FAQs

In general, corridor plans develop goals for improvements along a specific street, and propose projects to address these goals. This plan will develop goals related to bicycle and pedestrian improvements and economic development opportunities along the Taft Avenue corridor. Projects could include possible pedestrian amenities such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and other amenities like benches, wayfinding signage, etc. Other recommendations could include the implementation of additional modes of transportation to further advance connectivity to transit stops and stations. The plan will include an implementation strategy that prioritizes and suggests phasing for the recommendations.

The Prairie Path and Taft Avenue Corridor Plan will:

• Establish a shared vision and goals for the Prairie Path and Taft Avenue Corridor 
• Identify improvements to pedestrian and bicycle amenities along the Prairie Path 
• Identify opportunities to attract businesses to the Taft Avenue Corridor 
• Identify opportunities to enhance parks and open space for residents and path users

The plan is being developed by the Village of Berkeley, Village of Hillside, and the Berkeley Park District, in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The plan development is also guided by the project's Steering Committee, which is made up of residents and local stakeholders. 

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is the regional planning agency for northeastern Illinois. CMAP serves the Chicago region's seven counties and 284 municipalities.

The agency was established in 2005 with the mission to plan comprehensively for economic prosperity and quality of life.

CMAP and its partners developed and are now implementing ON TO 2050, a new long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. To learn more about CMAP, visit www.cmap.illinois.gov

The planning process includes five phases. 

Phase 1: Project Initiation and Orientation 

In this phase, a project kick-off meeting with the Villages of Berkeley and Hillside was held in summer 2020. A brief summary of the study area and a project webpage were also developed. 

Phase 2: Existing Conditions Analysis

In the second phase, the team conducted research on existing conditions within the study area. This included an analysis of economic development conditions, transportation options near the study area, as well as an analysis of open space and natural resources. The analysis was compiled into an Existing Conditions Report, which is posted on this page under Project Documents. A video that provides an overview of the report is also included on this project page. The project's Steering Committee will review and provide feedback on this report prior to moving into the next phase. 

Phase 3: Visioning and Plan Development

During this phase, the project team will engage the community in developing a shared vision for the study area. Stakeholder engagement will allow residents to provide input about their future vision for the Prairie Path and Taft Avenue Corridor, and begin to identify key themes and priorities to be included in the plan. The project team will use this input to begin drafting the plan. After the plan is drafted it will be reviewed by the Villages of Berkeley and Hillside as well as the Steering Committee, and revised accordingly. 

Phase 4: Public Review and Adoption

In this phase, the draft corridor plan will be presented to the public. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. The Villages of Berkeley and Hillside will lead the plan adoption efforts.  

Phase 5: Implementation Guidance

Following the completion of the plan, CMAP staff will continue to work with partners to adopt or formally accept the plan as well as use the plan’s momentum to implement plan recommendations.

The plan is estimated to be complete in summer 2021.