Memo Date: June 9, 2021 To: Village of Buffalo Grove Staff From: Lesley Roth, LJC Subject: Vision and Goals Statement
Vision and Goals Statement Placemaking is about creating public spaces where residents and visitors can feel a part of the community. Placemaking strengthens the connection between people and the places they share. This connection is critical to preserving the character of Buffalo Grove and supporting local businesses to sustain the Village’s economic development base. The Vision and Goals Statement will provide project stakeholders information on identifying important community priorities and opportunities for the future in the Village. Based on the findings during the analysis phase of the project and documented in the Existing Conditions Report, key themes were presented to the Steering Committee that will guide the creation of the Vision and Goals Statement in the next phase of the project. Incorporation of previous plans such as the Lake Cook Corridor Plan and Prairie View Station Area Plan have also informed the Vision and Goals Statement. The key themes are: – Commercial/Civic Nodes Framework – Aging in Place – Attracting Young Professionals – Housing Diversity and Affordability – Industrial Corridor Dynamic – Sustainable Strategies – Community Infrastructure Improvements – Walkability and Connectivity – Large Site Development Community Vision Characteristics of the community have been defined that have shaped the vision statement. The Existing Conditions Report and workshop input were critical to defining the underlying elements that characterize the Village. To create an effective Vision Statement, these elements should be considered aspirational and inspiring. The Vision Statement captures not only the spirit of the Village but embodies a shared view of how Buffalo Grove should grow, the priorities for decision making, and external perception of the community. The Comprehensive Plan can reinforce the identity of the community by emphasizing specific qualities and attributes that make it special. Identifying and emphasizing these unique qualities can create greater value in the city and communicate its legacy and identity. These characteristics are: – Safe Place to Live – Park and School System – A Family and Business Friendly Community – Diversification of Population – Amenities and Resources – Community Evolution and Progression – Advanced Manufacturing Center – Diversified Local Economy – Connection and Accessibility Key Themes The following key themes have been identified that shape the goals and objectives for the Comprehensive Plan. These key themes will structure the recommendations for the project. Buffalo Grove has adopted several policies, programs, and initiatives that reinforce an identity that is focused on longevity and growth. These efforts have resulted in a development framework to guide the future of the Village. Integration of these policies will form the basis of recommendations for planning efforts and communicated through a developed goals to ensure their continued success.
Theme 1: Commercial/Civic Nodes Framework Understanding the specific land uses and physical framework of the Village supports its unique position in the region and offerings for residents. Buffalo Grove’s history has influenced the location and development of its land uses. The Village has a variety of distinct nodes that anchor adjacent residential development. The characteristics of these nodes are generally commercial or civic. This framework contributes to a variety of destinations in the Village and is an alternative to one central gathering space or downtown. The Village has an opportunity to leverage this unique spatial framework and develop multiple destinations or offerings consistent with the character of the existing nodes. The development and prioritization of a nodal framework supports the development of centers in the Village by each node serving a particular purpose and enhances the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Goal 1: Establish an identity for each node. Goal 2: Connect nodes in a comprehensive transportation framework. Goal 3: Strengthen the identity of each node by creating a branding and signage strategy that communicates each area’s offerings. Goal 4: Coordinate and direct development in nodes to support their unique identities. Goal 5: Focus on harmonizing the mix of uses through design. Goal 6: Integrate and enhance landscaping and other natural spaces as appropriate. Theme 2: Aging in Place The Village of Buffalo Grove has a vibrant population of active seniors that have demonstrated commitment to living in the Village. The ability of this population to maintain their quality of life as well as have opportunities to transition into housing that fits their changing needs will ensure the Village maintains stability and accommodates the diversity of its population. There are currently few areas in the Village and few types of housing that can accommodate those with limited mobility or those in need of additional assistance. Further, few of these housing types provide connections to convenience retail or are close to a variety of transportation options. Village stakeholders have expressed a desire for housing and amenities to consider the changing needs of all residents through all phases of life. Goal 1: Support a variety of market rate housing types that respond to the changing needs of single adults, families and seniors. Goal 2: Continue to enhance community engagement outreach to foster a welcoming environment. Goal 3: Work with senior-focused partners to promote inter-generational exchange, continuing educational opportunities, and social connection. Goal 4: Ensure connectivity of the sidewalk system to residential areas and convenience commercial. Theme 3: Increasing Housing Diversity and Affordability The cost of housing in Buffalo Grove is higher than surrounding communities and presents challenges for some demographic sectors in the community, including seniors, young families, and young adults. There are viable areas in the Village where additional housing units and density could be increased. Priority for residential units should be given in commercial activity or civic nodes, to ensure that these areas in the Village