adequate only because the ration of sit-down to fast food chain is too low. It would be an improvement to have a higher ratio of sit down dining. A Cracker Barrell or a Tuscany replacement would be ideal.

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

If we had more sit down type dining. less people would go out of town to shop.

7/18/2015 9:00 PM

We have good options yet they overlap one another. We have Jimmy John's and we have Subway? We have so many fast food restaurants. This town desperately needs culture, exposing some sort of cuisine would be more than perfect. Something so even similar as Mona's in Atwood. One thing that would be nice is a breakfast or brunch place.

7/18/2015 7:58 PM

Fine dining

7/17/2015 9:55 PM

It's all fast food :(

7/17/2015 4:24 PM

We need nicer sit-down restaurants

7/17/2015 8:56 AM

too many fast food, need sit down dinning

7/11/2015 5:22 PM

Need a good sit down place and a sports bar

7/10/2015 9:02 PM

SEVERELY LACKING. Ideally.....we could use a nice family restaurant with conference room facilities....it would be

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

tremendous to "theme" them with portraits of city fathers and business leaders along with a history of what they contributed to the community along the way. Our car immediately turns to Champaign on the occasions that we have dinner out....there is simply nothing to choose from in Tuscola other than quick, fast food. 22

No more fast food!! We need a decent place - like Tuscany

7/9/2015 10:57 AM

Need more.family.dining opportunity

7/9/2015 10:43 AM

Cracker Barrel, chilli's, Applebee's would be great!

7/9/2015 9:34 AM

I would love to see a nicer sit down restaurant

7/8/2015 9:02 PM

I would like to see a family restaurant or two.

7/8/2015 8:04 PM

We need more sit down restaurants, steak houses and such.

7/8/2015 2:13 PM

Fast-food is not, in my opinion, a "place to dine."

7/8/2015 1:52 PM

Enough fast food. We need an actual restaurant

7/8/2015 7:48 AM

need more fancy dine in.

7/8/2015 3:23 AM

we need another Lucas/Tuscany style restaurant.

7/8/2015 12:17 AM

needs more family dinning places that are open til at least midnight.

7/7/2015 10:35 PM

Needs decent sit down dining establishments

7/7/2015 8:55 PM

need higher end dining not just fast food

7/7/2015 7:34 PM

Need more full service restaurants

7/7/2015 7:08 PM

I would like to see a sit down restaurant in Tuscola

7/7/2015 6:09 PM

need a sit down resturant, in addtion need something with more hours availablitity at mall for customers

7/7/2015 5:30 PM

Majority is fast food

7/7/2015 5:20 PM

NEED A COUPLE OF NICER SIT DOWN RESTAURANTS

7/7/2015 4:14 PM

Terrible!

7/7/2015 4:00 PM

Terrible especially on holidays.

7/7/2015 3:50 PM

We need a sit down casual resturant like TGIF's or Applebee's

7/7/2015 3:45 PM

It would be nice to have some nicer places to eat like, Applebees, Steak N Shake, etc.

7/7/2015 3:17 PM

Too much fast food

7/7/2015 3:16 PM

74 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-77

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q36 How often do you leave Tuscola to shop? Answered: 127

Skipped: 30

Never

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

At least once per year

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Answer Choices

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

Never

0.00%

Daily

1.57%

Weekly

65.35%

Monthly

31.50%

At least once per year

1.57%

Total

B B-78

127

Comments

Date

Monthly or less

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

Some items as selection of food items required a trip to a larger store

10/21/2015 2:58 PM

I'm including Amazon.com and a semi-regular trip to the Urbana Meijer.

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

WE BUY WHAT WE CAN IN TOWN, BUT HAVE TO GO OUT OF TOWN FOR VARIETY.

7/18/2015 9:00 PM

We usually shop in town or in the county.

7/12/2015 8:05 PM

I can honestly say that I divide my shopping in thirds....1/3 in Tuscola, 1/3 in Champaign and 1/3 online. (That's interesting. I really hadn't thought about this until you asked.)

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

I shop in town 95% of the time. I believe in supporting our town.

7/8/2015 8:04 PM

Multiple times a week. Groceries almost always unless we need the item quickly.

7/8/2015 2:13 PM

I haven't shopped at the mall here in months.

7/8/2015 7:48 AM

Grocery shopping

7/7/2015 4:22 PM

75 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q37 Please share your opinions about the supply of various retail and service businesses in Tuscola. Answered: 128

Skipped: 29

Downtown retail...

Downtown restaurants

Convenience retail/servi...

Department and general...

B-79

Boutique and

76 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY specialty...

Apparel and show stores

Hardware and building sup...

Fast-food restaurants

Sit-down restaurants

B-80

Grocery stores

77 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Other

10%

Need More

20%

30%

Have Enough

40%

50%

Have too much

Need More Downtown retail shopping/services

Downtown restaurants

Convenience retail/services in/near my neighborhood

Department and general merchandise stores

Boutique and specialty retail stores

Apparel and show stores

Hardware and building supply stores

Fast-food restaurants

Sit-down restaurants

Grocery stores

Other

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Not Sure

Have Enough

Have too much

Not Sure

Total

79.20% 99

15.20% 19

0.00% 0

5.60% 7

125

89.76% 114

7.87% 10

0.00% 0

2.36% 3

127

27.64% 34

60.16% 74

0.81% 1

11.38% 14

123

45.24% 57

46.83% 59

1.59% 2

6.35% 8

126

45.97% 57

42.74% 53

4.03% 5

7.26% 9

124

24.00%

67.20%

2.40%

6.40%

125

14.29% 18

75.40% 95

3.97% 5

6.35% 8

126

8.73% 11

72.22% 91

18.25% 23

0.79% 1

126

98.44%

1.56%

0.00%

126

128

44.44% 56

50.79% 64

1.59% 2

3.17% 4

126

33.33% 9

3.70% 1

0.00% 0

62.96% 17

If "Other", please specify or enter comments

Date

hard to say on grocery stores, DG is alt to ShopCo. Brew Pub, Locally Sourced Food, Wines, Winery-Tasting Room of Illinois Wines, christian book/resources, wood working, quilting, etc.

10/21/2015 4:32 PM

Don't need big box stores

10/21/2015 2:58 PM

iga longer hours

9/4/2015 9:08 PM

78 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-81

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 4

Destination Store-hunting, quilting, Christian book/resources, woodworking. Brew Pub-locally served foods, wines, wine tasting room for Illinois wines.

