Village of Bensenville Comprehensive Plan DRAFT

November 2014

Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff Acknowledgements Thank you to the following groups, entities, residents, business owners, and elected officials who participated in the creation of this plan: Elected Officials Frank Soto, Village President Morris Bartlett, Village Trustee Susan Janowiak, Village Trustee Robert Jarecki, Village Trustee Martin O’Connell, III, Village Trustee JoEllen Ridder, Village Trustee Isla Rivera-Trujillo, Village Clerk Henry Wesseler, Village Trustee

Project Steering Committee Michael Moruzzi, Chair, Community Development Commissioner Frank Caira, Community Development Commissioner Greg Janowiak, Community Development Commissioner Joseph Pisano, Community Development Commissioner Jesse Rodriguez, Community Development Commissioner Ronald Rowe, Community Development Commissioner Carl Weldon, Community Development Commissioner

Bensenville Village Staff Michael Cassady, Village Manager Daniel Di Santo, Assistant Village Manager Scott R. Viger, Community and Economic Development Director Joseph Caracci, Public Works Director Mark Rysavy, Assistant Community and Economic Development Director Victoria Benham, Planner

Partner Organizations Metra Pace Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)

Funding Acknowledgement This project was supported through the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, which is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). CMAP would like to thank these funders for their support for this project.

Unless otherwise specified, all photos and maps are by CMAP staff. Photo credits: Bensenville Village Staff Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 4 Chapter 8: Natural Areas Plan 78 Chapter 2: Plan Overview 10 • Stormwater Management 80 Chapter 3: Future Land Use Plan 18 • Enhancing/Expanding Open Space 82 Chapter 4: Residential Areas Plan 26 Chapter 5: Commercial Areas Plan 34 • Downtown District 38 • Mid-Town/ Irving Park Corridor 42 • York Road Corridor 47 • Grand Avenue Corridor 50 Chapter 6: Industrial Areas Plan 52 • Northern Business District 58 • Eastern Business District 61 Chapter 7: Transportation Plan 64 • Freight 67 • Roadways 67 • Transit 70 • Bicycle-Pedestrian 73

3 Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION

Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan outlines a community’s vision of its future, as well as the process that will allow it to realize that vision. In addition to providing a well-defined framework for the community’s development and investment goals, the Village of Bensenville’s Comprehensive Plan seeks to explore and promote new opportunities in the face of changing community trends.

Typically a comprehensive plan is written to provide guidance for a community to work towards its vision over the next 10-20 years. Although the Plan should be viewed as a long-term document, it should also be thought of as a plan to be used daily by the community to assist in land use and development decisions. The Plan serves as a guide for elected officials, municipal staff, community residents, business owners, and potential investors, allowing them to make informed administrative and implementation choices in community development decisions affecting land use, transportation, infrastructure, and capital improvements throughout the Village.

A comprehensive plan should also be considered flexible and one that can adapt with change. At any time the municipality can update its comprehensive plan to match local needs, interests, or opportunities. It is typically recommended that a municipality update its comprehensive plan every five years to keep the plan as accurate as possible.

A comprehensive plan is composed of a series of distinct yet interrelated elements defined within the Illinois Local Planning Assistance Act (Public Act 92-0768). The key elements addressed in the Bensenville Comprehensive Plan are based upon those outlined in the State Statute and include land use, economic development, housing, natural resources, transportation, community facilities, image and identity, and implementation strategies.

Under the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS) 5/11-12-5(1)), a municipal plan commission is responsible for preparing and recommending a “comprehensive plan for the present and future development or redevelopment of the municipality.”

Introduction 5 Figure 1.1: Study Area Map

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2013. Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Figure 1.2: Regional Location Map

Arlington Mount Des Plaines Heights Prospect P a M Bensenville Limits ci e

C f DEVON AVE ic tr a McHenry a E Lake N n

V EDGEWOOD AVE o U a A n r d Lake 90 L § E ¨¦ IROQUOIS LN County Boundary th io

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2013. Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Why Does Bensenville Need a Comprehensive directions for the Village; rather, it is meant to help Plan? strategically implement the recommendations of this past work. In the past decade, Bensenville has experienced several unique challenges that have impacted its The Comprehensive Plan is a consensus-based development character, economy, and social fabric. community-wide vision for the future of Bensenville While a majority of these challenges originate from and addresses topics that have thus far not been implementation of the O’Hare Modernization Program covered by other studies. These include issues such (OMP), the economic downturn has also affected as the lack of bicycle and pedestrian connections various facets of the community. In response to these throughout the Village, the limited access to challenges, the Village has demonstrated extraordinary recreational amenities, and topics such as the housing foresight in undertaking initiatives that look at needs of the community in terms of types, price short and long-term revitalization strategies for the points, and locations. industrial areas, commercial corridors, downtown, and aging infrastructure. The existing Comprehensive Plan, created in 1980, is outdated and can no longer be expected to serve While these initiatives are in various stages of as a guiding document for the Village’s elected and implementation, they address specific issues appointed officials. While the 2004 Bensenville and are limited in their scope. The 2011 Transit Corridor Plan: General Development Update provided Improvement Plan and Station Area/Corridor Study updated redevelopment guidelines for Village (henceforth referred to as TOD Study) and the 2013 corridors, the document did not address other areas Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or issues. The new Comprehensive Plan, implemented Study (henceforth referred to as CEDS Study) are two in conjunction with the Village’s Action Agenda, will major initiatives recently completed by the Village. enable the Village to take full advantage of upcoming The TOD Study focuses primarily on land use and opportunities in an effective and efficient manner. multi-modal transportation recommendations for the Village’s Downtown District, Irving Park Road The Bensenville Comprehensive Plan is created with Corridor, York Road Corridor, Eastern Business the goals of: District, and County Line Road Corridor. The CEDS Study was undertaken to evaluate how the Village • Improving coordination among departments, by could capitalize on the O’Hare Modernization Program identifying actions that could be undertaken in a collaborative manner. (OMP) and the Elgin O’Hare Western Access (EOWA) initiative. The study provides transportation and land • Prioritizing implementation actions in the near-term use recommendations for the Northern Business and long-term, allowing Village officials to focus their District, Eastern Business District, Downtown District, efforts on well-defined and finite tasks. and Irving Park Corridor. The two studies overlap to • Improving implementation by setting realistic and a certain degree in terms of geography and address a achievable goals comprehensive set of issues faced by the residential, • Enforcing accountability by assigning tasks to specific commercial, and industrial sectors within the study individuals/departments/ agencies and emphasizing areas. their leadership role in achieving success. The structure and contents of the Bensenville • Saving money due to improved efficiency in Comprehensive Plan have been shaped significantly operations and administration. by this past planning work. Given that such forward- thinking plans have already been prepared, the Comprehensive Plan does not identify entirely new

8 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Planning Process

The planning process to create the Village’s Comprehensive Plan included multiple steps that were undertaken over approximately 15 months. The process was crafted with assistance from Community and Economic Development (CED) staff and was designed to include resident and business owner input throughout. At the beginning of May 2013, CED staff met with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) staff to develop a scope of work for the project. A work plan established program tasks, a timeline for the program, and recommended participation by a community steering committee to assist CMAP staff in developing the final plan and recommendations. The key steps in the planning process are illustrated in the following flow chart.

Introduction 9 Chapter 2 PLAN OVERVIEW

Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff The Bensenville Comprehensive Plan provides recommendations for a number of topic areas and geographic locations. These recommendations are organized into chapters that correspond with the Village’s major land uses: residential areas, commercial areas, industrial areas, transportation areas, and natural areas. While each chapter contains recommendations that are unique in terms of their geography and implementation actions, there are a number of commonalties, or overarching ‘themes,’ that run throughout the document.

The first half of this chapter provides a thematic roadmap to the Plan, introducing the overarching themes, and identifying the Plan chapters in which they appear. The latter part outlines the first step for the Village to undertake after the Plan has been formally adopted by the Village President and Board of Trustees. Implementation of prior initiatives was identified as an issue by stakeholders during the planning process, and the Plan proposes the creation of a task force that would not only lead implementation efforts, but also track progress and ensure accountability.

Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff Plan Overview 11 Overarching Themes Infrastructure Improvements Regulatory Changes Improving the Village’s infrastructure capacity and condition is identified as a priority within the The Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the fundamental Comprehensive Plan. While regional infrastructure role of well-written regulations and their effective and improvement projects such as the EOWA initiative enforcement will play in the implementation will present new economic opportunities to the Village, of Bensenville’s vision for the future, from the the timing and magnitude of these opportunities revitalization of commercial properties to the will largely be determined by whether the Village is preservation of natural features. The most important prepared to take full advantage of them. The two major regulatory document is the zoning ordinance, which types of infrastructure improvements addressed in regulates, among other things, the permitted uses of the Plan are related to transportation and stormwater. land, lot sizes, density, yard requirements, building Given the finite resources available for improvements, heights, parking, accessory uses and buildings, and the Community Investment Plan (CIP) will serve as other requirements. the guiding document for infrastructure improvements and should be updated on a regular basis. The Village’s existing zoning ordinance is outdated and does not allow for the types of development Transportation: Transportation improvements desired by the Village. The Plan’s key regulatory enabling the efficient movement of people and goods recommendation is therefore to revise the existing within Bensenville and to and from the greater zoning ordinance to be compatible with the adopted Chicago region will help the Village capitalize on Comprehensive Plan. A revised zoning ordinance EOWA initiative opportunities, and retain local will not only provide Village officials with the tools businesses and residents. Roadway connectivity and to regulate the types and quality of development; it access management are therefore two of the major will also make it easier for private sector developers transportation recommendations that are addressed to understand the Village’s needs and be encouraged throughout the Comprehensive Plan. to work with a community where the administrative processes are streamlined. Both in previous studies and during the Comprehensive Plan process, businesses identified More specifically, a revised zoning ordinance will the lack of an efficient roadway circulation system enable the Village to implement the other key as a concern. An improved roadway network that regulatory changes recommended in the Plan: eliminates dead end streets and improves the ability of freight traffic to move in and out of the • Allow for the construction of higher residential and industrial areas is very important for industrial mixed-use development in the downtown area. (See operations. Roadway extensions are also important Residential Areas Plan) in commercial areas where they provide better access • Incorporate design standards for buildings, for customers and site utilization for businesses. landscape, and signage in the commercial areas. (See The Plan recommends that the Village continue to Commercial Areas Plan) pursue roadway extensions in conjunction with redevelopment projects, either as improvements • Rezone C-4 District on the west side of York Road constructed by the developer and then maintained by across from O’Hare airport to permit industrial use. the Village, or as improvements integrated into the (See Commercial Areas Plan) Village’s Community Investment Plan and paid for • Create high-density nodes along York Road south of through TIF and SSA funds. Irving Park Road. (See Commercial Areas Plan)

12 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN More specifically, the Plan makes recommendations Road corridor. (See Commercial Areas Plan) for improved roadway connectivity in the following • Continue to undertake stormwater and water areas: main upgrades in Northern Business District. (See Industrial Areas Plan) • Midtown/Irving Park Road Corridor (See Commercial Areas Plan) • Undertake short-term projects to address drainage and flooding issues within the Silver Creek and • Grand Avenue Corridor (See Commercial Areas Plan) Addison Creek watersheds. (See Natural Areas Plan) • Northern Business District (See Industrial Areas • Continue implementing the DuPage County Plan) Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance. (See • Eastern Business District (See Industrial Areas Plan) Commercial Areas Plan) • EOWA initiative area (See Transportation Plan) • Continue to work with engineering consultants to In terms of access management, the Comprehensive undertake Hydrology and Hydraulic studies, site plan Plan identifies multiple commercial sub-areas that reviews, and stormwater management solutions at would benefit from the combination of shared parking various locations throughout the Village. (See Natural facilities and restricted access points. Shared parking Areas Plan) would help the Village achieve multiple goals: reduce the amount of impervious surface; eliminate frequent curb cuts and improve pedestrian circulation; and Multi-Jurisdictional Collaboration encourage higher quality compact redevelopment A number of the issues facing Bensenville are not along the corridor. Reducing the number of curb restricted to municipal limits, but rather cross cuts along major roadways would reduce vehicular- over and involve neighboring communities and pedestrian conflict and reduce traffic congestion. More regional entities. To address these issues, multi- specifically, the Plan discusses access management for jurisdictional collaboration is emphasized repeatedly the following corridors: in the Comprehensive Plan chapters. The Plan contains recommendations related to housing, • Midtown/Irving Park Road Corridor (See Commercial economic development, infrastructure upgrades, Areas Plan and Transportation Plan) and transportation improvements calling for the • York Road Corridor (See Commercial Areas Plan and Village to reach outside its political boundaries and Transportation Plan) work closely with neighboring communities, DuPage • Grand Avenue Corridor (See Commercial Areas Plan County, IDOT, and regional agencies. More specifically, and Transportation Plan) the Comprehensive Plan recommends the following partnerships: Stormwater: At the local level, stormwater infrastructure upgrades will play a critical role • DuPage County for downtown revitalization, creating in retaining businesses and residents that are an inventory of vacant parcels, housing rehabilitation, impacted by flooding despite the slew of measures understanding business growth and retention undertaken by Village officials. More specifically, programs, and bicycle-pedestrian improvements. (See the Plan identifies the following key stormwater Residential Areas Plan, Commercial Areas Plan, and infrastructure improvements, some of which have also Transportation Plan) been identified in the CEDS Stormwater Conveyance • DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference for System Study of Bensenville Ditch and Addison Creek: roadway and infrastructure improvements. (See • Purchase land or acquire development rights to Transportation Plan) parcels along Silver Creek adjacent to the Irving Park

