Draft Cicero Connections State of the Area Report by Daniel Grove

CICERO CONNECTIONS state of the area summary

DECEMBER 11, 2013 Draft for steering committee review

L AK OTA

STEERING COMMITTEE Jose Alvarez, Grant Director, Town of Cicero Kristen Andersen, Metra Lenny Cannata, West Central Municipal Conference David Chandler, Center for Neighborhood Technology Jay Ciavarella, Regional Transportation Authority Dominick Gatto, Town of Cicero Resident Louis Guido, Town of Cicero Resident Steve Hands, Chicago Transit Authority Barbara Harris, Town of Cicero Resident Jennifer Henry, Chicago Transit Authority David Kralik, Metra Dr. Michael Kuzniewski, J Sterling Morton High School District 201 Joe Lacobucci, Chicago Transit Authority Eric Llewellyn, Pace Taylor McKinley, Center for Neighborhood Technology Amber Munday, DelGaldo Law Group Merrie Neal, Town of Cicero Resident Craig Pesek, Town Project Manager, Town of Cicero Rosa Raygoza, Project Manager Assistant, Town of Cicero Lucy Schmidt, Town of Cicero Resident Kyle Smith, Center for Neighborhood Technology Heather Tabbert, Regional Transportation Authority Tammy Wierciak, West Central Municipal Conference

table of contents

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

SECTION 2: LAND USE

SECTION 3: ZONING

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

SECTION 5: TRANSPORTATION

SECTION 6: MARKET

SECTION 7: ISSUES + OPPORTUNITIES

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION PLANNING MISSION In July of 2013, the Town of Cicero along with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) engaged The Lakota Group, Goodman Williams Group and T.Y. Lin International to evaluate and develop recommended transportation, land use and urban design plans and strategies for the Town’s Station Areas and Cicero Avenue Corridor. More specifically, the goal of the process is to develop an implementation plan that enhances the unique transit-rich environment of the Study Area and identifies opportunities to increase access to equitable transportation options and to create transit supportive redevelopment of vacant and underused sites. The plan will carefully balance desired community character with achievable economic realities. Since it is critical that any new development fit with the physical and social character, framework and surrounding context, this study must first define the land use, physical conditions, transportation and market constraints and opportunities that impact the Study Area. Once these are defined and documented, potential solutions, in the form of concepts and strategies, will be developed and tested. A preferred vision for the Study Area will be formulated and vetted with the input of the Project Steering Committee, community residents and stakeholders.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

Regional Transportation Authority’s Community Planning Principles:

• Plan for increased transit usage. • Plan for access and circulation improvements in and around transit facilities. • Plan for improved mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. • Plan for multi-modal transportation improvements. • Plan for enhanced or expanded transit service. • Develop transit-oriented plans or principles.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

PLANNIING GOALS The end goal of the planning process will be the creation of a cohesive Cicero Connections vision and land use framework and implementation tool kit. This will provide a roadmap and specific action items for future redevelopment and enhancement activities. It will also outline strategies for funding these activities and detail responsibilities for private and public parties to advance these initiatives. Our Team recognizes that this planning assignment is an important opportunity for the Town of Cicero to: • Create a clear, documented and shared vision for the future of the Station Areas and Cicero Corridor that “sets the stage” for funding strategies, capital improvement programming, new development and retention/attraction of area businesses.

• Establish a framework for future changes to development regulations that emphasize high quality, sustainable site and building design. • Improve Cicero’s functionality and visibility as a primary transit gateway between Chicago and the west suburbs.Maximize the transit-oriented nature of Cicero by improving transit options while establishing better venues and linkages for pedestrians and bicycles. • Create better connectivity between residential neighborhoods, shopping districts and employment centers.

• Create and test a range of alternative development concepts and strategies that enhance and revitalize the Station Areas, Cicero Corridor and surrounding context. • Develop optimal short and long-range land use strategy and development framework for the Study Area. • Attract land uses and development more compatible with the goals, needs, infrastructure and “character” of the community and stimulate Transit-Oriented Development investment in Cicero. • Maximize opportunities for increased mobility for Cicero’s residents, employees and visitors.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

PLANNING PROCESS PHASE 1: AREA ANALYSIS The first-phase analysis has included a comprehensive review of the Study Area and surrounding neighborhood context: • Previous Plans/Studies, including the West Central Municipal Conference (WCMC)/ Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) transit and freight transportation study, Berwyn TOD Study, Homes for a Changing Region and relevant planning initiatives conducted by neighboring Chicago community area organizations

This “State of the Area” report includes a review of physical conditions, policies, development strategies, transportation and parking issues, market conditions and land use/zoning regulations. This report establishes project benchmarks that will prepare our Team and the Steering Committee to move into the Community Visioning phase of the process.

• Recent/Pending Private Developments and Public Projects • Existing Land Use Mix/Zoning Code • Transportation Network and Parking Conditions/Plans/Studies • Real Estate Market and Development Trends, Previous Studies • Cicero Urban Character (Building and Streetscape)

Participants at the first Community Workshop reviewed initial data and analysis at a series of stations.