remain hubs that are able to attract additional retail or complementary services. As young adults enter the workforce, preferences for housing near their places of employment is a priority. Buffalo Grove offers a high-quality lifestyle and many of the amenities desired by these cohorts including access to bike trails and nature areas, walkability, convenience, and commuter transportation. However, housing has become unattainable for young adults interested in Buffalo Grove and they are choosing to live in adjacent communities that have greater housing choice as well as additional amenities. Buffalo Grove has an opportunity to create housing types and neighborhoods that reflect the values of young adults to attract a skilled workforce to the community. Goal 1: Introduce high-quality attainable housing to the community. Goal 2: Leverage opportunities for increased density along corridors in Buffalo Grove and in and around the two Metra Train Stations, specifically Prairie View Metra Station. Goal 3: Attract young professionals to the Village. Theme 4: Industrial Corridor Dynamic The industrial corridors in the Village are essential for employment, the Village’s tax base, and provision of a variety of goods and services for distribution throughout the region. The existing buildings in these areas are of differing qualities, ages, and uses. This mix is both a benefit for the types of business able to locate in these flexible areas, and a challenge
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for the Village’s existing regulatory framework to remain flexible as needs in these areas change. Of central importance to these areas is maintenance of public safety, utilization of the district’s buildings, and adaptability of its uses to accommodate the changing needs of Buffalo Grove’s business community. New business opportunities have been presented that would introduce new uses to the industrial areas. These uses vary in their space needs, hours of operation, service population and target markets, and services offered. They are generally non-traditional businesses for industrial districts and include uses such as: schools and education centers, fitness uses, and pet and animal uses. Goal 2: Preserve specific areas of industrial corridors for high tech and innovation businesses. Goal 3: Create safe and functional accessibility to the area that mitigates potential conflicts between uses Goal 4: Coordinate alternative uses and identify specific areas for non-industrial tenants to benefit from the existing context or prepare for future opportunities. Goal 5: Continue to participate in public-private partnerships as appropriate. Theme 5: Sustainable Strategies To ensure the longevity, health and wellness of Buffalo Grove and its residents, sustainable strategies will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Pan. Strategies will include social, economic and physical opportunities to lower costs and create value in construction and the natural environment. Efficient utilization of the area’s resources contributes to the character and identity of the Village and preserves its natural elements. These sustainable strategies will also be coordinated with the Village’s new Sustainability Plan. Goal 1: Examine the possibility of a Community Solar Project. Goal 2: Prioritize environmental policies that create value and balance quality of life, economic development and access to recreational amenities. Goal 3: Preserve the Village’s natural resources and unique landscapes, such as the adjacent Forest Preserves, Des Plaines River, and creeks by creating landscape zones within the Village that are both functional and beautiful. Goal 4: Define community infrastructure improvements that alleviate stormwater and flood impacts through sustainable detention strategies. Goal 5: Pursue sustainable transportation alternatives that reduce vehicle emissions, auto ownership and parking demand. Theme 6: Prioritize Walkability and Connectivity The Village of Buffalo Grove is organized into neighborhoods centered on commercial and/or civic nodes. Access to the nearby freeway system, major corridors, trails and bike paths, and a variety of transit resources are assets of the community. One of the two Metra stations is located in a commercial area with connectivity to the Village’s industrial district. The second is located in an unincorporated residential area. Walkability and connectivity of these stations is important to both linking residential and employment-oriented areas. The roadway network is well distributed, however the right-of-way varies significantly and there are opportunities to incorporate modern best practices that fosters multimodal options. The goals for the transportation network prioritize the design of roadways that are multi-modal and accessible to the population of Buffalo Grove as well as being intuitive for visitors. The goals illustrate opportunities for more efficient circulation systems that move traffic and people to the destinations of choice. Differentiation of modes is also considered with regard to the walkability of the district and high number of Metra commuters and employees. Goal 1: Create trail connectivity and wayfinding guidance throughout the Village. Goal 2: Ensure sidewalks are continuous and are wide enough to accommodate a variety of transportation modes. Goal 3: Create continuity of the existing street grid and sidewalk system especially in neighborhoods. Goal 4: Prioritize connectivity to destinations and nodes in the Village. Goal 5: Shared parking at the Metra stations should be studied further in coordination with improving connectivity east and west of the Metra rail tracks. Goal 6: Work with area employers to increase accessibility via public and private modes. Goal 7: Incorporate safety features at locations where the pedestrian/bicycle systems converge with the roadway network. Theme 7: Dundee Road Dundee Road Corridor was at one time Buffalo Grove’s original commercial street, serving as a major retail center for the Village. Today, Dundee Road (IL 68) is a major east-west corridor in northern Cook County. The road carries an average traffic of 22,700-26,400 daily and serves Buffalo Grove and the neighboring communities of Arlington Heights and Wheeling.
