By early next month, Algonquin officials hope to hire an outside expert to help revitalize the village’s historic downtown.
The village Economic Development Commission on Thursday night heard a presentation from one of four firms being considered for the job. Paul Bednar, an urban planner for Elgin-based Burnidge Cassell & Associates, outlined work that his firm is doing to help redevelop Lake Zurich’s downtown.
Like Algonquin, Bednar said, Lake Zurich has an underutilized waterfront and faces similar obstacles to downtown revitalization, such as heavy traffic through the heart of its historic area. Both municipalities are planning traffic bypasses around their downtowns.
The commission hopes to make a recommendation to the Village Board and to see a contract awarded to one of the firms on April 6.
Community development coordinator Jeff Mihelich said money has been budgeted in the current and coming fiscal years for the project.
Algonquin resident Patrick Colcernian said he is heartened that the village is taking steps to improve its downtown. “People really want a downtown they can be proud of.”