Plan Overview 13 • IDOT for roadway improvements on state roads. (See strategic sub-areas that are particularly important in Transportation Plan) terms of commercial and industrial development. The • Pace and Metra on transit improvements. (See Comprehensive Plan builds upon these studies, and Transportation Plan) provides a variety of recommendations for each sub- area. Since these recommendations span a number • Park District, School District, DuPage County, and of topics, certain sub-areas are discussed in more neighboring communities to address stormwater than one chapter. The table below summarizes which management and increase access to open space. (See chapters address which sub-area. Natural Areas Plan)

Sub-Area Plans In recent years, the Village completed two major planning initiatives: the 2011 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Study and the 2013 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Study. Both of these studies identified

Sub-Area Chapter 3: Residential Chapter 4: Commercial Chapter 5: Industrial Area Plan Areas Plan Areas Plan Downtown District X X Mid Town/Irving Park Road Corridor X Grand Avenue Corridor X York Road Corridor or Northern Business District X X Eastern Business District X

14 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Plan Implementation — First Step the relevant groups as needed. It is expected that, at a minimum, representatives from the following While previously completed studies have involved will be involved: the community and elected leadership during their creation, they have unfortunately seen limited - Village Manager’s Office implementation post adoption. One of the goals of - Board of Trustees the Comprehensive Plan at the outset was to bring - Infrastructure and Environment Committee the key recommendations of these separate studies - Recreation and Community Building Committee under one umbrella document and outline ways to - Community Development Commission move them forward. In doing so, the Plan would - Park District create a centralized resource for interested parties, - Community and Economic Development and be user-friendly for Village officials in terms of Department implementation. There are three tasks the Village will - Recreation and Community Programming need to initiate immediately after plan adoption. - Finance Department - Public Works Department 1. Create a matrix that outlines plan - Police Department recommendations and tasks to be - Fire Department undertaken, with a focus on Year 1. The lead for this effort should be the Community and The CEDC will monitor overall progress, but each Economic Development Department. Tasks for department or committee representative will be Year 1 should be outlined in detail and include responsible for monitoring the progress on their tasks quarterly deadlines and benchmarks. This matrix and reporting back to the CEDC on a quarterly basis. should be presented to the Community and At the end of year one, the various representatives Economic Development Committee (CEDC) for should create a summary of their achievements, feedback, as it will be responsible for tracking which would be compiled into a formalized report by implementation and reporting to the Board the CEDC. The Village President should receive this of Trustees on an annual basis. CMAP will be performance report and share it with the community available to provide guidance on the creation of at Board meetings, Village events, and through media the matrix. channels such as newsletters, cable channels, and online media. 2. Raise awareness of plan recommendations. To ensure that the Bensenville Comprehensive Plan is utilized by all its intended users on a day to day basis, the Village needs to raise awareness about the Plan’s contents and its importance. Following the creation of the matrix, the CEDC should lead a series of informational meetings with all Village departments, committees, and elected officials to explain each of their roles and responsibilities in implementing the Plan make any modifications necessary.

3. Upon matrix finalization, the CEDC should convene quarterly meetings to discuss implementation progress and upcoming tasks. The CEDC will invite representatives from

16 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff 17 Chapter 3 FUTURE LAND USE PLAN

Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff The future land use plan presented in this chapter serves as the foundation for the recommendations contained within the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of this chapter is to translate the community’s vision into physical terms by providing a general pattern for the location, distribution, and characteristics of future land uses in Bensenville. Given that the community is built-out, the future land use plan builds upon the existing land use pattern while proposing a combination of redevelopment and better utilization of specific areas to help the Village realize its vision over the next 15 years.

Future Land Use Plan 19 Figure 3.1: Existing Land Use Map Figure 3.2: Proposed Land Use Changes Map

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Figure 3.3 Future Land Use Map

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Residential mix uses within the same building in appropriate locations. For the most part, Bensenville’s residential neighborhoods should retain their established character and intensity of use. The Comprehensive Commercial Plan does not recommend any significant changes in the Village’s existing housing stock. The Plan A majority of Bensenville’s commercial uses are recommends maintaining the existing residential proposed in four sub-areas: Downtown District, Mid- types while adding multiple family units, townhomes Town/Irving Park Road Corridor, York Road Corridor, and mixed-use developments. Recommendations for and Grand Avenue Corridor. Recommendations for residential areas are further detailed in Chapter 4. commercial areas are further detailed in Chapter 5. The Comprehensive Plan envisions three types of • Single Family Residential District – these parcels commercial districts with distinctive characteristics: accommodate detached and attached single-family Regional Commercial, Local Commercial, and Mixed/ homes. Detached single-family homes can include Multi Use. a variety of densities, from the traditional single- family detached homes found in the Village to • Regional Commercial District - these parcels contain compact, small lot homes. Certain parcels within retail, entertainment, and employment services this district can accommodate neighborhood parks supported by the greater region and surrounding and recreational amenities, religious institutions, communities, not only the Village of Bensenville. and neighborhood retail uses that service the • Local Commercial District - these parcels contain neighborhood. retail, office, and service-oriented commercial uses • Medium Density Residential District – these parcels that serve the day-to-day needs of households living accommodate a combination of attached single-family within a walking or short driving distance. homes including townhomes and lower density • Mixed/Multi Use District - These parcels should multiple family buildings containing up to six units contain a mix of residential, retail, office, and per building. Certain parcels within this district can institutional uses arranged in a compact and accommodate neighborhood parks and recreational pedestrian-friendly development pattern. Buildings amenities, religious institutions, and neighborhood could be configured as single-use buildings retail uses that service the neighborhood. interconnected in a pedestrian-friendly manner and • Multiple Family Residential District - these parcels with complementary uses in close proximity (e.g., a accommodate primarily multiple family housing residential building next to a commercial and office typologies including condominiums and apartments building), or could mix uses within the same building containing more than six units. Certain parcels in appropriate locations. The Plan recommends within this district can accommodate neighborhood creation of a downtown mixed-use area near the parks and recreational amenities and neighborhood Metra station that aligns with recommendations in retail uses that service the neighborhood. previously completed studies and the Village’s vision for the area. • Mixed/Multi Use District - these parcels contain a mix of residential, retail, office, and institutional uses arranged in a compact and pedestrian- Industrial friendly development pattern. Buildings could be configured as single-use buildings interconnected in a It is important to support the Village’s stable industrial pedestrian-friendly manner and with complementary sector, recognizing its enormous contribution to the uses in close proximity (e.g., a residential building local and regional economy in terms of generating next to a commercial and office building), or could revenue and creating jobs. Bensenville offers proximity

Future Land Use Plan 23 to the airport, rail yard, and major interstates, Transportation advantages which will continue to be primary factors These parcels are restricted to areas directly in in the location choices of industrial businesses. the right-of-way of the future Western Bypass and Furthermore, the EOWA initiative will have a Elgin-O’Hare Western Access. The Village will have transformative effect on the area with a net gain limited control of these parcels, which will be utilized expected in industrial development in Bensenville. for expansion of roadway infrastructure. Chapter Keeping this in mind, vacant and underutilized parcels 7 contains more detail on recommendations for that are currently located in the midst of industrial transportation. areas are recommended for industrial use in the future. Recommendations for industrial areas are further described in Chapter 6. Open Space The Comprehensive Plan envisions two types of These parcels contain all the recreational areas under industrial districts to accommodate Bensenville’s the ownership of the Park District and Village of evolving needs: Industrial and Commercial/Industrial Bensenville. Detention areas, private open areas, and Flex. unincorporated areas under Park District and Forest • Industrial District – these parcels contain industrial Preserve jurisdiction are not included in this category. uses with activities intended for both small-scale and Chapter 8 addresses open space in more detail. larger scale production, warehousing, assembly, and distribution. • Commercial/Industrial Flex District - these parcels Institutional contain a combination of commercial, office, and low- These parcels contain the Village’s religious intensity industrial uses. Commercial uses such as organizations, hospitals, schools, and public facilities. hotels, restaurants, service retail, and entertainment Open spaces contained within these parcels are also uses may be located in the district, provided they classified as institutional uses. are buffered from industrial uses by landscaping and screening. Industrial uses in this district may have a retail or office component attached to them, have lower environmental impacts than those associated with heavy industry, and have smaller footprints compared to industrial parcels.

24 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Photo credits: Bensenville Village Staff 25 Chapter 4 RESIDENTIAL AREAS PLAN The Village of Bensenville will preserve its established neighborhoods and housing diversity while seeking opportunities for attractive, higher density development in the downtown and other strategic locations, in order to help accommodate future growth.

Residential Areas Plan 27 Figure 4.1: Future Residential Areas Map

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Key Findings Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations • Bensenville’s residential landscape changed Revise zoning ordinance. significantly as a result of the O’Hare Modernization The Future Land Use Map should serve as the Program (OMP), which required the acquisition of foundation for an update of the zoning ordinance. The 665 homes at the northeastern edge of the Village. Village should revisit regulations and administrative • The EOWA initiative is estimated to spur the procedures outlined in the zoning ordinance and construction of anywhere between 700 to 1,100 new ensure that they do not impede the construction of the homes in Bensenville. types and densities of housing proposed. Specifically, regulations for the downtown area should be modified • The Homes for a Changing Region (Homes) report to allow for the construction of vibrant, compact, projects that by 2040, the Village could gain 5,287 mixed-use buildings. new residents or 1,248 new households. While some of this projected growth will be absorbed by units Focus new housing efforts in the downtown. that are currently vacant, the Village will have to In order to meet the projected growth and increased build additional units. According to CMAP’s GO TO demand for housing outlined in the Homes report, the 2040 household forecast and analysis of American Village should focus near-term housing development Community Survey (ACS) data, the Village will need efforts on higher density residential and mixed-use to build approximately 1,350 to 1,550 new units to developments in the downtown area, particularly accommodate future growth. around Towne Center Park and along Main Street. • CMAP’s analysis of ACS data determines that future New housing units should represent a diversity of demand will primarily be for denser housing types: types and price points. CED staff should refer to approximately 57% of demand will be for multiple residential design concepts in the CEDS Study and family units and approximately 20% for small lot TOD Study development when communicating the single-family units. community’s vision with developers and reviewing development proposals. • Seniors are expected to drive future owner and renter demand, particularly at the lower income CED staff should begin by prioritizing the levels. Approximately one quarter of renters and redevelopment of Village owned sites, such as the one third of homeowners will be older than 65 in vacant lots and buildings on the northwest corner of 2040. This growth also underlines the importance of Center Street and Main Street. The TIF District 12 is exploring multi-generational housing options. a financial tool that can help finance redevelopment. • The Village’s housing stock is old compared to The Village can also apply to DuPage County for the County and region, with approximately three- CDBG funds to help finance aspects of redevelopment quarters of homes built between 1950 and 1980. projects. Residents expressed the need to maintain existing residential properties while adding higher quality new Create Special Service Area (SSA) for Mohawk housing to attract a younger demographic. Terrace subdivision. The Mohawk Terrace subdivision is not connected • The Mohawk Terrace subdivision does not connect to the Village’s water and sewer infrastructure. to the Village’s water, sewer, sidewalk, and electricity During the planning process, residents living in network. This has been described by residents as a the subdivision expressed flooding, lack of lighting, major safety concern. irregular power supply, and lack of sidewalks being major concerns. To fund improvements, the Village should work with the Mohawk Terrace Homeowners Association to establish an SSA that

Residential Areas Plan 29 would help pay for infrastructure investments in to the CDC in October. The CDC completes its the subdivision. SSAs are a unique financing tool recommendation in December, the County Board takes that can be used to support and implement a wide- final action in February, and funds are available to array of physical improvements such as roads, start new activities in April. water, sewer, storm water, curbs and gutters. The infrastructure improvements should be incorporated In recent years, Bensenville has used CDBG funds to into the Village’s Community Investment Program and pay for the Volk Brothers Subdivision infrastructure additional funds allocated accordingly. improvement project. In the near-term, the Village should continue to apply to the County for CDBG, Work with realtors and developers to sell, and develop proposals focused on downtown lease, or redevelop vacant units. redevelopment efforts. For instance, CDBG funds As discussed in the Homes report, CMAP’s analysis could be used for land acquisition, demolition, and of ACS data determined that Bensenville has rehabilitation of both residential and non-residential approximately 538 vacant units, or a vacancy rate buildings. Funds could also be used to pay for of 7.7 %. Given the number of local owner-occupied public investments and improvements from streets, and rental units and a healthy housing market, the sidewalk, and sewer lines to parks, playgrounds, and Village should only have approximately 307 vacant senior centers. Finally, CDBG can be used to support units. The Village currently operates a Neighborhood economic development, and fund the acquisition, Stabilization Program (NSP) aimed at making homes construction, reconstruction, or installation of affordable, making neighborhoods stable, and offering commercial buildings, or fund grants, loans, or home retention assistance. technical assistance for private, for-profit businesses.