Following the formation of the Steering Committee, our Team kicked off the project with a Team and committee review of the goals, needs and strategies necessary to move this assignment forward. In addition to our own reconnaissance and identification of necessary resources and information needed, the first phase of the process has included Steering Committee/staff review, focus groups and key stakeholder interviews and a Community Workshop. This first workshop focused on introducing the project mission and discussed initial data and analysis. For Workshop #1, our Team developed a Visual Preference Survey to help residents and participants to better understand the details and character that the Study Area should strive to achieve.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

PHASE 2: COMMUNITY VISIONING During this phase, the Team will generate ideas and concepts that address land and site capacities, availability and preservation of land and resources, modal access and circulation/linkage opportunities and potential development/redevelopment opportunities focused on blending desired physical character and context within a transit-rich community. The goal of Phase 2 is to solicit input from community leaders, residents, business and property owners and other area stakeholders on the desired development character related to the Study Area. In order to achieve this goal, a range of development concepts for each Station Area, as well as the Cicero Avenue Corridor, will be prepared by the Team, and reviewed and vetted with the Steering Committee prior to a presentation to the community. A Community Visioning Workshop (Workshop #2) will be held to test these refined ideas and gain public feedback and comment on preferred design and community character solutions. This phase will also begin to address and formulate goals, policies, transit, traffic, parking and infrastructure needs related to the area’s potential.

PHASE 3: CICERO CONNECTIONS MASTER PLAN + IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Based on the input from Phases 1 and 2, the Team will prepare a more specific development framework and Master Plan/Land Use Strategy for the Study Area, including final supporting zoning recommendations and Local Transit Improvement Plan. The Final Plan will be sensitive to the needs of the community and responsive to its land use, physical conditions and overall economic development potential. The Final Cicerco Connections Master Plan will identify the Town of Cicero optimal short-term and long-range development choices and a clear and concise ability to evaluate how future proposals conform to the Master Plan vision. In order to achieve this goal, our plan will outline and an provide Implementation Strategy that will address the necessary policy and zoning changes, as well as public and private actions that can be taken to advance planning objectives and move the development of opportunity sites forward.

Following input from the Community Workshop, the Steering Committee will meet with the design team to further hone and refine the plans into a Preferred Plan direction for each of the Station Areas and opportunity sites.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

PLAN PURPOSE The Town will use the Cicero Connections Plan for evaluating and promoting planning and development decisions over the next 10 to 15 years, The Plan will serve many purposes depending on the needs of the ultimate user, which may include:

DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK The Cicero Connections Plan will provide a focused framework for potential development and revitalization activities within the Study Area. Town staff will review development projects for conformance with the goals, objectives and guidelines set forth by the Plan.

PUBLIC INVESTMENT GUIDE The Town will use the Cicero Connections Plan to prioritize public investment initiatives and improvement projects. The information on existing conditions and future land use and transportation/transit needs will also be used to seek grants at regional, state and federal levels.

PRIVATE INVESTMENT GUIDE The Plan will provide a base of information about the Study Area’s constraints and potential for both local and outside investors interested in developing within Cicero. It can also be used as a tool to attract outside developers by highlighting the unrealized potential of the area.

FUTURE VISION The Plan will act as a local or regional marketing tool to inform current and future residents, businesses and private investors about the adopted shared vision for the Study Area. This Plan will further support the many other local and regional initiatives that focus on economic development for Cicero.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

STUDY AREA Cicero is a suburban municipality located immediately west of Chicago and is serviced by Metra’s BNSF Railway commuter rail line, the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Pink Line, and both CTA and Pace bus routes. Cicero is uniquely positioned with easy access to both the I-294 Eisenhower Expressway and the I-55 Stevenson Expressway. Additionally, Cicero Avenue provides a direct vehicular connection to Midway Airport to the south.

LOMBARD AVENUE

To appropriately address the opportunities created by this transit and transportation rich character, the Study Area has been defined by a half mile radius around each of the three transit stations - the 54th Avenue and Cermak Road CTA Pink Line Station, the Cicero Avenue and Cermak Road CTA Pink Line Station and the Cicero Avenue and 26th Street Metra Station – as well as the properties directly adjacent to Cicero Avenue within the community.

39TH

LEGEND TOWN BOUNDARY STATION LOCATION TRAIN STATION WALKING RADII CICERO AVENUE CORRIDOR CTA PINK LINE METRA BNSF RAILWAY

TOWN OF CICERO, ILLINOIS

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF CICERO THE AREA REPORT DRAFT CONNECTIONS INITIATIVE

STUDY AREA CONTEXT

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

FIGURE 1.1: OVERALL STUDY AREA CITY OF CHICAGO

CICERO AVENUE

ROOSEVELT ROAD

M 1/2

dius ile Ra

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dius ile Ra

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adius ile R

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adius ile R

PINK LINE CICERO STATION

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CERMAK ROAD

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s adiu

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adius ile R

METRA CICERO STATION 26TH STREET

F RA

I LW

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BNS

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CITY OF BERWYN

CENTRAL AVENUE

E AV

AUSTIN BLVD

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N DE

VILLAGE OF STICKNEY

39TH STREET

LEGEND

DRAFT

TOWN BOUNDARY STATION LOCATION TRAIN STATION WALKING RADII

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 2: LAND USE

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

47TH AVE

AVE CICEROAVE CICERO

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ROOSEVELT RD

13TH ST

TERRACE PAPER

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ROYAL PACKAGE GROUP

COOK COUNTY STORAGE

CLOVERHILL BAKERIES

15TH ST

G.E. REPAIR

CICERO BUSINESS PA R K

UNITED SCRAP METAL

VACANT ()TOWN-OWNED)