8/27/2015 10:21 AM

More arts destination businesses

8/19/2015 12:14 AM

The IGA is great, if not overpriced. It would be nice to see it grow into a larger store with more options, such as organic foods and general merchandise. Tuscola lacks certain types of entertainment retail, such as bowling or a

7/20/2015 11:51 PM

theater. 7

Parks... Again embrace what we already have. The old lot of what was Northward, community park similar to what we have around the courthouse for meeting places, festival space. Such a town could beautify our village.

7/18/2015 7:58 PM

Entertainment

7/18/2015 2:31 PM

To clarify, I would want to scrutinize the downtown area before any recommendations were made and a TRUE "strategic plan" penned JUST FOR THAT AREA ALONE. Buildings are old and crumbling, the current business owners work their fingers to the bone.....will they be able to sell these businesses someday or will the storefront remain empty? Is there another ....better use.....for the downtown area? I have to wonder if the downtown should be rennovated for professional business men and women....attornies, accountants, engineers....ideal parking out front but

7/10/2015 12:19 PM

it may be time to raze some buildings and begin anew .....but if that happens, it NEEDS TO HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE THEME. We have no "coffee bars" or restaurants near the mall that could truly attract more people. I notice that Sarah Bush is planning a clinic at a prime location at the mall entrance....THIS...is SPECTACULAR. There's every reason to think that patients who come to Sarah Bush for a simple checkup might shop AND DINE in Tuscola before they head home. 10

Need Walmart, Target, or Meier, along with sit-down restaurants.

7/8/2015 7:00 PM

We definitely need more options for groceries. IGA is nice, but the quality of the produce is awful. There prices are way to high as well.

7/8/2015 2:13 PM

We need a Trader Joe's!! :)

7/8/2015 1:52 PM

IGA could use some competition but I don't think we need a Walmart.

7/7/2015 9:54 PM

I would check sit down restaurants twice if possible

7/7/2015 3:50 PM

If Dollar General moves south of the tracks, it would still be nice to have a "Corner Grocery" type store on the north side. A gas station on the north side would be kind of nice, too.

7/7/2015 3:17 PM

Prices are too high

7/7/2015 3:16 PM

B B-82

79 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q38 From your experience, please rate the following services in Tuscola. Answered: 123

Skipped: 34

Ambulance Service

Emergency Care

Family Practitioners

B B-83

Fire Protection

80 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Garbage Collection

Park and Recreation...

Law Enforcement

B B-84

Public Library

81 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Public School System

Recycling Program

Snow Removal

Storm Water Management

B-85

82 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Yard Waste Disposal...

Street and Road...

Cable / Telecommunic...

Programs for Youth

B-86

83 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Programs for Seniors

10%

Excellent

20%

Good

30%

Fair

Excellent Ambulance Service

Emergency Care

Family Practitioners

Fire Protection

Garbage Collection

Park and Recreation Facilities

Law Enforcement

Public Library

Public School System

Recycling Program

Snow Removal

Storm Water Management

Yard Waste Disposal Options

Street and Road Maintenance

Cable / Telecommunications

Programs for Youth

40%

50%

Poor

Good

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Not Sure

Fair

Poor

Not Sure

Total

26.45% 32

44.63% 54

3.31% 4

0.83% 1

24.79% 30

121

12.40% 15

33.06% 40

15.70% 19

19.01% 23

19.83% 24

121

16.67% 20

48.33% 58

19.17% 23

5.00% 6

10.83% 13

120

39.02% 48

44.72% 55

2.44% 3

0.00% 0

13.82% 17

123

30.89% 38

53.66% 66

11.38% 14

2.44% 3

1.63% 2

123

19.51% 24

50.41% 62

24.39% 30

5.69% 7

0.00% 0

123

25.20% 31

51.22% 63

13.82% 17

6.50% 8

3.25% 4

123

30.58% 37

51.24% 62

10.74% 13

2.48% 3

4.96% 6

121

37.70% 46

45.08% 55

8.20% 10

4.92% 6

4.10% 5

122

10.57%

27.64%

30.89%

21.95%

8.94%

17.07%

54.47%

19.51%

6.50%

2.44%

123

7.44% 9

42.98% 52

30.58% 37

9.09% 11

9.92% 12

121

18.85% 23

37.70% 46

29.51% 36

7.38% 9

6.56% 8

122

8.13% 10

46.34% 57

35.77% 44

7.32% 9

2.44% 3

123

1.63% 2

31.71% 39

44.72% 55

18.70% 23

3.25% 4

123

4.10%

23.77%

36.07%

24.59%

11.48%

84 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

123

122

B B-87

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Programs for Seniors

3.28% 4

15.57% 19

31.15% 38

18.03% 22

31.97% 39

Comments

Date

Programs for Youth/Seniors: need more ways to tell town about it and share what exists.

10/21/2015 4:34 PM

Cable & Internet not up to date

10/21/2015 3:02 PM

We are spoiled with our disposal options and the youth are hard to communicate with

10/21/2015 2:16 PM

need school sponsored 5th and 6th basketball and 5th - 8th baseball and softball to get parent coaches out of the equation. For that matter keep parent coaches out of the school system as well. need/should have allowed soccer, swimming and those previously mentioned to operate even without entire school funding. leave it up to the kids what they want to play and those activities will thrive those that do not have the numbers to support will not survive.x

9/4/2015 9:31 PM

Need new ways to tell town about it and share what exists for youth and senior programs.

8/27/2015 10:27 AM

Internet speed is a town wide issue, recycling bins need to be emptied more often

8/19/2015 12:18 AM

Dedicated recycling depot would be great, including electronics drop off. More regular yard waste pickup days would be a nice convenience.

7/21/2015 12:09 AM

What current youth programs do we have apart from life-guarding and programs that are religious driven?

7/18/2015 8:03 PM

I would just like to say that for the services that I marked EXCELLENT, that they are all BEYOND EXCELLENT.

7/10/2015 12:30 PM

We need more programs for our youth. We also need other options for cable providers. Mediacom is RIDICULOUS!!!

7/8/2015 2:19 PM

If theroad crew could not just stop in the middle of the road with no warning that would be great.

7/7/2015 9:59 PM

Need aid in redirecting flooding in yard

7/7/2015 8:08 PM

B B-88

85 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

122

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q39 The City of Tuscola supports many public services with a limited budget. How would you like the City to prioritize spending on these services? Please indicate your spending preferences based on your satisfaction with these public services. Answered: 122

Skipped: 35

Police Services

Fire and Emergency...

