Arlington Heights officials are looking to increase the community’s appeal. According to the Daily Herald, village trustees recently reviewed the 50-page South Arlington Heights Road Corridor Plan, which outlines a vision to make its downtown areas more pedestrian friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and open to new developments. The village is also planning several other improvement projects through the spring and summer.

Updated Public Parking Garages

Photo courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights

The multi-year, four-phase project led by Arlington Heights village includes updating and repairing four village-owned parking garages in downtown. According to the Daily Herald, the improvements will cover the North garage at Arlington Heights Road and Miner Street, the Municipal garage by village hall, the Vail garage, and the Evergreen garage. Construction is expected to be completed by July and will cost $2.3 million in total. 

The Vail garage will see an improved pedestrian sightline for increased safety. The Evergreen garage will go through pavement restriping, concrete repairs, waterproofing, door and stair upgrades, and caulking. 

Landscaped Medians and Updated Streets

Photo courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights

When Arlington Heights Road was widened, a number of trees were removed to accommodate the project. With the new plan, public improvements include adding more greenery back to the corridor, including landscaped medians. In order to make the area more aesthetically pleasing, the village’s department of planning and community development suggested burying utility lines. But this is both difficult and costly, ranging in price between $2.5 million and $5 million to complete.

A new traffic signal is also planned for Arlington Heights Road north of Algonquin Road, which will help with traffic flow for the future redevelopment of the Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 property. 

Improved Pedestrian Features

Photo courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights

Sidewalks and crosswalks updates will help to accommodate increased foot traffic in the area. Two years ago at a public meeting, hotel operators in the area voiced concern for making the area more pedestrian-friendly and less car-dependent. Sidewalks would be relocated eight to 10 feet away from curbs to provide a safer gap for those walking. Crosswalks will feature stamped, colored concrete at major intersections and be 12 feet wide. Plans also include updated timing systems for pedestrians to cross the street. 

Less Restrictive Zoning Rules

Photo courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights

The corridor plan outlines ideas to support development of vacant land in the village in the area between the Jane Addams Tollway and north of Golf Road. The area is currently home to seven hotels and a collection of office buildings, and the other vacant space is ideal for redevelopment. In order to redevelop some of the land, officials are urged to make zoning allowances for mixed-use developments. Residential and commercial uses of the area along the east side of Arlington Heights Road are being considered.

Funding for the projects is unclear, but general village funds, tax increment financing, or a special service area are all options considered.