16TH ST

CICER O CENTRE

CHICAGO EXTRUDED METAL

18TH ST

MORTON FRESHMAN CENTER

CLYDE PARK DISTRICT CICERO SPORTS COMPLEX

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UNITY WEST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

54th / Cermak

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CTA PINK LINE

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TOWN HALL JOHN J. SHERLOCK SCHOOL

COMMUNITY CENTER

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The Town of Cicero includes a variety of existing land uses, making it a diverse and vibrant area. The majority of the community is defined by traditional residential city blocks with small lot single- or multi-family buildings. Commercial development is found predominantly along the key Town corridors, such as Cicero Avenue, Cermak Road, Roosevelt Road and Laramie Avenue. Cicero Avenue is of particular note because the east side of the street, generally between Cermak Road and 31st Street has developed with large format retail users serving as a regional shopping destination. Industrial uses are found throughout the community, predominantly located close to freight rail lines or proximate access to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Institutional uses are found throughout the community, however, there are several clustered adjacent to Cermak Road, including Town Hall, the Town Community Center, the Cicero Public Library, Unity Junior High School and the Morton Freshman Center and Morton Alternative School. A more detailed description of land uses around each station and along Cicero Avenue follows in this section.

LOMBARD AVE

FIGURE 2.1: OVERALL STUDY AREA LAND USE

OVERVIEW

36TH ST

37TH ST

38TH ST

PERSHING RD

study area land use

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 2: LAND USE

CTA PINK LINE 54TH/CERMAK STATION AREA As shown in Figure 2.2 on the next page, there is a wide mix of land uses within a half mile of the station. Most notable: • Residential: Existing residential neighborhoods are found to the south, east and west of the station • Commercial: Retail and other commercial uses occupy most of the frontage along Cermak Road, as well as Laramie Avenue and parts of 25th Street to the south. Many of these uses are auto-oriented retail including fast food restaurants, banks, and automobile service.

Several fast food restaurants are located in this Station Area.

• Industrial: Freight lines service some light manufacturing and industrial uses north of the station. • Institutional: Directly to the north of the station is the Unity Junior High School campus. Further north on 54th Street are the Morton Freshman Center and Morton Alternative School. South of the station and Cermak Road are the Cicero Library and Sherlock School. Additionally, CTA has a facility and train storage yard to the west at the end of the Pink Line. • Open Space: The Clyde Park District has two facilities within the station area, the Cicero Sports Complex on Laramie and the Parkholme facility on 51st Avenue.

Unity Junior High School is located immediately north of the station.

• Vacant: Within this station area there are two of the larger vacant properties. One is approximately 1.3 acres and is at the northwest corner of Cermak Road and 54th Avenue. The other is approximately 7.6 acres and is just north of the tracks on 54th Avenue.

Several large vacant sites are located just to the west of the station.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 2: LAND USE

COOK COUNTY STORAGE

CLOVERHILL BAKERIES

G.E. REPAIR

CICERO

ESS B U S I NSTATION FIGURE 2.2: CTA PINK LINE 54TH/CERMAK AREA LAND USE VACANT PA R K

ILE 2M / 1

16TH ST

S DIU A R

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()TOWN-OWNED)

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S DIU RA E L MI /4

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VACANT CLYDE PARK DISTRICT CICPRO STADIUM

VACANT UNITY WEST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

54th / Cermak

CTA PINK LINE

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VACANT

CERMAK RD COMMUNITY CHEST

53RD / CERMAK CENTER

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TOWN HALL JOHN J. SHERLOCK SCHOOL

COMMUNITY CENTER

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LARAMIE AVE

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CENTRAL AVE

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RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL VACANT

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT D

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 2: LAND USE

CTA PINK LINE CICERO STATION AREA As shown in Figure 2.3 on the next page, the majority of the land uses are residential and commercial: • Residential: Existing residential neighborhoods are found to the north and south of the station. A smaller pocket of residential is found east of Cicero Avenue. • Commercial: Retail and other commercial uses occupy most of the frontage along Cermak Road and Cicero Avenue. Similar to the previous Station Area, many of these uses are auto-oriented retail including a drug store, a grocery store, fast food restaurants and two banks. Additionally, the Hawthorne Works development is located at the southeast corner of Cicero and Cermak, which includes a multiscreen movie theater, a grocery store, and many fast-food restaurants.

Walgreens is located just south of the station, at the northwest corner of Cicero Avenue and Cermak Road.

• Industrial: There are some industrial uses to the northeast of the station, accessible from 16th Street. • Institutional: The Cicero Town Hall campus, which includes the Community Center, is located on the south side of Cermak Road, southwest of the station. Immediately south of the campus is the Cicero West School.

Town Hall is one of several civic and institutional uses located in the Station Area.

