Officials: Share Your Feedback on Transportation Plan

Thanks to a $120,000 grant from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), the , with an eye on planning for the future.

And residents can take an active part in shaping that plan by sharing their ideas on what projects should be a priority when it comes to improving the village’s infrastructure.

In July, the village hired engineering firm Baxter & Woodman and planning consultants Teska Associates to complete the study.

Baxter & Woodman Chief Operating Officer Lou Haussmann was at the meeting Monday to urge residents to share their input either by attending public meetings on the project or by submitting comments on the project website, www.plainfieldtransportation.com.

So far, the site has gotten 1,100 hits — a total Haussmann called “a tremendous number for a transportation plan.”

Roughly 60 comments have been submitted so far on topics ranging from roads to bike paths to transit plans. Commenters can even post photos to illustrate their points, Haussmann said.

“It really has been a nice tool to engage the public,” he added.

Additional comments were gathered Aug. 21 during a public meeting that coincided with ’s Cruise Night.

According to Baxter & Woodman staff, the following issues seem to comprise residents’ top concerns and comments:

• Building the 143rd Street extension
• A request for more channelization at intersections along Route 59
• The need to close gaps by extending bike paths and sidewalks
• The need for more sidewalks on Lockport Street west of the pedestrian bridge

Haussmann said comments and suggestions will be used to create a list of potential projects. That list will be presented to residents at a public meeting on Nov. 14.

In the meantime, he urged residents to visit the project website and leave more feedback.

“It’s not too late to add comments,” Haussmann said.

“The goal of this study is to consider the soon-to-be completed Comprehensive Plan updates, previously completed studies and plans and incorporate them into a single, more manageable document,” Superintendent of Public Works Randy Jessen said in a memo to the board. “The study will also look at current and future land uses within the community with additional consideration provided for the historic downtown area.”

Jessen said the transportation plan update will be completed by June 2013.