Substantial enhancements are being planned for downtown Lake Zurich, with a $4 million streetscape upgrade intended to give the area a completely new look. This project is set to begin in 2022 and aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown area, while also making it more attractive for businesses.
The focus of these improvements will be on Main Street between Church Street and Old Rand Road. The project planners have proposed wide sidewalks, new streetlights, street furniture, trees, and more parking spaces. The new design will also feature a "road diet," which involves reducing the number of lanes to slow down traffic and make the area more pedestrian-friendly.
The Mayor of Lake Zurich, Tom Poynton, explained that the village has been planning such improvements for many years. The goal is to create a downtown area that will not only attract new businesses but also become a destination place where residents and visitors will want to spend their time.
However, this project also comes with challenges. One of the main concerns is how to keep the downtown businesses operational during the construction phase. To address this, the village is trying to ensure that the construction will be done in stages and access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
The project is being funded through a special taxing district, known as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, which allows the village to use future increases in property tax revenues from the district to pay for the improvements. The village board has already approved a contract with a civil engineering company to create a detailed plan for the streetscape project.
The Lake Zurich Community Development Director, Sarosh Saher, said that the project is about more than just beautification. It's about economic development, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and positioning Lake Zurich for a sustainable future. He believes that these improvements will be a catalyst for private investments in the downtown area.
The streetscape project is a part of a larger, long-term plan for Lake Zurich. In the future, the village hopes to add more residential properties downtown, create a town square, and possibly construct a new village hall and police station downtown. These plans aim to make Lake Zurich a more vibrant and bustling place for its residents and visitors.