• Open Space: The Clyde Park District has the East Parkholme Park to the northeast of the station. • Vacant: East of the station, there are several vacant properties located between 47th Avenue and the freight rail tracks along the Town’s eastern boundary. Currently, the building immediately at the southeast corner of Cicero and Cermak is vacant. Additionally, there are some vacant outparcels adjacent to Menard’s on the east side of Cicero Avenue. The commercial outlot building immediately at the southeast corner of Cicero Avenue and Cermak Road is currently vacant.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

TERRACE PAPER

ROYAL PACKAGE GROUP

SECTION 2: LAND USE

14TH ST

.E. REPAIR

15TH ST UNITED SCRAP METAL

FIGURE 2.3: CTA PINK LINE CICERO STATION AREA LAND USE VACANT

()TOWN-OWNED)

IUS RAD LE I 4M 1/

19TH ST CLYDE PARK DISTRICT CICPRO STADIUM

UNITY WEST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

54th / Cermak

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CLYDE PARK DISTRICT PARKHOLME

CITY OF CHICAGO

EAST PARK HOLME

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47TH AVE

CLYDE PARK DISTRICT CICERO SPORTS COMPLEX

VACANT

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ILE M 2 1/

HICAGO DED METAL

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CERMAK RD CICERO PUBLIC LIBRARY

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TOWN HALL

COMMUNITY CENTER

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CICERO WEST SCHOOL

25TH ST

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MORTON PARK

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CITY OF CHICAGO 51ST AVE

53RD / CERMAK CENTER

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RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL VACANT

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 2: LAND USE

METRA CICERO STATION AREA As shown in the land use diagram for this station area, the majority of the land uses are residential and commercial: • Residential: Existing residential neighborhoods are found to the north, south and west of the station. • Commercial: Retail and other commercial uses occupy most of the frontage along Cicero Avenue. This Station Area includes several of the large-format commercial areas on the east side of Cicero Avenue, including the Hawthorne Works center, Menards, Sam’s Club, Home Depot and Target. There are some small pockets of service commercial located along Ogden Avenue to the southwest of the station.

A wide mix of commercial uses are located within walking distance of the Metra station, including restaurants and large format or “big box” stores.

• Industrial: There are no industrial or manufacturing uses of note in this station area. • Institutional: The Cicero Town Hall campus, the Community Center and Cicero West School are all located to the north of the station. • Open Space: While not a programmed open space, there is a vacant lot immediately north of the station that the Town has considered improving as a public open space. • Vacant: On the north side of 26th Street, across from the station, the former Town Hall building is vacant, and a site that the Town has identified as an opportunity for redevelopment. Also, as mentioned for the previous Station Area, there are some vacant outparcels adjacent to Menard’s on the east side of Cicero Avenue.

The Town has considered enhancements to the large open space at the northwest corner of Cicero Avenue and 26th Street.

The old Town Hall is located just north of the Metra station.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

PARK

VACANT

SECTION 2: LAND USE

CLYDE PARK DISTRICT CICPRO STADIUM

EAST PARK HOLME

VACANT

UNITY WEST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

54th / Cermak

/ FIGURE 2.4: METRA CICERO STATION AREA LANDCicero USE Cermak

CERMAK RD

ROAD

CICERO PUBLIC LIBRARY

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TOWN HALL

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COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL CIVIC

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL

VACANT (FORMER DRIVE-IN)

INSTITUTIONAL VACANT

DRAFT

VACANT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 2: LAND USE

CICERO AVENUE CORRIDOR As shown in the land use diagram for this corridor, the majority of the land uses are commercial and industrial: • Residential: While there is little residential of note directly on the corridor, several residential neighborhoods begin within a half block in from Cicero Avenue. • Commercial: The corridor contains the full range of commercial uses found within the Town. On the north end of the corridor, this includes motels, a gas station and service commercial uses. As mentioned in the land use descriptions for the Station Areas, the properties around Cermak include small independent restaurants, fast-food restaurants, the Hawthorne Works shopping center and a range of large-format retail uses.

United Scrap is one of the larger industrial uses located on Cicero Avenue.

• Industrial: There are several major industrial uses along the Cicero corridor. Most of them are located on the east side, closer to the existing freight rail line. Some of these uses include United Scrap Metal, Terrace Paper Company and the Citgo refinery. • Institutional: No institutional uses are located directly on the corridor. As noted previously, the Cicero Town Hall campus, the Community Center and Cicero West School are just a block west of the corridor.

The AMC Showplace theater is one of the anchors of the Hawthorne Works shopping center at the southeast corner of Cicero Avenue and Cermak Road.

• Open Space: The previously mentioned vacant open space adjacent to the Metra station is located on the corridor between 25th and 26th Streets. • Vacant: The most notable vacant properties along the corridor are the former drive-in site on the east side of the corridor, south of 31st Street and the vacant property on the west side, south of 32nd Street. These are both larger sites that are proximate to the Walmart Supercenter that will be opening in 2014.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

There are several large format or “big box” commercial uses located on Cicero Avenue.

