The City of St. Charles continues work on the Comprehensive Plan project it began last summer. The Comprehensive Plan Task Force will meet Thursday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. in Dens A and B at the Municipal Center, 2 E. Main Street, to review a draft Vision Statement and Goals and Objectives document.

The Vision Statement describes St. Charles 15 years from now, after the adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan. The Goals and Objectives outline how the City can implement the plan recommendations to achieve the stated Vision. The Goals and Objectives document also forms the basis for the individual “plan” documents (land use, transportation, open space, etc.).

These documents build on input gathered at community workshops held last fall. Residents, businesses and property owners provided their views on issues and opportunities within the community, focusing on city-wide issues as well as those specific to the east side, west side and downtown areas.

At the March 1 meeting, the Task Force also will begin discussing the scope of the Key Focus Area Plans for the East Gateway/Charlestowne Mall; West Gateway/Randall Road/former St. Charles Mall; Downtown; and Main Street Corridor areas. Conceptual plans will be prepared for each Key Focus Area. Public workshops to discuss the Key Focus Area plans are anticipated in late April or early May.

Community members are encouraged to follow the project and continue offering input through the project website. Workshop summaries and an interim Existing Conditions Report are posted on the website. Resident and business questionnaires and an interactive Planning Mapper tool also are available to provide feedback and detailed comments.

The Comprehensive Plan serves as the City’s official guide for land use, physical improvement, and development. It provides a foundation for decision-making based on community consensus, community vision, existing conditions, and future opportunities. The Plan serves as a “road map” for 15 years into the future by guiding policy decisions and helping the community achieve its long-term objectives. A final draft of the Plan is expected for review by the City’s Plan Commission and the Planning and Development Committee by the end of 2012.

For more information, visit www.stcharlesil.gov, and click on the Comprehensive Plan badge, or contact Russell Colby in the Community Development Department at 630-377-4443.

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About the City of St. Charles

Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine; one of the “150 Great Places in Illinois,” by the AIA Illinois; and one of the “Top 10 Towns To Live In” by West Suburban Living magazine.