Downtown? Which one? This is the subject of one of many sub-area plans; use of the
Sub-area Planning by the city: There are four sub-area planning areas in the city; each is focused on better land use for economic development to produce stronger non-real estate tax revenues; quality of life issues are also included; a new ‘downtown’ area is one of the planning areas.
River clean-up progress report: This is a fine kettle of fish, literally and figuratively! The project has been halted pending bankruptcy court proceedings brought by Tronox Corporation, the entity responsible for a court-ordered clean up. Two phases of the project remain unfinished:
Arts development: Much happened in 2009. The Warrenville Arts Council was created and produced Art Works ‘09, a showcase of art in the community from all ages and in many forms and types. This is designed as an annual event. The park district brought back Art on the Prairie and embedded it in the annual Summer Daze event. ClaySpace continues to grow and be a supportive model for nurturing new and continuing artists.
Economic development: A challenging year for all communities, but Warrenville continues to hold its own while planning for the future. Strengthening the local economy requires the imaginative and inventive efforts of the citizenry, government planning and other supports, strengthening of arts and tourism, a healthy Chamber of Commerce, and the unity of the community. This is a leadership issue.
Tourism development: 2009 witnessed the first issue of the Visitors’ Guide, continuing efforts by the Hospitality Association, expanded arts programming, and enhanced river environment and trailway systems. Two new hotels are under construction to join the four existing inns. Websites of many local organizations tout the attractions of Warrenville.
Managing community change: Some things move slowly, others quickly. Change is ever present and a challenge that requires community attention. Warrenville continues to manage for change so change does not manage the community. Strengthening key positives in the community ensures that these characteristics survive and prosper for the long term.
Church news: church directory and weekly column of events: A column tailored to the spiritual affairs of the community is offered in the Village Chronicles in most issues; announcements and directory of houses of worship are provided in the local paper as space permits.
Housing market pulse: The newspaper provides regular news on home sales as well as helpful information on home ownership and maintaining home values. The housing market has been in negative territory in recent years, but signs of improvement are beginning to glimmer: sales are picking up while prices are stabilizing and firming up.
Going green and the city’s status: No longer a sidebar of our lives, ‘green’ reporting is now a constant presence; it is a part of our life as we learn to live proactively with our planet and its conditions. Conservation, river ecology and storm water management issues plus gardening news continue to be offered in each issue of the Village Chronicles.
Volunteer opportunities: Volunteerism is alive and well in Warrenville. So much of our community life is possible and enriched because of the volunteer efforts of so many. The newspaper continues to report human-interest stories that bear witness to volunteer spirit shared throughout our town.
Roadwork plans and progress: The annual road project list is shared in the newspaper as well as periodic updates of those projects.
Regional Planning Issues
Future of FermiLab: FermiLab continues to evolve its scientific mission as the ‘world’s fastest atom smasher’ loses that title to new facilities in
StarLine Commuter Rail project: Recent research on this issue uncovered a jump in cost to build the StarLine commuter rail system on the previous EJ&E rail right of way (now Canadian National RR). Once scheduled with a $1.2 billion price tag, latest estimates exceed $2.3 billion, primarily the result of CNN’s refusal to share tracks with the commuter line. Right of way has been promised, but this will require installation of new track and control systems. Will this kill the project that promised to link all rail commuter systems in Chicagoland? Time will tell.
Fitness and Health opportunities: The trail systems running through Warrenville, an active Pedestrian and Bicycling Commission, river ecology enhancements, new Park District Recreation Center, plus several sports medicine and training facilities in town auger well for community health. Expanded medical facilities in Cantera continue to offer innovative medical care as well. The newspaper continues to provide health-targeted columns and articles to guide readers toward healthy lifestyles.
Flood Management Issues: continuing stories: 2010 should be a year of activity for this issue. The city has its consulting report available, although not as helpful as promised; and the county has its analysis project underway to address the concerns of Warrenville. These two efforts are scheduled to be joined in the new year to provide answers to questions local property owners have had since the flooding of 2008-2009. Stay tuned for developments.
Forest Preserve developments: Over the past two years, forest preserve projects have left many citizens feeling threatened. Some are aesthetic threats, some are real, and others are perceived. Whatever the case, the forest preserve performs services that benefit most citizens of
Political picture: Speaking of elections, 2010 promises to provide more than its share of political dialogue and rhetoric, and you can rest assured that the paper will be Johnny on the spot. Red-hot issues abound at every level, from the county to our troubled state to the national polarization that continues to persist despite the obvious fact that it continues to stand in the way of our true national interests.
Infusion of new ideas in government: Look for the Village Chronicles to suggest the investigation of new approaches for governmental entities to consider, as they struggle to balance their budgets. We cannot continue to rely solely on tax revenues to support needed governmental units and their functions. Budget cuts are of course always welcome where feasible, but strict scrutiny of the activities of government and major increases in efficiency are not only desirable but are now a necessity. Furthermore, governmental units must now make a choice between privatizing virtually every function or becoming a part of the free enterprise system upon which the rest of us rely to survive.
