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Home My WebLink AboutOrdinances - MC-08-971 - 09/29/2008 - AMEND COMP PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT POLICIES TEXT ONLYORDINANCE NO. MC-08-971 An Ordinance Amending City of McHenry Municipal Code, Chapter 17 Section 17-3 Comprehensive Plan and Development Policies BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MCHENRY, MCHENRY COUNTY, as follows: SECTION 1: That Chapter 17, Article I, Planning and Zoning Generally, Section 17-3 Comprehensive Plan, be modified and annotated to reflect the text updates and language amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Polices as presented to the McHenry City Council at its September 29, 2008 regularly scheduled meeting and hereby attached as Exhibit A. SECTION 2: If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, sentence or provision of this ordinance shall be adjudged by any Court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, invalidate or nullify the remainder thereof, which remainder shall remain and continue in full force and effect. Section 3: All ordinances or parts thereof in conflict are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. Section 4: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet form as provided by law. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None Not Voting: None Abstaining: None Absent: None Passed and approved this 29'h day of September, 2008. APPROVED: --- ------------------- Mayor ATTEST:------- --- -------------------- City er McHenry Comprehensive Plan and Development Policies car o� McHenry CITY OF NIMENRY Meant 4 tlse 74x Mayor Susan E. Low Aldermen: Ward 1: Vic Santi Ward 2: Andrew Glab Ward 3: Jeffrey Schaefer Ward 4: Steven Murgatroyd Ward 5: Richard Wimmer Ward 6: Robert Peterson Ward 7: Geri Condon City Clerk: Janice Jones Treasurer: David Welter Administrator: Doug Maxeiner For Additional Information, contact the City Planner or Deputy City Administrator City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 2 2008 0(f ad McHenry CITY OF MCHENRY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 2008 Table of Contents Chapter1 Introduction........................................................................................................4 LocationMap........................................................................................................ 8 Chapter2 Community Profile.............................................................................................. 9 ExistingLand Use Map.......................................................................................... 19 Existing Transportation Map.................................................................................. 20 Chapter3 Overall Goals...................................................................................................... 21 Chapter4 Land Use.............................................................................................................. 24 Sub -Area Map....................................................................................................... 32 FutureLand Use Plan ............................................................................................ 33 Chapter5 Transportation.................................................................................................... 34 Future Transportation Plan .................................................................................... 42 BikePath Plan ........................................................................................................ 43 Chapter6 Neighborhood Character................................................................................... 44 Chapter7 Economic Development...................................................................................... 51 Chapter8 Parks and Recreation........................................................................................ 56 ParksMap............................................................................................................. 60 Chapter9 Public Facilities................................................................................................... 61 Chapter10 Implementation Plan........................................................................................ 67 City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 3 2008 McHenry 1 INTRODUCTION City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 4 2008 c,,.# Introduction McHenry City of McHenry The City of McHenry is located in east central McHenry County, Illinois, as shown on the Location Map at the end of the chapter. It lies along the Fox River approximately 55 miles northwest of the Chicago loop and 35 miles from O'Hare International Airport. The City is centered on two major State highways, Illinois Route 31 which runs north and south from Wisconsin to South Elgin and Illinois Route 120 which runs west and east from Woodstock to Park City. Many visitors pass through the city because of its location along these two highways. These visitors are attracted to the City because of its unique mix of businesses and recreational activities. As people: seek homes and jobs in friendly, less congested, and historic communities, McHenry becomes more and more attractive to new families and new businesses. The history of the City is an asset and a resource which adds to the distinctive character and quality of life. The city was settled in 1836 and was incorporated in 1872. The railroad, which was completed in 1854, was a major force in attracting commerce and industry. There are residential and commercial districts which still reflect the unique architectural character of the late 19`h and early 20`h century. These structures provide a vivid picture of the economic, technological and financial forces of the past which forged the modern City of McHenry. The City has established a Landmark Commission to foster this preservation effort. Efforts are underway to recognize and interpret sites, structures and districts of historic value by local interest groups. To conserve open space the City has taken the initiative to establish environmental corridors which will furnish open space, recreation and aesthetic value to our community. These corridors will eventually link all parts of the City to each other and to major recreational resources including the Fox River, state; and local parks and recreational facilities such as bike paths. The City has also begun to revitalize its historic commercial areas and link them to the waterfront and to neighborhood areas. Extensive new retail centers, particularly in the north part of town along IL Route 31, furnish goods, services, and retail tax revenues for the City. The City wants to create an environment conducive to stimulating new business investment and attractive to individuals and families of diverse backgrounds who will be responsible citizens. New local businesses will increase the selection of goods and services convenient to existing and future residents of the City and help provide jobs and a balanced economic base. The City prides itself on having adopted The Six Pillars of Character; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. These pillars represent how the community as a whole acts in their everyday lives. Even visitors can feel the charm of our Hometown Community. The City Departments work to provide the best customer service to everyone doing business with the City. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 5 2008 c,,� 4 Introduction McHenry Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan (Plan) is to shape and guide the type, intensity, rate and quality of growth, so that new development achieves the objectives of the City of McHenry within the available resources. The Plan includes Land Use Maps which establish a blue print for how the City's growth and development 'will progress. The Future Land Use Plan and specific goals and development policies for McHenry are presented in Chapter 3. They reflect an understanding of the City's problems, opportunities, needs and aspirations for the future. The Plan seeks to identify how land and natural resources can be used for the benefit of both individual property owners and the overall community. Although the focus of the Plan is on land use and supporting infrastructure, it has considered social, economic, environmental, institutional and cultural factors and values. The Plan is a ;general and long range view of a desired land use pattern at full development within McHenry's planning jurisdiction. Land uses can include permanent open space, transportation facilities and even agriculture. The authority to prepare a Plan, and its power to guide growth, is derived from State statutes. The Plan is a policy guide for elected and appointed officials as they review development plans and capital improvements. It is also a guide for land owners and developers to the City's vision for the future and its development policies. The written policies are as important as the Future Land Use Plan in presenting the City's vision for the future. The Plan provides a framework by which to balance and coordinate public and private development. Individual decisions can be made within a policy framework designed to achieve long term goals so that the total impact is greater than the sum of the parts. This helps to leverage the positive effects and avoid or minimize the negative aspects of growth, and to make the most efficient use of scarce human, financial, institutional and material resources. Why McHenry Needs a Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan is intended to: • Stimulate discussion and understanding of a shared vision for the future; • Guide the City toward realizing a shared vision of the future, relating where it is, where it is headed, and where it wants to go; • Plan ahead for projects that have a long lead time; and, • Be pro -active rather than reactive to problems, opportunities and challenges. City of McHenry - Comprehensive Plan 6 2008 cy,# Introduction McHenry The Comprehensive Plan