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 2: LAND USE D

CICERO AVE

49TH AVE

48TH CT

FIGURE 2.5: CICERO AVENUE CORRIDOR LAND USE 49TH CT

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21ST STREET CICERO AVE

CICERO AVE

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CTA PINK LINE CERMAK RD

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OGDEN AVE

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INE 29TH STREET

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DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 3: ZONING

SECTION 3: ZONING The zoning for the Town of Cicero is organized, relatively simply, into nine zoning districts (as shown in Figure 3.1 on the next page), with the exception of specific form-based zoning for Roosevelt Road. All of districts are represented within the study area.

COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

The C-1 district is not prevalent in the Town, and in most locations where it may be applicable, the R-3 district is used. However, both the C-1 and R-3 districts require a 10’ front yard setback, which may not be appropriate for an urban environment where walking should be encouraged.

Four of the Town’s districts are residential: • R-1: Single and two-family residential where the buildings lawfully existed prior to October 1, 1990 • R-2: Multiple-family residential • R-3: Residential—commercial • R-4: Apartment—commercial Generally, the residential districts become more intense from R-1 to R-4, with R-3 and R-4 adding in the permitted land uses from the C-1 district. The R-3 and C-1 districts are essentially the same in terms of permitted uses. One key difference is that the C-1 district specifically prohibits dwelling units below the second floor. Additionally, the bulk regulations (as summarized in Table 3.1), including minimum lot width and maximum lot coverage, are more restrictive in the residential zoning districts. The R-4 district is used heavily along Cermak Road within the CTA station areas. Because R-4 does not restrict first floor residential uses, this could lead to future uses that do not have active first floor uses with windows and displays that compliment a pedestrian friendly and walkable environment. The C-2 zoning that is used to regulate the majority of the corridor may be more applicable to the goals of this study.

Two of the Town’s nine districts are commercial: • C-1: Neighborhood commercial • C-2: Central commercial

The C-2 district allows for a much wider range of permitted uses and significantly more density through a larger maximum floor-area-ratio and height regulations. Commercial districts do not to seem to be used to regulate the majority of the Town’s commercial development as many commercial developments are located within residential or manufacturing districts.

MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS Three of the Town’s nine districts are manufacturing: • M-1: Wholesale and warehouse • M-2: Light manufacturing • M-3: General manufacturing Manufacturing districts are being used to regulate large format commercial development along the east side of Cicero. As there are no maximum restrictions defined for these districts, beyond a F.A.R. of 2, they may not give the Town enough control and guidance in the future to regulate the character of development on these lots. Several key sites adjacent to the Metra Station are zoned M-1. If these sites redevelop as residential or mixed-use in the future, the F.A.R. restrictions and permitted uses may make redevelopment challenging. A zoning overlay should be considered for this area, or rezoning to R-4 may also provide the necessary flexibility.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 3: ZONING

47TH AVE

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FIGURE 3.1: TOWN OF CICERO ZONING MAP

ROOSEVELT RD A

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ZONING DISTRICTS

R-1

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NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL

R-2

MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

C-2

CENTRAL COMMERCIAL

R-3

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL

M-1

WHOLESALE & WAREHOUSE

R-4

APARTMENT - COMMERCIAL

M-2

LIGHT MANUFACTURING

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

ROOSEVELT ROAD FORM BASED DISTRICTS P - PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED DISTRICT T - TRANSITIONAL DISTRICT A - AUTO-ORIENTED DISTRICT

DRAFT

14TH ST

SECTION 3: ZONING

15TH ST

16TH ST

18TH ST

TABLE 3.1: ZONING DISTRICTS BULK REGULATION SUMMARY

19TH ST

Min Lot Area (square feet)

21ST ST

Max Bldg. Ht.

Lot Width F.A.R.

Lot Coverage

Yards

CTA PINK LINE

Front

CERMAK RD

24TH ST

R-1

25TH ST

26TH ST

3,500

3,500 for single and two-family

R-2

varies for multi-family

25’ @ building setback line

3,500

25’ @ building setback line

27TH ST

28TH ST

R-3

3’

400-sf per dwelling unit or 6.5% of total lot area

35’ (65’ if municipal)

Interior Lot - 50% Corner Lot - 65% Municipal Int - 70% Municipal Corner - 75%

15-20’

3’

400-sf per dwelling unit or 6.5% of total lot area

35’

For residential uses, same as R-1 and R-2. For nonresidential - 80%

10’

3’

10’

140’

100%

N/A

0.65 (1.0 if municipal)

A FE

ANT 0.8 ERN S ORTH

AD AILRO

ON N INGT

BURL

Rear

Interior Lot - 50% Corner Lot - 65% Municipal Int - 70% Municipal Corner - 75%

23RD ST

25’ @ building setback line

Side

15-20’

R-4

15,000

150’

C-1

N/A

0.8

35’

N/A

10’

N/A

10’

C-2

N/A

140’

N/A

M-1

N/A

50’

0.9 for 1-story 1.8 for 2+ stories

N/A

5’