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The two major commercial nodes in the corridor today are at the Arlington Heights Road and Buffalo Grove Road intersections. The corridor offers strong potential to be transformed to a multi-modal street that can attract new walkable developments to the Village. While much of the corridor is already built up, there are several opportunities for redevelopment and new development on underutilized sites. The corridor also offers the opportunity to achieve other goals of the Comprehensive Plan, including adding housing diversity, creating walkable environments, attracting young professionals and creating economic opportunities. Goal 1: Improve the corridor so that it better accommodates all transportation modes such as pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular. Goal 2: Create a plaza, square or gathering space at the Arlington Heights Road intersection. Goal 3: For larger lots, encourage commercial uses and restaurants in the front and multi-family uses in the back. Goal 4: Develop underutilized parking areas with new restaurants or commercial uses. Goal 5: Look to enhance natural areas, landscaping and other natural resources along the corridor. Theme 8: Milwaukee Ave Milwaukee Avenue Corridor defines Buffalo Grove’s eastern edge and falls entirely in Lake County. The corridor offers a few large development parcels that could define a stronger eastern edge for the Village. Designated as a Major Arterial by IDOT, the six-lane road carries 32,700 to 33,900 vehicles daily. The high traffic count suggest that additional commercial development could be supported in the corridor. The corridor also provides the opportunity to achieve other Comprehensive Plan goals, including attracting new industry and high tech and innovation businesses, creating better connections to natural resources and open pace amenities, and adding more housing diversity. Goal 1: Create a gateway for Buffalo Grove Goal 2: Create better connections and access points for Buffalo Grove residents to the Des Plaines River Trail. Goal 3: Opportunity site B: Encourage a mix of uses to capitalize on the proximity to the Des Plaines River and Trails. High quality commercial uses along the front with multifamily, luxury apartments or senior housing in the back. Storm water management areas can be designed as major open space amenities that enhance the creek and riverfront. Goal 4: Opportunity Site A1 Explore development opportunities for this site given its environmental constraints. Strong consideration should be given to commercial uses along the front of the site fronting Milwaukee. Light industrial uses should be considered towards the rear of the property. Goal 5: Other Opportunity Sites Explore any development that provides a balance between economic benefits, preservation and enhancement of unique assets of the area and environmental constraints. Strong consideration should be given to commercial and potentially residential. Theme 9: Future Land Uses Identification of future land uses in the Village can create opportunities and flexibility in the physical environment. Both locations and types of land uses in varying areas within the Village can be assessed for its future viability and consistency with policy and quality of life goals illustrated in the Comprehensive Plan. Areas of transition such as industrial areas and aging commercial centers can be explored for compatibility in the future. Coordination with trends in future mobility and central gathering spaces and nodes in the Village will inform potential changed in land use. Goal 1: Consider transitional uses of older commercial strip centers Goal 2: Explore transitional uses of parking lots for accommodate of future uses such as autonomous vehicles Goal 3: Enhance accessibility and functionality of open spaces, parks, and natural resources Goal 4: Look to create a Village focal point
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