LA GRANGE, IL – A consultant for La Grange said this week he often heard two things about residents’ desires for the village’s West End.
“It was sort of interesting that so many comments were, ‘Oh, it’s got great character, keep it the way it is’ and ‘Oh, it’s got great opportunity for development,'” Michael Blue of Teska Associates told the Village Board.
Based on local feedback, Blue has drafted a long-term growth plan for the village. The board reviewed the plan at its meeting Monday.
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The West End is the western extension of La Grange’s downtown, along Hillgrove and Burlington avenues.
Earlier this summer, the Village Board approved a four-story apartment building, with businesses on the first floor. This was despite neighbors’ opposition.
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The growth plan, Blue said, calls for preserving and enhancing the West End.
“One of the great things about the West End is the open space at the Stone Avenue (Metra) Station, not just in that open space but how it creates a feel for the entire West End,” he said.
He also said Lyons Township High School plays a big role in the West End.
The proposed plan describes the West End as having a more relaxed atmosphere than the core downtown area.
“The area has a historic character but can feel disjointed due to the lack of consistency in land uses and building types along Burlington Avenue and Hillgrove Avenue,” the plan states.
Blue also spoke about the North End, which is along North La Grange Road.
“It’s the northern gateway to the community. It’s of a much different character from downtown. It’s much more auto-oriented,” he said.
While it is the smallest part of the downtown area, Blue said, it’s perhaps the most visible, given its location along La Grange Road and Ogden Avenue.
One of the proposed goals for the North End is to make pedestrians and bicyclists more comfortable.
The Village Board plans to revisit the long-term plan at its Oct. 14 meeting.
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