Franklin Park Grand Avenue Corridor Plan

Final Corridor Plan

Thank you to everyone who participated in the corridor planning process! Your feedback and ideas helped craft the plan recommendations. The Grand Avenue Corridor Plan was adopted by the Village of Franklin Park Board of Trustees on March 3, 2025. Para Español, haga clic aquí. Po ankietę po polsku kliknij tutaj.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is partnering with the Village of Franklin Park to create a plan to transform Grand Avenue into a safe, accessible, and thriving corridor. The plan will help residents and elected and appointed officials guide future actions, decisions and development in the community.

The Franklin Park Grand Avenue Corridor Plan will focus on:

Enhancing transportation safety and make Grand Avenue safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles alike.
Making Grand Avenue pedestrian-friendly through streetscaping and intersection improvements to create a more walkable and enjoyable experience for all.
Promoting access to public transit along the Grand Avenue corridor by making it more convenient and seamless to reach bus stops.
Making Grand Avenue equally accessible by walking, biking and bus and private transport.
Identifying economic development opportunities and strategies to support small businesses and utilize vacant properties.

The study area focuses on Grand Avenue from Mannheim Road to Elm Street within Franklin Park.

Para Español, haga clic aquí.

Po ankietę po polsku kliknij tutaj.

Final Corridor Plan

The Franklin Park Grand Avenue Corridor Plan will focus on:

Enhancing transportation safety and make Grand Avenue safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles alike.
Making Grand Avenue pedestrian-friendly through streetscaping and intersection improvements to create a more walkable and enjoyable experience for all.
Promoting access to public transit along the Grand Avenue corridor by making it more convenient and seamless to reach bus stops.
Making Grand Avenue equally accessible by walking, biking and bus and private transport.
Identifying economic development opportunities and strategies to support small businesses and utilize vacant properties.

The study area focuses on Grand Avenue from Mannheim Road to Elm Street within Franklin Park.

Para Español, haga clic aquí.

Po ankietę po polsku kliknij tutaj.

2024 Tree Lighting and Winterfest

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On December 5th, the CMAP team attended the annual Tree Lighting and Winterfest for the second year in a row. We handed out bookmarks explaining "what is a corridor plan" and shared a survey QR code for residents to prioritize the plan’s goals and recommendations.
On December 5th, the CMAP team attended the annual Tree Lighting and Winterfest for the second year in a row. We handed out bookmarks explaining "what is a corridor plan" and shared a survey QR code for residents to prioritize the plan’s goals and recommendations.
Street Dance

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On July 12th, the CMAP team attended Franklin Park’s annual Street Dance where we shared information about the corridor plan and engaged attendees with a fun activity. Thanks to anyone who stopped by!
On July 12th, the CMAP team attended Franklin Park’s annual Street Dance where we shared information about the corridor plan and engaged attendees with a fun activity. Thanks to anyone who stopped by!
Railroad Daze

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The CMAP team had a blast at Railroad Daze! We talked to hundreds of community members and gathered valuable feedback to inform the Grand Avenue Corridor Plan. We plan to attend several other events this summer, so stay tuned for more!
The CMAP team had a blast at Railroad Daze! We talked to hundreds of community members and gathered valuable feedback to inform the Grand Avenue Corridor Plan. We plan to attend several other events this summer, so stay tuned for more!
Existing Conditions Report is now available!

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The existing conditions report for the Grand Avenue Corridor Plan is now available! You can access it here or in the "Documents" widget on the right-hand side of the website.
The existing conditions report for the Grand Avenue Corridor Plan is now available! You can access it here or in the "Documents" widget on the right-hand side of the website.
Steering committee meeting #1 recap

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We held our first steering committee on April 29th at the Franklin Park Public Library. During the meeting, CMAP presented the draft existing conditions report, solicited feedback, and answered questions. The committee also developed shared values and discussed goals for the plan. Shared values are important because they guide the work and efforts of the committee and determine how members interact with each other.

Attendance

Members in attendance:  Daniel LoCascio (Park District of Franklin Park), Jennifer Hamilton (Leyden Family Services), Adam Eichenberger (Pace Suburban Bus), Thomas Robbins (Pace Suburban Bus), David Katzin (School District 84), Marcin Wrobel (Franklin Park Public Library), Walther J Villacorta (Doceo Real Estate), Jose Ramos (Doceo Real Estate), Donald Olsen (Olson's Ace Hardware), Andy Smolen (Village of Franklin Park)

Not present:  April Arellano (Village of Franklin Park), Pat Letarte (Franklin Park plan commission)

CMAP: Lily Brack, Vickie Barrett, Elizabeth Miller, Tom Murtha, and Beatrix Yan

We held our first steering committee on April 29th at the Franklin Park Public Library. During the meeting, CMAP presented the draft existing conditions report, solicited feedback, and answered questions. The committee also developed shared values and discussed goals for the plan. Shared values are important because they guide the work and efforts of the committee and determine how members interact with each other.

Attendance

Members in attendance:  Daniel LoCascio (Park District of Franklin Park), Jennifer Hamilton (Leyden Family Services), Adam Eichenberger (Pace Suburban Bus), Thomas Robbins (Pace Suburban Bus), David Katzin (School District 84), Marcin Wrobel (Franklin Park Public Library), Walther J Villacorta (Doceo Real Estate), Jose Ramos (Doceo Real Estate), Donald Olsen (Olson's Ace Hardware), Andy Smolen (Village of Franklin Park)

Not present:  April Arellano (Village of Franklin Park), Pat Letarte (Franklin Park plan commission)

CMAP: Lily Brack, Vickie Barrett, Elizabeth Miller, Tom Murtha, and Beatrix Yan
Community workshop

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The CMAP project team engaged with community members at a workshop on January 24, 2024. Participants were invited to provide feedback on the types of businesses they would like to see along Grand Avenue; where unsafe intersections are located; what they would like to see more of along Grand Avenue; and much more! This was one of many opportunities for community members to get involved in the Grand Avenue Corridor Plan.
The CMAP project team engaged with community members at a workshop on January 24, 2024. Participants were invited to provide feedback on the types of businesses they would like to see along Grand Avenue; where unsafe intersections are located; what they would like to see more of along Grand Avenue; and much more! This was one of many opportunities for community members to get involved in the Grand Avenue Corridor Plan.
Tree Lighting and Winterfest

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On November 30th, the CMAP team embraced the holiday spirit at the annual Tree Lighting and Winterfest. We spread awareness about the corridor plan, asked passers-by about their vision for the future of Grand Avenue, and what their favorite thing is about Franklin Park.
On November 30th, the CMAP team embraced the holiday spirit at the annual Tree Lighting and Winterfest. We spread awareness about the corridor plan, asked passers-by about their vision for the future of Grand Avenue, and what their favorite thing is about Franklin Park.