N/A

M-2

N/A

M-3

N/A

31ST ST

32ND ST

VE NA

I.C. RAILROAD

34TH ST

BELT RAILROAD

35TH ST

36TH ST

37TH ST

38TH ST

PERSHING RD

ZONING LEGEND ZONINGMAP DISTRICTS

DRAFT

R-1

SINGLE AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

C-1

NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL

R-2

MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

C-2

CENTRAL COMMERCIAL

R-3

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL

M-1

WHOLESALE & WAREHOUSE

R-4

APARTMENT - COMMERCIAL

M-2

LIGHT MANUFACTURING

M-3

GENERAL MANUFACTURING

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

ROOSEVELT ROAD FORM BASED DISTRICTS P - PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED DISTRICT T - TRANSITIONAL DISTRICT A - AUTO-ORIENTED DISTRICT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS The physical appearance of buildings, structures and pavements are key components in creating and maintaining a vibrant character around the transit stations and contribute towards the ability to attract redevelopment and investment. The Town has made several public investments, including the Town Hall on Cermak Road, that will help lead the way in establishing character and level of quality. Additional private development and public investment will continue to build momentum. However, there are still many buildings, properties and streetscapes and public areas are in fair to poor condition. In the following section, existing conditions are documented through photographs, focusing on the main corridors and Station Areas.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

CERMAK ROAD - 54TH/CERMAK STATION AREA

Due to the large width of Cermak Avenue, there is an abundance of paved areas, with little relief in the form of landscaped areas or permeable surfaces. However, there are several segments with grass parkways, which break-up the paving, while creating a more suburban character. Additionally, west of Central Avenue, the streetscape includes brick paver banding and additional street furniture. The bricks help reduce the appearance of wide areas of concrete, but there are several areas where the pavers are in need of repair.

Some sections of the streetscape appear very suburban, with grass parkways. These areas break-up the large expanses of paving.

The 54th/Cermak station only boards on one side, which allows the entrance to be more visible and inviting to pedestrians.

A small pocket of residential housing along the south side of Cermak also creates a more suburban character.

Along the south side of the station there is a bus lane which is incorporated into the design of the station and creates a defined pedestrian zone.

In several locations, inappropriate species have been installed as street trees. While evergreens, like the one shown here, are green throughout the year, they block views.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

West of the 54th/Cermak station is an large vacant lot. The condition of the paving, curbs an fence asgenerally in poor condition in this area.

This landscape between the parking lot and sidewalk helps to create separation and a better pedestrian condition, but still lacks street trees or pedestrian scale lighting.

Another vacant property is located at the northeast corner of Cermak and 54th. This long, linear site has convenient access to the Pink Line station.

West of Central Avenue, there are more active storefronts, pedestrian scaled awnings, and alternate paving materials - all of which create a marked improvement to the character.

In several locations along Cermak, the cross-walks are not aligned with the sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to take a less direct route to use the cross-walk.

Unattractive benches and trash receptacles that are in disrepair detract from the pedestrian environment.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

CERMAK ROAD - CICERO STATION AREA The width of Cermak creates challenges to the character of this Station Area, simlar to the 54th/ Cermak Station Area. Pavements are generally in fair condition, however, there are some asphalt segments of sidewalk that are in fair to poor condition. There is a lack of interesting streetscape amenities including signage or gateways, pedestrian-scaled lighting, different types of paving, benches and matching street furniture.

Sidewalk conditions on Cermak are generally very wide, especially where there is no on-street parking. There are few pedestrian amenities.

The Pink Line station entrance on Cicero is not well defined and does not create an inviting character.

Some uses, such as PNC Bank, are well maintained and attractive. However, the public environment of the sidewalk does not contribute to an attractive character.

The alley immediately south of the station does not create an attractive environment for transit riders or those waiting on the platform although it is frequently used by pedestrians.

Most pedestrian crossings are marked, however the markings are often faded and difficult to see.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Large stretches of blank walls, no pedestrian scale lighting, and paving in fair to poor condition all detract from the pedestrian environment.

Town Hall’s pedestrian scale lighting and landscape create an inviting character for pedestrians and visitors on this site.

Several of the bus stops on Cermak include shelters, but in general the layout of shelters, benches and associated signage is disorganized.

This bus shelter on Cermak, east of Cicero, is not integrated into the streetscape and stone mulch has been installed as a temporary solution to allow pedestrians to access the shelter.

Decorative fence between the sidewalk and parking helps improve the sidewalk conditions and define the pedestrian environment.

On Cermak, east of Cicero, the sidewalks are overly wide and create a large expanse of paved area in combination with the street and adjacent parking lots.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

METRA STATION AREA The Metra Station is undergoing renovations and upgrades, which will result in better conditions for the platform, parking lot and access tunnel.

The intersection of 26th Street and 49th Avenue, just north of the station, is challenging to pedestrians with no defined crosswalks.

Enhancements to the station, shelters and parking have improved the aesthetics.

The viaduct under the rail lines and Ogden Avenue is in fair condition, but is not a pedestrian friendly environment.

Additional lighting has helped to improve the pedestrian tunnel access to the inbound platform, however graffiti is still present.

Pedestrian access from Cicero Avenue to the station can use this sidewalk, which runs behind several houses.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

The outbound platform and station parking lot is accessible from Cicero Avenue via stairs or ramp. The recent enhancements have increased visibility in this area.

The CTA bus turnaround lacks a defined character.

New pedestrian directional signs provide information regarding Metra, but do not provide directions to the CTA bus turnaround.

Most uses in the station area are one to two story.

Pedestrian access to the north along Cicero is separated from traffic by railing.