To address residential vacancy, CED staff should As CED staff develops proposals, they should ensure obtain records of vacant units through the Addison that proposals fit with the County’s funding priorities, Township Assessor’s Office and create an inventory as outlined in the 5-year Consolidated Plan. The 2010- of vacant, foreclosed, and abandoned residential 2014 Consolidated Plan is available at: http://www. properties. This information should be field verified dupageco.org/Community_Services/Community_ and mapped by staff. Parcels and units could be Development_Commission/1310/. An updated classified into categories based on location, size, or Consolidated Plan is due in 2015. other parameters that staff may deem appropriate. Staff should share the resulting database with realtors Raise awareness of Village and County and should also use the database to identify potential rehabilitation, maintenance, and other sites for redevelopment, and market them to potential assistance programs. developers. Bensenville and DuPage County offer a variety of assistance programs that can help Village residents Apply to DuPage County for CDBG funds to with maintenance and utilities expenses. Currently, assist with downtown redevelopment. the Bensenville website provides information on The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) a number of programs (e.g., 50/50 Storm Sewer program is a flexible program that provides Progrma, Overhead Sewer Program, soundproofing, communities with resources to address a wide range foreclosure assistance and counseling, heating of unique community development needs. As an assistance). The Village should continue to promote entitlement community, DuPage County receives these programs, as well as provide information on annual grants and develops its own programs other programs. and funding priorities. The County’s Community Development Commission (CDC) holds annual Given the Village’s older housing stock and residents’ funding cycles, with applications generally due concern regarding maintaining the quality of housing,

30 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CED staff should focus on promoting programs that As a first step in promoting affordability assistance, aid in the rehabilitation and maintenance of residential Village officials should work closely with the properties. Key programs to highlight include: Bensenville Senior Citizens Group and other relevant stakeholders to raise awareness of DuPage County’s • The DuPage County Single-Family Rehabilitation housing assistance programs, Senior Citizens’ Real Programs which provide qualified homeowners home Estate Tax Deferral, and other resources outlined in repair loans of up to $24,000 at 0% simple interest, the County’s Senior Services Overview and Senior and accessibility grants up to $4,999. Resource Directory. The Communications Department • The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance should also centralize information on senior services Program, which provides qualified households and assistance programs on the Village website. assistance with energy conservation assistance. CED staff should work to raise the profile of these programs by centralizing information on Bensenville’s Long-Term (5-10 Years) website, and through advertising, events, and code Recommendations enforcement. By helping residents access these funds, Develop new housing in other strategic the Village can ensure the continued vibrancy of locations in the Village. Bensenville’s residential neighborhoods. In order to accommodate future residential demand, Support “Aging in Place.” the Village will need to be strategic about development As discussed in the Homes report, seniors are on the few vacant and underutilized parcels in expected to drive future renter and owner demand Bensenville. CED staff should refer to the future land by 2040. The Village should therefore work to make use map and the CEDS Study and TOD Study to guide Bensenville as age-friendly as possible, and take future development priorities. measures to help senior residents “age in place.” Aging Village officials should focus long-term redevelopment in place is the ability to live in one’s own home and efforts along Irving Park Road, beginning with the community safely, independently, and comfortably, section east of Church Street, where residential regardless of age, income, or ability level. Providing redevelopment and new streets infrastructure is seniors with housing choices in terms of type, necessary. Both the CEDS Study and the TOD Study accessibility, and affordability is crucial to promoting provide design concepts and alternatives that can help age-friendliness. guide the redevelopment process. In the near term, Village officials should focus on Explore the creation of a home-sharing providing additional housing opportunities for seniors, program. and promoting affordability assistance programs. As a Home-sharing programs are a great way of addressing first step in increasing senior housing opportunities, some of the aging in place challenges, particularly CED staff should revise the zoning code and zoning affordability and social isolation challenges, which map to allow for accessory dwelling units, and for seniors face. Programs can be structured in a variety more multifamily development in the Village. Current of ways. Some programs pair aging homeowners who efforts to build higher density dwellings in the have room to spare in their homes with people who downtown area, which is walkable and well-connected are looking for affordable rental options. Renters by transit, support Aging in Place. CED staff should could include students, part-time workers, or fixed- continue these efforts and ensure that all new units income retirees. The program is mutually beneficial; built in the downtown area comply with universal in exchange for affordable housing, renters assist design principles, allowing them to be well-suited to a seniors with household activities. Park Ridge’s Center variety of tenants, including seniors. of Concern does not serve DuPage County residents,

Residential Areas Plan 31 but offers a good example of this model. DuPage County’s Shared Housing Program operates under a similar model, but is not specifically targeted towards senior homeowners, instead matching individuals seeking an affordable housing arrangement, including seniors, with home providers. Other programs provide opportunities for small groups of seniors to live independently in an affordable family style home. One example of this model is Senior Home Sharing, which operates shared senior homes in Lombard, Downers ADD PHOTO Grove, Elmhurst and Naperville.

As a first step, CED staff should meet with the Bensenville Senior Citizens Club and other senior stakeholder groups to explore interest in home- sharing. CED staff, and if appropriate, senior resident representatives, should then meet with representatives from DuPage County’s Shared Housing Program and Senior Home Sharing to work on the creation of shared housing opportunities in Bensenville.

Consider developing pre-annexation agreements with residents in unincorporated land along IL 83. Exploring the possibility of annexing the unincorporated areas along IL 83 is a Village priority, and many households in these areas have reached out to Village officials, expressing interest in connecting to the Village’s storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water main systems. The Village should consider negotiating pre-annexation agreements with residents living in unincorporated areas. The agreements would specify the terms and conditions that the Village and property owners could expect to apply upon annexation, particularly regarding utilities, services, zoning and other regulations. Upon annexation, the Village would provide the full range of services provided to property owners in Bensenville, such as refuse collection, street services and maintenance, street lighting, brush and branch removal, and connection to storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water main systems.

32 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Residential Areas Plan Chapter 5 COMMERCIAL AREAS PLAN

Photo credits: Bensenville Village Staff The Village of Bensenville will continue to work towards creating a vibrant and sustainable business environment that enables it to become one of the region’s leading economies.

Photo credits: Bensenville Village Staff Commercial Areas Plan 35 Figure 5.1: Future Commercial Areas Map

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ST N DENNIS DR LY R E DIANA CT R U Park CQ

O N A TE J I S

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R R

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

Figure 5.2: Commercial Sub-Areas Map

Elk Grove a

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Chicago

Commercial Districts

o County Boundary

P a

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a Unincorporated

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Wood a d I2 Metra Stations Wood Dale Dale Metra Rail Lines I2 MID-TOWN/IRVING PARK ROAD Existing Roads 19 CORRIDOR VU Future EOWA I Miles Bensenville 0 0.25 0.5 I2 DOWNTOWN

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Bensenville’s future commercial uses should be focused in the following key sub-areas: Downtown District Key Findings • Downtown District • Limited number of retail and entertainment • Mid-Town/ Irving Park Corridor establishments. Lack of restaurants identified as • York Road Corridor a major factor in keeping residents away from • Grand Avenue Corridor downtown. While additional opportunities for commerce will • Several vacant and underutilized parcels situated exist in other areas, the Village should focus staff adjacent to Metra station and under the ownership of time and funding resources in these four sub-areas. the Village. The recommended strategies in each sub-area may • Metra station and Village surface parking lots be applicable to other areas or throughout the located in prime downtown location and limiting community as well. redevelopment potential. • Unattractive building and streetscape conditions. • EOWA initiative will attract new retail and housing developments to downtown.

Figure 5.3: Downtown District Map

Commercial Districts Local Commercial Mixed Multi Use

O Transportation

S DOWNTOWN

M County Boundary

N W CARRIAGE LN DISTRICT Bensenville Limits

R Unincorporated

A R

O L K Existing Parcels Shape

S P

R T

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N O

D D

C Buildings Footprints

O A

N N

Y I2

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A Metra Rail Lines

W MA Existing Roads IN ST ! ! ! ! ! ! Proposed Roads Bensenville I2 Intersection Improvement

T Rail Spurs C I IN RA L ILRO Y AD A A VE Feet W G G RE EN 0 250 500 ST

LINC OLN AVE GROVE ST

K A S G

T R R E S E

C N U N

MCLEAN AVE O ST N O

S S S

W WOO E D AVE E WOOD AVE T T S

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

38 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations inventory in close coordination with DuPage County. This information should be field verified and mapped Implement CEDS streetscape plan. by the Village, and made available on the Village’s The following streetscape improvements should be website in an interactive web-based format. Parcels implemented in the downtown district: could be classified into categories based on size, • Install additional street trees as needed to create condition, location, or other parameters that the consistent canopy. Village may deem appropriate. The resulting database of parcel records will help the Village prioritize sites • Eliminate angled parking on east side of Center for redevelopment as well as market them effectively Street. to potential developers and existing businesses looking • Widen sidewalks. to expand their facilities. • Improve street lighting. Creation of the database should focus on the • Install decorative paving pattern across roadway and downtown district. This activity should be funded by sidewalk paving. the Village within their annual budget. Funds would • Establish downtown gateways and signage on York be utilized to hire a GIS technician or consultant Road at Green Street, Railroad Avenue, Center Street, to create an inventory of vacant and underutilized Main Street, and Roosevelt Avenue. parcels, field verify the information, and create a map.

The Village can begin implementation with the Undertake detailed market assessment and installation of additional street trees, a low-cost and developer recruitment. quick method to improve the appearance of the area. A detailed market analysis will allow the Village to gain In 2007, the Village declared the last Friday of April a better understanding of the types of uses feasible every year as Arbor Day. On this day, individuals and for downtown Bensenville and steps needed to move groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees in the recruitment process forward. The Village should their neighborhood or anywhere in the community. conduct an economic assessment that answers the The Village President and elected officials should following questions: highlight this day by having a kick-off event in downtown and participating in tree planting events at • What is the order in which parcels should be various locations. redeveloped, if any? Short, mid, and long term. • What specific types of uses are feasible on which Create shared parking opportunities. parcels? For residential uses, specify type, density, The Village should encourage shared parking in all size of units, and number of units, price points. of its commercial areas. There are a few different For retail uses, specify type, size, and examples of ways for the Village to implement this, and these potential retailers. are discussed in the Mid-Town/Irving Park sub-area recommendations. The Irving Park corridor is a good • What incentives can the Village offer to interested candidate to launch a pilot shared parking program, developers or investors? which can be expanded to downtown and other • Does the Village need to modify its development commercial areas in the long-term. review or approval process? If so, how?

