The Village has hired a planning consultant, HNTB (www.hntb.com), to facilitate the update process and to assist Village staff and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee in the preparation of the Plan. According to Philip Hanegraaf, AICP, Associate Vice President of HNTB, "A successful Plan is based upon community values, ideals and interests." For this reason, the update process requires community participation.

What is the Comprehensive Plan and how is it used?

Woodridge’s guide for growth is the Comprehensive Plan. It is a policy tool to provide overall direction for future land-use, development, redevelopment, transportation, community services and facilities, parks and recreation, utilities and other Village infrastructure. While it establishes the community's overall direction for the future, it also provides guidance for day-to-day decision making.

The following characteristics comprise the Plan:

• Comprehensive – The Plan assesses all aspects of Woodridge’s physical and economic environment. It concerns itself with the quality and character of neighborhoods, employment and the business community, and seeks to help ensure adequate municipal financial resources to support desired community services. To ensure effective government and resource management and stable and consistent development patterns in the future , the Plan addresses all areas of the community – including unincorporated areas which may be incorporated into Woodridge in the future.
  
• Long Range – The Plan that we develop today will likely be used for the next 10 years. While the Plan must account for needs identified today, it is essential to look 10 years into the future to identify those local, regional, or national trends and forces which may affect Woodridge. With this information, we are better able to shape our destiny and growth strategies according to community preferences.
  
• Policy Oriented – Because a Comprehensive Plan is long-range in nature, it is intended to provide policy level guidance. Unlike a code or regulation, the Plan must be flexible to account for unforeseen future events. It should be viewed as a guide to be consulted as a key resource in the decision making process.
  
• Based on Community Values – Finally, the Plan must be based on community values and consensus. If the ideas contained in the Plan are to remain relevant in the future, they must be grounded in community ideals and interests.

Why is the update process important?

The process is your opportunity to express the ideas and direction in which you think the community should move in the future. While the process and Plan may not have much affect on the living environment in Woodridge today, it will shape the future of Woodridge. Your participation will help create a stronger understanding of what the community values are and what should change or remain unchanged. We strongly encourage Woodridge residents, businesses and other stakeholders to participate in the planning process

How can I get involved?

There are several events planned for the near future in which you can participate. Four community meetings regarding the Comprehenisive Plan will be held over the next year, in addition to a Public Hearing before the Plan Commission, who will then make a recommendation to the Village Board. A survey is also being sent to a random sample of residents. If you happen to receive a survey, the Village would appreciate your time and effort to complete and return it.

Visit the Latest News and Upcoming Events page for more information on upcoming meetings. Also watch for updates in Woodridge e-News, WCTV Cable Channel 6 and the "Woodridge Weekly" section of The Reporter newspaper.

Comprehensive Plan Home

Last Updated: May 15, 2006