How people can help the O’Fallon community plan for the future of the U.S. 50 corridor
To improve the function and appearance of U.S. 50 for the O’Fallon community, the city is seeking input in the latest public planning and engagement initiative called “Forward 50.”
How would you define what makes a public space great? Focus group meetings begin next week and briefing sessions begin in September.
This highway study is part of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments’ Great Streets Initiative. It is funded, in part, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
In March, the city received a Great Streets grant for a detailed plan for Highway 50 from Exit 14 to Exit 19 and a portion of Lincoln Avenue. The grant is up to $500,000 and the city’s portion is $100,000.
Within the agreement, if the study doesn’t require the entire $500,000, East West Gateway will provide the city with a refund.
Mayor Herb Roach said the process will be lengthy, and the results of the study could take several years to complete.
Last week, a consultant sent emails inviting residents to attend the meetings.
A Sept. 7 meeting will help launch the project, provide information on the process and encourage residents to share their preferences.
Community Development Director Justin Randall encouraged participation so that their project team can glean personal insights into the future of this corridor.
“Great Streets programs are often an endeavor to do some place making and space making along with economic development. This is the first of several ways for you to help develop O’Fallon for this project,” he said.
The project will, among other things:
Ensure the community is supported and connected throughout all the neighborhoods.
Understand market demands and potential changes in land use.
Identify strategies to improve safety for all modes of travel.
Imagine aesthetic improvements to strengthen the area’s image and desirability.
RDG, a national planning and design group with an office in St. Louis, is the project director.
“RDG just completed listening sessions with leadership and now looks forward to engaging further with O’Fallon residents and businesses in the coming months. This Great Streets Initiative allows residents to dream and plan for their ideal community asset - in this case, Highway 50,” said RDG Senior Manager Cory Scott.
“One of the best features of this work is the conversations we have with community members across the Midwest. We are hoping for a great turnout at our September 7 open house at O’Fallon’s City Hall. In October we will host table-top activities that help the team partner with the public to bring the best ideas to life.”
Focus groups will meet Aug. 22-24, and 10 slots are available for each session. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, educational organizations are from 4 to 5 p.m., faith-based organizations are 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. and residents from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, legal, banking and advisor businesses are from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., retail and restaurant businesses are from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., real estate/development businesses are from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., service businesses such as healthcare, car repair, vet, funeral home, etc. are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and civic organizations are from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 24, will include more focus group opportunities for retail/restaurant businesses from 8 to 9 a.m., and service organizations from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
The link to the sign-up sheet is here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044daca92caafc1-forward#/
For more information about Forward 50, the city has begun putting information on their website:
https://www.ofallon.org/planning-zoning-division/pages/forward-50-great-streets-initiative
If you have any further questions or comments, contact Justin Randall, Community Development Director jrandall@ofallon.org, or by calling (618) 624-4500
Schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. Kick-off Open House, City Hall
Thursday, Oct. 19, 5 to 7 p.m., Public Design Studio, City Hall
Design Day 1 – Full Study Area. Explore areas for detailed study, which will be addressed in upcoming Design Studios.
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5 to 7 p.m., Public Design Studio, City Hall
Design Day 2 - WEST. Generate ideas between I-64 and W 3rd St/Cambridge Blvd.
Thursday, Oct. 26, 5 to 7 p.m., Public Design Studio, City Hall
Design Day 3 - CENTRAL. Central Area - Generate ideas between W 3rd St/Cambridge Blvd and Weber Rd
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 5 to 7 p.m., Public Design Studio, City Hall\u0009
Design Day 4 - EAST. East Area - Generate ideas between Weber Rd. and Scott Troy intersection.
Thursday, Nov. 9, 5 to 7 p.m., Public Design Studio, City Hall
Design Day 5 – Full Study Area. Pull all the concept ideas together from the past events.
Tuesday, Dec. 5, Open House, City Hall.
Draft Plan Open for Comments. Design Day content intersects with physical reality. Come review initial design concepts in a storyboard format.
The final open house will take place in spring 2024, with date to be determined. Refined plan concepts based on public feedback will be shared and presented in a storyboard format before the plan’s final completion in June 2024.