Library Services

B B-89

General Community-wi...

86 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Arts/Culture program Funding

Parks Facilities

Recreational Programs

Affordable Housing

Historic Preservation

B-90

87 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Programs for the Seniors

Programs for Youth

Economic Development

Other

More $

Police Services

Fire and Emergency Services

Library Services

10%

20%

Same $

30%

40%

50%

60%

Less $

No Opinion

More $

Same $

70%

80%

Less $

90%

100%

No Opinion

Total

18.03% 22

68.03% 83

3.28% 4

10.66% 13

122

19.01% 23

67.77% 82

4.13% 5

9.09% 11

121

27.12% 32

58.47% 69

5.93% 7

8.47% 10

118

88 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-91

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY General Community-wide Clean-up, etc.

Arts/Culture program Funding

Parks Facilities

Recreational Programs

Affordable Housing

Historic Preservation

Programs for the Seniors

Programs for Youth

Economic Development

Other

24.17% 29

61.67% 74

4.17% 5

10.00% 12

18.49%

44.54%

22.69%

14.29%

119

44.17% 53

45.83% 55

3.33% 4

6.67% 8

120

54.17% 65

33.33% 40

4.17% 5

8.33% 10

120

17.50% 21

50.83% 61

15.83% 19

120

13.56%

53.39%

18.64%

14.41%

118

26.27% 31

50.00% 59

6.78% 8

16.95% 20

118

56.67% 68

33.33% 40

4.17% 5

5.83% 7

120

42.86%

43.70%

5.04%

8.40%

119

4.55% 1

9.09% 2

4.55% 1

81.82% 18

If "Other, please specify or enter comments:

Date

library money used wisely! movie rental kiosk since we have no other type of movie rental in town. and implement a hygen code in the library.

9/4/2015 9:31 PM

Rail service

8/19/2015 12:01 PM

I believe affordable housing has a net positive impact on a community, but the scale and management of the property are key to extracting the benefits.

7/21/2015 12:09 AM

Prioritizing a budget is probably the most difficult job of all. Considering the state of the nation, I feel it is IMPERATIVE to keep our safety FIRST AND FOREMOST as far as priorities. Many of the programs listed can be improved with more volunteerism and those people can be found by sharing the stories of each entity and soliciting the elbow grease

7/10/2015 12:30 PM

it takes to get the job done. Peace Meal (as a senior service) is a tremendous example......we actually have SENIORS delivering to SENIORS in many cases ....it's a TEAM of churches and civic organizations and it's important to cultivate a culture of "paying it forward." 5

k-12

7/8/2015 3:27 AM

B B-92

89 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

120

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q40 Please indicate up to FIVE types of recreation amenities that you would like to see expanded or improved in Tuscola, either by the City or by the private sector. Answered: 127

Skipped: 30

Playgrounds

Baseball/softba ll diamonds

Soccer fields

Football fields

Basketball courts Volleyball courts

Tennis courts

Pickleball courts Horseshoe courts Bocce ball courts

Bike trails

Walking trails

Mountain biking trails

ATV trails

Snowmobile trails

Golf courses

B-93

Disc (frisbee) golf courses

Skate parks

90 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Dog Park

Ice skating/hock... Snowshoeing trails X-Country skiing trails

Picnic areas

Indoor recreation... Recreational programming Nature preserves Community gardens

Camping areas

Indoor Pool

Outdoor Pool

Splash park

Indoor soccer

Indoor tennis

Indoor basketball

Weightlifting and fitness... Outdoor fitness... Other (please specify)

B-94

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Answer Choices

80%

90%

Responses

91 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

100%

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Playgrounds

16.54%

Baseball/softball diamonds

10.24%

Soccer fields

5.51%

Football fields

0.79%

Basketball courts

3.15%

Volleyball courts

5.51%

Tennis courts

4.72%

Pickleball courts

3.15%

Horseshoe courts

3.15%

Bocce ball courts

2.36%

Bike trails

43.31%

Walking trails

55.91%

Mountain biking trails

7.09%

ATV trails

3.15%

Snowmobile trails

0.00%

Golf courses

3.15%

Disc (frisbee) golf courses

9.45%

Skate parks

9.45%

Dog Park

26.77%

Ice skating/hockey rink

2.36%

Snowshoeing trails

0.00%

X-Country skiing trails

0.00%

Picnic areas

7.87%

Indoor recreation facilities

51.97%

Recreational programming

18.90%

Nature preserves

13.39%

Community gardens

22.05%

Camping areas

7.87%

Indoor Pool

31.50%

Outdoor Pool

11.81%

Splash park

26.77%

Indoor soccer

4.72%

Indoor tennis

1.57%

Indoor basketball

6.30%

92 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-95

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Weightlifting and fitness centers

7.09%

Outdoor fitness courses/stations

11.81%

Other (please specify)

6.30%

Total Respondents: 127

Other (please specify)

Date

10/22/2015 10:09 AM

Ag Tourism - corn maze - farm equip rides - experience place - heritage farm

10/21/2015 4:34 PM

10/21/2015 3:59 PM

More arts programs

10/17/2015 10:55 PM

Indoor pool badly needed

8/17/2015 2:07 PM

I suggest focusing on strong basic services, like playgrounds, picnic areas, and well maintained parks over expanded

7/21/2015 12:09 AM

services for little played sports such as frisbee golf and ice skating. 7

I am not sure we need anything else. You do a great job.

7/18/2015 8:34 PM

Just a comment....I chose these areas because I see MANY, MANY people walking, gardening, caring for their pets and so many could use the benefit of an indoor pool for exercise. I think these areas are the most realistic improvements we could make and would be in addition to the fabulous parks we already have.

7/10/2015 12:30 PM

B B-96

93 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q41 What are Tuscola's strengths/weaknesses regarding its community services? Answered: 40

Skipped: 117

Responses

Date

Strength: we have a range of community services but those that do not involve school age children are not easy to discover.

10/21/2015 4:34 PM

Weak schools - people need to recognize academics are not strong

10/21/2015 3:15 PM

Baseball & Softball Facility

10/21/2015 2:25 PM

Open to improvements and forward thinking

10/21/2015 2:16 PM

Too sports focused

10/17/2015 10:55 PM

lacking of youth programs

10/2/2015 3:06 PM

You almost have to drive to everything.

9/17/2015 2:14 PM

Strength-we have a range of community services but not easy to those that do not involve school age children to discover.