Conditions and widths of sidewalks on Cicero Avenue within the Metra Station Area are consistent with the rest of the corridor.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

CICERO AVENUE - ROOSEVELT ROAD TO CERMAK ROAD The character of Cicero Avenue, north of Cermak, is defined by the busy roadway and narrow 9 foot wide sidewalks. These conditions create an uncomfortable environment for pedestrians as they do not allow for street trees or other amenities. The presence of on-street parking in this area helps create a buffer between pedestrians and traffic. Sidewalks, curbs and the other pavements are in fair to good condition. Many buildings and properties are in fair to poor condition.

Bus stops are frequent, but most are flag stops with no shelter or amenities. The few benches present serve for advertisement rather than comfort or aesthetics.

Typical conditions on Cicero Avenue, north of Cermak are defined by narrow sidewalks in fair to good condition.

Uses just north of the CTA Pink Line Station have a more pedestrian friendly character with larger windows facing the street, some awnings or architectural lighting.

The freight line parallel to 16th Street makes the Cicero Avenue/16th Street intersection wide and challenging to pedestrians and negatively impacts aesthetics.

Many uses along the street have blank walls and do not address the street or contribute to an interesting pedestrian environment.

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

CICERO AVENUE - CERMAK ROAD TO PERSHING ROAD Cicero Avenue, south of Cermak, carries more traffic than to the north. Additionally, without onstreet parking, the pedestrian environment is difficult. Buildings are generally in fair to good condition in this area, as many of the uses are national chains. Obstacles such as lights, curb cuts and unscreened surface parking lot create additional conflicts between pedestrians and motorists. In some locations, decorative fences and parking lot landscape help to enhance the corridor and break-up the areas of paving.

Narrow sidewalk conditions continue on Cicero Avenue, south of Cermak Road as well. The sidewalk paving is in generally good condition, although other obstacles exist in the righ-of-way.

Pedestrian and bicycle connections under Ogden Avenue and the BNSF rail line along Cicero Avenue are challenging.

Many of the buildings on the east side of Cicero in this area are set back from the road with landscape or parking abutting the sidewalk.

Bus stops generally have benches, but no shelters or other amenities in this area.

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 5: TRANSPORTATION

section 5: TRANSPORTATION INTRODUCTION This section documents existing conditions in Cicero with respect to roadway design, pedestrian and transit connectivity, and other information related to optimizing transit connections and quality of service. This analysis addresses the condition of pedestrian facilities leading to transit stations and bus stops, the condition of transit information at transit stations and bus stops, service frequency by mode, and the condition of transit infrastructure for waiting passengers (e.g. shelters, bus stops, sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signals). A primary focus was placed on pedestrian, transit, bicyclist, and motorist connections in the areas surrounding Cicero’s three main transit stations: the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Pink Line Cicero Station, the CTA Pink Line 54th/Cermak Station, and the Metra BNSF Cicero Station. The study area focuses on a quartermile area surrounding the two CTA Pink Line Stations and Metra Station. Bus stops for six CTA and five Pace bus routes also were reviewed within this study area, as well as general bus ridership data for the Town of Cicero. The goals and objectives of the study are as follows:

Table 5.1 – Means of Transportation to Work shows the number of employed residents living in Cicero based on means of transportation to work. Between 2000 and 2010 the overall number of workers in Cicero increased by about 5,000 people (16.5%). However, the percentage of workers who commute by car declined slightly (0.5%). The percentage of workers who drove increased by almost 7% and the percentage of workers carpooling decreased by just over 7%. Transit mode share increased slightly (0.2%) during this period. While the overall transit mode share increased, the percentage of people commuting by bus and subway/elevated train decreased. Railroad ridership drove the increase in transit mode share, more than tripling over this time period.

TABLE 5.1: MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION TO WORK

GOALS

2000

• Improve connections between transit stations, from surrounding areas to transit stations, and between transit services • Increase resident use of transit OBJECTIVES • Increase transit service frequency to downtown Chicago and along major corridors • Coordinate bus schedules with train services • Improve pedestrian infrastructure to transit stops and stations • Improve bicycle infrastructure • Improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

2010

Total Workers

29,722 100%

34,639 100%

Worked At Home

323

360

Drove

24,926 83.90%

28,892 83.40%

Alone

17,086 57.50%

22,229 64.20%

Carpool

7,840

26.40%

6,663

19.20%

Transit

2,799

9.40%

3,318

9.60%

Bus

1,674

5.60%

1,643

4.70%

Subway/Elevated

871

2.90%

761

2.20%

Railroad

254

0.90%

914

2.60%

Other (Incl. Taxi)

412

1.40%

322

0.90%

Nonmotorized

1,177

4.00%

1,693

4.90%

Bicycle

0.30%

288

0.80%

Walk

1,094

3.70%

1,405

4.10%

1.10%

1.00%

Source: 2012 American Community Survey, U.S. Census

DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 5: TRANSPORTATION

Non-motorized transportation increased in mode share by 0.9%. While the mode share of these modes only increased slightly, the total number of people walking and biking had larger increases. The number of people walking to work increased by 28% and the number of people bicycling to work increased 347%. Almost 95% of workers in Cicero reported having access to a vehicle. City records indicate that over 43,807 vehicle stickers were sold between January 1st and December 9th in 2013. The 2012 American Community Survey estimated that there were 20,267 households. This represents almost two vehicles per household and correlates with the high access to vehicles and the amount of people that drive to work.