Create web-based vacant and underutilized The study should also identify one pilot project site parcel inventory. and assist the Village with moving it through the In order to effectively market available sites entire process, answering all the questions identified and identify sites that could be consolidated for above. The TOD study should be referenced to identify redevelopment, the Community and Economic this pilot project as it provides recommended uses for Development Department should create a parcel specific sites in the downtown. This process can be

Commercial Areas Plan 39 replicated in other commercial sub-areas in the future. • Furnishings (benches, trash receptacles, bicycle stalls) Revise zoning ordinance to include design • Signage (including wayfinding signs) standards for buildings, landscape, and signage. The zoning ordinance should contain development The CEDS Study should be referred to during standards that address physical design elements development of the design requirements, especially for ranging from the block face to building signage. The the streetscape and site design strategies. key elements to be included in the standards are:

• Blockface Design: The placement and appearance Long-Term (5-10 Years) of buildings contribute to the character of the entire block and also the character of the right-of- Recommendations way. Closely spaced or contiguous buildings are Reconfigure parking lots. encouraged. Metra has stated in the TOD Study that a number • Site Design: This refers to the placement of buildings, of conditions need to be met in order for them to parking lots, sidewalks, and landscaping on a parcel. reconfigure their surface parking lots. These include: Buildings placed closer to the street should be • The amount of commuter parking in the station area encouraged in both the mixed/multi-use districts, should remain at its current level throughout the local commercial district, and commercial/industrial redevelopment process. flex district with shared parking placed behind. • Parking displaced as a result of proposed • Building Design: This should address both new development should not be replaced within existing construction as well as renovation of existing facades. commuter parking lots. Facades should preferably be designed to provide a strong sense of place. Guidelines regarding scale, • Any new or replacement parking should be within the proportion, and details should be outlined in this line of sight of a station. section of the development standards. The Village should consider entering into a land swap • Building Height: The guidelines should allow with Metra which would allow it to redevelop the flexibility to build taller buildings in the downtown Metra surface parking lots south of the Bensenville while complementing the existing character of the station as compact development while accommodating adjacent neighborhoods. the additional spaces in adjacent areas or in a new Village-owned parking structure, whatever is • Signage: Building signage should fit with and enhance considered a financially viable option. the character of the building and overall character of the right-of-way. Standards should outline the location, size, and type of signage with illustrative examples. Similar standards regarding streetscape and pedestrian amenities should be created for public property adjoining buildings. The elements to be addressed within this section should include:

• Street Lighting • Planters and Landscape • Pavement

40 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Figure 5.4: CEDS Streetscape Renderings. Above: Center Street Existing Section and Plan. Below: Streetscape Plan and Recommended Improvements Source: CEDS Study

Commercial Areas Plan 41 Mid-Town/ Irving Park Corridor Key Findings • Silver Creek runs along the corridor and impacts • Building and streetscape conditions are poor and in several parcels on the southern side of Irving Park need of upkeep. Road. • There are several curb cuts that impede vehicular and • Canadian Pacific overpass and Irving Park Road safe pedestrian movement. Grade Separation will negatively impact businesses • The connection between Irving Park Road and IL 83 in the short-term, but should prove beneficial in the requires vehicles to travel through a residential area, long-term. presenting challenges both for residents as well as • There are several vacant and underutilized parcels truck operators. throughout the corridor, specifically between Mason Street and Poppy Lane.

Figure 5.5 Mid-Town/Irving Park Corridor Map

D LELAND CT

R Chicago GREENVALLEY ST R

EAGLE DR Y

R V TWIN OAKS ST

P WILSON CT C MID - TOWN

P S W HILLSIDE DR /IRVING PARK ROAD CORRIDOR GATEWAY RD GLENDALE ST

T N M

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I County Boundary W T GR N EE E N S C

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P N LENTYW Bensenville Limits OOD LN Bensenville I2 Dale T C IN L Y RAIL Unincorporated A ROAD G AVE

N Existing Parcels Shape T

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D Buildings Footprints O N

N F

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Metra Stations N

S T E O

T MCLEAN AVE S

Z S S

I S

N L

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G E O

Metra Rail Lines R

S S N D

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U J D W M

Existing Roads R S W WOOD AVE E W H OOD AVE C ! ! ! ! ! ! R U Proposed Roads T H

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Rail Spurs O ChicaE gPINoE AVE

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N 0 500 1,000 BREITER CT I DONNA LN M W MEMORIAL RD

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

42 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations The Village should create an access management manual focusing on enhancements to Irving Park Create shared parking opportunities. Road. The Transportation Research Board’s Access As a first step, the Village officials should work with Management Manual should be referred to for this the local businesses groups to encourage existing purpose and can be purchased online at http://www. adjacent businesses that have underutilized surface trb.org/Main/Blurbs/152653.aspx. Access management parking to enter into contractual agreements. enhancements for the Irving Park road may include Subsequently, the Village should explore the driveway consolidation, raised/landscaped medians, creation of a Shared Parking District for the entire and intersection improvements. corridor, allowing businesses along the corridor to access all parking spaces. To create a Shared As a first step, the Village should work with local Parking District, the Village would have to: business groups to introduce the concept to business and property owners. Typically, the business • Work with property owners and businesses to community has opposed changes to access or educate them about Shared Parking Districts and restrictions on access to commercial properties. The their advantages. Village and local business groups would need to • Work with property owners and businesses to engage businesses in a discussion of the pros and develop mutually-agreeable agreements for public use cons of access management, potentially with external of private parking. assistance. • Install appropriate information signage and Install signage and wayfinding during wayfinding signs for users. construction. • Launch an awareness campaign through corridor Temporary signs will be a critical component of 1) businesses and local media. safely and efficiently moving drivers, pedestrians, Depending on the success of a Shared Parking District and cyclists through the area during intersection in this corridor, Village officials should consider improvements; and 2) ensuring the viability of expanding the concept to all commercial areas. The businesses hampered by construction activities related Village should also update the zoning ordinance to to EOWA activities, and specifically related to the York permit shared parking in commercial districts and Road/Irving Park road intersection improvements. reduce parking requirements in general. This would allow for more efficient use of land as redevelopment While businesses will install signs during construction occurs along the corridor. to help customers navigate to their store, the Village and local business groups should also contribute to Create access management plan to reduce curb- this effort. The Village should earmark funds within cuts. its annual budget to partially fund temporary signs The GO TO 2040 plan supports access management for major construction projects. The funds could be as an effective program for improving the region’s lent out to businesses looking to create their own thoroughfares. Access management is a tool to help signs or directly fund the creation of temporary signs. improve traffic safety, aesthetic appearance, and A potential long-term strategy for the Village would pedestrian convenience by implementing a variety of be to pre-qualify contractors that can fabricate and strategies. With respect to the Irving Park corridor, install temporary signs prior to future construction access management will help reduce points of activities. Pre-qualification might streamline the vehicular conflict, thus improving traffic flow and approval process and reduce turnaround times for the traffic safety. Additionally, it will also help in the creation and installation of temporary signs for future development of a safe and welcoming environment for construction activities. pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders.

Commercial Areas Plan 43 Require additional buffering for redevelopment • Develop a walking/biking path along the Creek that along Silver Creek. connects to Veteran’s Park and includes public access As illustrated in the CEDS Study, future at multiple points. development on parcels along Silver Creek should • Develop on-site techniques to mitigate stormwater take the floodplain boundaries into account. New run-off, e.g. on-site detention, permeable parking developments or building expansions should be surfaces, plantings, etc. prohibited within the 100 year floodplain boundaries. A minimum 25 foot buffer should be required between • Explore opportunities to purchase land or acquire the building line and the 100 year floodplain. While development rights to parcels along the Creek in this buffer will limit, or in some cases, eliminate order to maintain floodplain and open space. the development potential for certain types of use • Work with business owners to encourage community along the Creek, it is required to reduce flood related gardening on certain sites. damage to properties and will also contribute to • As a first step, the Village should reach out to reduced flooding in downstream areas of the Village. businesses in the corridor and educate them on the Additional long term steps to the undertaken by the benefits of stormwater management. Village include:

• Create an unobstructed and permeable open area on both sides of the Creek extending as far out as possible.

Figure 5.6 Buffer along Silver Creek. Source: CEDS Study.

44 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Identify sites for consolidation. Incorporate sustainable stormwater strategies. The Village should evaluate the redevelopment and While improvement of the Village’s aging consolidation potential along the Irving Park corridor infrastructure will be an ongoing and long-term based on a variety of parameters including, but not project, there are non-structural and cost-effective limited to: measures to reduce the burden on the existing infrastructure. Chief among these are stormwater • Size of parcel ordinances. • Location of parcel The Village has adopted the DuPage County • Land use and condition of adjacent parcels Stormwater and Floodplain Ordinance into the • Site remediation costs Village’s Municipal Code., and should continue to • Parcels under single or multiple ownership work on its implementation. DuPage County recently completed an amendment to the ordinance requiring This analysis will allow the Village to prioritize Best Management Practices (BMP) on development specific sites for consolidation and redevelopment. As sites to promote runoff reduction, adjusting floodplain mentioned previously, the Village should work closely regulations to allow certain types of developments with Choose DuPage to create an inventory of vacant within the flood plain, amending post construction parcels and with local business groups to engage the BMPs required, and adjusting submittal requirements business community. and processes. As defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a BMP is a non-structural Revise zoning ordinance to include design technique used to reduce pollutant content in standards for buildings, landscape, and signage. stormwater discharge. These range from low-cost Please refer to the Downtown District preventative maintenance (e.g. street cleaning) to more recommendations earlier in this section for details. sophisticated elements such as bioswales and rooftop gardens. The ordinance will impact new development and redevelopment in the industrial areas, where a Long-Term (5-10 Years) majority of properrites do not currently provide on- Recommendations site detention or retention facilities.

Implement CEDS streetscape plan. In the long term, the Village can consider creating The following streetscape improvements should be an ordinance tailored to its own needs. The Village implemented in the Irving Park corridor: should review examples of ordinances that have been successful in addressing stormwater run-off using • Install shade trees and shrub hedges to screen innovative measures, such as the Village of Antioch parking areas and define street edge. Stormwater Management Plan, the Village of Addison • Bury underground utilities wherever feasible. • Upgrade light poles along the corridor. • Install banners to promote Village and retail street identity. • Select and install site furnishings. • Create consistent building signage and gateway signs at the intersections with York Road and IL 83.

Commercial Areas Plan 45 Stormwater Water and Floodplain Management for the creation of a well-connected residential development Ordinance, and the City of Warrenville Stormwater south of Irving Park Road. - Management and Flood Plain Ordinance. These roadway extensions will also require intersection Undertake road extensions to improve improvements. Given that Irving Park is a state route, the Village connectivity. should initiate conversations with IDOT to understand the The future land use map proposes a number of appropriate procedure for making roadway connections and also roadway extensions to reduce traffic congestion and any associated engineering studies required to test the feasibility improve roadway safety. The specific extensions of these connections. proposed for the corridor are:

• Extending Meyer Road south to Irving Park Road. This extension will improve access for the Northern Business District to Irving Park Road. At present, all trucks servicing the industrial area head north and connect to Foster Avenue. • Extending the east-west road between Eastview Avenue and Main Street, and extending Marshall Road and Franzen Street to create intersections between all roadways. The additional roads will allow

Figure 5.7: CEDS Streetscape Renderings. Above: Irving Park Road Existing Section. Below: Streetscape Plan and Recommended Improvements Source: CEDS Study

46 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN York Road Corridor Key Findings Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations Create access management plan to reduce curb- • There are a wide variety of uses along the corridor cuts. ranging from heavy industrial to residential. The Refer to strategy detailed in Mid-Town/Irving Park northern half of the corridor extending from Irving corridor sub-area. Park Road to Devon Avenue is primarily industrial in character with wider rights-of-way, buildings set Revise zoning ordinance for C-4 district north of back significantly from roadways, limited signage, Irving Park Road. and unattractive streetscape. This character changes The Village rezoned the industrial areas on the west dramatically south of Irving Park road with narrower side of York Road across from O’Hare airport to C-4 rights-of-way, mix of residential and local commercial Regional PUD Commercial to better position the uses, streetscape improvements in the form of area for airport related redevelopment. The rezoning decorative street lights and sidewalks, and slower has negatively impacted industrial businesses from vehicular traffic speeds. expanding operations and sale of property, however. • The Irving Park Road/York Road Grade Separation Real estate professionals mentioned the ongoing will vastly relieve traffic congestion. demand for industrial redevelopment on rezoned • C-4 zoning north of Irving Park Road has negatively parcels, but property owners have been unable to sell impacted existing industrial uses and corridor or improve the land since the parcels are not suited for redevelopment. the big box retail stores permitted by the C-4 zoning designation. • There is a lack of signage and wayfinding signs, despite the corridor being a primary gateway into the The Village should change the C-4 designation to permit community. industrial uses as part of the zoning ordinance revision. • As per the TOD Study, there are over 150 curb cuts Future designation should be based on market analysis in the corridor’s 4 mile stretch, restricting smooth findings. vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Commercial Areas Plan 47 Figure 5.8: York Road CorridorMARK S TMap

O E W N Elk Grove E R YORK ROAD Village LN SUPREME DR

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E GRAND AVE GRAND AVE Elmhurst Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Long-Term (5-10 Years) Recommendations Implement CEDS streetscape plan. The following streetscape improvements should be implemented in the York Road corridor:

• Install street trees along York Road in a manner that blocks airport views on the east side and provides shade on the west side. • Install planted median. • Install street lights with banners in planted median where possible.