Update Process The City of McHenry adopted an amended "Development Plan" in 1990. Many of the public improvements called for in that Plan had been implemented, or were in the process of being implemented by 1997. In 1999, the City adopted an updated Plan to consider what had actually occurred since 1990 and to respond to new challenges arising from local and regional growth in population and employment. The City also sought to recognize evolving community .aspirations and new development opportunities. The 1999 Comprehensive Plan is being updated in 2008 to better reflect current conditions. Significant growth has occurred since 1999 and the Community Profile and Land Use: Maps need updating to reflect this. There was also a need to include several new sections 'in order for the City to better plan for the future. This update adds sections on Housing, Economic Development, Public Facilities, Safety, Cost of Development and Plan Administration. Although this Plan is a 20-year vision the City should examine the plan every 3-5 years to make necessary changes to remain current with the activities of the City. Minor updates to this Plan shall not require extensive planning work or public hearings. A new 20 year vision plan should be adopted prior to 2028. Planning Jurisdiction and Growth Projections State statutes permit a municipality to plan for an area up to one and one half miles beyond its municipal boundary. McHenry is nearly surrounded by other communities and has entered into Boundary Agreements with Bull Valley, Johnsburg, McCullom Lake, Prairie Grove and Ringwood in order to facilitate inter -governmental coordination. The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, the region's official Metropolitan Planning Organization, has projected the year 2030 population to be 48,502 persons. The actual rate of growth and extent of the land consumed by development will be dependent on the degree to which new construction occurs on platted vacant lots within the City and the density of new subdivisions. The City has experienced the growth of the past and knows that it will continue to occur. This Plan will prepare goals and objectives to address the future needs of the City. City of McHenry - Comprehensive Plan 7 2008 Introduction - f Har•.: pro ct,. ei McHenry Location Map City gfMcHenry, McHenry County in the State of 111inois !I�Iscor��lrl i Hebr � n rn____.-_ F21r. t +oncl 173=pr-In3 f �-� �or�nsburg f FIrn7��.�r,7 ++r•F�nwoc+,� , i Lake Bull w,,11 OCF. rear engo r -u 176 � Llnlon 1\ 47 L 7 f. To 150 i r Huntley Fo L 01-- Ohe � Ok 8r1h-!Cq- f L,Ike In The HIIL' Hlgonquir+ 120 .lo HOlIr I7U HIII: F rarle l�r O'fN Llano � VaF-UJooO Lati HIII_ For 67rringl� R j7gj � ar+� T�r�7)iJ Ti, `711?U Fo, Rh,,.r +3ru:e harringt,-gin HIII= City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 8 2008 '4 4 McHenry �J COMMUNITY PROFILE City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 9 2008 C4 4 Community Profile McHenry The City of McHenry has a typical suburban mix of land uses, but is a unique community given its large areas of water, preserved natural areas and three "downtown" areas (Main Street, Green Street and Riverside Drive). The City is served by a fire protection district, two school districts, as well as two wastewater treatment plants. Many of its natural features and historic buildings have been preserved and efforts continue to protect these resources. Two state routes cross in the center of the City where existing development constrains widening. McHenry has been a rapidly growing area in recent history, a trend which is expected to continue well into the next century. Social, Economic and Demographic Factors Demographic Profile The population of McHenry has grown steadily since the Second World War. Census data from the last thirty .years indicates a sharp increase in the 1970's which has continued to the present. The total population of McHenry more than doubled from 1970 to 1990. In 20,04, the US Census Bureau conducted a Special Census that found the City had an official population of 24,493. This demonstrates the trend that the population will continue to grow and diversify. Population Population shows a steady increase over the past 30 years. The population will continue to rise steadily until build out of the property within the City limits. At that point the population will only slightly increase as people who want to move into the area will need to wait until someone moves out or higher density housing is concentrated downtown. Table 2-2 Population Characteristics Population Characteristics 1980 Percent 1990 Percent 2000 Percent Total Persons 10,908 100.0% 16,777 1000% 21,501 100.0% Male 5,207 49.1% 7,723 47 7% 10,463 48.7% Female 5,701 50.9% 8.454 52.3% 11,038 51.3% Median Age 30.9 ---- 32.6 ---- 34.3 --- Persons per Household 2.73 ---- 2.69 ---- 2.7 Race and Ethnic Background While the growth indicated in Table 2-2 has dramatically changed the size and appearance of McHenry over the past twenty years, it has not altered the racial make-up of the community, as shown in Table 2-3. City of McHenry - Comprehensive Plan 10 2008 Community Profile C4°i McHenry Table 2-3 Race and Ethnic Background Population Characteristics 1980 Percent 1990 Percent 2000 Percent White 10,785 95.0% 15,970 98.7% 20,250 94.2% Black 5 0.0% 23 0.14% 75 0.3% American Indian\ Eskimo 1 0.1 % 38 0.23% 45 0.2% Asian%Pacific Islander 74 2.8% 69 2.15% 192 0.9% Hispanic Origin 80 0.4% 347 2.15% 1,527 7.1% Other 43 2.1 % 77 0.48% 711 3.3% The population was 98.7 percent white in the 1990 census and 94.2 percent white in 2000. Between census reports, the minority population has increased in nearly every population subcategory, but not at the same rate as the white population. Persons of Hispanic Origin grew at the greatest rate in this time than any others. Age Demographics The age distribution of the population, shown in Table 2-4, suggests that more young families are joining the community. In 2000, persons between the ages 25 and 44 accounted for a greater percentage of the population (43.5%) than they did in 1990 (28.1 %). The 2000 census also shows an increase in the percentage of children aged nine and younger. By comparison, McHenry County has a greater portion of the population aged 35 to 54, and 15 to 19, indicating the presence of slightly older families. From 1990 to 2000, the City also experienced an increase in the population 75 years and older. When combined with those 65 to 74, the percentage reaches 15.1 percent. This is substantially greater than McHenry County's 65 and over group which accounts for only 9.4 percent of the population. In 2000, the median age for the population of the City of McHenry was 32.6. This figure is comparable to the McHenry County median of 32.2. Table 2-4 Age Distribution City of McHenry McHenry County Age 1980 Percent 1990 Percent 2000 Percent 1990 Percent 2000 Percent Under 5years 862 7.9% 1.514 9.4% 1,565 7.3% 15,798 8.6% 21,110 8.1% 5 to 9 years 804 7.4% 1,288 8.0% 1,816 8.4% 15,644 8.5% 23,044 8.99/6 10to14years 832 7.6% 1,224 7.6% 1,770 8.2% 14,175 7.7% 22,205 8.5% 15 to 19 years 841 7.7% 887 5.5% 1,496 7.0% 12,197 6.7% 18,130 7.0% 20 to 34 years 2,836 26.0% 3,912 24.1% 4,379 20.3% 43,814 22.9% 49,147 18.9% 35 to 54 years 2,048 18.8% 3,874 23.9% 6,606 30 7% 51,564 28.2% 86,121 33.1 % City of McHenry - Comprehensive Plan 11 2009 Community Profile 0,�,f McHenry 55 to 74 years 2,016 18.5% 2,225 13.8% 1,502 7.0% 22,653 12.3% 30,758 11.9% 75 and over 669 6.1% 1,253 7.7% 1,291 6.0% 7,396 4.0% 9,562 3.6% Total 10,908 100.0% 16,177 100.0% 20,425 100 0% 183,241 100.0% 183,241 100.0% Sources U S Bureau of the Census, 1980 Census of Population and Housing U S Bureau of the Census, 1990 Census of Population and Housing U S Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census of Population and Housing Housinp- Characteristics The number of housing units has risen along with the increase in population. As shown in Table 2-5, changes in the age of housing stock over the years indicate that the City has annexed land that includes older homes. Despite such changes, the ratio of owner -occupied dwellings to rentals has remained steady at three to one. This ratio indicates a solid base of citizens invested in the quality and future of McHenry. Table 2-5 Housing Characteristics Housing Characteristics 1980 Percent 1990 Percent 2000 Percen Occupied Dwellings 4,112 100.0% 6,171 100.0% 7,872 96.9% Owner Occupied 3,083 75 0% 4,410 71.50% 6,009 76.3% Renter Occupied 846 20.6% 1,484 24 00% 1,863 23.7% Vacancies 183 4 4% 277 4.50% 255 3.1% Median Home Value $63,100 ---- $100,100 ---- $150.000 ---- Population Projections The first population projection, Projection A, assumes that this trend will continue through the year 2020. As shown in Table 2-6, Comparison of Population Projections the resulting population would equal 26,555 in the year 2010 and 31,866 in the year 2020. The second projection, Projection B, assumes that the current rate of growth will remain constant through the year 2020.. This approach yields a population of 27,893 in the year 2010 and 36,623 in the year 2020. Neither of these projections considers land use nor development policies. They are mathematical models based on historic growth trends. For comparison, the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission's (NIPC) 2020 Forecast does consider the influences of development policy on population trends. NIPC's ORD Alternative, which assumes that O'Hare will remain the principal regional airport, projects a 2020 population of 28,260. The SSA Alternative, which assumes the development of a south suburban airport, projects a 2020 population of 28,472. Like Projection A, both of NIPC's projections indicate that while McHenry's growth will continue, the rate of growth is likely to decline, thus Projection B is the least likely forecast. City of McHenry - Comprehensive Plan 12 2008 Community Profile 6'# McHenry Table 2-b Comparison of Population Projections Proiection A Proiection B Other Proiections McHenry NIPC 2020 NIPC 2020 Projected Projected Percent County Forcast Forcast