Libertyville Starting Work on Transit-Oriented Development Plan

The village of Libertyville, located about 40 miles northwest of Chicago in Lake County, has announced plans to develop a  transit-oriented development plan to enhance the area surrounding its Metra station, thanks in part to funding from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The plan will review the existing conditions of the village’s transportation infrastructure, policies and operations and find ways to improve rider access to public transportation, while attracting residential and commercial development to the area. Funding for the $100,000 plan is made up of $80,000 from the RTA’s Community Planning program and $20,000 from the village of Libertyville. The plan is expected to be completed in 2016.

"The RTA is pleased to collaborate with the village of Libertyville on their vision and assist in providing funds and technical assistance toward the development of their transit-oriented development plan,” said Leanne Redden, RTA executive director.

The village of Libertyville will collect data and public input to help determine what enhancements may be recommended for the community. Information will be collected through focus groups and stakeholder interviews, and through a public workshop and public open house that will focus on the public’s opinion on the redevelopment potential for the area.

The plan will ultimately make recommendations to guide the village in establishing vibrant, transit-oriented development surrounding its Metra station. Recommendations may include multi-family residential development, commercial and retail development, and improvements to pedestrian, bicycle, public transit and vehicular circulation around the station. 

This is one of many TOD planning and implementation projects funded through the RTA’s Community Planning Program. To date, the program has completed more than 100 TOD and implementation plans since the late 1990’s using a combination of RTA, local and federal funds, totaling nearly $10 million.