Figure 5.9: CEDS Streetscape Renderings. Above: York Road Existing Section and Plan. Below: Streetscape Plan and Recommended Improvements Source: CEDS Study

Commercial Areas Plan 49 Grand Avenue Corridor

Key Findings • The corridor is primarily composed of industrial Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations and auto-oriented commercial uses. There are no Extend Williams Street and Arthur Court for sidewalks on the south side of the roadway. better connectivity. • The roadway provides access to the Southern Freight and vehicular access to the Southern Business Business Park and River Forest Golf Course. District and commercial areas in the western portion of Industrial businesses have only one access point Grand Avenue is restricted to Entry Drive. To improve to Grand Avenue, making it difficult for freight internal circulation and access to Church Road, the movement. Village should extend the Arthur Court cul-de-sac • Commercial uses are set back from the roadway with east to Judson Street. As a first step, the Village parking in the front. A majority of parking lots are should initiate discussions with property owners to be not utilized fully. impacted by the extension; the residents to the east and industrial businesses to the west. The alignment • The number of curb cuts between Entry Drive and should allow for buffered streetscape and landscaping, Church Road is excessive and interferes with the protecting residents from freight activity. smooth movement of traffic along Grand Avenue. • There is a lack of signage and wayfinding signs, despite the corridor’s significance as the Village’s southern gateway. Figure 5.10: Grand Avenue Corridor Map

GEORGE ST

N DR UELY JACQ

DENNIS DR B D DIANA CT R Franklin

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C C Bensenville Limits ! ! ! ! ! ! Proposed Roads Unincorporated Rail Spurs Northlake Existing Parcels Shape I ¨¦§290 Feet Buildings Footprints 0 500 1,000

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

50 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The Village should also consider extending Judson the County and a preferred design for each intersection Street south towards Grand Avenue, creating an selected by both parties. The funding, timeline, and additional point of access for industrial businesses. process for installation of the signs should be discussed The Village should undertake a preliminary engineering at this point. analysis to identify possible alignments for the extension. Property owners and businesses to be impacted should be involved in the process from Long-Term (5-10 years) the beginning. Given that Grand Avenue is a County road, a meeting with DuPage County’s Division of Recommendations Transportation should also be held by Village officials Improve transit and pedestrian amenities. to discuss the intent, benefits, and potential alignment As identified earlier, the Grand Avenue corridor does of the roadway extension. not encourage pedestrian movement and has limited amenities for transit riders. Pace does not currently Revise zoning ordinance to include development operate any service on Grand Avenue, but Routes standards. 757 and 332 have stops on Grand Avenue as they run The C-2 Highway Commercial designation along Grand north-south. As recommended in the TOD study, the Avenue negatively impacts is visual character. As part Village should reach out to Pace and convey the need of a comprehensive zoning ordinance revision, the for better defined bus stops and bus shelters at Grand Village should create a commercial zoning district Avenue for both Pace routes. The bus stop at the for Grand Avenue that requires buildings to be northeast corner of York Road and Grand Avenue is placed closer to the right-of-way, reduces parking especially important given its proximity to the shopping requirements, increases landscape and streetscape center. coverage, and encourages better signage. Pedestrian connections from the bus stop to the Create gateway enhancements plan. shopping center are also required. In addition, defined Grand Avenue is the southern gateway into Bensenville. cross walks at major intersections, consistent sidewalk The Village should work closely with the County connections from the corridor to various commercial to install gateway signs and or/make landscape businesses along Grand Avenue are also important. improvements at the following intersections: The Village should require the construction of sidewalk connections from Grand Avenue to retailers as part • County Line Road of any future redevelopment along the corridor. The • York Road Village should simultaneously work with the County • Church Road to install sidewalks along the length of the corridor for pedestrian access. The treatment at each intersection may vary by adjacent land uses and character of development. CMAQ funding should be pursued for improvements to County Line Road primarily caters to industrial the bus stop and pedestrian connection to the shopping employees and freight movement while York Road is a center from the corner of Grand Avenue and York Road. mix of visitors, residents, and daily commuters passing through the community. Building upon the signage and wayfinding recommendations in the TOD Study, the Village should create a gateway enhancement plan that would identify a theme for the Village’s gateway features and provide a series of images illustrating the various gateway features and supporting landscape. These options should be shared and discussed with

Commercial Areas Plan 51 Chapter 6 INDUSTRIAL AREAS PLAN The Village of Bensenville will implement policies and programs that allow its industrial sector to continue to flourish and expand within the community, create new jobs for the local population, and support growth in other sectors of the Village’s economy.

Industrial Areas Plan 53 Figure 6.1: Future Industrial Areas Map

DEVON AVE C a

E n

V EDGEWOOD AVE a

d L E IROQUOIS LN

V i

A a

H SPRUCE AVE n

S EASTERN AVE

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EDGEWOOD AVE i f

FRONTIER WAY i

MARK S T a

i l

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I a

T d

Elk Grove O E W N

Village R LN SUPREME DR

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OR i INTL N o DA R

LE n AV E P Industrial

N YO

a c

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GASOLINE ALY i c

Commercial/Industrial Flex R

BIRGINAL DR a

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ON o

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TRIAL DR D Transportation d

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A SIEVERT CT M County Boundary O FAIRWAY DR H T Chicago Bensenville Limits

FOSTER AVE Unincorporated

D R

ITASCA ST RD R

L L D NORDIC ST I2

YE A

H Metra Stations U B GOLF LN

ME S ELMHURST ST R

Y C L BEELINE DR

A M R

T R Metra Rail Lines ARGYLE ST ARGYLE ST D U N MAPLE LN AS

STONEHAM ST C O

OM LELAND CT Existing Roads TH GREENVALLEY ST EAGLE DR TWIN OAKS ST ! ! ! ! ! ! WILSON CT Proposed Roads

I W HILLSIDE DR O M

Wood E G O

E V A T GATEWAY RD

H N A GLENDALE ST S Future EOWA Dale A A L

E W VE T

Y C BROOKWOOD ST K BROOKWOOD ST

AVE

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W Rail Spurs

AL P MEDINAH ST PLEASANT ST

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S N S Miles

O ER 0 0.25 0.5

DIS

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N GAYLIN CT Metr Bensenville a Mil S O wa ST uk GROVE AVE GROVE ST ee D E R Y ist Wood rict W Chicago

LE e N D st MCLEAN AVE Line

FO Dale H E D R WOOD ST S T WOOD AVE T C T E

ST CH T

T S

ST S T N R

T S A C

ST SE

R Y

N S

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MA G R

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MIN

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S M ST

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P LIN DL

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UN ELL CREST AVE

RED OAK ST C T SESAME DR D

Addison O N

8 D M VU3 HN R E

JO GEORGE ST Franklin DR D

ST N DENNIS DR LY R E DIANA CT R U Park CQ

O N A TE J I S

EN R RD D

D W DR

S A S C A VIE L RIVER FOREST DR

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GRAND AVE a

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o u

P u Northlake

o o u

C C

D C

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Community-Wide Recommended • Façade and site improvement grant: This program Strategies would focus on improvements to the facades and site level improvements for older industrial properties with the goal of improving building appearance and Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations bringing older signs, parking, and landscaping into Incorporate innovative stormwater management conformance with new standards as per the proposed practices in ordinances. new zoning ordinance. The program would provide During the analysis of existing conditions, Village a 50/50 matching grant up to a certain amount officials acknowledged the need for creating an for façade as well as site level improvements. The ordinance that would reduce stormwater runoff from Village of Skokie created a similar program focused new and existing developments. Within the industrial on facades for its Southeast Industrial Area and areas, a few businesses have addressed this issue by approximately 18 facades have been completed thus creating detention and retention ponds on individual far. sites. While this has been effective to a certain extent, Work with utility providers to improve energy there is a wide array of innovative options the Village efficiency. should continue to explore. The U.S. Green Building Council estimates that energy efficient retrofits will allow businesses to save between To this end, the Village should adopt an ordinance to 10%-50% savings of their energy costs. For older control stormwater runoff at the individual site-level. industrial businesses, the Village of Bensenville should Please refer to Chapter 4: Commercial Areas Plan for consider providing resources to businesses to improve further details. energy efficiency in existing buildings.

Create incentives to encourage rehabilitation of A number of industrial buildings in Bensenville’s older properties/sites. industrial areas were built several decades ago. As The quality and speed of physical improvements a result, there are a number of energy efficiency to private property as well as public rights-of-way improvements that could help reduce energy will depend a great deal on the funds available. To consumption and costs for these buildings. The Village help with the rehabilitation of older properties, the should reach out to utility providers to assist building Village should consider creating one or more financial owners in obtaining professional energy audits. Both incentive programs. Commonwealth Edison and Nicor Gas run programs to help businesses conserve energy and reduce For the purpose of undertaking site work that energy bills. ComEd’s Smart Ideas for Your Business include green infrastructure (e.g. permeable pavers, program offers a portfolio of incentives, services, and bio-swales, tress and native plantings) and building solutions to help identify energy-saving technologies façade improvements, the Village should consider the and operational improvements for businesses (https:// following options: www.comed.com/business-savings/programs- • Industrial revolving loan fund: This program could incentives/Pages/default.aspx). Nicor Gas helps offer loans at a certain percentage of total cost or up businesses determine their energy needs from the site to a fixed amount, whichever is lower, for projects selection stage and provides energy saving strategies that create or retain jobs. Applicants would need to to maximize operational efficiency and lower operating provide a detailed plan to the Village and the Village costs (http://nicorgas.aglr.com/Business.aspx). would work with a lender to negotiate a low fixed interest rate loan for the business. This program would be administered through the Village’s Finance Department.

Industrial Areas Plan 55 The primary role of the Village and local business Long-Term (5-10 years) groups would be to act as a resource for businesses Recommendations seeking information on the various components of these programs including auditing, funding, and Support workforce development. implementation. Examples of what other businesses In order to support industrial growth specifically, have accomplished through the two programs can be the Village needs to create a robust and educated found here: workforce. The Village’s leadership should work with non-profit organizations such as the Chicago Jobs • ComEd program: https://www.comed.com/business- Council to identify workforce development services savings/resources/Pages/case-studies.aspx available to Bensenville residents. The Village should also coordinate with educational organizations such • Nicor Gas programs: http://www.nicorgasrebates. as Robert Morris University and College of DuPage to com/index.php/bus/business-contractor/ create education and training program in collaboration bus-con-downloads with Bensenville’s industrial businesses, allowing them Support regional and statewide efforts. to hire locally. As described in the GO TO 2040 regional comprehensive plan, the Chicago region has Coordinate with Choose DuPage on industrial traditionally lacked a champion to look out for its initiatives. freight needs, despite being the nation’s hub of truck Choose DuPage leads economic development and rail freight. National discussions and decisions initiatives in DuPage County. The organization about the movement of goods are dominated by serves a number of functions that include providing port cities and states, partly because of the Chicago businesses information on ongoing projects, creating region’s lack of a leading representative. There is a an online database of available sites and spaces, tremendous amount at stake for all municipalities in and providing information on a variety of resources these discussions as the movement of freight can have varying from financing to workforce development. a wide range of potentially positive or negative effects, including economic ones. The Village of Bensenville should reach out to Choose DuPage to understand the range of services that Bensenville is part of the O’Hare industrial submarket could be beneficial to local businesses, e.g. business that generates a significant amount of freight traffic. retention programs, financing programs, and workforce With completion of the EOWA initiative, freight training resources. Representatives from Choose volumes are anticipated to rise as the industrial sector DuPage should be invited to share information on the takes advantage of improved access and visibility. It is resources they offer at monthly Board meetings and important for the Village to engage with the business networking events. community, neighboring communities, regional stakeholders, and national freight decision-makers Participate in the Golden Corridor Advanced to ensure that movement of goods is seamless and Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP). freight issues are being addressed proactively. CMAP Bensenville is part of the GCAMP, consisting of is leading discussions with regional and national municipalities, businesses, schools, and other freight stakeholders on how to strategically invest in institutions near and along the I-90 corridor from freight improvement in northeastern Illinois. While Elgin to O’Hare International Airport. The group, there are no municipal roles identified at this point, formed in 2009, focuses on the manufacturing there will be opportunities to contribute in the future. sector, highlighting manufacturing careers, changing the negative perception of the sector, and linking businesses to a skilled labor force. The group members meet on quarterly basis, and hold events such as

56 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN open houses connecting students to employers and resources available through GCAMP and promote their showcasing the opportunities for specialized and participation in education and training programs. skilled positions in manufacturing. In addition to these community-wide The Village should stay involved in GCAMP and recommendations relevant to all business in encourage manufacturers to participate in quarterly Bensenville, there are a number of recommendations events. Information about the group should be aimed at addressing the issues unique to each of the disseminated through local business groups as well as Village’s business districts: the Northern Business local media, including the Village website. The Village District and the Eastern Business District. should also reach out to local schools, as well as Robert Morris University to make them aware of the

Figure 6.2: Industrial Sub-Areas Map

Elk Grove a

r o

Village a d

¨¦§390 NORTHERN BUSINESS DISTRICT Business Districts County Boundary Chicago Bensenville Limits Future EOWA