Interval Population Percent Change Population Changed Forcast ORD Alt. SSA Alt.) 2000 to 2010 26,555 25% 27,893 31.3% 24,988 N/A N/A 2010 to 2020 31,866 20% 36,623 31.3% N/A 28,260 28,472 Community Facilities Fire District The McHenry Township Fire Protection District currently serves a 59.5 square mile area with stations in McHenry, Johnsburg and Lakemoor. All three fire stations were built after 1988 and a fourth opened in 2008. The Fire District is operated on a paid -on -call system; therefore it is important to have a sufficient number of residents in a service who live near the station for quick response time. The district has expanded its ambulance service to 24-hour coverage at the current McHenry station. The Fire District will grow along with the City, to provide emergency services to the whole area. School Districts McHenry is served by two school districts; Elementary District #15 has five elementary and two middle schools that serve the City. High School District #156 provides two high schools in McHenry on what are referred to as East and West Campus. Currently, the high school student capacity in the district is two thousand students. The district owns property on the east side of the Fox River adjacent to Chapel Hill Road. This property could be used to construct a new high school in the future. There are also several private religious and charter schools in the City. Library The McHenry Public Library is located at 809 N. Front Street. The library is open to the public and McHenry area residents can check-out available materials. The library holds a collection of 28,000 volumes of books, periodicals, and multi -media resources. The library has recently purchased land adjacent to their existing facility and is considering options for expansion. Municipal Facilities The City of McHenry's Government Center is located on the west side of Green Street, north of Charles Miller Road. The center houses administration, city clerk, finance, parks and recreation, police, community development, and public works staff. All departments work in conjunction with each other to provide exceptional customer service to everyone. • The Administration Departments monitors the day-to-day City-wide activities and assists the elected officials. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 13 2008 c,� ,� Community Profile McHenry • The City Clerk's Office is comprised of the elected City Clerk and Deputy Clerk. They are responsible for maintaining City records. • The Finance Department monitors the billing and accounts. The City's budget and maintains general financial records. • The Parks and Recreation Department staff established and coordinates recreational activities for the McHenry area residents. They also maintain all of the City's public parks. • The Police Department is comprised of dispatch and sworn officers who work to protect the residents ,and visitors of the McHenry area. • The Construction and Neighborhood Services Department houses both the planning staff and building inspection staff. The staff reviews requests for annexation, zoning, variances, condit ional uses, and buildings permits submitted by residents and developers. • The Public Works Department contains both administrative staff and union employees. The staff is responsible for maintaining the streets, sanitation, and water system for the residents of McHenry City Council, Commissions, and Boards The Mayor and City Council establish and carry out the policies of the city. The City of McHenry has established several regulating and guidance commissions and boards to work with the City staff. The commissions and boards have a variety of functions from enacting ordinances, and establishing policies to providing guidance to staff members. • City Council. The members of the City Council are elected and serve four (4) year terms. The Council is the legislative division of the City government and performs such duties and has such powers as may be authorized by statute. The City Council is made up of seven (7) Aldennen and the Mayor. Each Alderman represents a Ward within the City. • Plannine a nd Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission is created to cant' out the duties of a plan commission and zoning board of appeals. The Commission consists of seven (7) Commissioners appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council. A Chairman is appointed annually by the Mayor with advice and consent of the City Council. • McHenEconomic Development Committee. The City of McHenry Economic Development Committee is comprised of residents and representatives from local businesses and the School Districts. All Committee members are volunteers and they strive to be the link between developers and the City. The mission is to encourage and develop the economic health of the City through the retention, expansion, and attraction of commerce and industry which is conducive to an optimal quality of life for its citizens. • Landmark Commission. The Landmark Commission is a twelve (12) member board which fosters and promotes the development of historic landmark preservation; explores funding for study or development of historic landmarks; reviews ordinances, laws, resolutions, and policies which may have an impact upon the development or maintenance of historic landmarks and to recommend that certain buildings be designated as historic landmarks. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 14 2008 cy4 Community Profile McHenry There are also 5 minor committees which make recommendations to the larger City Council. The committees are staffed by the respective Departments comprised of three (3) Aldermen who are appointed annually by the Mayor. • Finance Committee • Parks and Recreation Committee • Public Works Committee • Transportation Committee • Community Development Committee Existing Land Use The existing land use is described as the way the property is currently being used but may not necessarily be reflective of the underlying zoning or any approved plans the City may have. This break down of the different land uses is illustrated below in Table 3-1, Existing Land Use, and on the Existing Land Use Map at the end of this chapter. The City is primarily composed of residential uses, which total 37 percent of the land area. Commercial land use makes up only 4 percent of the total land area. Employment uses such as office, Business Park, industrial, municipal, and institutional make up 9.1 percent. Open space, parks, recreation, and environ- mental corridors (including the Fox River and McCullom Lake) make up 15.7 percent of the City's total area. Table 3-1 Existing Land Use Between City Limit and Total Within Municipal Extent of Planning Limits Percent Planning Area Percent Area (in Percent Land Use Classification (in acres) of Total (in acres) of Total acres of Total Estate Residential 726.74 7.86% 850.04 6.64% 1,576.78 7.15% Low Density Residential' 2,004.86 21.68% 1,992.12 15.57% 3,996.98 18.14% Medium Density Residential' 901.29 9.75% 1,133.11 8.86% 2,034.40 9.23% High Density Residentiall' 21408 2.32% 0 0.00% 21.4.08 0.97% Commercial 763.44 8.26% 8558 0.67% 84,302 3 85% Office 52.35 0.57% 3.94 0.03% 56.29 0.26% Business Park 339.99 3.68% 0 0.00% 339.99 1.54% Industrial 1,078.67 11.67% 13.39 0.10% 1,092.06 4.96% Municipal 78.22 0.85% 17.21 0.13% 95.43 0.43% Institutional 386.93 4.18% 35.19 0.28% 422.12 1.92% Open Space/Parks/Recireation 641.9 6.94% 1,802.82 14.09% 2,444.72 11.09% Environmental Corridors 466.63 5.05% 946.27 7.40% 1,412.90 6.41% Agricultural 847.75 9.17% 5,235.89 40.93% 6,083.64 27.60% Vacant 175.8 1.90% 195.64 1.53% 371.44 1.69% W ater 568.05 6.14% 481.11 3.76% 1,049.16 4.76% TOTAL 9,246.70 100.00% 12,792.31 100.00% 22,039.01 100.00% Estate Residential: 1 acre or more per unit. 2Low Density: 1+ to 4 units per gross acre. 'Medium Density: 4+ to 9 units per gross acre °High Density: 9+ units per gross acre City of McHenry - Comprehensive Plan 15 2008 Existing Transportation Map - - - - C4'i 40 i T 1 III 1 OD IQi 14 QD wo ITO i - - _• •_ N� a�Towwa lr RAMaa fs. a 19 0 lcMean Towllaa� 1�11waa,�c. - oae��ma A, j t City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 20 2008 (2 of McHenry 3 OVERALL GOALS City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 21 2008 ctr � Overall Goals McHenry McHenry has many qualities which are highly valued by its residents and businesses. A goal of the Plan is the preservation, enhancement and expansion of the qualities which make life more enjoyable and unique to the City. These include: • A friendly, small town atmosphere; • The presence of open spaces, lakes and Fox River and its tributaries which are attractive, unique and add to the quality of life; • An employment and shopping base which is diverse and affords the City with a sound economic. base; • Historic commercial and residential areas which give the City a sense of place, identity and a tie to the historical accomplishments of earlier generations. Some characteristics of contemporary growth in the Chicago region create local problems and planning can help correct problems and avoid them in the future. A goal of the Plan is to solve and avoid problems of growth and change. These problems and challenges include: • Growth which creates a cost of public services and facilities (such as school operations, park facilities, roadway improvements and utility extensions) which is not paid for by new development; • Congestion of streets and cut through traffic in residential neighborhoods; • Loss of character and destruction of unique community features such as historic neighborhoods and structures, local institutions, visual and functional access to the Fox River and other recreational amenities; • Loss of large mature street trees, woodlands and rural character; and, • A lack of'diversity in the tax base, employment and shopping opportunities which are attracted to competing communities. Failure to respond to these challenges will: • Constrain tax revenues needed to pay for the cost of governmental services; • Reduce employment and shopping opportunities so that local residents must