FAQ
What is the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan?
Woodridge Growing Forward - Comprehensive Plan is a forward-looking document that charts the course for the Village's growth, development, and economic well-being over the next two decades. It serves as a framework for strengthening Woodridge as a vibrant and sustainable community, reflecting the shared vision of its residents for the future.
What is the focus of this Comprehensive Plan?
This plan places particular emphasis on subarea plans and opportunity sites that will shape Woodridge's future. These nine areas, identified as key focus points, will collectively address community-wide goals such as enhancing economic vitality, increasing housing diversity, and improving comprehensive connectivity throughout the village. These sites, and others explored during the planning process, present significant opportunities to meet the evolving needs of Woodridge’s residents.
What is the timeline for this Comprehensive Plan?
The process of developing the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan is expected to take roughly 15 months. Initiated in August of 2024, it is anticipated that the planning process will be completed by March of 2026.
Why is the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan important?
This plan is an important tool for coordinating development, preserving the Village’s character, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. It ensures that growth is managed in alignment with the community’s goals and priorities, fostering a balanced approach to development and sustainability.
Who is supporting Woodridge in the creation of this plan?
A team of urban planners and designers alongside community stakeholders, businesses, institutions, and—most importantly—Woodridge residents. The process is collaborative, ensuring that the plan reflects a wide range of perspectives. The project is being led by a consulting team that includes The Lakota Group, Hoffman Strategies, and Kimley Horn.
How often is a Comprehensive Plan updated?
The last time Woodridge adopted a full comprehensive plan was in 2007, so we are overdue for a new one. To stay relevant and responsive to the community’s evolving needs, the plan should be revisited and updated every 5 to 10 years. This regular review process allows Woodridge to adapt to new trends, technologies, and challenges.
Can I contribute to the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan?
Yes, your input is essential! The planning process includes public meetings, workshops, surveys, and more designed to gather feedback and ideas from Woodridge residents.
What topics does the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan cover?
The plan addresses key areas such as land use, housing, transportation, economic development, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and cultural resources. It outlines strategies for each area to ensure that Woodridge grows in a thoughtful and balanced manner. While these topics are typical of most comprehensive plans, Woodridge Growing Forward takes a distinctive approach by emphasizing subarea planning, providing a focused perspective on how these subjects can shape key areas of the Village.
How does the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan impact local businesses?
The plan will outline a framework for economic development, promoting strategies for key commercial areas and sectors for growth. The goals, policies, and tools eventually outlined in the plan help attract investment, support local businesses, and enhance job growth, contributing to a vibrant local economy.
What’s the difference between the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations?
The Comprehensive Plan provides a broad vision and strategic direction for Woodridge’s future, outlining goals for land use, housing, and other key areas. Zoning regulations, meanwhile, are the legal tools that implement this vision by governing specific details like building height, lot size, and land use. With Woodridge’s recent zoning upgrade, these regulations now more closely align with the long-term goals of the Comprehensive Plan. While the Comprehensive Plan sets the "what" and "why" for growth, zoning ensures the "how" by guiding development in a way that supports the Village’s vision.
How can I access the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan Process?
The planning process is accessible through the Village of Woodridge website, at the Village planning office, and through this project website. Residents are encouraged to participate and share feedback throughout the process!
What is not included in the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan?
The plan does not include specific development proposals or architectural designs for individual buildings. Instead, it focuses on broader strategies and policies for land use, development, and community services. While it may suggest development concepts for certain sites or subareas, its primary goal is to highlight potential growth opportunities and assess community interest in development—or the possibility of leaving certain areas undeveloped.
How do we measure the success of the Woodridge Comprehensive Plan?
Success is measured by how well the plan’s goals are achieved through implemented projects, policies, and actions over its lifetime. Positive impacts on the community and alignment with Woodridge’s vision will also serve as key indicators of success.
What if I have something to share?
The planning process is designed to be inclusive and ongoing, with multiple opportunities for public input. Residents are encouraged to speak up at public meetings, submit comments online, and engage with planners and local officials.