Unincorporated U

n I2

o Metra Stations

P a

c Metra Rail Lines

i c

Wood R

a Existing Roads

i l

Dale r

Wood o a Dale d I Miles 0 0.25 0.5 VU19

Bensenville

EASTERN BUSINESS DISTRICT

Addison VU83 Franklin Park

¨¦§294

SOUTHERN d a

BUSINESS a

f Addison DISTRICT i

y y

t 290 t

n ¨¦§ Elmhurst Elmhurst n

P o u u Northlake

u o o o

C C D C

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

Industrial Areas Plan 57 Northern Business District • The future Thorndale Road will substantially improve Key Findings access and visibility, but also further divide the District. • There are limited north-south truck connections to • The rights-of-way and building conditions lack Irving Park Road, Thorndale Avenue, and Devon aesthetic appeal, especially south of Thorndale Avenue. Avenue. • Very few local streets provide continuous connections • Flooding is a major concern for businesses along within the District. Willow Creek. The Village has recently addressed • EOWA initiative will create a more competitive these concerns by implementing various stormwater, Northern Business District by improving access to sewer, water, and street light improvements. To fund O’Hare airport and regional transportation network. the improvements, the Village established seven

Figure 6.3: Northern Business District Map C

E a n

V V a

A A d

D a n

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R O a

T E V W c

N i

A f E i

E H c

G EASTERN AVE R C S

A D a

E i

l r DIAN HILL DR Elk Grove o IN a Village d

MARK ST

T NORTHERN

E T BUSINESS DISTRICT R S

L S I N Commercial L L

R Regional Commercial

Commercial/Industrial Flex Y

Industrial R

Transportation M

R County Boundary P U

THO S RND ALE Bensenville Limits AVE Existing Parcels Shape ¨¦§390 I2 Metra Stations

L Metra Rail Lines

O R

S D

Existing Roads

R L

A A

! ! ! ! ! ! L N

Proposed Roads I

R I

Future EOWA B Chicago INDUSTRIAL DR Business District Intersection Improvement FAIRWAY DR

R Rail Spurs

Water O

H Buildings Footprints T I FOSTER AVE

D Miles

0 0.125 0.25 A D R

M R

B L

U A

L GOLF LN H

Wood C S

Y R

V BEELINE DR

A A R

Dale

M E

N C

ARGYLE ST U U

O R C

P MAPLE LN S

EAGLE DR R

L M

N I W HILLSIDE DR T P IO G E A GATEWAY RD GLENDALE ST V A

A T V E

W M T

I O BROOKWOOD ST E H

V T

N Z A

T L

W U

S K N

Y A

A D MEDINAH ST L

P R R

8 W

- N

N I W IRVING PARK RD

T D

S R S

N H R

O C E

T R

N U

E H

C C

N N N

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

58 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Special Service Areas (SSA). A TIF District was landlords in the Northern Business District will be a also established to pay for the Village’s share of the key part of this process. improvements. Undertake intersection improvements. • There is a large daytime employee population that The Plan supports a number of key intersection could drive demand for restaurants and convenience improvements (Refer to Figure 6.3) in the Northern shopping. Business District to accommodate increased traffic Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations volumes from the EOWA initiative. The CEDS Study identifies the following intersections for improvements: Make local street connections to improve circulation. • IL 83 and Foster Avenue Figure 6.3 illustrates the existing street network and recommended street extensions that would enhance • York Road and Foster Avenue connectivity and site access. As per the CEDS Study, • York Road and Irving Park Road (currently the alignment of extensions is designed to impact underway) the least amount of parcels in the District, taking Village officials should continue to monitor traffic factors such as building value, land value, and building volumes on local streets on an annual basis. This will condition into account. allow them to monitor the evolving traffic through the Northern Business District and make improvements Specific extensions include: accordingly. Intersection improvements could include: • Meyer Road extended south to connect with Irving • Wider right-of-ways at intersections to accommodate Park Road. The road can be aligned with Mason additional turn lanes and through lanes. Street, but alignment will be determined by the final development plan for the area. • Access restrictions from side streets and driveways near intersections. • Meyer Road extended north to tie into the new EOWA frontage road. • Improved pedestrian facilities including sidewalks and crosswalks. • Country Club Drive extended northward to connect with the EOWA frontage road and under the • Wider curb radii to allow larger WB-65 freight trucks proposed expressway to connect with Supreme Drive. to maneuver without driving over the curb. This extension would increase connectivity between • Modified landscape improvements to avoid damage. the industrial areas north and south of the EOWA The Village will need to undertake further detailed initiative. engineering and design analysis for each specific • Bryn Mawr Avenue extended to the future Country location identified above, with the exception of the Club Drive. The connection would provide a direct York Road/Irving Park Road intersection. The York connection to IL 83. Road/Irving Park Road intersection redesign is already Funding for road extensions should not compete underway and is expected to be completed in late 2015. with the Village’s capacity to fund and maintain existing roads. The Village should undertake a preliminary engineering and financial analysis of the road extension projects with assistance from a transportation engineering agency. The analysis will help the Village identify the process, cost, potential funding mechanisms, and phasing of these projects. Engaging and educating business owners and

Industrial Areas Plan 59 Figure 6.4: CIP Infrastructure Improvements Map

Bensenville Limits DEVON AVE Railroad Pacific Canadian

V EDGEWOOD AVE

L E IROQUOIS LN County Boundary V A RA H SPRUCE AVE S EASTERN AVE

NT A N DIA ILL R CE I N Unincorporated EDGEWOOD AVE FRONTIER WAY

MARK ST T Airport Runways S e

I L

T Elk Grove L

W N Village E R Airport

LN SUPREME DR Railroad Pacific Union

R R

E D I2 S Metra Stations VU83 A

M CHICAGO

H O'HARE

T SU Metra Rail Lines INTERNATIONAL T HOR AIRPORT Special Service Areas NDA LE A VE Freight Rail Lines N YORKN RD BRYN MAWR AVE GASOLINE ALY Rail Spurs BIRGINAL DR

INDUSTRIAL DR D Flood Control Projects LARSON LN

A SIEVERT CT

O FAIRWAY DR H Chicago T I Northern Industrial Area Miles

FOSTER AVE

D R

ITASCA ST RD 0 0.25 0.5 1 R

L L D NORDIC ST

A H U B GOLF LN

ME S ELMHURST ST R

Y C L BEELINE DR

A M T R ARGYLE ST ARGYLE ST U N MAPLE LN

STONEHAM ST C O

THOMAS DR LELAND CT GREENVALLEY ST EAGLE DR TWIN OAKS ST WILSON CT

T Areas surrounding former Mohawk School I W HILLSIDE DR O M

Wood E G O

E V A T GATEWAY RD

H N

A GLENDALE ST

S Dale A L

E W V T

Y C BROOKWOOD ST BROOKWOOD ST

AVE

R R Wood W P MEDINAH ST PLEASANT ST

Former MohawkPO School Site

WAL Dale VIE U19 ST IRVING PARK RD V EA

ROOSEVELT AVE NT GR EEN ADDISON ST Chicago MA CE T IN ST PLENTYWOOD LN Bensenville M GAYLIN CT etra Milwaukee Dis

Cook County

ST GROVE AVE GROVE ST DuPage County

Y t rict W LE est MCLEAN AVE Line HENDERSON ST FO D

R WOOD ST WOOD AVE

CH T

ST R

N S HU

O GRACE ST MA ROSE ST

S C MARION CT AS PINE AVE GREEN ST

D MINER ST

JUDSON ST

BARRON ST

S ADDISONS ST Tioga School Site S M S CENTER ST

N MEMORIALRD 200 Block of South Center Street and Addison Street

IAR T MEMORIAL D FR

BR C C AN NU 2ND AVE KL

NI WASHINGTON ST DR IN A K ST VE

WAL

AR 2ND CT VIRGINIA ST EVERGREEN ST

3RD AVE JEFFERSON ST PO

ELLIS ST T AVE CRES COUNTY LINE RD

RED OAK ST C T SESAME DR Addison D O N Franklin VU83 D M R E JOHN ST Park GEORGE ST

DR D N DENNIS DR LY R UE DIANA CT CQ

O N JA

Addison Creek Culvert Replacement ProjectI S Residential along Addison Creek

D DR

S CENTER ST

A A L RIVER FOREST DR

S E MASSEL CT M FORESTVIEW RD A P 294

DOLORES DR DOLORES ¨¦§ W BELMONT AVE

R Union Pacific Railroad Pacific Union

WILLIAM ST I D

CHURCH RD

DANIEL DRDANIEL

BO ARTHUR CT ID

JAMES ST FE

TRY

Addison YO BERNICE DR DA

EN GRAND AVE GRAND AVE Legends Site

290 Elmhurst Elmhurst ¨¦§ Northlake

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2013. Bensenville Limits DEVON AVE Railroad Pacific Canadian

V EDGEWOOD AVE

L E IROQUOIS LN County Boundary V A

RA SPRUCE AVE H EASTERN AVE Eastern Business District S

NT A N DIA ILL R CE I N Unincorporated EDGEWOOD AVE FRONTIER WAY

MARK ST

T Airport Runways Key Findings for an area that already enjoys good access to the S e

I L

T regional transportation system. Elk Grove L

W N • Green Street and County Line Road are busy truck Village E R Airport

Union Pacific Railroad Pacific Union • The District is home to a variety of retail, office, and LN SUPREME DR routes, with wide travel lanes to accommodate larger

R R D vehicles and higher speeds. These characteristics light industrial facilities.

E D I2 S Metra Stations VU83 A

M CHICAGO

O including the lack of buffer between travel lanes PR • There are several vacant and underutilized properties H O'HARE

T SU Metra Rail Lines INTERNATIONAL and sidewalk, parking lots adjacent to rights-of-way, T available for redevelopment, including some with HOR AIRPORT Special Service Areas NDA LE A VE Freight Rail Lines limited tree plantings, and overhead utilities, create environmental challenges. N YORKN RD BRYN MAWR AVE a an unattractive visual environment and unsafe GASOLINE ALY Rail Spurs • The TIF 4 site is a redevelopment priority for the pedestrian realm. BIRGINAL DR Village, but has a number of environmental challenges INDUSTRIAL DR D Flood Control Projects LARSON LN S • The EOWA initiative will impact a number of that need to be addressed. A SIEVERT CT

M O buildings in the District. It will also enhance access FAIRWAY DR H Chicago T I Northern Industrial Area Miles

FOSTER AVE

D R

ITASCA ST RD 0 0.25 0.5 1 R

L L D NORDIC ST Figure 6.5: Eastern Business District Map

A H U B GOLF LN

ME S ELMHURST ST R

Y C L BEELINE DR A M Chicago T R ARGYLE ST ARGYLE ST U N MAPLE LN ST

STONEHAM ST C O EASTERN

THOMAS DR LELAND CT R GREENVALLEY ST EAGLE DR G BUSINESS DISTRICT TWIN OAKS ST WILSON CT E PINE AVE

T Areas surrounding former Mohawk School I W HILLSIDE DR O M

Wood E G O

E V A T GATEWAY RD

H N

A GLENDALE ST

S Dale A L

E W V T

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AVE

R R

W Wood ST

P MEDINAH ST PLEASANT ST E G Former MohawkPO School Site R S

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N SE T MAIN CE ST O E JEFFERSON ST

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Cook County

DuPage County GROVE AVE GROVE ST T

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LE est Lin RED OAK ST O MCLEAN AVE e C SESAME DR HENDERSON ST FO D

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CH T

ST R

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AS Local Commercial PINE AVE GREEN ST

D MINER ST

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BARRON ST

S ADDISONS ST Tioga School Site S M S CENTER ST Regional Commercial

R GEORGE ST Franklin

N MEMORIALRD 200 Block of South Center Street and Addison Street

RK Commercial/IndPuastrrkial Flex

IAR Industrial

N T MEMORIAL D R FR D H

BR C C AN YN EL O BR NU 2ND AVE QU Transportation KL J

NI DR JAC DIANA CT WASHINGTON ST IN A K ST VE EN

WAL County Boundary

R T AR 2ND CT VIRGINIA ST EVERGREEN ST A D W

DL P EL DO AM P O Bensenville Limits 3RD AVE JEFFERSON ST PO O D I2 Metra Stations D

ELLIS ST T AVE R CRES COUNTY LINE RD DR D Metra Rail Lines VI DA RED OAK ST C T SESAME DR Existing Roads

D R

Addison D ! ! ! ! ! !