travel outside the community to satisfy these needs; • Limit the quality and diversity of housing opportunities; • Degrade the attractiveness of the community to desirable new residents and private investors; and, • Erode environmental quality due to encroachment or degradation of flood plains, wetlands, prairies, rare and endangered species habitat, and pollution of surface and ground water resources. City of McHenry— Comprehensive Plan 22 2008 6ef 4 Overall Goals McHenry Unique opportunities and possibilities have been identified which the City hopes to realize. A goal of the Plan is to realize new social, economic, aesthetic and environmental potentials inherent in the process of change, and in the enduring qualities of the City, its people, location, economy and the natural environment of which it is a part. How do you revitalize the older commercial and residential areas of the City? How do you maintain diversity in the economic base and expand the shopping, service and job opportunities within the City in the face of competition from nearby communities? How do you retain desirable existing businesses and recruit new ones? How do you annex and develop land within the planning jurisdiction while creating residential neighborhoods with: a unique identity; a diversity of housing opportunities; proximity to daily needs; and open space and recreational opportunities built upon the natural resources and character of the landscape? The City of McHenry believes that these broad goals can best be achieved by following the principles and direction set by the Plan. These are contained in the goals, objectives, Future Land Use Map and design guidelines found in this Plan. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 23 2008 , F L .i.�s.,,. • .. f a � - Land Use y McHOle The Land Use section of the Comprehensive Plan illustrates how the City will accommodate its future population growth and diversity as well as the eventual development patterns the City wishes to encourage. The City has an established planning boundary which incorporates all boundary agreements with adjacent municipalities and unincorporated properties, illustrated in the City Boundary Map at the end of this chapter. This boundary will allow staff to focus on planning for the growth and services needed to accommodate the predicted population growth described in Chapter 2. Future Land Use The Future Land Use is defined as the future use of the land based on existing zoning or assumed future zoning of areas. The future land use is the goal that the City desires to achieve through development and zoning requests. The land use depicted does not necessarily reflect the zoning of individual parcels or the desired specific zoning category, but the general use of the property based on the average uses and density in the area. The Future Land Use Map at the end of this chapter shows the projected land use for the year 2028, which is the life of this Comprehensive Plan. This map depicts how the City desires to grow over the next twenty years. City staff will use this map to direct rezoning and development requests to their proper locations or densities. Following the map will allow the City to continue to grow responsibly. Increases in all the development categories; i.e. residential, commercial, office, and Business Park are expected, with a decrease in agricultural and undeveloped land. The City's commercial land use is slated to increase which will allow sufficient revenue to the City for budgetary needs. The high -density residential land use will also increase near the City Center. But this is not as evident as the City has classified this area as Integrated Design District which allows for mixed -use projects. The City believes that much of the downtown will be a mix of high and medium density residential and commercial uses. The trend is to group these uses together with commercial on the ground floor and the residential above. This trend makes sense for two reasons. First, the City wants commercial development downtown to attract people to small mom and pop shops rather than the big boxes on the outskirts and second, the population is needed to support downtown commercial development. This type of mixed -use development provides both the services and the people who need them. In addition, the City shall endeavor to preserve the rural feeling with maintaining a high level of open space and environmental corridors and also by encouraging conservation developments. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 25 2008 a,,r,- 4 Land Use McHenry Categories of Land Use The land use categories and definitions are the same for the tabulation of existing land uses and those of the Future Land Use Plan. This makes it possible to compare the amount and percentage ot'various land uses with which people are familiar and those which would result at full development as shown in the Plan. The following are descriptions of the land use categories used for the Existing Land Use map and for the Future Land Use Plan: Estate Residential -- 1 acre or more per dwelling unit Low -Density Residential — 1+ to 4 dwelling units per gross acre Medium -Density Residential 4+ to 9 dwelling units per gross acre High Densh)y Residential — 9+ or more dwelling units per gross acre Commercial — Land used for conducting the sale of goods and or services for a profit Office — Land used for conducting the affairs of a business, profession, and/or service Municipal -- Property owned by the City of McHenry used for municipal and/or public uses including municipal center, wastewater treatment plants and public works facilities Institutional — Non-profit or quasi -public uses including, religious, educational, hospital and library facilities Industrial Land used for manufacturing, wholesale trade, mining, construction and utilities, including transmission lines, power plants, etc. Business Park — A tract of land that is planned, developed, and operated as an integrated facility with a variety of office, service and light industrial uses Agricultural — Any property used for the production, keeping or maintenance, sale, lease, or personal use, of plants and animals, including but not limited to: sod crops; grams and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products; and livestock Parks and Conservation Areas — Public land used for active and passive recreation, including neighborhood and city and regional parks and natural areas City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 26 2008 Land Use City 4 M c Henry Environmental Corridors Integrated systems of land, water, plant and animal resources, which are to be preserved for open space and/or recreation, including, but not limited to areas surrounding waterways, lakes, streams, wetlands, floodplains, forests, and prairies Water — Surface waters such as rivers, lakes, and streams Vacant — Land which is primarily without structures and not in active use for any purpose Land Use Goal Develop a land use plan for the City that creates orderly growth and development, achieves compatibility with surrounding communities, is consistent with other plans and programs of the City and maintains McHenry's unique character. Objective Allow a mixture of land uses in appropriate areas to promote responsible growth while providing a high quality of life to the residents. Policy Preserve and expand areas of residential land use. Policy Preserve and expand areas of commercial land use. Policy Preserve and expand areas of office, industrial and Business Park land use. Policy Preserve and expand areas of open space, recreation and environment land use. Objective Encourage planned, high quality growth throughout the City. Policy Consider amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to ensure conformity with the Comprehensive Plan on a case -by -case basis. Policy Update planning related Ordinances to promote the Comprehensive Plan and encourage creative, innovative, and sustainable design. Policy Encourage redevelopment of older commercial areas by adopting Sub -Area Plans or working through the different sections of the Plan to help facilitate the development. Policy Promote the Integrated Design District land use for unique or urban properties in the City. City of McHenry— Comprehensive Plan 27 2008 Land Use ctr of McHenry Unique Character Goal Preserve and expand land uses that protect and promote the unique rural character of the City while providing necessary services to the residents. Objective Protect and preserve the rural character of the City Policy Encourage low -density residential land use on the outskirts of the City. Policy Preserve and expand areas of neighborhood commercial land use. Policy Promote the preservation of open space, lakes and the Fox River and its tributaries which are attractive, unique and add to the quality of life. Policy Promote adoption of Sub -Area Plans to protect unique character of areas in the City. Objective Promote land uses that allow the expansion of services_for the residents. Policy Locate intense commercial and office uses where they will not negatively affect residential or open space uses. Policy Promote mixed -use land uses in the downtown to preserve a more natural historic feel to the area. Policy Promote high -density residential only in areas where transportation services exist to facilitate the efficient movement from home to work or services for the residents. Growth Goal Encourage responsible, orderly growth in the City by assisting property owners with annexation, supporting development plans and promoting redevelopment. Objective Work to annex land into the City especially unincorporated islands. Policy Establish annexation priorities based upon the ability to logically extend and fund sewer and water lines to encourage growth and to discourage leap frog development. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 28 2008 Land Use McHenry Policy Encourage developers to annex and develop their property into the City and work with Staff to expand public services, including; utilities, roads, schools, and parks. Policy Annex areas with septic systems and substandard streets (no curb -gutter or sidewalk) only if there is a funding mechanism by which to remedy these deficiencies or where the City considers other factors of public health, safety, and welfare to warrant annexation. Policy Contact property owners to explain the benefits of annexation to facilitate requests within the City limits. Objective Encourage and guide responsible development throughout the City. Policy Establish requirements in the Zoning Ordinance that dictate safe and responsible development. Policy Promote development that blends with existing development in the area especially if located within a unique sub -area. Policy Promote development that allows employment and a shopping base which is diverse and affords the City with a sound economic base. Policy Encourage commercial recreation and tourism development to take advantage of the environmental resources, parks, and recreational opportunities. Objective Encourage redevelopment of older non -historic properties in the City especially, within the downtown area. Policy Work with developers so that the redevelopment improves the site or surrounding conditions, including; access, landscaping, lighting, safety, and aesthetics. Policy Encourage IDD land use and zoning to facilitate the completion of multi -use projects located on urban sites. Policy Establish appropriate incentives including use of TIF funds to facilitate quality redevelopment. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 29 2008 Ladd Use McHenry Sub -Areas Plans Sub -Area Plans work in conjunction with the overall Comprehensive Plan and provide a more detailed analysis of certain unique area. Sub -Areas will be selected based on need, whether it is to promote redevelopment, protect area character or ensure compliance with other studies or plans. A Sub -Area Plan will be a separate document that will function in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. Development will need to be consistent with the overall goals and requirements of the Comprehensive Plan, the goals and design requirements of the Sub -Area Plan and the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Sub -Area Plans will help Staff more efficiently review projects in specific areas of the City. The City has identified 5 areas which should have Sub -Area Plans. The following proposed Sub - Areas are listed below with the general reasons they are needed. Downtown. This area includes the Main Street, Green Street, and Riverside Drive downtown areas, along with areas along Route 120 with the development of the Riverwalk. This Sub -Area Plan will preserve the historic character of the area as well as renew the economic and recreational uses in the center of town while promoting new mixed -use developments. STATUS: Completed. Crystal Lake Road. The area selected is primarily in the County and City Staff has seen the sale and development of several of the properties under the County's jurisdiction. The developers will need to tie into the City's utilities so the area will eventually be annexed. The Sub --Area will promote efficient redevelopment. STATUS: Completed. East Gateway. The East Gateway will encompass State Route 120 and property north and south in the vicinity of Chapel Hill Road. Currently a large portion of the area is in McHenry County and could fall into Lakemoor's jurisdiction. The Sub -Area Plan will note the high priority.for annexation and also establish design criteria for buildings, signs, and landscaping areas, to promote viable, but aesthetically pleasing development. STATUS: Not Started. Maui Street. This Sub -Area will be established around the existing Metra site. The Sub -Area Plan wifl combine the need for services including retail and public transportation and the desire to preserve the historic character into a mixed -use redevelopment area. STATUS: Underway. Waukegan Historic District. This area was identified by the Landmark Commission as a neighborhood which needed additional Historic Preservation. Design Guidelines will explore as part of the plan to establish the needed protection of the area. This Sub -Area Plan will explore ways to allow the continued use and improvements of the residential structures without compromising the neighborhood's character. STATUS: Underway. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 30 2008 Land Use de„j McHenry The Sub -Area Location Map at the end of the chapter shows the potential boundaries of each of the identified Sub -Areas. When each area is studied in more detail the actual boundary may change depending on the information at that time. The future land uses have been shown as part of the overall Future Land Use Map. Additional areas for Sub -Area plans may be identified in the future. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 31 2008 Future Land Use Plan I 6,� 4 McHenry MI" lot a idink,11,11 1equilt,11M)IS City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 32 2008 Sub -Area Map ) McHenry SHORE •.,�` _ �/ C PAR AV ,:l C s� Lu CLF IEW :} �+wZ EISBK�R UU "/ II AN ¢� AIRIEO ._� O D CH L iu\r_� WILLOW _ PRESTWI K V �F RAK UCE '� O"� L $ a 2HD_ M- �g g O ��_ — T M LE A �Fg FAIRVIEW MARL M�� SSE O 7t• � �_ -\,�_ W 0 z k 6R II \ �NE m C Kr H O O U R T LL MID J� ZmDELOJJRE W4 LO T $T PAUL3 F ERK BRE MER OR OR =" TURNBE �r SAL /f ,l ARKIN `1 Sub -Area Location Map Crystal Lake Road Sub -Area Main Street Sub -Area Waukegan Road Historic District Downtown Sub -Area East Gateway Sub -Area City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 33 2008 McHenry 5 TRANSPORTATION City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 34 2008 Transportation McHenry Developing a transportation system that provides safe and efficient movement of people and goods into, out of and around the community is the primary goal of the transportation element: of the Comprehensive Plan, illustrated on the Future Transportation Plan Map at the end of this chapter. Within the City of McHenry this movement takes place via four prirnary modes; public transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and highways which serve the greatest number of trips. The facilities on which these four modes operate must be integrated with each other to assure efficient and effective operation. Additionally, the public typically views these facilities as having undesirable impacts on adjoining land uses. Proper placement, design, operation and integration of these facilities can serve to lessen these negative impacts. Public Transportation The City of McHenry is fortunate to be located along the METRA Northwest Commuter Rails line. At the current time the City is served by only 6 trains per day (3 outbound and 3 inbound). Expansion of this service to increase the number of daily trains serving the City would be desirable. The train station is located on Main Street between Route 31 and Crystal Lake Road. There is less commuter parking around the station than desirable. However, due to the limited service, the parking provided is adequate. The station is occupied by a restaurant and office for the Union Pacific Railroad. Commuters cannot access the building and there is no ticketing agent on the site. In addition to increased frequency of rail service, it would also be desirable to increase bus service to the area. Should additional rail service be added, complimentary feeder bus service should be added to serve those additional trains. Furthermore, it would be desirable to modify the existing bus routes such that more City residents could make use of this asset. Two fixed routes of PACE bus service also supply the City with access to other communities. Route 807 travels between Woodstock and McHenry with stops at the McHenry Commons Shopping Center, the METRA Station, Old City Hall, and the McHenry Marketplace. Route 806 travels from the Crystal Lake METRA Station, to Northern Illinois Medical Center, to the McHenry METRA Station and then north on Chapel Hill Road to Fox Lake. Both of these routes operate to a limited extent in the morning (2 runs each direction) and with more frequent coverage in the afternoon and early evening. In addition to these fixed routes, dial -a -ride service is also available throughout the day. Bikeways The City of McHenry is located at a key node in the regional bikeway system. The Prairie Trail, under the jurisdiction of the McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD), was completed through the City along the west side of the METRA rail right-of-way. With completion of this section, the Prairie Trail now traverses the entire length of the County from north to south. 'The portion of the Prairie Trail in McHenry is also part of a larger trail system, which is still in its early stages of development. The Grand Illinois Trail is an effort being undertaken by the Openlands Project to assemble and connect a series of regional bikeways and have a continuous facility which will run from Galena to Lake Michigan. These two major regional bikeways should be City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 35 2008 Future Transportation Plan 6, , o/ McHenry im 9 II @ t 1I � i ( 10 •. 0 � 1 J 1 City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 42 2008 Bike Path Plan Lief If McHenry e *�M4a .. alntiir "s erne 41�[" _ :�j jJ yy , ' i eaeasg 7 ; s ....YtihY04yRaaaau�a�aRRRRRlBR I` I S; I I I I.i.....ir Sri Pill $ q $ i4 1 'a lase:raYde:R•sasaaascess.espaRpa•=• � )e � � $ City of McHenry— Comprehensive Plan 43 2008 -a v . - r - -fit -+ k77 Z �� +� ■ , ' lip OA r� WN I AL . ��.. x t .i� `t t �.