8/27/2015 10:27 AM

Typical of communities it's size

8/19/2015 12:01 PM

While not perfect they are far better than any town I have lived in

8/19/2015 12:18 AM

Slow to implement

8/17/2015 2:41 PM

We have a great volunteer base in tuscola. Needs organizing and more opportunities. I would like yo see a coordinator so one can put a list out for people to find opportunities

8/17/2015 2:07 PM

Tuscola has a tremendous volunteer pool that push numerous programs forward that my children enjoy firsthand. In terms of weakness, I sometimes find awareness to be an issue. This is likely my problem, but a more active presence / calendar on the city webpage may be helpful.

7/21/2015 12:09 AM

I think it has geared most recent improvements to toddler age children in the park. Now it is time to give the teen, preteen children more opportunities.

7/18/2015 9:08 PM

Sparks in the Park is adequate, yet the only "festival" we seem to have. Old Fashioned Days is gone, Harvest Fest is

7/18/2015 8:03 PM

too. 16

Great park, need more sit siren restraunts

7/17/2015 9:57 PM

Just think we need to get kids more involved in programs. Keep them off the streets and away from drugs.

7/17/2015 4:30 PM

Willingness to ask what people think!

7/10/2015 9:04 PM

A definite strength are the people who run them......Tuscola graduates, local business people, sincere and dedicated. Their weaknesses would result from tight budgets that limit what they can do and that is just a fact of life we need to work with and around.

7/10/2015 12:30 PM

Lack of rec programs / facilitites - need a YMCA or similar program

7/9/2015 12:38 PM

we are lacking a civic center type of facility

7/9/2015 11:05 AM

Strength community cares and wants to improve weakness need more.community programs for families and individuals to participate in like Charleston's rec dept.

7/9/2015 10:48 AM

Lots of volunteers in youth activities

7/9/2015 9:37 AM

Opportunities for young people are only focused on sports, need greater diversity

7/8/2015 4:09 PM

Maybe they could be more consistent in strength

7/8/2015 4:02 PM

Tuscola needs to be more open to people's opinions. For the last ten years I have been hearing all sorts of people complain about other towns doing so many things to engage their residents. Tuscola needs to improve some of the activities that go on. Have a community meeting and ask for people to come an voice ideas or something.

7/8/2015 2:19 PM

94 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-97

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 27

We could use more entertainment... Miniature golf, movie theater, go-carts...

7/8/2015 1:56 PM

Concentration of money in one area.

7/8/2015 11:03 AM

Recreation/park is biggest strength..

7/8/2015 8:29 AM

We don't have a lot to offer

7/8/2015 8:09 AM

The strength is the ability to think cognitively and make decisions which are best for the whole. The weakness is those

7/7/2015 11:02 PM

few whom may have a bird in their ear and suggest that we need an indoor pool, for instance. We're lucky to keep our outdoor pool open and we would explore an indoor facility? Hopefully that's just filler. 32

I think they are doing well.

7/7/2015 9:59 PM

Strength - Fire Dept., ambulance & park

7/7/2015 9:03 PM

Strength: the park weakness: not having trails

7/7/2015 4:33 PM

Recreation is a weakness and dining

7/7/2015 4:05 PM

Not a lot for teenage kids to do outside of organized sports.

7/7/2015 4:01 PM

services are adequate

7/7/2015 3:53 PM

too much reliance on volunteers to run youth programs lead to incosistency in effectiveness year to year

7/7/2015 3:28 PM

Need indoor facilities for all

7/7/2015 3:20 PM

Available locations but with a lack of funds.

7/7/2015 2:34 PM

B B-98

95 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q42 Over the past five years, how much growth do you think Tuscola has experienced? Answered: 123

Skipped: 34

A great deal of growth

Some growth, but not a lot

Almost no growth at all

Not sure

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Answer Choices

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Responses

A great deal of growth

30.89%

Some growth, but not a lot

56.91%

Almost no growth at all

10.57%

Not sure

1.63%

Total

123

Comments

Date

primarily housing growth

10/21/2015 4:37 PM

Cronus

10/21/2015 3:16 PM

Except in the fastfood industry

9/17/2015 2:18 PM

if we actually get the factory this time

9/4/2015 9:41 PM

Still need a sit down testaurant similar to philo tavern

8/17/2015 2:12 PM

The Candy Kitchen, Daylight Donuts, CRONUS, the old truck stop redevelopment, and surely others have made this a

7/21/2015 12:23 AM

strong five years for Tuscola, in my opinion. 7

more businesses but not much in people

7/9/2015 1:49 PM

96 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-99

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q43 How would you direct your City leaders and planners with regard to land use policies and regulations? Answered: 118

Skipped: 39

Be LESS restrictive;...

Be MORE restrictive;...

Current policies are...

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Answer Choices

Responses

Be LESS restrictive; allow MORE flexibility for where and how land may be used and developed

22.03%

Be MORE restrictive; allow LESS flexibility for where and how land may be used and developed

16.10%

Current policies are okay

61.86%

Total

118

Comments

Date

protect our environment: water/ag land

10/21/2015 4:37 PM

Need to enforce property maintenance ordinances

10/21/2015 3:06 PM

Protect our environment-water/air/land

8/27/2015 10:29 AM

Need a property maintenance ordinance.

8/19/2015 12:01 PM

I do not know the policies

8/17/2015 2:12 PM

BE CAREFUL. BE SELECTIVE. IF SOMETHING SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.

7/10/2015 12:37 PM

Allow more land for family.housing

7/9/2015 10:50 AM

Do not become a property owner unless you are going to develop it

7/7/2015 3:56 PM

B-100

97 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q44 Whenever a development project is proposed, be it new homes, new commercial or manufacturing uses, or mining or energy uses, City leaders must balance competing interests. Please indicate the importance of each of the following to you: Answered: 121

Skipped: 36

B B-101

98 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Preserving rural charac...

Attracting industry and...

Preserving agricultural...

Increased renewable...

Protecting existing...

B B-102

10%

Very Important

20%

30%

40%

Somewhat Important

Very Important Preserving rural character and scenery

Attracting industry and potential jobs

Preserving agricultural land and production

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Not Important At All

Somewhat Important

Not Important At All

Total

62.18%

32.77%

5.04%

119

53.33% 64

43.33% 52

3.33% 4

120

61.21% 71

32.76% 38

6.03% 7

116

99 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Increased renewable energy production

Protecting existing residential areas

44.44% 52

49.57% 58

5.98% 7

68.91%

28.57%

2.52%

Comments

Date

do not attract industry at the expense of or land/world

10/21/2015 4:37 PM

[Attracting industry and potential jobs] need small to medium manufacturing not more chemical plants that effect health & environment

10/21/2015 3:06 PM

Not at the expense of our land/world.

