| The Northeastern Illinois region
continues to grow much like Daniel Burnham suggested in 1909. Throughout
the past century, planners have tried to stay ahead of growth trends
to assure our infrastructure needs are met. The planning of our
schools, parks, power, sewer, water, and transportation systems
is important to our quality of life.
Our Region Continues to Grow
The map below shows that the growth pattern has now reached the
counties of Will, Kendall, Kane, and Grundy. As an example, as seen
in the 1990 - 2000 Population Change table, Kendall County population
increased 39%. An increase of this size changes the needs and desires
of the people within the community, which often leads to a debate
as to how the growth should be managed.
{ View
Urban Density In Chicago CMSA + La Salle County - Year 2002
}
1990 - 2000 Population Change
| County |
Population |
Change
% |
| |
1990 |
2000 |
|
| DeKalb |
78,300 |
89,200 |
+14 % |
| Grundy |
32,500 |
37,600 |
+16 % |
| Kane |
319,600 |
406,000 |
+27 % |
| Kendall |
39,500 |
54,900 |
+39 % |
| LaSalle |
107,100 |
111,600 |
+4 % |
| Will |
359,300 |
505,600 |
+41 % |
| Total |
936,300 |
1,204,900 |
+29 % |
Fortunately for all of us, this decision is usually worked out
at the local level where the members of a community negotiate a
balanced plan for land use that take into account the different
interests of the residents and business. The result of this process
is local land use plans and zoning ordinances, which determine where
factories, schools, apartments, retail centers, and homes are to
be built. It also preserves areas for agriculture, parks, wetlands,
and other community features that add to our quality of life.
 |
The evolving changes in land use and zoning are determined by the
community. However, this evolution of land uses creates different
population and employment centers. This change in population and
employment results in an increase in the need to travel outside
of the community. Different travel demands and patterns emerge between
the communities. This can create a regional issue that is beyond
the control of an individual community, which escalates the planning
needs to a regional level.
Why Do We Need a Study?
Regional planning encourages communities to work together to ensure
that a transportation system is available that will allow us to
make direct, timely, and safe trips between communities. The Illinois
Department of Transportation (IDOT) wants to ensure:
-
Mobility and safety as you make your local and
regional trips in the future.
-
Regional transportation systems can handle the
future travel demands that will be generated by the evolving
land uses currently planned by your communities.
|