�1 3 ti :,♦ Lyty, �/j � . S � 7M ✓ � H ��rr r r • k �TM R Neighborhood Character McHenry Neighborhood character is a combination of the many factors that come together to give an area its distinctive personality. These components include land use, scale, and type of development; historic features; patterns and volumes of traffic; noise levels; and other physical or social characteristics that help define a community. Not all of these elements affect neighborhood character; a neighborhood usually draws its distinctive character from a few decisive elements. Land Use Positive Effects: When development follows what has been laid out by the Future Land Use Map. When there is a transition from lower density developments around the edge of the City to higher density duplex, town homes and multi -family development to be located in proximity to public transportation, public open space and recreational facilities, shoppnlg, employment, service and employment centers in the center of town. Negative Effects: When development resulting from the proposed actions would have the potential to change neighborhood character by introducing a new, incompatible land use; conflicting with land use policy or other public plans for the area; changing land use character; or resulting in significant land use impacts. Urban Design and Visual Resources Positive Effects: New developments have the opportunity to create a neighborhood that can be interwoven with the established neighborhoods of the community. The City asks that every new residential development provide architectural design standards to be approved by the City Council. This allows the neighborhood to be distinguished from others but still blend within the character of the community. All design standards must meet the Subdivision Control and Development Ordinance along with the Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code. Design standards should include but are not limited to the following: Anti -Monotony Architectural Character Architectural Review Community Character Community Design Theme Elevation Variety Roof Accessories, Gutters and Downspouts Scale, Mass, and Form Variety of Options Negative Effects: In developed areas, urban design changes have the potential to affect neighborhood character by introducing substantially different building bulk, form, size, scale, or arrangement. Urban design changes may also affect block fonns, street patterns or street hierarchies as well as streetscape elements such as street walls, landscaping, curb cuts, and loading docks. Visual resource changes have the potential to affect neighborhood character by directly changing visual features, such as unique and important public view corridors and vistas, or public visual access to such features. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 45 2008 Neighborhood Character C4 of McHenry Historic Resources Positive Effects: When there is a historic resource within a neighborhood it should be preserved and showcased as a part of the City's past and stepping stone for where the City is today. There is the possibility of designating the structure as a landmark or including it into a historic district if there are many historic resources in one area. Negative Effects: Wien an action would result in substantial direct changes to a historical resource or substantial changes to public views of a resource, or when a historic resources analysis identifies a significant impact in this category such as neglect that would compromise the historic value of the resource or renovations that would conflict with its historic integrity, there is a potential to affect neighborhood character. Socioeconomic Conditions Positive Effects: The City of McHenry welcomes people of all socioeconomic status and wants to encourage a mix of housing values. Affordable housing should be available in all areas of the community. Negative Effects: Changes in socioeconomic conditions have the potential to affect neighborhood character when they result in substantial direct or indirect displacement or addition of population, employment, or businesses; or substantial differences in population or employment density. Traffic and Pedestrians Positive Effects: Traffic counts and studies must be prepared for any new development. When the street hierarchies are respected the traffic flow and delays are lower. It is also safer for neighborhoods and pedestrians. Negative Effects: Changes in traffic and pedestrian conditions can affect neighborhood character in a number of ways. For traffic to have an effect on neighborhood character, it must be a contributing element to the character of the neighborhood (either by its absence of' its presence), and it must change substantially as a result of the action such as traffic patterns; change in roadway classifications; change in vehicle mixes; substantial increases in traffic volumes on residential streets; or significant traffic impacts, as identified in that technical analysis. Regarding pedestrians, when a proposed action would result in substantially different pedestrian activity and circulation, it has then potential to affect neighborhood character. Existing Housing Stock The demand for housing is a direct result from the rapid population growth, and in return the population characteristics are a direct result from the type of housing constructed. According to the 2000 Census the current housing mix for McHenry is 75% low density, 18% medium density, and 7% high density. Of the total housing population 23% of those are rentals. Ideally, the City City,of McHenry— Comprehensive Plan 46 2008 Neighborhood Character McHenry would like to see the housing stock become 80% low density, 15% medium density, and 5% high density, with approximately 20% rentals. The best way to make these adjustments is by encouraging new developments to be low density and encourage redevelopments to be high density. Future Development New conservation -focused developments around the Boone Creek lowlands have the potential to preserve the natural lands and habitats around Boone Creek as well as providing a unique alternative to the typical housing development. The downtown areas of McHenry have the potential ofbeing joined together as one larger downtown with the addition of new mixed -use developments that are pedestrian friendly and can capitalize on the Metra Station and the Riverwalk. Potential Projects Conservation Development • Appropriate for Estate Residential, Low Density Residential, or IDD Integrated Design District. Clustering of building encouraged with larger areas of preserved open space. • Homes should be built using "green" concepts and equipped with appliances that conserve energy. • Natural storm water detention areas should be used and incorporating best management practices. • The open space should be permanently dedicated with provisions made for management and maintenance in perpetuity. The open space may include environmental corridors shown on the Comprehensive Plan, open space easements along major perimeter roads, wetlands, flood plains etc. The inclusion of storm water retention or detention areas as a part of the open space will be at the discretion of the City depending upon the aesthetic, recreational and/or habitat value of those facilities; and, • Uses of the open space may include gardens, organic or specialty farming, recreation and others which are compatible with the open space character and enhancement of the nearby residential community. Open space could also be used for community wells and septic fields if sewer is not available. The allowable uses should be identified and agreed to between the developer and the City at the time of plan/annexation review. • Active or passive uses of open space shall be planned to have minimal disruptive effects on the natural landscape. For example trails shall have wood chips, limestone, pea gravel base rather than asphalt or concrete. • Information shall be provided to the residents explaining what it means to live in a conservation development, with recommended lawn care practices, prairie style landscaping encouraged, and warning of any threatened or endangered species on the area. City of McHenry— Comprehensive Plan 47 2008 Neighborhood Character elrt °i McHenry Downtown Redevelopment City leaders have recognized the downtown is a tremendous asset for the City. Maintaining and enhancing the viability of the downtown areas has been and will continue to be a top priority with the City. Much attention has been paid to the downtown areas with the installation of streetscape improvements, the creation of a Tax Increment Financing District, the construction of the first phase of the Riverwalk, and the creation of a Downtown Maintenance Division under the City's Public Works Department. These steps are intended to show the City's commitment to the area, which in turn should encourage private investment in existing buildings and businesses. Redevelopment that does occur in the downtown areas should: • Encourage pedestrian -friendly, mixed -use development with first floor commercial uses and upper level dwelling units. • Compliment the Riverwalk. • Preserve and enhance the architectural style of existing buildings. • Encourage restaurant and entertainment uses. Goal Provide neighborhoods that are stable and diverse, providing a wide range of housing options, linking residents to a variety of land uses which meet the needs of the community. Objective iE�ncourage low -density conservation developments. Policy Single-family residential zoning should be promoted to encourage lower densities at the outskirts of the City. Policy Encourage conservation design principles within the development of new neighborhoods. Policy Evaluate residential growth based on existing school and utility capacities. Policy Adequate buffering and transitional uses shall be required adjacent to single-family residential land uses to retail or employment uses to protect the character, privacy, and value of the homes. Objective .Promote Downtown Housing. Policy Approve high -density multi -family zoning in the downtown center of the City where sufficient services already exist. Policy Approve high -density multi -family residential in conjunction with commercial retail to create a mixed -use area. City of McHenry -- Comprehensive Plan 48 2008 n # Neighborhood Character McHenry Objective Promote attractive Neighborhoods. Policy Promote the preservation of trees and the recommendation of future growth as written in our tree preservation ordinance and encourage the continued review of comprehensive landscape plans for all developments. Policy Promote beautification efforts to define streetscapes in order to create a distinct sense of place and destination within communities and neighborhoods. Policy Promote the creation of a community public arts program in which developers must contribute either monetary funds or the donation of public art. Policy Require new developments to have an anti -monotony policy to ensure the diversity of architectural design. Policy Require new developments to create minimum design standards beyond the city's design guidelines. Objective Build on the assets established by exiting neighborhoods. Policy Develop mechanisms to allow for residential adaptive reuse in existing neighborhoods. Policy Identify appropriate locations for compatible infill housing that would replace vacant or underutilized sites in existing neighborhoods. Policy Identify older abandoned structures in need of preservation, stabilization, repair or demolition. Policy Promote preservation and restoration of historic structures. Objective Provide connectivity between differing land uses to provide multiple transportation options for residents and employees. Policy Support transit -oriented developments and other transportation programs that connect people to jobs and services while reducing traffic congestion, air pollution and other transportation related costs. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 49 2008 Neighborhood Character 6r.- 4 McHenry Policy Promote a comprehensive plan for greenways, bikeways, and trails within new and existing developments. Policy Encourage parks, walkways and open space that link to and between neighborhoods, schools, shopping and other amenities. City of McHenry -- Comprehensive Plan 50 2008 c�ryo� McHenry 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 51 2008 Economic Development A� of McHenry Policy One -lot deep commercial strip development along public streets is discouraged. Commercial development should occur in centers. Policy Neighborhood convenience centers on sites of 3 acres or more should be planned in close proximity to new residential growth having direct access to arterial or major collector streets. Policy Commercial centers of 20 acres or greater should be located adjacent to arterials and served where: possible by public transportation. New centers should be planned to serve future population on the south and southwest sides of the City. Policy Allow Highway Commercial zoning only along major transportation routes. Policy Small, isolated residential lots along IL Routes 31 and 120 should be consolidated and redeveloped for uses compatible with adjacent development, preferably with assembled parcels of 2 or more acres. Policy Pedestrian and bicycle access should be considered in all commercial development. Policy Transition yards and buffers between commercial and residential uses should be designed to respect the privacy and environmental quality of the residential uses. Policy New projects should be designed to accommodate bus stops in accordance with Pace Development Guidelines. Objective Maintain, preserve and enhance each of the three downtown areas, building on their historic character and unique local elements. Policy Consult the Downtown Plan when reviewing all new development or redevelopment proposals in the downtown areas, ensuring projects are consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of that plan. Policy Commercial buildings along the Fox River and Riverwalk should maintain attractive building facades toward both the street and the water. Policy Opportunities to provide assistance to property owners should be investigated to encourage re -investment in downtown properties. Policy Periodically review and adjust, if needed, the Downtown Development Guidelines. City of McHenry - Comprehensive Plan 54 2008 Economic Development `# McHenry Objective Encourage commercial recreation and tourism development to take advantage of the environmental resources, parks and recreational opportunities, particularly along Route .120 east of the Fox River and along River Road to the Moraine Hills State Park. Policy Continue to support activities, programs and events that responsibly utilize City parks. Constantly evaluate events upon their conclusion to improve and eliminate problems. Policy Carefully evaluate new recreation and tourism opportunities to minimize impacts on existing environmental resources and on surrounding residential areas. Policy Promote the Riverwalk as a tourist attraction through the use of promotional materials, brochures as well as the City's website. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 55 2008 c,.4 McHenry 0 PARKS, RECREATION & PUBLIC OPEN SPACE City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 56 2008 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space McHenry The City has a proven policy of acquiring parkland for the use and enjoyment of its residents. As previously noted, the City's extensive park system includes 35 parks covering over 633 acres of open space. McHenry is also blessed with significant natural resources that set it apart from most other built -out communities. The primary goal of the Plan is to have at least 15 percent of the planning jurisdiction dedicated to environmental corridors, parks and open space. This goal is within reach if the City continues to implement its policy of requiring 15 acres of open space per 1,000 population for new development and continues to carefully scrutinize new development for its impact on the natural environment. Park Facilities To better plan for existing and future park needs, the City adopted a Parks and Open Space Master Plan in 2007. The Master Plan provides recommendations for the use of existing park land and standards for future park needs. Goal Consult the Parks and Open Space Master Plan adopted by the City in 2007 and the City's Bicycle Plan when evaluating new proposals for parks and open space. Objective Set aside land for parks and recreational use, based upon the standards of the City of McHenry Parks Department to meet the diverse open .space and recreational needs of the residents at build -out. Policy Every new residential development shall devote land or cash in lieu of land for park and recreational use. Policy New park land shall be located so as to be convenient to residents and, where possible, with links to other local and regional parks. Policy Require all park and open space lands donated to the City be suitable for its intended purpose and transferred in an acceptable condition. Policy Seek grants for acquisition and development of parks and open space. Policy Develop a mechanism for establishing and offering a conservation easement program with tax breaks. Objective Continue to evaluate options for the provision of additional administrative, office and indoor recreational space. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 57 2008 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space 6r, of McHenry Natural Resources Goal Preserve, expand and connect environmental corridors to protect wetlands, floodplains and mature forests for the purpose of maintaining diversity of wildlife habitat and for environmental health, recreational and aesthetic purposes. Objective .Protect steep slopes and ridges from development or uses which would result in erosion or scaring of the landscape. Policy Development shall fit into the natural landscape and mass stripping/leveling of sites shall be discouraged. Policy Erosion control measures shall be implemented for all development activity that disturbs existing soil conditions. Objective ,Preserve and enhance existing wetlands and floodplains, where possible, to protect area watersheds and replenish groundwater supplies and create better access and enjoyment through educational walkway, natural walking and bicycle paths, in accordance with the City 's Bike Path. Plan. Objective .Preserve all existing mature trees to the greatest extent possible when designing a site plan. Objective .Preserve the Boone Creek Corridor to maintain water quality, living aquatic species and natural vegetation Policy All development shall maintain a 400-foot buffer from the centerline of the creek. Policy Development adjacent to the creek shall use Best Management Practices (BMP's) to limit the impact of stormwater runoff on the creek. Policy Seek ways to provide residents with better access to the creek. Goal Promote the City's parks and natural features as destinations to increase tourism. Objective Use the Riverwalk to increase recreation along the river and draw people into the downtown areas. Cityol'McHenry — ComprehensivePlan 58 2008 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space ,'i4 ai McHenry Objective Actively promote annual activities held in the City's parks (band concerts, Fiesta Days, Snowmobile Watercross, Antique Tractor Show, Wine Festival, etc.). Policy Include a calendar of events on the City's website to inform the public of upcoming events. City of McHenry— Comprehensive Plan 59 2008 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Parks Map 26 1 1� Al- 14 4#. 