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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Stephane Phifer, Planning and Zoning Director
DATE: September 21, 2017
SUBJECT:
Ordinance Approving Revisions to Aurora's Comprehensive Plan for Property Located Adjacent to the Fox River from Illinois Avenue on the North and North Avenue on the South and Approving the Updated Downtown Master Plan (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) - 15-00569 / AU22/2-14.347-COMP - SP)
PURPOSE:
To update the Future (STF) Master Plan for Downtown in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning ("CMAP") as part of their Local Technical Assistance ("LTA") program.
BACKGROUND:
The Seize the Future Master Plan for Downtown Aurora was approved in August of 2006 which provided a 10 year plan and long term vision for downtown (Master Plan: https://www.aurora-il.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2859). This economic development plan for the area is a valuable tool for conveying to future developers the ultimate vision for the many unique neighborhoods portrayed.
In 2014 Planning and Zoning staff applied to CMAP's Local Technical Assistance program to complement and enhance this Master Plan with a component dedicated to developing arts, culture, and entertainment and to optimizing the transportation opportunities and the walkability of the downtown and was successfully approved for the grant. The "grant" consists of planning staff assistance from CMAP, there are no dollars associated with this award. The partnership with the CMAP brings with it the expertise of the regional planning authority to develop an amendment to the update to the STF Downtown Master Plan to address walkability goals and potential enhancements and to capture and incorporate the growing art and culture movement in the downtown.
In June of 2015 the City entered in to a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with a Scope of Work ("SOW") establishing the terms and parameters by which the two organizations' staff members will partner for t...
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