Roosevelt Road Repositioned as a Unified Corridor: Berwyn, Oak Park and Cicero Awarded For Collaboration

BERWYN, Ill., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The City of Berwyn, Village of Oak Park, and Town of Cicero accepted an award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for their Roosevelt Road Multi-Jurisdictional Economic Development Plan and Form Based Code, which includes the adoption of a Form-Based Zoning Overlay District and construction of a new, comprehensive streetscape for the corridor that runs through all three municipalities.

At its annual conference, the largest event for economic development professionals worldwide, the IEDC held its Excellence in Economic Development awards ceremony, which recognizes the world's best economic development programs and partnerships. The three Cook County communities were presented with an Honorable Mention in the category of Regionalism & Cross-Border Promotion for communities with populations of 25,000 – 200,000 for their long-term commitments to unify the Roosevelt Road district.

"We recognize the City of Berwyn, Town of Cicero, and Village of Oak Park for providing successful strategies to promote new paradigms in economic development in this period of global recovery," said William Best, IEDC chair. "Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. The City of Berwyn, Town of Cicero, and Village of Oak Park are showing that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using innovative and effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."

Paul Zimmermann, President of the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) and member of the Roosevelt Road Advisory Committee (RRAC), attended the conference to accept the award. "I was delighted to represent three, forward-thinking communities who invested hundreds of hours designing a zoning district that will guide the revitalization of Roosevelt Road throughout Berwyn, Oak Park, and Cicero for decades to come," Zimmermann stated. "We are thrilled that the premier international economic development association recognized our efforts to create a shared vision for a more attractive and vibrant experience along Roosevelt Road. Our strategy leverages public funds to encourage both existing and prospective businesses, property owners, and developers to invest in our commercial corridor."

Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero commented on the effort. "There was unprecedented cooperation and collaboration with the three municipalities to achieve the progress to date," he said. "To be distinguished from the many other regional efforts that took place across the globe is both humbling and motivating. We are enthusiastic about achieving the goal of increasing the quality of life of our residents and the visitors who use Roosevelt Road for shopping, dining, and entertainment."

The Roosevelt Road commercial corridor, stretching from Austin Boulevard to Harlem Avenue, is comprised of hundreds of businesses that provide thousands of jobs and goods and services for tens of thousands of residents and consumers. All told, the new plan was an ambitious undertaking that will affect more than one million square feet of commercial space, which roughly equates to the size of a large shopping center or a thirty-floor office building. The newly envisioned district ensures high-quality commercial, office, residential and mixed-use building types and projects. The district's code regulates building form standards and calls for the installation and ongoing maintenance of a new streetscape. The end result is a business- and consumer-friendly atmosphere that will transform and enhance this high-traffic, urban corridor.

"It is flattering to be recognized by the preeminent organization for economic development but even more gratifying to see the actual progress that is occurring. We have already seen an upswing in interest from the development and business community," stated Anthony Griffin, Executive Director of the BDC and member of the RRAC.

Additional information on the Roosevelt Road Multi-Jurisdictional Economic Development Plan and Form Based Code can be obtained through the Berwyn Development Corporation at (708) 788-8100 and www.berwyn.net.

The BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BDC) is a public-private partnership with the City of Berwyn that provides economic development and Chamber of Commerce services to all segments of the Berwyn community. The BDC is a not-for-profit membership organization that serves over 300 business and individual members. The BDC focuses its efforts on those activities that will improve the overall climate for local businesses and residents, in addition to encouraging the development of new commercial venues and employment opportunities. The BDC continually strives to develop new programs, services and events that promote Berwyn businesses and the community.

SOURCE Berwyn Development Corporation