The Town of Cicero is served by CTA, Pace, and Metra. The CTA provides service via Pink Line trains and six bus routes. All CTA routes, except the overnight N60 bus, provide frequent service (less than 20 minutes between trains/buses). The Metra BNSF Railway operates between Aurora and Chicago. Inbound service on the BNSF stops at the Metra Cicero Station approximately once an hour and outbound trains stop approximately every 50 minutes on weekdays, with increased service during the morning (inbound) and afternoon (outbound) peak periods. Pace operates five bus routes in Cicero, which provide connections to the southern and western suburbs.

FIGURE 5.1: REGIONAL TRANSIT CONNECTIONS FIGURE 1 - REGIONAL TRANSIT CONNECTIONS Legend

Metra BNSF Line CTA Pink Line CTA Bus Route Pace Bus Route 0:00 Time to Destination From Cicero

Jefferson Park Transportation Center

1:30 20 Miles

10 Miles

5 Miles 0:45 Downtown Chicago

2 Miles

0:22

Cicero 1 Mile

1:05

Illinois Medical District

Oakbrook Center Yorktown Shopping Center

0:25

1:25

Midway International Airport

UPS Chicago Area Consolidated Hub

0:29

1:10

N Not to scale

CICERO CONNECTIONS

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

DRAFT

SECTION 5: TRANSPORTATION

Pace routes typically have greater than 30 minutes between buses for all routes except the 322. Figure 5.1: Regional Transit Connections displays the transit systems operating within Cicero and their connection to surrounding areas. The busiest single transit stop in the study area is the CTA Pink Line 54th/Cermak Station, which was used by over 2,000 people on an average week day in 2012. The combination of bus stops and the nearby Pink Line station make the Cicero Avenue and Cermak Road intersection the busiest transit hub in Cicero. In total, the intersection is used by over 5,500 people on an average weekday, with 4,300 bus riders and 1,200 riders on the Pink Line.

TRANSIT STATIONS Each of the three rail transit stations in Cicero were reviewed for general service characteristics, transit connections, bicycle access, pedestrian access, parking, and any planned or programmed station improvements.

METRA CICERO STATION The Metra Cicero Station is located in the northwest corner of the intersection of Cicero Avenue and Ogden Avenue. The main station entrance is located on 25th Place at 49th Avenue with pedestrian access to the inbound platform through a tunnel located on Cicero Avenue. Metra conducted a mode of access survey in 2006 and found that the most common form of transportation to the station was driving alone (54%) followed by walking (20%) as shown in Table 5.2 – Mode of Access to Metra Cicero Station. TABLE 5.2: MODE OF ACCESS TO CICERO METRA STATION Mode of Access

Percent

Walked

20%

Drive, Alone

54%

Dropped Off

Carpool

Bus

12%

Rapid Transit

4% Source: Metra. Origin-Destination Survey. 2006.

By comparison, the Metra LaVergne Station, located one stop west in Berwyn, saw 56% of riders arrive on foot and 29% who drove alone to the station. Land use within half a mile of the LaVergne Station is more residential (60% to 32%) and less commercial (11% to 23%) when compared to the Metra Cicero Station. Open space, industrial, and transportation related uses account for 22% of land use within half a mile of the Metra LaVergne Station and 35% of land near the Metra Cicero Station. DRAFT

STATE OF THE AREA REPORT

CICERO CONNECTIONS

SECTION 5: TRANSPORTATION

SERVICE OVERVIEW The Metra Cicero Station is on the Burlington BNSF railroad and provides commuter rail service between Downtown Chicago and Aurora. Trains operate at the Metra Cicero Station between 5:40 am and 12:11 am during weekdays, with shortened hours of operation on the weekends. Typical travel time to Chicago Union Station during the peak period is 22 minutes, and peak travel time to Aurora is approximately 57 minutes. Typical travel time outside the peak is 24 minutes to Chicago Union Station and 68 minutes to Aurora. Train schedule information is located in Appendix A – Transit Service. Ridership for the Metra Cicero Station was collected in 2006. Average weekday ridership was 246 passengers. A review of ridership data back to 1983 shows that ridership at the Metra Cicero Station has remained relatively steady, ranging from a high of 281 passengers in 2001 to a low of 208 in 1997. Ridership information is located in Appendix B – Ridership. TRANSIT CONNECTIONS The nearest transit connections to the Metra Cicero Station are located at the CTA bus turnaround located at 24th Place and Cicero Avenue. The bus turnaround serves the CTA 25, 54B, and 60 buses. There are seven bus routes and two CTA Pink Line Stations within a half mile of the Metra Cicero Station as shown in Table 5.3 – Transit Service near the Metra Cicero Station. The north/south bus routes include CTA 54, CTA 54B, and Pace 305.

TABLE 5.3: TRANSIT NEAR METRA CICERO STATION

Bus Stop Intersection

Route

Ave. Time Distance Between to Buses Station (Headway)

Cicero & 24th Pl

CTA 60

0.2 mi