NIPC Readies 2040 Regional Plan

The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) is making final edits to its 2040 Regional Framework Plan. The unveiling of the "Common Ground" blueprint for regional action is set for Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 10:15 am on the 99th floor of the Sears Tower.

A single elegant statement best describes this regional planning process. "Northeastern Illinois will be a region of livable communities, built on the diversity of its people, known for its healthy natural environment, global competiveness, and governed collaboratively."

Managing land use and transportation issues here in Northeastern Illinois is a daunting challenge. In order to master that challenge, we must share a common vision for the future.

As mayors and elected public officials it is easy to say, "You take care of your town, and we'll take care of ours." But the stark reality is that we must do better than that. We must learn to think in the best interests of our region, as we act in the best interests of our communities.

When you look at the NIPC map, you will notice that everything in white is projected to be fully developed by 2040. There is precious little farmland and open space left in the Chicagland region to enjoy by then. Knowing what lies ahead, in terms of dealing with the rapid development headed our way, is a truly concerning part of the regional plan.

Our own Kane County Regional Plan seeks to preserve 50 percent of Kane County in agriculture and open space through 2030. This will not happen unless we all work together with a shared commitment to control growth in western Kane County.

We in Elburn are doing our best to plan and build a compact interconnected community centered around an existing downtown and future Metra station. We are also attempting to contain future development by building first within the natural creek and wetland buffers that surround our community. We seek to preserve farmland and open space by considering transit oriented densities around our future train station. And, we also plan for a variety and mix of housing units in Elburn, so our residents and families can live their entire life cycle right here, if they so choose.

Elburn's future is bright, but there is much to do. The NIPC planning document is a non-binding framework plan. It sets a high standard of what our shared planning efforts could accomplish. Hopefully, others will join us as we continue to apply thoughtful local action to achieve a regional vision.