Comp Plan logo date.png

Over the next few years, there may be development opportunities coming to the area north of Main Street and south of the old railroad bridge within our Downtown. On the east side, the Police Department will be leaving their current facility. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about the potential for pedestrian and recreational enhancement to the riverfront in this area.

In light of these changes, the City plans to update the vision laid out in the Downtown section of the 2013 Comprehensive Plan, which serves as the City’s long-range guide for development. The update will be specific to a focus area north of Main Street, between 2nd Avenue on the east and 4th Street on the west.

This summer, plan updates will be drafted and recommended by the Plan Commission, and then forwarded for consideration by the City Council Planning & Development Committee. Before the Plan Commission begins discussions, the City is looking for input from the community on their vision for the area.

Come to the Open House - April 24th:

We are holding an Open House on Wednesday, April 24 from 6 to 8 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 2 E. Main St. Come to the Open House to learn more and give us your feedback. Participate in interactive activities that will help the Plan Commission gauge preferences for the future of this portion of downtown. City staff will be there to provide background information regarding the study area and answer questions.

Background on the Comprehensive Plan update:

The City is updating the Downtown Sub Area Plan of the 2013 Comprehensive Plan, specifically the "Catalyst Sites" map that identifies sites in the downtown area for potential redevelopment. The plan defines Catalyst Sites as Underutilized properties where redevelopment could have a catalytic impact on the surrounding area. The plan update will focus on underutilized sites north of Main Street. The scope of the update is anticipated to include:

• North of Main Street:
  • Create a vision for riverfront parcels and adjacent blocks between 2nd Avenue and 4th Street.
  • Identify development opportunities in response to the 2015 Fox River Corridor Plan and an Economic Impact Analysis of the plan, to be presented to Planning & Development Committee of the City Council on April 8, 2019.
  • Identify future uses for the current Police Station and surrounding City-owned property.
• South of Main Street:
  • Reflect progress on the First Street Redevelopment Project and other development activity that has occured in downtown in since 2013.
  • Review and reassess underutilized/ infill development parcels identified as Catalyst Sites in 2013.