Channahon’s Re-Imagine Comprehensive Plan: A Step Forward

Channahon: Make no little plans

Daniel Burnham, the famed planner for Chicago said these famous words, 'Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men`s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever- growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty.'”

Indeed, on November 25th, the public got its first glance at The Village of Channahon’s Re-Imagine Comprehensive Plan as its details and content went live on the village’s website. From first glance, it sure looks and feels like Channahon is making, “no little plans”. Channahon, located some 45 miles southwest of Chicago, was dealt a significant blow in 2008 when the great recession struck, bringing with it a sudden halt to retail expansion along with housing. Starbucks and many other locally owned retail shops closed, while strip malls sat vacant. Large tracks of land previously designated for big box retail went from fields of dreams to fields of weeds.

Heading into 2020, new construction for residential has boomed back to life, as I previously wrote for Patch a few weeks ago. However, the aftermath of the great recession and the expansion of Amazon and dot.com era still has left many, including myself, with one big question: How do you fill in these large tracks of land that were supposed to be big box retail? Can Channahon execute on this plan?

The Chicago firm of Houseal Lavigne was up to the task. I read word by word of the master plan for Channahon and how it could be re-imagined. The plan on its surface appears to fulfill the desire of the village to maintain its small town roots, while establishing a vision for better infrastructure and connectivity, expanded housing options to meet all stages of life, along with appropriate suggestions on how to meet the service needs of everyone.

I am especially pleased to see the vision for the western area of Channahon around US Route 6 and Ridge Road on how to finally fill in these areas. The Channahon Town Center concept also has a plan that finally makes sense and leaves plenty of room for further expansion down the road. The biggest opportunity for big box retail remains at US Route 6 and I-55. This land is an excellent example of thoughtful planning while meeting the necessary traffic counts that are needed to attract national retailers. I would go as far as to say that if Rock Run Crossings in Joliet fails to take off – this would be the next best place for it – right in Channahon. Right at the Crossroads of America.

Channahon finally has a plan that it can mass market to developers, particularly on commercial and multifamily. In short, in my professional opinion – this multiyear project should pay dividends for Channahon for years to come if they execute it.

Build It And They Will Come

It’s one thing to have a vision on paper; however, it remains a totally different thing to have the village execute on this plan. If you want to become a vibrant place that people love, then our village officials need to, in the words of the former CEO of The Travelers Companies Jay Fishman, “You’ve got to lean in – you’ve got to think ahead and be thoughtful.” Jay told me those words back in 2011 and they always stood with me. Jay passed away a few years ago but he was always one of the good guys on Wall Street.

From the seat that I sit in, Channahon should adopt this comprehensive plan and then work on a capital plan – particularly as it relates for infrastructure, street scaping as well as a vibrant new community center on Channahon’s west side. Indeed, Channahon isn’t making any small plans – but Channahon: It’s time to let your light shine.

Your Opinion Matters

Tuesday, December 3 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM

According to the Village of Channahon: The Village will be hosting a public open house for the Re-Imagine Channahon Comprehensive Plan on Tuesday, December 3 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at Village Hall. This will be an opportunity for the public to review and discuss the Draft Comprehensive Plan. Members of the project team will be available to answer questions and receive feedback regarding the Draft Plan; however, there will be no formal presentation. We invite everyone to attend the open house and see what we’ve been working on.

Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing – December 9, 6:00 PM
The public hearing for the Re-Imagine Channahon Comprehensive Plan will be at the Planning & Zoning Commissions (PZC) December 9 meeting at 6:00 PM. At this meeting, the PZC will review the draft Comprehensive and consider recommending adoption to the Village Board.

To learn more about the Re-Imangine 2020 Comprehensive Plan for Channahon, please visit: https://www.channahon.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=47

About the author: Michael Morman is a local real estate consultant with an expertise in mixed use, multifamily, hospitality, as well as commercial.