23- 17 '�11 ry r wraq vravv bkw Trart 6 -.4 12 1 -Ahhe Park G4 8 -&oa Pldge Pak D! 15 -Lakeland Parl, Boas Lbmrn F3 22 -North teak Pock K3 29 -Shamrock Farm Park 05 2-Barl•Iwr Crew, Park J11 9--reurd'leld 15 16 -Liberty balls Park M3 271 _CNwt- Park K7 If" -Veteran. Mercaial Park K5 3-81ookslde ball H5 10 -vreen Street PIM, J5 1 / -Malibu Playgr•ntnd E9 24 -PehGe ;reek Park 112 11 Vjalsh Park J6 4 -Celt ler Strwer Park 16 11 •Jaycee' Park F9 1 b -McHenry Shags Haech L11 25 -Petersen Park H2 12-Waber's Park K5 S -Goi l Spnng' Park Ge 12 -Knvam lot Lot H7 19-Mrtler' I�vernnnt Park L10 2E 41hwaaaM Valley Park ES 33 -West Boa h Park E3 G-CraakW. Park Ktt 1? -Knox Park J9 20-Mltlstream Sr81dMMon U-1, JS 2 / J<n+aralde Hatlow Park U 74 -Wheeler Park J10 C4 of McHenry City of McHenry -- Comprehensive Plan 60 2008 C4 # McHenry 9 PUBLIC FACILITIES City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 61 2008 Public Facilities C,cy ai McHenry The parks and recreation department currently operates a pre-school facility at the Lakeland Park Community Center, which is owned by the City and located in the Lakeland Park Subdivision on Sunset Drive. It consists of 1,581 square feet. The department also operates a skate park facility located adjacent to the Knox Park barn. City Owned and Leased Facilities Historic Petersen Park farmstead is also located on McCullom Lake Road directly north of Petersen Farm. The farmstead includes a nineteenth century farmhouse, barns, two wooden stave silos which were rehabilitated and underwent preservation work in 2007 and wetlands, as well as 54 acres of farmland which is leased to a tenant farmer. Two other farms owned by the City are also leased to tenant farmers, 20 acres adjacent to Petersen Park and 25 tillable acres known as the Levy property located on Curran Road adjacent to Boone Creek. In addition, the City owns and leases out a horse farm on McCullom Lake road adjacent to Petersen Park. The City also owns a marina on Waukegan Road adjacent to the central wastewater treatment plant. The marina consists of a 500 square foot Captain's Club Building and an approximately 11,500 square foot Captain's Club Storage Building. It is leased to a private business owner for one-year renewable terms. Public Safety McHenry Township Fire Protection District The City of McHenry is served by the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, which includes fire protection and ambulance services. The McHenry Township Fire Protection District currently operates out of four stations including one in McHenry on Illinois Route 120 at Richmond Rd. They also operate out of stations in Johnsburg and Lakemoor and recently opened a fourth station which is located on Dartmoor Drive immediately west of Curran Road in the Legend Lakes Subdivision. In addition, the district owns property east of the railroad tracks on the north side of Bull Valley Road adjacent to the Kresswood Trails Subdivision. McHenry Police Department The City of McHenry Police Department operates out of the Municipal Center on Green Street. The police department functions on three shifts with a community -oriented policing philosophy. The City is divided into different areas with officers assigned to specific areas which aids in getting to know the people and problems specific to each area. The goal is to identify potential problems and find ways to solve problems within their assigned area. Community policing is a philosophy, management style and organizational strategy which promotes pro -active problem -solving and community partnerships to address causes of crime and fear and community issues. It is tough on crime and provides a comprehensive and creative and more effective approach to policing. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 64 2008 c' Public Facilities 4McHenry Warninc Sirens Ten severe weather and tornado warning sirens are located strategically throughout and adjacent to the City. Each siren covers a one -mile geographic radius and its purpose is to provide adequate warning or notice to the general public when severe weather is occurring. The sirens are activated through the McHenry Police Department, are maintained regularly and tested weekly. Each test is silent, with a printout of the status or any malfunctions generated in the police department. Library and Educational Districts McHenry Library District The City of McHenry is served by a library district which also serves surrounding areas. The district was established on July 1, 1987 and became a separate taxing entity. In 1995, the district moved from its location on Green Street to their present location on Front Street. The Front Street building contains 28,000 square feet with an additional 20,000 square feet of warehouse space. They purchased land in 2007 adjacent to their current facility on Front Street (Illinois Route 31) to serve future growth. James Scholtz became the fifth director in McHenry Public Library history in 2007. McHenry Elementary School District #15 The City of McHenry is served by two school districts. The boundaries of these districts are depicted on the attached Public Facilities Map. McHenry Elementary School District #15 operates five elementary and two middle schools. Their administrative building is located on Green Street across from McHenry East High School which was purchased from the library district in 1995. Approximately 80% of the district's revenue is generated by local property taxes, an additional 16% percent is funded through the State of Illinois and the remaining funding is allocated from the federal government. McHenry High School District #156 McHenry High School District #156 operates two high schools which are commonly known as east and west campus. The district purchased an additional 80 acres of land on Chapel Hill Road in unincorporated McHenry County for future expansion. Their administrative offices are located in a separate building on the McHenry High School West Campus. Approximately 86% percent of the district's revenue is generated by local property taxes, an additional 12% percent is provided by the State of Illinois and the remaining funding is generated from the federal government. Pending growth will certainly make it challenging for both school districts to have necessary resources to serve additional students in the future. Goal Solve and avoid problems of growth and change which impact public facilities City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 65 2008 Public Facilities Cry ry McHen Objective Continue planning and seeking financial mechanisms.for the construction of a Recreation Center. Objective .Plan for the accommodation of the needs of departments within the Municipal Center as they continue to grow and the need to physically expand their offices internally or externally. Objective Plan for the future growth of the public works department in maximizing the new public works .facility on Industrial Drive. Goal Grow in a manner which creates a cost of public services and facilities which is paid for by new development Objective Work with developers of'newresidential subdivisions in locatingfuturepublicfacilities such as: schools, fire stations, municipal facilities, library facilities and park and recreational facilities. Objective Obtain boundary agreements with Wonder Lake and Lakemoor. Objective Work with City ,engineer on using the sewer and water models to plan for future facilities, as well as trying to eliminate unnecessary redundancy in the City's systems. City Of McHenry— Comprehensive Plan 66 2008 6,4 # McHenry 10 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 67 2008 Implementation Plan McHenry Amending the Plan This Comprehensive: Plan functions as a policy guide adopted by the City Council; and it provides the intended pattern, intensity, quality and conditions of growth and generally presents policy positions by the City Council on various development -oriented issues. As changes occur, the Plan should be updal ed to reflect current policies, challenges and changing growth patterns and/or market conditions. Stafrwill monitor interpretations of the Plan and changes in conditions which warrant consideration of amendments. It is recommended that the Plan be reevaluated for potential amendments every five years or as changes warrant (market conditions, economy, growth, transportation patterns, etc.). The Comprehensive Plan should maintain consistency with other City ordinances and policy documents, particularly the Land Use Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Control and Development Ordinance. If an amendment occurs in one of these ordinances, the Comprehensive Plan should be amended to maintain that consistency. Using the Plan The key to this Plan"s successful implementation and achieving its goals and objectives is to use it in the daily functioning of the City when appropriate and applicable. The City Council, boards and commissions and those involved in economic development will have a powerful tool if the Plan is used as a basis for: * Evaluating development projects, both public and private; * Forming policies on other issues which will have an impact on the Plan; * Budgeting for capital improvements; * Updating codes and ordinances; * Working, with other adopted Plans, such as: Comprehensive City-wide Transportation Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Crystal Lake Sub - Area Plan and the Downtown Master Plan; * Making land -use decisions; * Working with other taxing bodies and governmental units, such as: McHenry County Highway Division and Planning and Development, State of Illinois and/or the federal government; * Negotiating intergovernmental agreements; and, * Marketing and promoting economic development. A broad community understanding and endorsement of the Plan and its policies is vital to implementation and shaping an even better future for the City of McHenry. Adopt, interpret, follow, and when warranted, the Plan should be reevaluated from time to time to ensure it reflects current market conditions, growth and transportation trends, as well the current state of the economy. City of'McHenry- Comprehensive Plan 68 2008 Implementation Plan Ensuring the Integrity of the Plan c,rf eI McHenry Each chapter of this Comprehensive Plan identifies a set of goals and objectives. In addition, more than 130 action items are included, which are designed to achieve those goals. The goals, objectives and action items should be regularly referenced, incorporated and utilized in making policy -oriented decisions. Wlule the goals and objectives are important, all of them cannot warrant immediate action. The Plan is integral when working with developers, making development and land use decisions and generally taking actions which will impact or are addressed in the Plan. Ensuring; the integrity ofthe Plan is maintained is critical in implementation. If it not constantly used, referenced and amended as necessary, the policy items which it contains will lose their standing and significance with not onlythe development community but the greater public at -large. City of McHenry — Comprehensive Plan 69 2008