8/27/2015 10:29 AM

Instead of building on new land, why not re-do what we already have? Spaces like the trailer parks are GREAT to build new housing and are in great locations for a town of one-square mile.

7/18/2015 8:08 PM

AGAIN, BE CAREFUL. BE THOUGHTFUL. BE RESPECTFUL of those who already occupy the land in question.

7/10/2015 12:37 PM

117

119

B B-103

100 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q45 How do you rate the following aspects of Tuscola? Answered: 122

Skipped: 35

Access to parks

Number of street trees

Signage control (siz...

B B-104

Noise control

101 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Lighting control

Aesthetic design of ne...

Property upkeep/clean...

10%

Excellent

20%

Good

30%

40%

Fair

50%

Poor

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

No Opinion

B-105

Excellent Access to parks

Good

41.80% 51

45.90% 56

102 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

Fair

Poor 11.48% 14

No Opinion 0.82% 1

0.00% 0

Total

122

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY Number of street trees

Signage control (size and location of signs)

Noise control

Lighting control

Aesthetic design of new development

Property upkeep/cleanliness

26.45% 32

52.89% 64

14.05% 17

1.65% 2

4.96% 6

16.67%

68.33%

9.17%

2.50%

3.33%

120

17.21% 21

60.66% 74

16.39% 20

4.92% 6

0.82% 1

122

10.74% 13

63.64% 77

20.66% 25

3.31% 4

1.65% 2

121

9.40% 11

58.12% 68

19.66% 23

3.42% 4

9.40% 11

117

2.46%

46.72%

35.25%

14.75%

0.82%

Comments

Date

Too many absentee property owners leading to too many rundown, dilapidated properties that are eyesores to the neighborhoods & reflect poorly on the city and effect property sales & values.

10/21/2015 3:06 PM

With the increase in trains, the noise assocated with them blowing their horns has also dramatically increased. It brings property values down. Tuscola should work hard to make Tuscola a quiet zone for trains, especially when Cronus opens and the train volume increases even more.

9/17/2015 2:18 PM

Road between shopko fast food dangerous, too wide. Also Jimmy Johns entrance from the north fine. Burger kings is

9/4/2015 9:41 PM

too small. Why wouldn't they be the same? 4

There are a high number of poorly maintained properties that are a health and safety hazard. Absentee owners let property deteriorate.

8/19/2015 12:01 PM

Repeating there are some private homes that need a lot of attention. Somewhat of an embarrassment when showing strangers to our community around. Also there are some corners that need to have trees trimmed back. Blind corners

8/17/2015 7:42 PM

are a danger 6

Too many sub par houses neglected and looking detelict.

8/17/2015 2:12 PM

Why is the park mostly closed in the winter (non summer months)?

8/4/2015 2:43 PM

property upkeep need work

7/18/2015 9:12 PM

I would like to see a tree planting project for Main Street. The colors in the fall are stunning. Many of those trees are older and more trees need to be planted to prepare for when the older trees are gone. Maybe work with the Main Street home owners to plant more colorful trees. Are there any grants to replace/plant new trees?

7/8/2015 7:10 PM

A lot of houses in Meadowview need cleaned up

7/8/2015 10:39 AM

Wish houses that are owned by the city would be mowed more often. Neighbors are all mowing a nearby yard, because city never checks on it and mows it, but the park gets mowed several times a week.

7/7/2015 5:36 PM

Noise control are trains. too loud and too long

7/7/2015 3:56 PM

B B-106

103 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

121

122

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q46 Please rate the following aspects of Downtown Tuscola: Answered: 122

Skipped: 35

Attractiveness/ charm

Pedestrian safety and...

Parking convenience

Retail/service supply and...

B-107

Retail/service hours

104 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

10%

Excellent

20%

30%

Adequate

40%

Inadequate

Excellent Attractiveness/charm

Pedestrian safety and comfort

Parking convenience

Retail/service supply and variety

Retail/service hours

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Very poor

Adequate

Inadequate

Very poor

Total

26.45% 32

57.85% 70

14.05% 17

1.65% 2

121

38.02% 46

57.02% 69

4.96% 6

0.00% 0

121

22.13% 27

70.49% 86

6.56% 8

0.82% 1

122

5.79% 7

42.15% 51

44.63% 54

7.44% 9

121

6.72% 8

68.91% 82

21.85% 26

2.52% 3

119

Comments

Date

Downtown is down again - I have been here 25+ years and have seen it go up and down

10/21/2015 4:37 PM

Vacant buildings are a turn-off. Employees at businesses taking prime parking from customers, retailers need to realize that their hours the same as their customers cut their income. Need to adjust their hours or open late Friday

10/21/2015 3:06 PM

and not limited weekend hours. 3

dollar general needs an exterior face lift.

9/4/2015 9:41 PM

Downtown is down again. I have been here 25+ years and have seen it decline.

8/27/2015 10:29 AM

Unused buildings and poor upkeep on some and vacant lots.

8/19/2015 12:01 PM

I wish we could get business to stay open a little later down town

7/18/2015 9:12 PM

As I think about these aspects, I realize that I really do not use downtown much at all anymore.....nothing there. I "pass through" and maybe that is a starting point. What can make us STOP AND UTILIZE these businesses that are working so hard to succeed downtown? I truly believe there is a need for a SOUND comprehensive plan for that area

7/10/2015 12:37 PM

on its own! 8

Need one pharmacy type store to be open 24 hours

7/9/2015 10:50 AM

Quality of schooling.

7/8/2015 8:46 PM

B B-108

105 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY

Q47 As the community continues to grow and change, what would be the ONE thing you would not want to see change in Tuscola? Answered: 70

Skipped: 87

Responses

Date

Jobs

10/22/2015 10:09 AM

Employment opportunities

10/22/2015 9:42 AM

Keep the stump dump!

10/22/2015 9:27 AM

The personal/property safety

10/21/2015 4:37 PM

Small Town Atmosphere

10/21/2015 3:49 PM

People caring about people

10/21/2015 3:16 PM

Become forward, out of the box, thinking on how to do things.