O N

S Proposed Roads

Franklin E R 83 D M

VU R O Existing Parcels Shape L

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AN Business District DR D D N DENNIS DR LY Intersection R UE DIANA CT Improvement CQ

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Addison Creek Culvert Replacement ProjectI S Residential along Addison Creek Rail Spurs

D DR Buildings Footprints

S CENTER ST

A A L RIVER FOREST DR Northlake

S E

M Water MASSEL CT I FORESTVIEW RD A P 294 Miles

DOLORES DR DOLORES § ¨¦ 0 0.125 0.25 W BELMONT AVE

R Union Pacific Railroad Pacific Union

D D

I D C

WILLIAM ST u Y Elmhurst o

CHURCH RD P

D o a

DANIEL DRDANIEL k g

RR e

BO ARTHUR CT ID

JAMES ST FE

TRY Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

Addison YO BERNICE DR DA

EN GRAND AVE GRAND AVE Legends Site

290 Elmhurst Elmhurst ¨¦§ Northlake Industrial Areas Plan 61

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2013. Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations a transportation engineering firm. Engaging and educating business owners and landlords in the Make local street connections to improve Eastern Business District will be a key part of this circulation. process. The following roadway extensions will help improve vehicular circulation through the Eastern Business Undertake intersection improvements. District. (Refer to Figure 6.5) Specific extensions The Plan supports the implementation of the County include: Line Road and Green Street intersection improvements identified in the CEDS Study (Refer to Figure 6.5). • John Street extended north to Green Street. Intersection improvements could include: • New north-south street between Jefferson Street and Green Street, providing access to a mix of service, • Improved pedestrian facilities, including sidewalks office, and light industrial uses. and crosswalks. • Pine Avenue extended east to Evergreen Street. • Wider curb radii to allow larger WB-65 freight trucks to maneuver without driving over the curb. • Evergreen Street extended north to Green Street, improving access to Green Street for industrial • Modified landscape improvements to avoid damage. businesses. The Village will need to undertake further detailed As mentioned above, the Village should undertake engineering and design analysis for this intersection. a preliminary engineering and financial analysis of the road extension projects with assistance from

62 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Implement streetscape improvements as per CEDS Study. The CEDS Study recommends improvements to Green Street to improve its visual appeal and make it safer for all modes of transportation. Streetscape improvements for Green Street include:

• Landscape improvements to block views of overhead utilities, railroad, airport, and future elevated highway.

• Street lighting and burying overhead utilities where possible.

• Entrance gateway signs and banners designating entry to downtown and identifying major destinations.

Figure 6.6: CEDS Streetscape Renderings. Above: Green Street Existing Section and Plan. Below: Streetscape Plan and Recommended Improvements Source: CEDS Study

Industrial Areas Plan 63 Chapter 7 TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Photo credit: Robby Gragg, Flickr The Village of Bensenville will provide its residents and businesses with safe and efficient transportation options to navigate the community and connect to regional transportation systems. Residents will have convenient access to local and regional shopping and recreational destinations while businesses will be able to transport freight regionally and nationally in a timely manner.

Transportation Plan 65

Figure 7.1: Proposed Street Connections Map C

E a

V n

E a V

L d A I

A i

H a

L R

S U n

T A E

n P N ILL DR H N DIAN i

IN o

a n

f P

MARK ST R

Elk Grove r

O d Village T SUP REM E DR

TH ORN DAL CHICAGO E AV E O'HARE ¨¦§390 INTL

L INDUSTRIAL DR

D 3 FAIRWAY DR 8 R

L S

I A County Boundary Chicago

T D Bensenville Limits FOSTER AVE R

R D

D O

Y Unincorporated

S L

A N L

GOLF LN Y A M

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R T A M MAPLE LN Metra Rail Lines

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R M ! ! ! ! ! ! P O Proposed Roads T GATEW S AY RD Wood GLENDALE ST H A S W Dale T

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Key Findings Freight • The EOWA initiative will reshape travel and freight Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations movement patterns for businesses and residents alike. Increase street connectivity. Please refer to Chapter 2 Plan Overview and Chapter 6 • The CP Railroad overpass project and York Road/ Industrial Areas Plan for details. Irving Park intersection improvements will help alleviate traffic congestion. • There are several roads that are in need of repairs Roadways ranging from resurfacing to reconstruction. Surface Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations Transportation Project (STP) funds are being utilized Incorporate the Pavement Management Program for a number of these improvements. into the Village’s CIP. • Major rights-of-way such as Irving Park Road, York The Public Works Department recently completed Road, Grand Avenue, and County Line Road lack a multi-year Pavement Management Program that aesthetic appeal. establishes guidelines for street maintenance and • Lack of sidewalk maintenance is one of the top repair. The program should be listed as a line item concerns of community residents. within the Village’s Community Investment Plan (CIP). This will allow the Public Works Department to budget • Bensenville has no existing bike trails within its for improvements in a phased manner. While there municipal boundaries. The Planned O’Hare Connector will be most likely a funding gap between the pace at Trail is slated to go through downtown Bensenville which improvements will be needed and can be made, and would connect to regional trails including the the following are some strategies for mitigating street Des Plaines River Trail and Salt Creek Greenway maintenance costs in order to help close the funding Trail. gap:

Transportation Plan 67 • Within the industrial areas, the Public Works As discussed in the Commercial Areas Plan chapter, Department should work with the business owners the GO TO 2040 plan supports access management to create cost sharing agreements for roads that are as an effective program for improving the region’s frequently utilized by trucks serving local businesses. thoroughfares. Access management will help • Improving pavement conditions adjacent to local Bensenville reduce arterial road conflict points along schools will benefit the school districts as well. The Irving Park Road and York Road, thus improving traffic Village should consider entering into a cost-sharing flow and traffic safety. The challenge will be to achieve agreement with the school districts to maintain improved mobility on these roads while providing streets adjacent to schools. sufficient access to ensure prosperous businesses in planned commercial and mixed-use areas. • The Park District and Library District will benefit from the maintenance of streets adjacent to their As discussed in the Commercial Areas Plan chapter, facilities. The Village should approach both the the Village should create an access management entities and propose a cost-sharing agreement for manual focusing on enhancements to Irving Park Road maintenance of streets adjacent to local parks and and York Road. library facility. Monitor and support regional transportation Work closely with the DuPage Mayors projects. and Managers Conference Transportation The EOWA initiative will have several economic Committee. and transportation impacts at the regional level. For a number of recommended transportation Transportation improvements that will directly benefit actions outlined in this chapter, the Village should Bensenville include: work closely with the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference (DMMC) Transportation Committee. • Western Bypass linking I-294 to I-90. The Transportation Committee is split into two groups, the Transportation Policy Committee and • Extension and redesign of Thorndale Avenue as a the Transportation Technical Committee. The Policy western access to O’Hare airport. Committee oversees initiatives to improve mobility • System interchange at Thorndale Avenue and and reduce congestion in the County, as well as the Western Bypass. implementation of the DuPage Area Transit Plan. The • Partial interchange at Irving Park Road and Western Technical Committee oversees distribution of STP Bypass. funds. The level of interaction and coordination will vary by action, but it is important for the Village • Full interchange at IL 83 and redesigned western to be aware of, support, and if possible participate access. in initiatives undertaken by DMMC and vice versa. • Direct access to O’Hare airport from York Road. Coordination and involvement with DMMC is Additional improvements such as the construction particularly crucial in cases where the success of of the Taft Avenue connector, full interchange at recommended actions relies on intergovernmental Franklin Avenue and Taft Avenue, partial interchange cooperation. at Green Street and County Line Road, and new I-294 interchange at the southern end in Franklin Park will also benefit Bensenville businesses and residents. Long-Term (5-10 years) Recommendations The Village should continue to monitor the EOWA initiative’s progress and participate through DMMC’s Focus on access management to promote safety Transportation Committees. along major thoroughfares.

68 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Figure 7.2: EOWA Initiative Project Map

Arlington Mount Des Plaines Heights Prospect P ac M ifi et McHenry c ra Lake N U or n Lake ¨¦§90 th i w on Michigan M es e t L tr in a e 83 VU Des N

o Plaines r ! t h

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355 ¨¦§ ¨¦§294 Northlake

Elmhurst Line Villa ific West nion Pac Elmhurst Park Metra U Melrose Berkeley Park Bellwood Melrose Lombard Villa Berkeley Park Lombard Park WESTERN TERMINAL AREA Bensenville Limits Airport Runways WIDEN AND ADD LANE County Boundary I2 Metra Stations SYSTEM INTERCHANGE Bellwood FULL INTERCHANGE Unincorporated Metra Rail Lines PARTIAL INTERCHANGE ELGIN O-HAREH EXTENSIONillside AND WESTERN ACCESS Miles I 0 0.5 1 2 ¨¦§88

Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014. Identify preferred locations for bus shelters/ Transit stops. Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations In 2013, Pace embarked on a three-year study to evaluate the location of bus stops throughout its Implement transit recommendations in TOD existing network. The study is intended to improve Study. the movement efficiency of buses by identifying the The RTA funded TOD Study completed in 2011 focused specific location of bus stops for all existing routes. on transit improvements in Bensenville. There are three forms of public transit serving the Village: Metra The Village should work with Pace to proactively commuter rail service, Pace bus service, and Dial- undertake an assessment in order to identify preferred A-Ride services provided by the Village. Dial-A-Ride bus stop locations along Irving Park Road, York Road, and subsidized taxi services are also available and Grand Avenue, Foster Avenue, and Devon Avenue, as provided through private operators. these future bus stops will serve the greatest number of residents and businesses along the corridors. The The Village should prioritize the following Dial-a- future land use map should be utilized as a base for Ride recommendations for implementation in the this assessment as it demarcates areas for higher near-term: intensity development and therefore high transit need • Enhance the existing Dial-A-Ride service by extending in the future. The results of this assessment should evening hours, operating on Saturday, and serving a be coordinated with Pace so that the agency can take few select locations outside the Village. them into consideration in their system wide planning effort. • Make timed connections at the Metra Bensenville station from the Dial-A-Ride service. • Improve awareness of the Dial-A-Ride program and Long-Term (5-10 years) examine fare policy. Recommendations From a regional services perspective, the Village should work closely with Pace to implement the Monitor and support EOWA initiative related following service changes: transit improvements and other regional initiatives. • Increase mid-day service for Pace Route 332 to an The public transportation network will also be hourly service. This will allow residents greater significantly impacted by the EOWA initiative. Transit access to downtown Elmhurst, Elmhurst hospital, options for the future Western Terminal are still in the Rosemont CTA station, and Oakbrook Shopping planning stage. There are three major options being Center. considered as part of the Western Terminal, detailed in the TOD Study: • Create a new Irving Park Road Regional Bus Route linking CTA Rosemont station to the Walmart in • A dedicated 70-foot wide median reserved within the Addison with timed connections to the Dial-a-Ride or new highway’s right-of-way to accommodate some Pace Bus 332 at the Bensenville Metra station. transit mode in the future. These recommendations are consistent with Pace’s • A multi-purpose Western Transportation Center Vision 2020 Plan and the 2002 DuPage Transit Plan. located west of the airport with off-site parking, The TOD Study should be referred to for further rental car operations, People Mover, CTA Blue Line, details on each of the above recommendations. or Pace Bus routes. It may be located adjacent to the proposed extension of Elgin-O’Hare expressway, west of York Road.

70 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN • A rail station in the Western Terminal served by the The Village should continue to participate in CTA Blue Line, CTA Airport Express, or Metra. informational meetings and discussions related Other regional transit initiatives that will impact to these projects to ensure that Bensenville’s public transit services in Bensenville include: interests are preserved throughout the planning and implementation phases. • ‘J’ Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service through Pace, connecting Naperville, Oak Brook, O’Hare, and Schaumburg. In Bensenville, the ‘J’ Line is proposed to operate via IL 83 to Thorndale Road and then east to O’Hare. • New Pace services to serve the Western Transportation Center with modifications to existing routes serving Bensenville, including Route 332 and Route 757.

