St. Charles Advances Downtown Redevelopment Planning

On April 9, 2024, the St. Charles Planning & Development Committee convened for nearly 48 minutes to review several downtown projects and long-term planning initiatives. Key items included street closures, outdoor dining agreements, subdivision approvals, and discussions on expanding public spaces in the downtown area.

Walnut Avenue Temporary Closure and Related Agreements

• Walnut Avenue Closure: Approved from April 15 through October 31 with a 5-4 vote. City staff will confirm 100% ADA compliance for the street.

• Outdoor Dining License: Approved for CNA Management Group at Flagship on the Fox, allowing expanded outdoor seating.

• Bus Parking Agreement: Approved for the Arata Theater, providing a dedicated loading zone for buses in the downtown area.

Development Approvals

• 1416 Indiana Avenue (Former Lamp Factory): Both the preliminary and final subdivision plat were approved, supporting ongoing redevelopment of this site.

• Right-of-Way License Agreement (Indiana Place): Approved between the city and Tri R 214 LLC to facilitate improvements in the area.

• First Street Redevelopment PUD Lot Six: Preliminary plan for redevelopment of the former Blue Goose parking lot was approved, aligning with downtown growth plans.

Exploring Additional Downtown Public Space

The committee initiated discussions on expanding public space downtown, considering lessons from past projects such as Arcada Arts Plaza and the Northwest Quadrant plaza near Cedar Street. Key discussion points included:

• The importance of unified planning for the downtown, bridging the perceived “East vs. West” divide.

• Balancing consultant-led data analysis with input from community members and elected officials.

• Evaluating timelines for traffic studies and implementation, with differing projections depending on street type.

• Making public space a standing agenda item for continued discussion and planning.

City staff were tasked with exploring best practices, potential locations, and consultant engagement strategies for future downtown public spaces.

Public Comment and Additional Notes

• Public feedback emphasized the importance of updating the city’s comprehensive plan, which has guided downtown development for over 10 years.

• Citizens and committee members highlighted parking constraints, community engagement, and strategic long-term planning as critical factors for successful public spaces.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn after public comment, setting the stage for ongoing downtown development discussions.