10/21/2015 3:06 PM

Blacktop brick pavements

10/21/2015 2:48 PM

Not too much bigger in population

10/21/2015 2:25 PM

"CAN DO" Attitude

10/21/2015 2:17 PM

I would NOT like to see any increase in property taxes.

10/21/2015 1:59 PM

Low crime rate

10/17/2015 10:56 PM

consolidation of schools

10/2/2015 3:43 PM

A ton of mobile homes.

9/17/2015 2:18 PM

added programs/offerings in the high school. asap.

9/4/2015 9:41 PM

the personal/property safety

8/27/2015 10:29 AM

Influx of big box stores and more low end housing

8/19/2015 12:01 PM

Historic integrity

8/19/2015 12:20 AM

Small town charm

8/17/2015 7:42 PM

That neighbors care about each other

8/17/2015 6:46 PM

Don't ever cover the brick streets.

8/17/2015 2:43 PM

A good restaurant housing maintenance standards and keeping our school quality high

8/17/2015 2:12 PM

Its desire to be a family-friendly community

8/8/2015 4:23 PM

Importance of schools in community

7/20/2015 10:01 AM

the tight community we are

7/18/2015 9:12 PM

Keep the town neat and clean.

7/18/2015 8:39 PM

Our locality and sense of independence. We are the county seat and are stable within ourselves and a pillar of the county. I would hate to see too many chain locations within our town.

7/18/2015 8:08 PM

Small town feeling

7/17/2015 4:36 PM

The small town feel

7/17/2015 9:57 AM

downtown growth

7/17/2015 9:24 AM

Nice sit-down restaurant should be added

7/15/2015 4:35 PM

saftey

7/11/2015 5:28 PM

106 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B B-109

B.2 | Community Survey TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 33

idk

7/10/2015 9:06 PM

Small town atmosphere. I would not want crime to spiral upward and drug offenses to skyrocket. I would hope it would remain safe and trend to an UPSCALE living standard. It clearly was during the 60's and especially 70's, but I have

7/10/2015 12:37 PM

seen it decline rapidly in the past few years. New homes or historic older ones, I love to see people invest themselves and their time in the upkeep and improvement of their investment. That's what appeals others to "take a drive through Tuscola" with the prospect of buying and living here. 35

small town feel

7/9/2015 1:49 PM

don't turn your back or forget about the folks that have been around for a long time by focusing only on new opportunities

7/9/2015 11:08 AM

The small town charm

7/9/2015 10:50 AM

No skate park or dog park downtown

7/9/2015 9:40 AM

I don't want our neighborhoods to go down economically

7/8/2015 8:10 PM

Need to preserve the brick pavement of north Main Street.

7/8/2015 7:10 PM

It's hometown feel

7/8/2015 6:08 PM

Diversity of opportunities for work and recreation

7/8/2015 4:11 PM

Small town feel and level of safety

7/8/2015 4:04 PM

I would realy like for us to have some sort of Community Center to offer different opportunities to the youth in town and

7/8/2015 2:21 PM

surrounding areas.

B B-110

No "big box" stores, such as Wal-Mart.

7/8/2015 1:59 PM

Living in a quiet community that I feel safe in.

7/8/2015 11:07 AM

The addition of a good restaurant.....Steakhouse/seafood

7/8/2015 8:34 AM

Losing local farmland to developments

7/8/2015 8:12 AM

small town feel

7/8/2015 12:23 AM

The character of the town and no, I don't think I can really put into words what that is.

7/7/2015 11:06 PM

The small town feel

7/7/2015 10:01 PM

small town friendliness

7/7/2015 9:07 PM

Indoor facililty for families and youth

7/7/2015 8:58 PM

Would like a Walmart store

7/7/2015 8:50 PM

More shaded streets/mature trees

7/7/2015 8:08 PM

Small town feel

7/7/2015 7:55 PM

Loss of community pool

7/7/2015 7:10 PM

Freedoms we have.

7/7/2015 7:04 PM

Noise pollution from trains and new development of homes

7/7/2015 6:14 PM

Don't sacrifice small-town charm for tax dollars.

7/7/2015 5:15 PM

Keep it slow paced and green!

7/7/2015 5:12 PM

The small town feel

7/7/2015 4:34 PM

No clue

7/7/2015 4:07 PM

Small town feel.

7/7/2015 4:03 PM

education

7/7/2015 3:58 PM

Keep and restore the brick streets

7/7/2015 3:56 PM

please preserve the old buildings downtown!!!

7/7/2015 3:42 PM

small town comfort, excellent schools

7/7/2015 3:31 PM

107 / 108

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report TUSCOLA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - COMMUNITY SURVEY 69

preservation of historical buildings. History is important. You can't just tear stuff down because you don't want to pay to keep it nice.

7/7/2015 3:22 PM

Regulation of signage along Rt. 36 Starting to look trashy.

7/7/2015 2:36 PM

B B-111

108 / 108

Tuscola, Illinois

B.3 | Visual Preference Survey

B B-112

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report

B B-113

Tuscola, Illinois

B.3 | Visual Preference Survey

B B-114

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report

B B-115

Tuscola, Illinois

B.3 | Visual Preference Survey

B B-116

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report

B B-117

Tuscola, Illinois

B.3 | Visual Preference Survey

B B-118

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Public Participation Report

B B-119

Tuscola, Illinois

MAPS

This Appendix is a compilation of all the maps created for the Comprehensive Plan in a convenient 11x17 printable format.

850 E

BASE MAP | PLANNING AREA

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY) CITY OF TUSCOLA PARCEL

STREAM Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_BaseMap_11x17.mxd

C-2

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 11:50:49 AM 3/8/2016

BASE MAP | INSET

CITY OF TUSCOLA PARCEL

STREAM Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_BaseMap_Inset_11x17.mxd

C-3

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 11:52:01 AM 3/8/2016

850 E

DEVELOPMENT LIMITATIONS

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

100-YEAR FLOOD (1.0%)

CITY OF TUSCOLA

500-YEAR FLOOD ZONE (0.2%)

STREAM

PIPELINE

PARCEL Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_DevLimits_11x17.mxd

C-4

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 11:33:13 AM 4/6/2016

850 E

SOILS

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

DRUMMER SILTY CLAY LOAM 0-2% SLOPE

CITY OF TUSCOLA

FLANNIGAN SILT 0-2% SLOPE

PARCEL

MILFORD SILTY CLAY LOAM 0-2% SLOPE

STREAM

DRUMMER-MILFORD SILTY CLAY LOAM 0-2% SLOPE OTHER SOILS

Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_Soils_11x17.mxd

C-5

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 12:07:43 PM 3/8/2016

1150 E 1250 N

I-57

US 45

CH 17 1050 E

850 E

1250 N

DR .

1100E

SH L AKE

PRAIRIE ST.

PHEASANT RUN RD.

1150 N

OHIO ST.

NILES ST.

PEMBROKE ST.

SALE ST.

1050 N

BARKER ST. NEWKIRK ST. SHORT ST. OVERTON ST. PEMBROKE ST.

BEE C HER AVE. N. CENTRAL AVE. N. CENTRAL AVE. S. CENTRAL ST. WILSON ST. WILSON ST.

PINZON ST. FICKLIN ST.

PRAIRIE ST. APGAR AVE

US 36

IE W

TUSCOLA BLVD.

CEMETE RY DR.

G LE

I-57

US 36

EGYPTIA N TR.

CENTER ST.

VAN ALLEN ST. SCOTT ST.

CIRCLE DR.

FINA DR.

DAGGY ST. HOUGHTON ST.

OHIO ST.

PA RK E ST .

NEWKIRK ST.

ENSEY ST. OVERTON ST.

MAIN ST.

AV E.

BARKER ST.

PA RK E ST . WASHINGTON ST.

N CHICAG O

FLEETWOOD DR. NORTH LINE ST. BUCKNER ST.

CARICO ST.

COURT ST.

NORTH LINE ST.

1050 N

H IRE DR. W IL S

FAIRLANE DR. ELDORADO DR. HOLIDAY DR.

ASCOT WAY

PONDER DR .

HILLCRES T DR.

1000 E

CHURCH ST.

1100 E

US 45

900 E

I-5

800 N

EXISTING LAND USE

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

WATER

VACANT RESIDENTIAL

CITY OF TUSCOLA

AGRICULTURAL

VACANT RESIDENTIAL; PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

PARCEL

AGRICULTURAL/CONSERVATION

COMMERCIAL

PARKS & RECREATION

VACANT COMMERCIAL

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC/CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_ELU_11x17.mxd

INDUSTRIAL

C-6

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 12:12:51 PM 3/8/2016

1150 E 1250 N

PHEASANT RUN RD.

D R.

1100E

L AKE

O SH

PRAIRIE ST.

1150 N

I-57

US 45

CH 17 1050 E

850 E

1250 N

PONDER DR .

OHIO ST.

NILES ST.

PEMBROKE ST.

1050 N

BARKER ST. NEWKIRK ST. SHORT ST.

CARICO ST.

COURT ST.

CENTER ST.

OVERTON ST.

SALE ST. BE E C HER AVE. N. CENTRAL AVE. N. CENTRAL AVE. S. CENTRAL ST. WILSON ST. WILSON ST. DAGGY ST.

PRAIRIE ST.

PINZON ST. FICKLIN ST.

APGAR AVE

1000 E

CHURCH ST.

TUSCOLA BLVD.

HILLCRES T DR.

IE W

CEMETE RY DR.

G LE NV

I-57

US 36

EGYPTIA N TR.

FINA DR.

VAN ALLEN ST. SCOTT ST.

CIRCLE DR.

CENTER ST.

HOUGHTON ST.

OHIO ST.

PA RK E ST .

ENSEY ST. OVERTON ST.

MAIN ST.

AV E. N CHICAG O

BARKER ST. NEWKIRK ST.

PA RK E ST . WASHINGTON ST.

US 36

FLEETWOOD DR. NORTH LINE ST. BUCKNER ST.

HIRE DR.

NORTH LINE ST.

1050 N

ASCOT WAY

W IL S

FAIRLANE DR. ELDORADO DR. HOLIDAY DR.

US 45

900 E

I-5

1100 E

800 N

FUTURE LAND USE

CITY OF TUSCOLA

WATER

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL / LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

PARCEL

AGRICULTURE / CONSERVATION

MIXED USE

INDUSTRIAL

STREAM

PARKS & RECREATION

COMMERCIAL

MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC / CIVIC / INSTITUTIONAL

Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_FLU_11x17.mxd

Miles 0

0.25

0.5

1 Print Date: 1:23:59 PM 4/6/2016

C-7

1150 N

PARKSIDE DR.

FAIRLANE DR. ELDORADO DR. HOLIDAY DR.

MA R

FOREST GLEN

ASCOT WAY

PINE CT.

CENTER ST.

NORTH LINE ST.

PO N DE R DR.

C O VE

CRESTVIEW DR.

PRAIRIE CT.

DOUGLAS DR.

1050 N

1100E

ERVIN PARK DR.

WILSHIRE DR.

PRAIRIE VIEW AVE.

IRON HORS

E R HO

CH 17 1050 E

US 45

PRAIRIE ST.

PHEASANT RUN RD.

FLEETWOOD DR. NORTH LINE ST.

1050 N

BEECHER AVE.

MC PHERSON ST.

PROGRESS BLVD.

PRAIRIE ST. APGAR AVE

MEADOW VIEW DR.

US 36

S T VIEW DR.

TUSCOLA BLVD.

D R. H L AN D

I-57

FAIRVIEW DR.

HIL

CEMETERY DR.

S CHERRY DR.

LC R

HILLCRES T DR.

S POPLAR DR.

US 36

EGYPTIA N TR.

SO U T

N ICKLOUS DR.

KEY DR.

SOUTHGATE D

CIRCLE DR.

FICKLIN ST.

EMBARASS AVE.

PINZON ST.

OHIO ST.

SCOTT ST.

INDIANA AVE.

VAN ALLEN ST.

COURT ST.

WASHINGTON ST.

CENTER ST.

HOUGHTON ST.

WILSON ST.

CARICO ST.

OHIO ST.

DAGGY ST.

EMBARASS AVE.

S. CENTRAL ST.

I-57

TIMMONS DR.

N. CENTRAL AVE.

WILSON ST.

PA RK E ST .

PEMBROKE ST.

N. CENTRAL AVE.

FINA DR.

OVERTON ST.

JOHN ST.

MAIN ST.

SALE ST.

EMBARASS AVE.

PEMBROKE ST.

VAN ALLEN ST.

SHORT ST.

OVERTON ST. OVERTON ST.

INDIANA AVE.

OVERTON ST.

CARICO ST.

OHIO ST.

COURT ST.

AV E. PA RK E ST .

NEWKIRK ST.

ENSEY ST.

N CHICAG O

US 45

BARKER ST.

NILES ST.

CENTER ST.

BARKER ST.

HALT ST.

PA RK E ST .

BUCKNER ST.

I-57

1000 E

CHURCH ST.

FUTURE LAND USE | INSET

CITY OF TUSCOLA

WATER

MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL / LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

PARCEL

AGRICULTURE / CONSERVATION

MIXED USE

INDUSTRIAL

STREAM

PARKS & RECREATION

COMMERCIAL

MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

PUBLIC / CIVIC / INSTITUTIONAL

Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_FLU_Inset_11x17.mxd

E C-8

0.125

0.25

Miles 0.5 Print Date: 2:22:36 PM 3/8/2016

ZONING

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PLANNING AREA

D-1 SINGLE FAMILY

B-2 GENERAL BUSINESS

CITY OF TUSCOLA

D-2 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL

B-1 HIGHWAY BUSINESS

PARCEL

D-3 MOBILE HOME

I-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

STREAM

R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - PLANNED

I-2 HEAVY INDUSTRIAL

R-2 MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - PLANNED

TRANSITIONAL

B-3 CENTRAL BUSINESS Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_Zoning_11x17.mxd

C-9

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 2:56:40 PM 3/8/2016

TRANSPORTATION | EXISTING PLANNING AREA (1.5-MILE BUFFER OF THE CITY)

INTERSTATE

CITY OF TUSCOLA

MAJOR COLLECTOR

PARCEL

OTHER PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS DATA SOURCES: BASE DATA PROVIDED BY DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS. AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, PRAIRIE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, ILLINOIS GEOSPATIAL DATA CLEARINGHOUSE, MINOR COLLECTOR 2011 ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY LOCAL ROAD OR STREET ROAD DATA PROVIDED BY THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, 2014.

MINOR ARTERIAL

STREAM Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_Transpotation_11x17.mxd

C-10

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 3:06:46 PM 3/8/2016

Option A

Option B

TRANSPORTATION | FUTURE

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

CITY OF TUSCOLA PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS GATEWAY PARCEL PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENTS CORRIDOR ENHANCEMENTS STREAM PROPOSED MULTI-PURPOSE TRAIL FUTURE CITY ROADWAY Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_Transpotation_Future_11x17.mxd

C-11

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 9:16:11 AM 4/13/2016

1150 N

US 45

CH 17 1050 E

PRAIRIE ST.

PHEASANT RUN RD.

ELDORADO DR. HOLIDAY DR.

NANCY DR.

FLEETWOOD DR. NORTH LINE ST.

BEECHER AVE.

MC PHERSON ST.

PRAIRIE ST.

JOHN ST. VI

TUSCOLA BLVD.

DR . HL AND

S CHERRY DR.

LCR

CEMETERY DR.

HIL HILLCRES T DR.

US 36

I-57

FAIRVIEW DR.

S POPLAR DR.

US 36

S T VIEW DR.

OHIO ST.

INDIANA AVE.

CARICO ST.

APGAR AVE

MEADOW VIEW DR.

KEY DR.

EGYPTIA N TR.

SOU T

CIRCLE DR.

FICKLIN ST.

WILSON ST.

PINZON ST.

VAN ALLEN ST.

OHIO ST.

SCOTT ST.

COURT ST.

WASHINGTON ST.

CENTER ST.

HOUGHTON ST.

INDIANA AVE.

DAGGY ST.

EMBARASS AVE.

S. CENTRA L ST.

S. CENTRAL ST.

I-57

TIMMONS DR.

N. CENTRAL AVE.

WILSON ST.

PA RK E ST .

PEMBROKE ST.

N. CENTRAL AVE.

EMBARASS AVE.

MAIN ST.

SALE ST.

N I CKLOUS DR.

OVERTON ST.

EMBARASS AVE.

PEMBROKE ST.

SOUTHGATE D

SHORT ST.

OVERTON ST. OVERTON ST.

INDIANA AVE.

OVERTON ST.

CARICO ST.

OHIO ST.

COURT ST.

AV E.

ENSEY ST.

PA RK E ST .

N CHICAG O

US 45

NEWKIRK ST.

FINA DR.

1050 N

BARKER ST.

NILES ST.

CENTER ST.

BARKER ST.

HALT ST.

PA RK E ST .

BUCKNER ST.

VAN ALLEN ST.

ASCOT WAY

PINE CT. COURT ST.

CENTER ST.

NORTH LINE ST.

MA R

FOREST GLEN

DOUGLAS DR.

1050 N

1100E

C OVE

FAIRLANE DR.

D R.

CRESTVIEW DR.

P A RK

PRAIRIE CT.

PARKSIDE DR.

E RV IN

CT .

PROGRESS BLVD.

ERVIN PARK DR.

WILSHIRE D R .

PRAIRIE VIEW AVE.

E R

IRON HORS

O SH

I-57

1000 E

CHURCH ST.

PARKLAND

CITY OF TUSCOLA DOUGLAS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

PRIVATE PARKLAND

CITY OF TUSCOLA

PARKS & RECREATION LAND

PARCEL

OPEN SPACE

STREAM

0.25 MILE WALKING DISTANCE Printed by: sbrown, File: P:\13200s\13290s\13295\13295001\GIS\11x17\13295001_Tuscola_Parkland_11x17.mxd

C-12

750

1,500

Feet 3,000 Print Date: 3:21:05 PM 3/8/2016

E. Overton Street Decorative corner treatment

North Scale: 1”=40’-0”

N. Indiana Street

N.Niles Avenue

Existing 5’ Sidewalk

Potential Enclosed Paws Park Option 1

Open Space

Existing 5’ Sidewalk

New 5’ Sidewalk Open space/ concert viewing area Option 2

Lawn terrace, typical

Exercise Station Clusters, typical

Shade Tree, typical Ornamental Tree, typical

10’ wide paths, typical

Benches, typical

Potential Enclosed Paws Park Option 2

Paved flexible staging area Plaza/Dance Floor

Playground Ages 2-5 Central gathering area with benches and drinking fountains Playground Ages 5-12 Ornamental Plantings, typical

Food Cart Staging Area 1 Open space/ concert viewing area Option 1

Benches, typical

Open space/ concert viewing area

Entry Plaza with decorative paving and movable seating

Food Cart Staging Area 2

Ornamental Plantings, typical

Tuscola Public Plaza and Park Concept

Tuscola, Illinois

E Sale Street C-13

Bicycle racks, typical Streetscape with raised planters/ event spill over area