Transportation Plan 71

e e

Figure 7.3: Proposed Pace Route Map

554 234 594 Arlington Mount 208 619

MI D 905 Heights I2 NE 696 Prospect R R ST ER ST E THACK P ER Des Des a c M TT if e N Plaines ic t r PO N a M H Plaines S U IG o n A G IN ¨¦§90 D rt i R S E B h o 240 RD D U w n T 616 S S e I N R UIN RD P S s D NQ W ALGONQUIN RD E ALGO E t L G 230 L

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

e e

e e Bicycle and Pedestrian

Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations approximately 207 miles of the total 278 miles of trails have been completed as of 2013. Bensenville Inventory sidewalk and curb repairs and has seen the completion of the Salk Creek Greenway incorporate into Pavement Management and Des Plaines River Trail on either side of the Program. community. The proposed east-west O’Hare Connector Either as a separate program or as part of the trail running through downtown Bensenville and Pavement Management Program, the Village should connecting the community to both of these regional inventory unsafe sidewalks and curbs within local trails and greenway systems is yet to be completed. rights-of-way. The initiative would provide Bensenville residents with an online, phone-based, or in person The Plan and County bikeway network recommend the portal to enter requests for sidewalk and curb repair. following rights-of-way for future bike paths, trails, or Requests would then be evaluated by the Public lanes. Works Department and fixed accordingly. • Jefferson Street from Church Road to Evergreen The purpose of the Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Street program is to address areas of concern that need • George Street from York Road to John Street immediate attention, not improvements to entire blocks or large sections of a street. The program • John Street from George Street to Belmont Avenue would address requests based on need, but funds and looping back to George Street. available for this program through the CIP will also • Dolores Street from Grand Avenue to Diana Court. factor into the Public Works Department’s response • Mason Street from Jefferson Street to Grove Avenue. time. • Grove Avenue from Mason Street to Church Road. Create a Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan. • Addison Street from Wood Street to Roosevelt The existing conditions analysis identified the need Avenue. to develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle paths in the community. In order to initiate this, the Village Regional trails such as the O’Hare Connector trail are should consider undertaking an Active Transportation eligible for a variety of funding sources, including the Plan that will help identify improvements to the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), physical infrastructure, policies, and programs that Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Surface make it safer and more convenient for people to walk Transportation Program (STP), and Congestion and bike in Bensenville. The Northeastern Illinois Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ). While Regional Greenways and Trails Plan and local bikeway TAP will be the preferred mechanism to fund trail network created by the DuPage County Regional projects, the Village should initiate discussions with Planning Commission should be used as a foundation CMAP to understand the process and criteria for for creation of the local bicycle network. applying for CMAQ and TAP funding. Partnering with neighboring communities such as Wood Dale and CMAP created the Northeastern Illinois Regional Rosemont to submit a joint application should also be Greenways and Trails Plan in collaboration with the considered, given the multi-jurisdictional nature of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) project. and IDOT. The Plan describes conceptual alignments along with existing greenways and trails. The Plan In addition to the Regional Greenways and Trail Plan serves as a basis for planning and programming and the County network, the Village should refer to funding for greenways and trails, and as a guide the recommendations in the CEDS and TOD studies for making connections between communities and in the creation of the Active Transportation Plan. other greenways and trails. In DuPage County, The Active Transportation Plan should include the following key components:

Transportation Plan 73

e e

Figure 7.4: Proposed Local Bicycle Network Map

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Source: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2014.

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e e • Sidewalk and crosswalk improvements, bicycle routes and crossings, wayfinding signage, and infrastructure improvements. • Potential policies, ordinances and/or programs that the Village should consider adopting. Examples include a Complete Streets Policy, Safe Park Zones Ordinance, Distracted Driver Ordinance, and Traffic Calming Policy. • Programs for education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation. • Timeline for implementation of each of the recommendations.

Long-Term (5-10 years) Recommendations Improve bicycle and pedestrian amenities on existing roadways as per CEDS and TOD Studies. As discussed in the Commercial Areas Plan and Industrial Areas Plan chapters, the CEDS and TOD studies identify streetscape improvements for various industrial and commercial areas. For pedestrian and bicycle improvements along state routes such as IL 19 and County roads such as Grand Avenue, York Road, County Line Road, and Devon Avenue, the Village should collaborate with corridor communities and reach out to DMMC to seek support for detailed studies. For example, for the Irving Park Road corridor, the Village should collaborate with Norridge, Schiller Park, Wood Dale and Itasca. Similar studies have been carried out through the Southwest Mayors and Managers Conference for the Cicero Avenue Corridor and Harlem Avenue corridor. (http://www. harlemcorridor.com/).

76 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Plan 77 Chapter 8 NATURAL AREAS PLAN

Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff The Village of Bensenville will lead a multi- jurisdictional effort to enhance the community’s quality of life by developing an extensive network of parks in the community and enhancing access to regional open spaces and recreational amenities.

Natural Areas Plan 79 Key Findings projects identified are:

• Bensenville is part of three watersheds. Flooding is a • Sewer replacement in the 200 South block of Center major concern for residents and businesses alike. Street. (Short-Term) • Several projects are underway or have been • New sewers at Wood Street and Addison Street. completed to address flooding. However, more needs (Short-Term) to be done to eliminate flooding. • New sewers and detention basins at Fenton High • Stormwater management is not effectively addressed School. (Short-Term) at the sub-regional or watershed level, with limited • New sewers and detention basin in the IL 83 and coordination among neighboring communities and Irving Park area. (Short-Term) DuPage County. • Sewer replacement at Entry Drive and Bernice Drive. • The CEDS Study evaluated existing drainage and (Mid-Term) flooding issues within the Silver Creek and Addison Creek watersheds. • Sewer replacement at Grove Avenue and Wood Street. (Mid-Term) • There is a need for greater coordination between the Park District, School District, and Village to share The Village should identify these projects as priorities recreational amenities. within its Community Investment Plan (CIP).

The Village should also continue to work with engineering consultants to undertake Hydrology and Stormwater Management Hydraulic studies, site plan reviews, and stormwater management solutions. Undertaking H&H studies Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations for specific sites or areas of the community would Continue to implement DuPage County help the Village better understand the movement Stormwater and Flood Plain Ordinance. and storage of stormwater. This in turn would help The Village should continue to enforce County the Public Works Department prioritize projects for regulations for existing and future developments. implementation based on funds available and need. Specific attention should be paid to the industrial areas along Willow Creek and commercial H&H analysis is currently underway for the Redmond development within the Irving Park Corridor. Reservoir, as is a study to bring ten non-compliant sites into compliance with the DuPage County Maintenance of existing detention and retention Stormwater and Floodplain Management Ordinance, facilities is also critical. The Village’s Public Works both with assistance from engineering consultants. Department should continue to monitor these facilities with an inspection program that ensures each Launch outreach and education program. detention and retention pond can accommodate the In addition to enforcing regulations and upgrading required run-off volumes. stormwater infrastructure, the Village should create a comprehensive outreach and education program Implement short and mid-term priority to educate elected officials, appointed officials, and projects. the general public on various facets of stormwater The CEDS Study identifies existing drainage and management. The Village’s Public Works Department, flooding issues within the Silver Creek and Addison with assistance from the Community and Economic Creek watersheds. Hydrology and hydraulic models Development Department, should develop a series of the drainage system were developed to support the of outreach and education materials that include evaluation of alternatives. Key short and mid-term presentations and distribution materials. Examples of

80 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN outreach and education activities include: Participate in Municipal Partnering Initiative of DuPage County. • Information for residents on Village website The Village of Glenview initiated the creation of the regarding simple techniques to reduce runoff and Northern Illinois Municipal Partnering Initiative, a water loss. shared services agreement between 21 communities • Simple tips to prevent water loss printed on in Cook and Lake County. This innovative cost-saving residential water bills. measure currently allows participating communities to negotiate pricing for services by issuing joint • Posters with information about stormwater runoff contracts. Contracts may vary from painting fire and preventive measures posted at Village Hall and hydrants to infrastructure improvements. Park District facilities. • Presentations by Public Works officials at Village A number of Public Works Departments are events. considering a similar collaborative in DuPage County, • Presentations by Public Works officials or external and Bensenville should initiate these discussions agency to elected officials and Commissions on internally, as well as participate in discussions with stormwater management, County ordinance, best other interested communities. A collaborative would practices, case studies, etc. allow the Village to negotiate pricing for several key infrastructure projects, including those related to • Presentations by Village officials in local schools. storm-sewer and water main upgrades. As a first step, This suggested list should be modified or expanded the Village’s Public Works Department should review by the Village, as per department capacity and outside upcoming new contracts and contract renewals to see resources available. Outreach, however, should be if other communities are willing to partner on these initiated with immediate effect in some form, and initiatives and negotiate joint contracts. expanded over time. Preserve open space and introduce innovative design elements. Parks and open spaces can play a role in stormwater Long-Term (5-10 years) management as well, and the Village and Park District Recommendations should consider working together to capture these Continue to upgrade infrastructure as per CIP. benefits. Merely by preserving the existing parks such The 2013 Community Investment Plan identifies a that they retain their permeable surfaces, the Village number of reconstruction projects in the industrial can significantly reduce stormwater management costs and residential areas related to water system by capturing precipitation and/or slowing its runoff. improvements, sanitary sewer improvements, and The Village and Park District should ensure that any storm sewer improvements. The goal of the storm construction of facilities or amenities in public parks sewer improvements is to improve stormwater does not cause an increase in the amount of run-off by conveyance through the business districts, eliminate creating more impervious surfaces. properties from the FEMA floodplain, and add curb Innovative design elements could be introduced in and gutter in road reconstruction projects. parks to assist with stormwater management such The Village should continue to work closely with as native plantings, community gardening beds, the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference planting beds, and drainage swales. Similar efforts (DMMC) to acquire funding to upgrade stormwater could potentially be pursued with the schools, where infrastructure while incorporating innovative BMPs, they can also serve a valuable educational purpose. wherever possible. Installations for stormwater management can be used by school teachers as outdoor classrooms to aid

Natural Areas Plan 81 in teaching lessons about the natural environment. Longer term and administrative actions identified Stormwater management features can be used in the Strategic Plan should be discussed internally to demonstrate to high school students how civil within the Park District and prioritized on the basis of engineering and landscape architecture shape the need and funding available. built environment and mitigate the effects of urban development. Create Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA). The Park District should consider entering into a formal sharing agreement with Bensenville School District 2, Fenton Community High School District 100, Bensenville Community Public Library District, Enhancing/Expanding and the Village to maximize access to existing open Open Space space as well as provide a variety of recreational amenities to its residents. Agreements should also Near-Term (1-5 years) Recommendations be explored with neighboring communities as a way Implement Park District’s Strategic Plan. to allow residents access to additional amenities The Bensenville Park District adopted a Vision 2015 and bring in visitors. Potential communities to share Strategic Plan that outlines specific recommendations services with include neighboring Elmhurst and Wood to improve the District’s operations, programming, Dale. These partnerships would allow the Bensenville administration, and communication. Specific Park District to: recommendations that should be prioritized for implementation in the Near-Term include: • Better maintain parks and recreational facilities due to improved operational efficiency. • Support implementation of the Varble Spray Park • Share the cost of personnel. improvement project. • Share usage of open space and associated buildings. • Consider acquisition of relevant park property north • Explore the joint development of facilities or joint of Irving Park Road, west of York Road, and east of contracts for services. IL 83. • Collaborate on grant applications. • Support Fischer Farm as an enterprise fund project for development as a site of historical and ecological • Expand stormwater management capacity. significance. Examples of IGAs include the one between the Park • Support the development of an intergovernmental District and Village for the former Mohawk School pedestrian/bicycle transportation plan that includes site, and the one between the School District 2 and the local communities within the Park District. Village at the Tioga school site. • Support the development of the Wood Dale Launch a community gardening program. Road/Klein Parcel park site per Land and Water There are many benefits to developing community Conservation Funds (LWCF) requirements. gardens in Bensenville, including enhanced • Support the addition of technologically advanced neighborhood character and sense of community, signage in key locations in the District for public increased access to locally grown produce, and information dissemination. decreased Park District and Village costs associated • Support the improvement of website, Internet with maintenance. The Bensenville Park District and and mobile applications for communication with Village should create a community gardening program customers using parks and recreation programs, to facilitate garden development in appropriate facilities and services, and with residents of the Park locations, such as within open space areas and District in general. available portions of schoolyards. Moving forward,

82 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN the Village should also ensure that its development Long-Term (5-10 years) regulations permit community gardens within most or Recommendations all zoning districts. Maintenance of gardens would be the responsibility of the entity that owns the property. Continue to build additional recreational amenities. There are many different ways to organize community The Park District should continue to apply for grants gardening programs. Some communities offer such as KaBOOM!, OSLAD grants, and Park and garden space at no cost to residents in return for Recreation Facility Construction grant (PARC) that will maintenance and upkeep. Another approach is to allow it to build additional open spaces as well as new establish a lease program whereby a not-for-profit facilities within existing parks. KaBOOM! is a national organization, or group of individuals with a not- non-profit dedicated to developing the nation’s for-profit sponsor, creates gardens for a low fee. recreational infrastructure for children. The OSLAD The Village and Park District should pursue grant and PARC grants are offered through the Illinois opportunities to build community gardens as they Department of arise, preferably as a joint effort. Natural Resources and provide funds to acquire and develop land for parks and open space purposes as well as construct recreational facilities.

Natural Areas Plan Photo credit: Bensenville Village Staff 83 233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 800 HeadlineChicago, IL 60606

312-454-0400 [email protected]

www.cmap.illinois.gov

Figure 1. Insert graphic title here.

Source: Insert source here.

FY15-0000 84 BENSENVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN