Village of Paw Paw
Comprehensive Plan: 2006
Prepared By: Paw Paw Planning Commission and North Central Illinois Council of Goverments
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Table of Contents 1.
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................... Page 1-1
2.
PAW PAW HISTORICAL PROFILE................................................................... 2-1
3.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ....................................................................... 3-1 Location ..................................................................................................................... 3-1 Transportation ............................................................................................................ 3-2 Highways ....................................................................................................... 3-2 Arterials.............................................................................................. 3-2 Collectors ........................................................................................... 3-2 Local or Residential Streets ............................................................... 3-4 Parking ........................................................................................................... 3-5 Gateways and Signs ....................................................................................... 3-5 Railroads ........................................................................................................ 3-6 Waterways...................................................................................................... 3-6 Air Service ..................................................................................................... 3-6
4.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND ECONOMIC PROFILE.............................................. 4-1 Population Characteristics ......................................................................................... 4-1 Households Characteristics ........................................................................................ 4-4 Ethnic Composition ................................................................................................... 4-6 Education Attainment ................................................................................................ 4-6 Income Levels ............................................................................................................ 4-7 Population Projections ............................................................................................... 4-8 Economy .................................................................................................................... 4-8
5.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE .......... 5-1 Churches .................................................................................................................... 5-1 Education ................................................................................................................... 5-1 Parks and Recreation.................................................................................................. 5-1 Police.......................................................................................................................... 5-2 Fire and Ambulance Protection.................................................................................. 5-2 Health Care ................................................................................................................ 5-2 Sanitary Sewer System............................................................................................... 5-2 Sanitary Sewer System Improvements....................................................................... 5-3
Page i
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Storm Sewer System .................................................................................................. 5-3 Storm Sewer System Improvements .......................................................................... 5-3 Water System ............................................................................................................. 5-4 Water System Improvements ..................................................................................... 5-4 Telecommunications .................................................................................................. 5-5 6.
LAND USE ............................................................................................................... 6-1 Existing Land Use...................................................................................................... 6-1 Agriculture ..................................................................................................... 6-3 Commercial.................................................................................................... 6-4 Industrial ........................................................................................................ 6-4 Open Space/Parks/Forests.............................................................................. 6-4 Institutional .................................................................................................... 6-4 Residential...................................................................................................... 6-5 Climate....................................................................................................................... 6-5 Geology...................................................................................................................... 6-5 Soils ........................................................................................................................... 6-6 Water.......................................................................................................................... 6-6 Future Land Use......................................................................................................... 6-6 Agriculture ..................................................................................................... 6-7 Open Space and Recreation ........................................................................... 6-8 Industrial ........................................................................................................ 6-9 Commercial.................................................................................................... 6-9 Residential.................................................................................................... 6-11 Use of Future Land Use Map ................................................................................... 6-12
7.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES ........................................................... 7-1 Land Use and Community Character Goal ................................................................ 7-2 Housing and Residential Development Goal ............................................................. 7-5 Transportation Goal ................................................................................................... 7-7 Commercial and Economic Development Goal......................................................... 7-9 Industrial Development Goal ................................................................................... 7-10 Public Utilities Goal................................................................................................. 7-12 Community Facilities Goal ...................................................................................... 7-14 Open Space and Recreation Goal............................................................................. 7-16 Ongoing Planning Goal............................................................................................ 7-18
8.
IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................. 8-1
Page ii
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan Development............................................................................ 8-1 Village Board ............................................................................................................. 8-1 Planning Commission ................................................................................................ 8-2 Updating the Plan....................................................................................................... 8-3 Prioritized Timeline ................................................................................................... 8-3 Immediate: 0-2 years...................................................................................... 8-3 Middle: 3-5 years ........................................................................................... 8-5 Long Range: 6-10 years ................................................................................. 8-7 9.
APPENDIX
Page iii
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Maps Map 1 Regional Location Map ..................................................................................... Page 1-3 Map 2 Future Transportation Map ......................................................................................... 3-3 Map 3 Paw Paw Flood Zone Map.......................................................................................... 3-8 Map 4 Existing Land Use Map .............................................................................................. 6-2 Map 5 Future Land Use Map ............................................................................................... 6-13 Tables Table 1 Village of Paw Paw Population ...................................................................... Page 4-1 Table 2 Paw Paw Population by Age Group.......................................................................... 4-2 Table 3 Lee County Population by Age Group...................................................................... 4-4 Table 4 Household Characteristics Summary........................................................................ 4-5 Table 5 Housing Units ........................................................................................................... 4-6 Table 6 Race and Ethnic Origin............................................................................................. 4-6 Table 7 Educational Attainment ..............................................................................................4-7 Table 8 Income Breakdowns.................................................................................................. 4-7 Table 9 Population Projections .............................................................................................. 4-8 Table 10 Retail Sales ............................................................................................................ 4-8 Table 11 Pull Factor ............................................................................................................ 4-10 Table 12 Unemployment Rates ........................................................................................... 4-11 Table 13 Current Approximate Area Land Use by Classification ......................................... 6-3
Page iv
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
INTRODUCTION This document is the first Comprehensive Plan for the Village of Paw Paw. The Paw Paw Planning Commission developed the plan with the assistance of the North Central Illinois Council of Governments. The Planning Commission worked on the development of the plan over a 12-month period during which many working meetings were held. The first meeting with the Planning Commission was held in December 2004 to discuss an overview of the comprehensive plan process and to identify broad issues of importance to Paw Paw. Also, initial data research was discussed. During the development of this plan, the Planning Commission looked to receive citizen input into the plan. The first public meeting was held in January 2005 and all residents and those living within the village’s 1½ mile planning jurisdiction were encouraged to attend. The meeting was very well attended and served two purposes: First, participants became versed on what a comprehensive plan is and what its implementation could mean to the village; second, the contributors offered their input regarding the key village topics and their future vision of Paw Paw. Participants were encouraged to be as optimistic as possible and not immediately dismiss any ideas. The meeting brought together many unique ideas and helped serve as a benchmark for the start of the plan development. Meeting responses can be found in the appendix. Key person interviews were completed in spring 2005. Many village and county stakeholders were asked for their input regarding their field of work. This provided an insiders look at possible future developments and gave an honest view at what existing areas need improvement. The interviews point to additional areas of emphasis and present a more realistic outlook for future development. Further resident outreach was done in distributing a community-wide survey in July of 2005 to receive input on more specific topics. Questions were asked about community services, recreation services, transportation, housing, economic development and land uses. There were also several open-ended questions about their perception of the operation of the village. A copy of the survey and its responses are in the appendix. The Planning Commission also held a participatory public meeting in October 2005. Paw Paw residents, citizens within the 1½ mile planning area, and Village officials attended the meeting. Participants were given handouts to answer questions regarding the implementation of the Goals, Objectives, and Policies section of the plan. They were also able to make suggestions to the creation of the Future Land Use Map. Quality responses helped shape the Introduction
Page 1-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan priorities of the various policies and helped create approval for the possible future development of the village and its 1½ mile planning jurisdiction. The meeting served as the final informal meeting for those wishing to offer input prior to the completion of the rough draft of the plan. A final draft was completed and released for the public to review in December 2005. A public hearing was held in February 2006 to take final public comments on the draft of the Comprehensive Plan. After taking into consideration the comments received at the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted to approve the new Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan and pass the recommendation on to the Village Board for their approval and adoption. The Village Board then adopted the Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan at their next meeting in February 2006. The plan will serve as a guide for future land use, zoning, subdivision, and capital facilities decisions. It is highly recommended that the village consult the plan when making any development decisions. Planning Commission and Village Board members should always have a copy available to consult during official meetings.
Introduction
Page 1-2
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
PAW PAW HISTORICAL PROFILE The Village of Paw Paw is located in Lee County, just east of Interstate Route 39. The business district is on Chicago Street; County Route 16 runs through its commercial core. The Paw Paw Run runs through the southern portion of the village. The name Paw Paw comes from the papaw tree, a deciduous tree of the eastern and southeastern United States having flowers and edible fruit, which grew abundantly in the Paw Paw Grove. Paw Paw’s settlement origins are tied to assets that include the timber (Paw Paw Grove), the large amounts of prairie grasses, and natural springs, one in the east and one in the north. The early settlers looked to groves for shelter and fuel for heat. They did not look to the value of the prairie until later. Since the Paw Paw Grove was located north of the Indian Boundary Line, it was in Indian Territory not opened for settlement until after the Treaty of Chicago in 1833. The first permanent settler of Wyoming Township was David Town, a native of Vermont. He erected a log cabin north of Chicago Road, just outside the limits of Paw Paw. In 1835, Edward Butterfield built the first cabin on the present location of the village. George Town, David’s son, later built a log home on the northwest corner of what is now Chicago Road and Gummon Street. The Frink and Walter stage line ran from Chicago to Galena. When the route was established, it ran through Paw Paw; this established a mail link for Paw Paw. In 1837, a star route was established, with William Rogers as the first postmaster. Before this, the closest post office was 20 miles away in Somonauk. In 1839, the road from Princeton intersected Chicago Road and Willard Hastings began carrying mail from Paw Paw to Princeton. The preference of the early settlers had them located in the eastern parts of Paw Paw and on Chicago Road. The first store was located in the west of the settlement. It was owned first by Wheeler Hedges, and later by Willard Hastings. This store later burned in 1841. After the destruction of the store, Paw Paw spent a period with only peddlers to supply their goods. In 1841, Peter May purchased the land of what is now the Village of Paw Paw from George Town. He disappeared and in May of 1846, Amasa Harrington and his sons purchased the Historical Profile
Page 2-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan land. By 1847, there were 12 families and business interests included a smithy (a blacksmith), a shingle mill, and a school. The first framed schoolhouse was erected in a Paw Paw in 1846. Schools back then were established on the subscription service and before the building of the schoolhouse vacated cabins and private homes were used as schoolhouses. In 1848, school districts were established. Growth for Paw Paw was quite slow in the beginning. But in 1850, Field and Robinson established a general store and shortly after a wagon maker, shoemaker, harness maker, and a second store followed them. In 1851, one of the two hotels, the Detamore House was erected. The second came later. Paw Paw also had three churches, Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian. Organized in 1841, and moved to and remodeled in 1873 the Baptist were the first to have a church in Paw Paw. In 1869, the Methodists were practicing in the schoolhouse, and by 1875 they had built a church. The Presbyterians were also holding meetings in the schoolhouse in 1870, and by 1875 they had built a church. Throughout the time Paw Paw has been around they have had a variety of businesses in and out of the village. Currently there are no newspapers but at one point there were many. There include, the Paw Paw Times (1850s), the Amboy Times (1850s), the East Paw Paw Clarion, the Paw Paw News (1884), the Paw Paw Herald (1877), and the Lee County Times (1878). The last edition of the Lee County Times was published on August 13, 1959. This was the last Paw Paw paper to be published. Many other businesses have been in Paw Paw. These businesses include an electric plant, a tile works, an open air theater, a bank, a post office, an ice cream parlor, a blacksmith, a bakery and restaurant, a service station, a hardware store, a co-op, and a train station, just to name a few. Community leaders and residents have expressed a desire for planned growth and sustainability. Recent proactive initiatives are the incorporation of a planning commission and the development of the village’s first comprehensive plan.
Historical Profile
Page 2-2
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Location The Village of Paw Paw is located in southeastern Lee County in north central Illinois. The town is about two miles east of Interstate 39, an important north-south limited-access highway connecting Rockford and Bloomington/Normal. Some cities found within a halfhour drive of Paw Paw include Ottawa, LaSalle/Peru, Mendota, Dixon, Rochelle, and DeKalb. The community’s location near I-39 and halfway between I-88 and I-80 makes it accessible to numerous larger metropolitan areas including Chicago, Rockford, Quad Cities, and Bloomington/Normal. Paw Paw’s proximity to I-39 allows residents to easily and quickly travel around the region. The town’s decreasing distance to the far western Chicago suburbs allow some residents to work there and return home each night at a reasonable time. The serene quality enjoyed by Paw Paw residents is one of the top reasons why so many residents enjoy living in the community. There are few chain commercial or retail outlets to appeal to the region’s residents. These may result in the future, as development could occur near the Interstate 39 interchange over the course of this plan. Currently, Mendota is the nearest town in which residents can travel to for chain outlets. The small traditional base of businesses in Paw Paw supplies many of the goods and services to residents. The Village’s location near I-39 could create more residential opportunities in the future. This visibility is a strength and will inevitably be built upon as the population of the Chicago metropolitan area continues to surge farther west. Illinois law allows municipalities to plan for a 1½ mile radius around the existing village limits based on the date on incorporation. This allows the opportunity to develop sound policies for future development. The Village of Paw Paw 1½ mile extraterritorial jurisdiction currently comes near I-39 but does not include the interchange. As future annexations occur into the Village, it is expected that Paw Paw will be able to plan for the future land use of the land surrounding the freeway. The nearest town is more than five miles from Paw Paw. Therefore, Physical Characteristics
Page 3-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan there should not be competition to grab land to stock for future development efforts. This should ensure that development happens properly and in a timely manner that is in line with a future capital facilities plan. Transportation Paw Paw and the surrounding region is served by multiple forms of transportation, including highways, railroads, and waterways. These ensure that industrial development has the proper means with which to transport goods and services. Map 2, on Page 3-3, shows the existing transportation options within the 1½ mile planning area and proposed future improvements. Highways There are three basic functional classifications of roads. Each classification serves an important purpose to move people in and around the county and village efficiently. Also, these classifications are based primarily on their average daily traffic and not on unusual traffic patterns that may cause more traffic on a given day. No IDOT fiscal years 2005-2011 projects are proposed for the area within the planning jurisdiction. Most roads within the planning jurisdiction are in good shape and not in need of major repair. •
Arterials
These are the major roadways that move vehicles in and out of a city. They act as connections to major points and other major traffic generators. Arterials are meant to carry more than 5,000 vehicles per day or 500 vehicles per hour. On-street parking is generally prohibited and driveways and curb cuts are kept to a minimum. Paw Paw does not have any such roads within its planning area. However, Interstate 39 is located just west of the planning area and is a welltraveled road. Approximately 17,500 vehicles travel past the Paw Paw exit from the highway. According to the 2000 Census, the mean travel time to work for village residents was 34.5 minutes. This indicates that most residents commute longer distances often out of necessity and helps establish Paw Paw as a bedroom community. No major construction projects are planned for Interstate 39 between 2006 and 2011 as listed in the IDOT Proposed Highway Improvement Program. The road is in good enough shape for the number of travelers currently utilizing it. No other interchanges are planned to the north or south of Paw Paw on I-39. •
Collectors
The purpose of the collectors is to provide for the movement of traffic through the city on a more local basis. They act as the connection between arterials and smaller residential streets. Ideally,
Physical Characteristics
Page 3-2
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan collectors transport vehicles quickly to arterials with the least amount of necessary intersections. Generally, a wide array of development occurs on collectors. It can range from heavy manufacturing industries to low density residential development. Collector roads typically carry between 2,000 and 8,000 vehicles per day and are two lanes wide. Chicago Road acts as the collector into and out of Paw Paw. About 1,500 vehicles travel through the I-39 interchange but approximately 2,500 vehicles travel on Chicago Road through the Paw Paw village limits to the east of the interchange. Currently, Chicago Road is sufficient for the amount of traffic that comes into and out of Paw Paw. No traffic signals, turn lanes, or road widening are projected to be necessary for the foreseeable future. The road is wide enough through the downtown to allow for angled parking on the south side of the street and sidewalks on both sides. Keeping the road as narrow as possible will keep speed limits low and encourage safe pedestrian movement. Improvements may be required closer to Interstate 39 when commercial or industrial growth begin to add traffic to the area. However, it is important that the roads are not widened until such demand is warranted due to the high cost and the change in the small town atmosphere that develops with more traffic. Also, any future improvements should include space for an east-west pedestrian path. As with park planning, bikeways or linear greenways are easier to include in an initial construction phase of a roadway. Paw Paw is located about midway between U.S. 30 to the north and U.S. 34 to the south. These are the nearest state or U.S. highways to the planning area. Both of these roads experience nearly 3,000 vehicles traveling daily. •
Local or Residential Streets
The third category of roads is intended only for the access to housing. They are not constructed for any other type of land use. Speed limits are intentionally kept at a minimum to ensure a safe environment for citizens and pedestrians in the area and to minimize the number of additional vehicles from using the roads. This is often done through the use of cul-de-sacs and loops. Residential streets generally flow into collectors. Most of the roads in Paw Paw are classified as residential streets. While Flagg and Peru Streets act as collectors to bring traffic into and out of the village from the north and south, they have lower average daily traffic counts and are classified in this plan as local or residential streets. Paw Paw has a solid grid network of streets that make vehicle traffic easy and efficient. Cul-desacs are not recommended because they cut down on free traffic flow and can cause safety hazards because it limits the ingress and egress to and from a subdivision. Any future road construction depends on the financing set aside with the village capital improvements budget and plan. Many residents expressed a greater interest in constructing curbs and sidewalks on or near pre-existing streets. Some sidewalks have been constructed recently, facilitating the safer movement of nearby pedestrians. A stronger network of sidewalks is needed throughout the town to allow pedestrians to move throughout the town on foot. Most of the local streets do not Physical Characteristics
Page 3-4
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan have curbs. It is urged that curbs be a requirement for any future streets. The curbs provide a small buffer between the space designated for vehicles and that for pedestrians. Curbs should also contain ramps at intersections to allow people with disabilities to have access to the sidewalk. Parking Much of the public parking within Paw Paw is located on the street. The village has an off-street lot next to the village hall. The amount of downtown parking is sufficient for the total square feet of commercial and office real estate. It is not recommended to include additional parking spaces that could take away valuable downtown storefronts along Chicago Street. Surface lots should only be built on the periphery of the downtown. As new commercial and industrial developments are built on the outskirts of the existing village limits, it is urged that parking lots be built behind the buildings. The structures should be located near the lot line without causing sight distance problems. Keeping surface parking lots behind buildings prevents a cluttered image of rows of asphalt. Gateways and Signs Paw Paw has entrances into the town from each direction, though the most visible entrance is from the west on Chicago Road. Entrance signage is currently located near each of the village limits on Chicago Road and Peru Street. These are small rectangular signs displaying a simple message “Welcome to Paw Paw.” The village also has two larger signs within the viewshed of Interstate 39 from the north and the south notifying the passing motorists of the community at Exit 82. It is recommended that the village consider new entrance signage. They should be located just outside of the village limits on both directions of Chicago Road and Peru Street. The signs should be monument style and rise no higher than ten feet above the ground level. They should be easily viewed by oncoming traffic. The sign base should be neatly landscaped by plants and/or shrubs. The use of paw paw trees would be encouraged as a local connection to the name of the town. A logo or other simple identification could be added to the sign, which could also be used on letterhead and additional signage within the village. Any signs should portray a friendly image to visitors entering the town. This is done through the landscaping, desirable colors, a village motto, and a catchy identifier. In addition, the signs along I-39 are difficult to notice because of the shrubs that have grown in front of them. Since this sign is an important statement for the village to make to possible motorists exiting the highway, it is imperative that the sign is readable and clear of any clutter. The sign acts as a diversion for vehicles to see what the village has to offer. The shrubs should be continually cut to ensure that the sign is free. The Village should contact the Illinois Department of Transportation to urge a regular maintenance schedule of the road right-of-way Physical Characteristics
Page 3-5
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan that would provide an unobscured look at the signs throughout the year. Railroads There are no freight or passenger rail lines that pass through Paw Paw or the 1½ mile planning area. The nearest freight line is the BNSF, about 10 miles to the south. This is one of the country’s major rail lines and connects Chicago with Kansas City. A large inter-modal hub is located in Rochelle, where the BNSF and Union Pacific lines meet. It has been and will continue to be a boom for industry in north central Illinois. The nearest Amtrak rail station is located in Mendota, about 15 miles from Paw Paw. Waterways There are no major waterways within the planning jurisdiction. A small creek meanders along the southern portion of Paw Paw near the golf course. The closest major waterway is the Illinois River, about 30 miles south of Paw Paw. The river is entirely navigable and maintains a ninefoot navigation channel between its eight locks and dams. Barge traffic is extensive on the river throughout the year. The channel depth is nine feet. The river is a tributary of the Mississippi River and connects with the Des Plaines River. A map on Page 3-8 identifies the areas in the village limits that are within a floodplain. Areas that are located within a floodplain are encouraged to have development restrictions. Building should not be allowed that will cause further flood risks for nearby properties. Air Service There are no commercial air facilities in Paw Paw. The closest public airports are in DeKalb and Peru. Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru is within 30 miles of Paw Paw. The airport does not offer scheduled passenger carrier service. It is primarily used for corporate, private, and charter flights. DeKalb Taylor Airport has two paved runways that are 4,200 and 5,000 feetlong. Sixty-one aircraft are based at the airport with 37,000 annual operations. The Illinois Valley Regional Airport has a 6,000 foot-long paved, lighted runway. Forty-seven aircraft are based there with 21,000 annual operations. Private facilities are located in Earlville, Hinckley, Leland, and Mendota, with the Hinckley airport the busiest with about 48,000 enplanements per year. A primary commercial airport in Rockford is less than 50 miles from Paw Paw. Primary commercial airports O’Hare and Midway in Chicago are located approximately 75 miles from the Village. Other primary commercial airports within 100 miles of Paw Paw are in Bloomington, Peoria, and the Quad Cities. As part of Illinois Valley Regional Airport’s five-year plan, improvements include purchasing 87 acres to the east of the existing runway for the construction of a crosswind runway. This would make it easier for smaller aircraft, which previously would have trouble with take-offs and Physical Characteristics
Page 3-6
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan landings due to high crosswinds, to use the airport more extensively. Other proposed improvements are to construct 1,200 feet of additional taxiway space and an expansion of the general aviation apron. These would bring greater activity to the airport.
Physical Characteristics
Page 3-7
88-59-40 W
88-59-20 W
88-59-0 W
88-58-40 W
88-58-20 W
41-42-0 N
88-58-0 W
41-41-40 N
41-41-40 N
41-42-0 N
Paw Paw Floodplain Map
Legend
41-41-0 N
41-41-0 N
41-41-20 N
41-41-20 N
41-40-40 N
41-40-40 N
88-59-40 W
88-59-20 W
88-59-0 W
88-58-40 W
88-58-20 W
88-58-0 W
Map center: 41° 41' 17" N, 88° 58' 55" W This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for general reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.
Scale: 1:25,000
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
DEMOGRAPHICS AND ECONOMIC PROFILE Population Characteristics Table 1 - Village of Paw Paw - Population
Paw Paw
+% change
Lee County
+% change
Illinois
+% change
1940
523
--
34,604
--
7,897,241
--
1950
594
13.58%
36,451
5.34%
8,712,176
10.3%
1960
725
22.05%
38,749
6.30%
10,081,158
15.7%
1970
846
16.69%
37,947
-2.11%
11,110,285
10.2%
1980
839
-0.83%
36,328
-4.46%
11,427,409
2.9%
1990
791
-6.07%
34,392
-5.63%
11,430,602
0.0%
2000
852
7.7%
36,062
4.9%
12,419,293
8.6%
Source: 1940 - 2000 U.S. Census
Paw Paw Population Comparison: 1940-2000 1,000 900 800 700 600 500 1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
The Village of Paw Paw had a large proportional increase in population between 1940 and 1970. The population leveled during the 1970s, losing seven residents during this period. It continued to fall after 1980, as more than six percent of the population had left the Village. The period between 1990 and 2000 saw the first increase in population in three decades. Lee County experienced some similar changes in its population. The county increased in population size between 1940 and 1960, though not to the degree of Paw Paw. However, while Paw Paw had a jump in population during the 1960s, Lee County actually lost more than two percent of its
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan residents. Between 1960 and 1990, the county lost more than 4,300 residents. The number of residential building permits issued in the county was unusually high between 1994 and 1996, causing a bump in population. The number has since leveled to approximately 100 per year. In addition, each year since 1996 has seen more migration out from the county rather than coming into the county. The State of Illinois also experienced significant growth in the period from 1940 to 1970. The population for the State has leveled since 1970, with a more significant increase in the last decade. Table 2 – Paw Paw Population by Age Group
Age Range
1990
2000
Total Persons
Percent
Total Persons
Percent
Under 5
44
5.6%
51
6.0%
5-9
63
8.0%
69
8.1%
10 – 14
49
6.2%
73
8.6%
15 – 19
57
7.2%
67
7.9%
20 – 24
26
3.3%
35
4.1%
25 – 34
119
15.0%
77
9.0%
35 – 44
107
13.5%
154
18.1%
45 – 54
105
13.3%
111
13.0%
55 – 64
63
8.0%
86
10.1%
65 – 74
84
10.6%
66
7.7%
75 – 84
60
7.6%
50
5.9%
Above 84
14
1.8%
13
1.5%
Total Population
791
852
Median Age
38.7
38.0 Source: 1990 & 2000 U.S. Census
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-2
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Population Percentage by Age Group, Paw Paw
20.0% 16.0% 12.0% 8.0% 4.0% 0.0%
1990
5-9 10-1 4 15-1 9 20-2 4 25-3 4 35-4 4 45-5 4 55-6 4 65-7 4 75-8 4 abo ve 8 4
und er 5
2000
Population Percentage by Age Group, Lee County
20.0% 16.0% 12.0% 8.0% 4.0% 0.0%
1990
4
4
abo
ve 8
4
75-8
4
65-7
4
55-6
4
45-5
4
35-4
4
25-3
9
20-2
4
15-1
10-1
5-9
und
er 5
2000
The median age of Paw Paw has actually dropped slightly between 1990 and 2000. The percentage of those 24 years old and younger has risen from 30.3% of the population to 34.7%. This is somewhat unique to many smaller, rural towns. The recent trend has been for most younger age cohorts to drop in population, particularly the 20-24 age segment that is often away from home at college or a new job. The 35-44 age group experienced the largest increase in population, jumping nearly 31% higher over the last decade. The decrease in the median age in Paw Paw was opposite that of Lee County, which felt a significant increase from 34.3 to 37.9 years of age. Two age groups had the largest decreases in population. One was the 25-34 age group, which fell from 119 to 77 people. This was a change from 15% to only 9% of the population. The decrease in this age group may be contributed to by a couple of factors. The first may be an increasing number of young people going on to college and the second being the lack of jobs for these people to come back to after obtaining their college degree. Lee County also noticed a drop in the 25-34 age group from 16.9% to 12.9% of the population. The 65-74 age group felt the next largest drop in population. This age group now only constitutes 7.7% of the town’s population, down more than 21% between 1990 and 2000. As the baby-boomer generation continues to grow older and enter retirement age, this cohort should be expected to increase in the future. Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-3
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Table 3 - Lee County Population by Age Group
Age Range
1990
2000
Total Persons
Percent
Total Persons
Percent
Under 5
2,377
6.9%
1,992
5.5%
5-9
2,565
7.5%
2,416
6.7%
10 - 14
2,576
7.5%
2,746
7.6%
15 - 19
2,295
6.7%
2,507
7.0%
20 - 24
2,047
6.0%
1,884
5.2%
25 - 34
5,805
16.9%
4,637
12.9%
35 - 44
5,090
14.8%
6,277
17.4%
45 - 54
3,459
10.0%
5,056
14.0%
55 - 64
3,117
9.1%
3,259
9.0%
65 - 74
2,751
8.0%
2,699
7.5%
75 - 84
1,726
5.0%
1,861
5.2%
Above 84
584
1.7%
728
2.0%
Total Population
34,392
36,062
Median Age
34.3
37.9 Source: 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census
Households Characteristics According to the U.S. Census, the number of persons per family for Paw Paw had a slight increase between 1990 and 2000. At the same time, the number decreased for Lee County from 3.10 to 3.01. The cause of this decrease may be a combination of the increased number of elderly living alone and the increasing number of single parent families. The table below shows that there is a slight difference between Paw Paw and Lee County on the percent of owner occupied housing units (80.4% to 73.9%). Median housing values increased by 52.6% in Paw Paw and by 76.3 percent in Lee County. Though these values are low compared to counties near the Chicago area, it is urged that the Village and County review the need for some affordable housing units. The increase helps prove that the style of housing and land development in the County, particularly the eastern portion, is and will likely continue to see larger suburban-style housing projects. Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-4
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Table 4 - Household Characteristics Summary Paw Paw
Lee County
1990
2000
1990
2000
Total Households
318
342
12,475
13,253
Total Housing Units
333
359
13,314
14,310
Owner Occupied Housing Units
262 (82.4%)
275 (80.4%)
8,682 (69.6%)
9,791 (73.9%)
Renter Occupied Housing Units
56 (17.6%)
67 (19.6%)
3,793 (30.4%)
3,462 (26.1%)
2.49
Persons Per Household
2.49
Persons Per Family
3.00
3.09
3.10
3.01
Families
227
228
8,958
9,138
Median Housing Value
$58,900
$89,900
$47,300
$83,400
Median Monthly Rent
$265
$515
$331
$468
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
As seen in the table below, the number of housing opportunities in Paw Paw has had an overall increase from 1970 to 2000. The number of housing units increased slightly in the 90s, as there were 24 additional units. Most of these are single-family homes on larger lots than the more established homes in Paw Paw. There is little multi-family housing in the village. The median family size and median household size held nearly the same levels during the last decade. Table 5 - Housing Units Housing Units
Paw Paw
% change
Lee County
% change
1940
n/a
--
8,751
--
1950
n/a
--
9,765
11.58%
1960
n/a
--
11,293
15.65%
1970
298
--
11,602
2.74%
1980
331
11.07%
13,358
15.14%
1990
333
0.60%
13,314
-0.33%
2000
359
7.81%
14,310
7.48%
Source: 1960 - 2000 U.S. Census
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-5
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Ethnic Composition Paw Paw is composed primarily of White residents, as 98.7% of the population is comprised of this group. There is a small Hispanic contingent in Paw Paw and a small percentage of other groups making up the rest of the ethnic composition. Lee County is slightly more diverse. Nearly 93% of the population is White, 4.9% is Black, and 3.2% of the population is Hispanic. There was a 37% increase in the number of Hispanics between 1990 and 2000 in Lee County and a 31% increase in Blacks. Table 6 - Race and Ethnic Origin
1990
White
%
Black
%
Hispanic*
%
Amer. Indian/ Eskimo/Aleut
Paw Paw
776
98.1
0
--
9
1.1
5
0.6
3
0.4
Lee County
32,530
94.6
1,222
3.6
727
2.1
84
0.2
181
0.5
Paw Paw
841
98.7
0
--
10
1.2
1
0.0
3
0.4
Lee County
33,422
92.7
1,772
4.9
1,147
3.2
41
0.1
210
0.6
%
Asian/ Pacific Islander
%
2000
* Note: Persons of Hispanic origin may be of any race Source: 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census
Education Attainment The population of Paw Paw is becoming slightly more educated. The percentage of high school graduates noticed a large rise. However, the number and percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher decreased. Whereas 68 people had a bachelor’s, graduate, or other professional degree in 1990, that number had fallen to 50 people in 2000. Part of this could be due to a greater demand for higher education in jobs in more urbanized areas. Yet, 13.2% of the population in Lee County have a bachelor’s degree or higher, an increase of 17.5% between 1990 and 2000. The county’s location near Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and the presence of Sauk Valley College in Dixon should encourage residents to attain a higher education. Ultimately, it might depend on innovative policies and programs to entice residents to stay and others to migrate to Paw Paw.
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-6
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Table 7 – Educational Attainment (Population 25 Years and Over) 1990
Less Than 9th Grade
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma
High School Graduate
Some College, No Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
Paw Paw
6.9%
13.2%
41.4%
19.4%
6.7%
9.6%
2.7%
Lee County
9.9%
13.9%
38.6%
19.2%
6.7%
7.7%
4.0%
Paw Paw
3.3%
11.6%
52.1%
22.3%
1.9%
7.2%
1.6%
Lee County
6.4%
13.4%
36.7%
23.9%
6.4%
8.6%
4.6%
2000
Source: 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census
Income Levels Lee County has a higher per capita income than Paw Paw. The county also has a higher median family income and median household income after trailing in all three categories following the 1990 Census. The State of Illinois has higher income levels, though the large metropolitan population bases heavily weight these figures. The overall economy was generally solid during the last decade, explaining a portion of these increases. People can be more selective in choosing employment when the competition for most jobs is not as intensive. The economy has fallen slightly since the income data was released, causing a reduction in jobs and ultimately, lower income levels. Table 8 - Income Breakdowns
1990
Per Capita Income
Median Family Income
Median Household Income
Families Below Poverty Level
Paw Paw
$13,029
$33,047
$30,645
5.8%
Lee County
$12,050
$32,464
$28,284
6.9%
Illinois
$15,201
$38,664
$32,252
9.0%
Paw Paw
$17,461
$47,500
$37,563
2.9%
Lee County
$18,650
$48,730
$40,967
4.9%
Illinois
$23,104
$55,545
$46,590
7.8%
2000
Sources: 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census and the Illinois Rural Economic Technical Assistance Center (RETAC) Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-7
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Population Projections The State of Illinois predicts a slightly declining population of Lee County through 2015. The population would then increase to a level not seen in the county since the 1980s. According to the State, the median age would increase slightly from 37.9 to 38.1 years of age. The actual 2000 population of Lee County was very slightly higher than was projected. Table 9 - Population Projections Lee County
% Change
Illinois
% Change
2000*
36,043
--
12,134,356
--
2005
35,764
-0.8%
12,382,632
2.05%
2010
35,663
-0.3%
12,689,367
2.47%
2015
35,626
-0.1%
13,011,264
2.54%
2020
36,209
1.6%
13,295,586
2.19%
* Note: 2000 data are estimates and not actual populations Source: Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs projections
Economy Table 10 - Retail Sales Table Real Dollars (inflation adjusted to 1998) 1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
$3,267,852
$3,646,093 (+12%)
$3,549,100 (-3%)
$3,191,580 (- 10%)
$2,669,991 (-16%)
$3,207,528 (-20%)
--
--
--
--
--
--
$2,368,159
--
--
--
--
--
Eating & Drinking
$266,919
--
$267,761
$262,647
--
--
Apparel
--
--
--
--
--
--
Furniture HHS
$75,024
--
--
--
--
$27,382
Lumber
$167,120
--
--
--
--
--
Auto
$20,944
--
--
--
--
--
Other
$137,768
$116,448
$96,131
$82,688
$85,892
$80,302
Agriculture
$94,179
$61,105
$59,400
$47,108
$237,743
($49,235)
Total Gen. Mdse. Food
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-8
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Manufacturing Combined NA**
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
$137,739
$209,956
--
--
--
$227,840
--
$3,258,584
$3,125,808
$2,799,137
$2,346,356
$2,921,239
**Note: As of January 1998, the IL Department of Revenue has modified policies in their Kind of Business listing to maintain confidentiality of reporting businesses. When a community contains three or fewer businesses in a particular retail sector, that sector’s sales tax receipts will not be reported separately. The sales tax receipts will only be included in the KOB’s Total Category. Source: Rural Economic Technical Assistance Center; Illinois KOB Reports, Illinois Department of Revenue
The pull factor is a comparison of average, downstate, per capita expenditures compared to local per capita expenditures. Pull factor calculations provide an indication of the shopping patterns of the local population, see Table 10 on the following page. The numeric value of a pull factor determines the amount of business a city (i.e. Paw Paw) or region (i.e. Lee County) either attracts from surrounding communities or loses to other communities. The numeric value of a pull factor may have three essential values (based on the base value of 1 or 100%): One hundred percent (100%) is the dividing line. A pull factor of less than 100% indicates that, on average, people are shopping outside the study area for those items. A pull factor equal to 100% indicates that on average Paw Paw and Lee County has an equal balance of residents shopping locally and residents shopping in other communities outside of the study area. Conversely, a pull factor greater than 100% indicates that on average, people are coming from outside the study area for those items. Due to the few businesses within each industrial category it is hard to make a true determination of the Village’s pull factor. A reasonable estimate could be made that Paw Paw has not met their shopping potential and has a high percentage of disposable income being leaked outside of the town and county.
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-9
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Table 11 - Pull Factor 1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
50%
55%
60%
56%
47%
55%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Food
251%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Eating & Drinking
44%
0%
47%
50%
0%
0%
Apparel
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Furniture HHS
26%
0%
0%
0%
0%
11%
Lumber
38%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Auto
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Other
23%
19%
16%
14%
15%
12%
Agriculture
11%
7%
10%
8%
37%
-6%
Manufacturing
72%
122%
0%
0%
0%
179%
CPI, 1998=100.0
100
102.21
105.64
108.65
112.76
112.88
Total Gen. Mdse.
**Note: As of January 1998, the IL Department of Revenue has modified policies in their Kind of Business listing to maintain confidentiality of reporting businesses. When a community contains three or fewer businesses in a particular retail sector, that sector’s sales tax receipts will not be reported separately. The sales tax receipts will only be included in the KOB’s Total Category.
The Lee County unemployment rate has decreased for nearly the last twenty years as seen in the table on the following page, though the rate is currently at its 1995 level. The rate reached a high of 10.2% and has since lowered to its current 4.9%, though this number is not seasonally adjusted. The unemployment rate for Illinois in December 2005 is a bit higher at 5.3%.
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-10
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Table 12 - Unemployment Rate for Lee County Labor
Unemployed
Force
Employed
Number
Rate
December 2005
18,747
17,833
914
4.9
2000
18,466
17,704
762
4.1
1995
17,489
16,633
856
4.9
1990
16,145
15,276
869
5.4
1985
15,694
14,087
1,607
10.2
1980
21,299
19,923
1,376
6.5
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Securities
Demographics and Economic Profile
Page 4-11
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE Churches
built in the 19th Century.
Four churches are currently found in the village: Paw Paw United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw Bible Church, and First Baptist Church. The Baptists first organized a church in south Paw Paw in 1841. The Presbyterians began holding services in Paw Paw about 1870. Around this same time, the Methodists began organizing in the community. Each of the churches was
Education The first schoolhouse was built in Paw Paw in 1836. Currently, two schools are located in Paw Paw and both are located on the same property. Paw Paw Elementary School houses grades K-6 and has an enrollment of 182. This number has remained fairly consistent throughout the last decade. Paw Paw Junior/Senior High School serves grades 7-12 and has an enrollment of 138, including 87 in the senior high school portion of the district. The school district is considering the possibility of expanding the school to the east of the existing property. The Paw Paw Public Library is located inside the Community Building. Parks and Recreation Paw Paw does not have a park district. There are two recreation areas in Paw Paw. Lion’s Park is the primary active park within the village. It is located on the southwest edge of the town and contains fields used by the local summer baseball and softball programs, soccer program, and the high school girls softball team. A nine-hole golf course, Trestle Creek Golf and Country Club, is located in the southeastern quadrant of Paw Paw. The course was built in 1987 on land that formerly was the home of the Potawatomie Indians, a dairy farm, and go-kart track. The village hopes to develop another park site in the near future. It is urged that new park sites be donated as part of future residential developments or money could be set aside in lieu of a land donation. The aforementioned parks are shown on the Transportation Map on page 3-3. Community Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure
Page 5-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Police There are no police employed by the Village. The Village utilizes the services of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department for all their police service. As the town grows, Paw Paw may require a part- or full-time officer to patrol the village. Fire and Ambulance Protection The fire district was formed in 1946 and it protects an area of 72 square miles in Lee and parts of DeKalb Counties. There are 34 part-time firefighters. The Village also has 16 Volunteer EMT’s. Of the 16 total, 14 of the EMT’s double as fire fighters. Equipment consists of two ambulances, a Pumper/Tanker Unit, a Rescue/Tanker Unit, a 4x4 Brush Unit, and an all wheel drive Brush/Tanker Unit. The total water capacity of the Villages two tankers is 4,000 gallons and each of the Pumper Units can pump up to 1,500 gallons per minute. Health Care The Mary Pfeifer Memorial Clinic is located within Paw Paw. It is open on Wednesdays and a family practice physician and a dentist see patients. Health care is also available in nearby larger communities. The nearest hospital is Mendota Community Hospital, located fourteen miles from Paw Paw in the city of Mendota. In addition to Mendota, other hospitals within a twenty-five mile radius include the Rochelle Communty Hospital and Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru. There are a number of clinics available in the nearby communities of Mendota, Rochelle, and Peru. The Lee County Health Department is located on 309 South Galena Ave., Suite 100 in Dixon. Nurses from the Lee County Public Healthy Office make bi-weekly visits at the Paw Paw Community Center for health services for senior citizens. Sanitary Sewer System The existing wastewater facilities for Paw Paw consist of a 100,000-gallon daily average flow (0.10 mgd) 3 cell aerated lagoon wastewater treatment facility. Sewer collection is by a gravity sanitary sewer system ranging from 8-inch to 10-inch sewers with pumps at the treatment plant. The system currently serves 366 accounts—350 residential and 16 commercial. The current average wastewater flow measured at the treatment plan is 150,000 gallons per day (0.15 mgd) on an annual average.
Community Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure
Page 5-2
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan The peak capacity of the wastewater treatment plan from a hydraulic standpoint only is 100,000 gallons (0.10 mgd). However, the exact capacity of the wastewater treatment plant from an organic standpoint (based on BOD) needs to be determined, especially in conjunction with any proposal for substantial development or collection system expansion to see if any improvements are necessary. The identification and correction of infiltration and inflow into the sanitary sewer system is needed to optimize the use of the system. The Village will be able to get a better idea of exactly how much infiltration and inflow there actually is and determines how to address it after the water meters are installed. The metering includes businesses as well as residential. Sanitary Sewer System Improvements Past projects include the installation of a new sewer system to supply the Wabansi Grove subdivision on the east end of town. Future projects should include the following: • • • • •
Determine the actual available capacity of the plant organically (based on BOD). Where feasible install sewer extensions to serve unsewered areas of the Village. Sewer extension to Interstate 39 and beyond. Construction of a new mechanical style WWTP with a capacity of 500,000 gallons. Continue to eliminate infiltration and inflow into the collection system.
Storm Sewer System The existing storm drainage for the Village of Paw Paw consists of adequate curb and gutter with inlets and a storm system in only the new areas of the Village developed in the last ten or twenty years. All of the older areas of the Village have any combination of surface sheet flow drainage, open ditches, or inlets with small diameter pipes. Inlets and pipes throughout the older areas are often clogged and become inundated with storm water. The Village currently does not have a Stormwater Management Ordinance. Storm Sewer System Improvements Past and current projects for stormwater usually are based on a problem being brought to attention of village staff and then addressing the problem. Future projects should include: •
Adoption of a Stormwater Management Ordinance
Community Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure
Page 5-3
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan •
Long-term curb and gutter and storm sewer improvements.
Water System The Village of Paw Paw waterworks consists of two flowing artesian wells with pumps added, an elevated storage tank of 93,000 gallon capacity, and a distribution system consisting of pipe ranging from four inches to eight inches serving essentially all of the residential and commercial areas of the village. There is a total of 377 water accounts in the village: 362 residential and 15 commercial. The water system serves all 852 Paw Paw residents. Water is fluoridated and chlorinated. Well number one, the main well, is located near the intersection of Peru Street and Chicago Road. This pump is rated at 525 gallons per minute and runs during the day. Well one is powered by a generator where it is discharged to distribution and to the elevated storage tank. Well number two, the secondary well, is located in the middle of the block bordered by East, Flagg, Grummon Streets and Chicago Road. It is located adjacent to the existing water tower. This pump is rated at approximately 170 gallons per minute and runs during the night. Well two is pumped with a right angle drive and is discharged into a ground storage tank and repumped to distribution and the elevated storage tank. The total capacity of the wells is estimated at 1,000,000 gallons per day. The well pumps are operating 25-50% of the time. There are approximately 350+/- residential users with an estimated population of 852 people served. The average daily water use is 150,000 gallons. The village’s storage capacity is 60,000 gallons in an elevated storage tank located in the middle of the block bordered by East, Flagg, Grummon Streets and Chicago Road, and 33,000 gallons in a ground tank. Water System Improvements The past projects have included the replacement of many of the fire hydrants throughout the Village in the last 10-15 years. Other miscellaneous past projects included extensions to serve developing areas and watermain replacement projects throughout the Village. Community Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure
Page 5-4
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Future projects should include the following: • •
Construction of a new “golf ball” style water tower with a capacity of 300,000 gallons along with the necessary pumps, pipes, and controls to connect the tower. The Village would like to continue water service out to the intersection of Chicago Road and Interstate 39.
Telecommunications Verizon provides local telephone service. AT&T supplies long distance. The village has access to both digital switching as well as fiber optics. Digital cable for television and internet access is available through Heartland Cable.
Community Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure
Page 5-5
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
LAND USE Land use is a broad term for the current particular purpose or function of land in a specific area. Different types of land use within and surrounding a community may act as a strong force in identifying community character. The current, or existing land use, can also identify patterns of where future land use may occur and the pace of development. The land use analysis can be used in coordination with various data sources to make future land use projections. Therefore, a study of the existing land use patterns within the Village of Paw Paw and the 1½ mile extraterritorial jurisdiction is an essential and fundamental component of the comprehensive plan.
Existing Land Use The purpose of this section is to identify the different types of land use within the Paw Paw corporate limits and the 1½ mile planning area. A study of existing land use was conducted in 2004. The information gathered during this study was obtained from a site check of properties, aerial photographs, topographic maps, and Planning Commission and Village staff knowledge of land use within the area. Categories of land use identified by this study are defined below. Approximate amounts of land area in acres for each category are also described and shown on the Existing Land Use Map on the following page. The acreages identified for each land use category are estimates, and are intended only to provide a basic representation for the identification of future planning goals and objectives. The Existing Land Use Map does not show a parcel-by-parcel use of land. However, it shows a general approximation of land use within the community according to each category, as described below: Agriculture
Identifies areas that are presently vacant, undeveloped, sparsely developed, or primarily used for farm-related activities. Located entirely outside the Village limits and within the 1½ mile planning area.
Residential
Identifies both single- and multi-family dwelling units, mobile homes, as well as related storage, recreational, and other accessory facilities.
Commercial
Includes all types of retail, office, and service-related facilities where commercial and customer activity is the primary use.
Industrial
Includes areas where light manufacturing, mining, research facilities, production
Land Use
Page 6-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan plants, warehousing, and wholesale businesses are located. Institutional
Includes land use for schools and associated school grounds, municipal buildings, other government-owned land and facilities, and religious facilities.
Open Space/ Includes primarily undeveloped or preserved land used for parks, recreation, Parks/Forest conservation, and other outdoor or nature-related activities. Table 13 shows an estimated breakdown of the existing land use within the Paw Paw corporate boundaries. There is a total area of 286.43 acres within the Village limits. Of this total, singlefamily residential is the major land use with 231.49 acres, which represents approximately 80.8 percent of the total land area within the Paw Paw Village limits. The majority of all residential property in the Village is detached single-family housing. Institutional is the second largest use with 22.1 acres. Open Space/Parks/Forests is the third largest land use, following closely behind with 21.22 acres. Commercial is the fourth highest land use with 6.98 acres. Most of the retail space is located downtown along Chicago Road. Table 13 - Current Approximate Area Land Use by Classification Land Use Category
Area (Acres)
Single-Family Residential
231.49
Institutional
22.1
Open Space/Parks/ Forests
21.22
Commercial
6.98
Multi-Family Residential
2.34
Industrial
2.33
TOTAL
286.43
Agriculture The large majority of land within the 1½ mile planning area is used for agricultural purposes. Many houses and farmsteads are scattered throughout the area for the landowners. The agricultural heritage of Lee County and the north central Illinois region is renowned and figures to remain some of the most productive agricultural land in the country. There are 16.3% Land Use
Page
6-3
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan less farms as of 2002 than there were in 1992 within the county, though the average farm size has increased by 12.1%. The average farm size has also decreased. Some smaller parcels of land have experienced development in recent years. However, much of the development has occurred near the Paw Paw Village limits. A main exception to this is the construction of a wind farm just to the west of I-39 at the Paw Paw exit. This is outside of the 1½ mile planning jurisdiction, though. Commercial Retail businesses and offices are located along Chicago Road in downtown Paw Paw, with the exception being a funeral home which is located at the intersection of Wyoming and Flagg Streets. There are a restaurants/bars and a grocery store for residents and visitors to frequent. The primary appeal of these businesses is to the local population, with visitors and tourists as a secondary draw. Each of these are of a smaller scale and are not highway/chain retail businesses. There are no commercial building vacancies at this time. Industrial Paw Paw has a handful of smaller industrial businesses scattered within its borders. There is not a large manufacturing facility or industrial park in the Village. Open Space/Parks/Forests Over 20 acres within Paw Paw is parkspace. The bulk of this is the O’Gee Golf and Country Club near the southeastern border of the town. This is a 9-hole, public golf course. A small neighborhood-level park is located near the western entrance into Paw Paw along Chicago Road. A larger community-level park with two ballfields is at the far western edge of the Village on Lions Road. Also, there is a community park just south of the Paw Paw schools on Chicago Road. This park is large enough to host community events and festivals. The closest state park is Shabonna Lake State Park, located about 10 miles northeast in DeKalb County. Other nearby state parks include White Pines near Oregon, Starved Rock near North Utica, and Silver Spring near Plano. Institutional The public facilities in Paw Paw include Paw Paw Elementary School and Junior/High School, Village Hall, Community Center, township building, fire department, post office, and a few churches.
Land Use
Page
6-4
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Residential Single-family detached homes constitute the majority of residential property in Paw Paw. Nearly ¾ of all the houses were built prior to 1980. Only 38 new housing units have been built within the 1990s. The newest development can be found on southeastern edge of town along Brookside Drive. These homes were built on larger lots and have more similarities to a suburban development. Most of the pre-1980 housing is found on smaller lots (typically around ¼ acre per lot). Newer housing has larger lot sizes and the transportation network deviates from the standard grid pattern to more of a meandering pattern. The potential exists for new homes to be built along each border as the demand for housing in north central Illinois increases, though the most likely destinations are to the east and west. Wabansi Grove is in the early stages of development on the east edge of the village. Multi-family and low-income housing is sparse within Paw Paw. There is an apartment complex on Maple Lane and a lowincome housing complex on Maple Street.
Climate Paw Paw has a continental climate typical of northern Illinois with warm to hot summers and cold winters. The average winter temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer average temperature is 69 degrees Fahrenheit. The village averages 37 inches of precipitation a year and 31 inches of snowfall a year. The average date of the last frost is in late April and there are approximately 165 days in the normal growing season. The climate typically allows the fruitful soils a strong growing season.
Geology The topography and geology of the village and county provides the first step for determining where various land uses could be located. As a general rule, environmentally sensitive areas should be protected from development whenever possible. These areas could include floodplains, floodways, unsuitable soils, steep inclines, or attractive viewsheds. Lee County lies within the area of North America that was covered by continental glaciers during the Ice Age or Pleistocene. Glaciers covered most of Illinois thousands of years ago. During the ice ages of the Pleistocene Epoch, very thick ice sheets covered much of the state. The thickness of the glacial drift varied from as much as 400 feet thick to as little 50 feet deep. Tills are widespread in areas once covered by glaciers, and they are the most easily traced and correlated type of glacial deposit. The clay mineral Illite is the dominant type of mineral in the clay portions of the tills. Paw Paw is within the Grand Prairie region based on bedrock geology, glaciation, soils, climate, and plant and animal distribution. The southeastern portion of Lee Land Use
Page
6-5
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan County, of which Paw Paw is located, is a till plain characterized by broad low ridges.
Soils Paw Paw is fortunate to be located on moderately- to well-drained soils. Erosion can be a problem on the gently sloping areas in the planning area. Conservation measures should be used to control any erosion. These soils are also well-suited for building development. Paw Paw is located primarily within Catlin-Drummer association soils. These are silty, moderately welldrained and poorly-drained soils that formed in loess and the underlying glacial till or glacial outwash. This association makes up about 10 percent of the soils in Lee County. It is well suited to cultivated crops. Problems can arise with basements and to septic tank absorption fields in lower-lying areas. The two most precise soil types that are found in and around Paw Paw are the Tama with 2 to 5 percent slopes and the Muscatine with 0 to 3 percent slopes. The soils are suited for building development, though low-lying areas can create flood problems. The “Soil Survey of Lee County Illinois (1985)” should be consulted to determine where development limitations are located.
Water There is not a major river located within the Paw Paw 1½ mile jurisdiction. The Rock River and Green River drain most of Lee County. The Rock River is the largest river in the county and one of the larger rivers in Illinois. The Green River begins in Lee County and meanders through on a northeast to southwest axis. Very little area within the 100- or 500-year floodplains can be found within the planning area. A small stream is located on the southern edge of the village, but little of this area is impacted. The buried Paw Paw Valley in the eastern part of the county is an excellent source of groundwater. Deep aquifers in the county are generally of higher quality and considered substantially less susceptible to contamination.
Future Land Use Paw Paw’s location near an interchange on I-39 should start to see a higher demand for commercial and industrial development in the future. Currently, the interchange does not have any development. A large wind farm is located just west of the interchange. The Village may want to explore the possibility of extending their capital facilities closer to the highway to further encourage growth. The Future Land Use Planning Map on Page 6-13 identifies areas for future development in all the various land use categories. These include agricultural, recreation and open space, industrial, commercial, and residential. The Planning Commission envisions these land use patterns to develop over the next 15 to 20 years.
Land Use
Page
6-6
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan As growth continues along the I-39 and I-80 corridors, Lee County should experience an increase in population. This is expected to occur sometime in the next 10-15 years. Paw Paw should not rush to encourage development that does not conform to the distinctiveness of the existing built environment. The following categories detail the guidelines the village should follow for each land use characterization and where development should occur. Agriculture Agricultural land in and around Paw Paw and Lee County is considered prime farmland and a great asset to the area. This should not be jeopardized for development that is not in the best interests of either the village or county. It is understood that there will be demand for development over the course of this plan. However, the greater impact on the land production should always be considered. Lee County contains rich soils that contribute to the strong corn and soybean crops. Most residential development will likely be homes constructed on individual lots or small subdivisions. Development can occur while still preserving agricultural land in perpetuity. In either manner, scattered site development is not encouraged and residential development should be close to the existing Village limits to lessen the amount of disturbed farmland and to decrease the impact on the Village’s capital facilities. Paw Paw and Lee County must continue to emphasize its agricultural heritage. Analysis from the Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Natural Resource Inventory should be given proper evaluation to ensure that construction only takes place on suitable land. Paw Paw should work with Lee County and any other encroaching towns so as to not create the perception that land must be bought, annexed, and developed at any cost without regards to sound conservation practices. Development must only occur if there is a net benefit to the Village. A Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA)-based point system is an advisory tool that can push development to non-prime agricultural areas and limit development in prime areas. Other practices, such as transfer of development rights (TDR), should be implemented where rich agricultural land is vulnerable to development. TDR would move the development rights of a landowner from prime agricultural areas to non-prime areas. Market forces will dictate where development occurs. Paw Paw should proactively act to prescribe how the land is developed. The Future Land Use map details where agriculture should remain. Future trends help illustrate that the I-39 interchange will likely see greater demand for development. Though this area is currently outside of the Village’s 1½-mile planning area, it is of great interest to Paw Paw and could be within the planning area if new development to the west is annexed into the Village. Any new development should only take place within close proximity to existing roads and utilities. The bulk of the unincorporated areas surrounding Paw Paw should remain as farmland. It is important to keep residential developments within the box detailed in this document by not extending water and sewer lines into designated agricultural areas. Development near current agricultural areas should decrease in density and wastewater must be properly disposed. A fairly high percentage of land near the creek that meanders through the southeastern and southern portions of the town is used as either low-density residential or as park space for the Land Use
Page
6-7
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan golf course. The area around the stream should not experience development that could cause erosion to the streambank or potentially create flood problems. Open Space and Recreation There is a great need for new recreational space in Paw Paw. The village currently meets the threshold set by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources of at least 10.5 acres of parkland per every 1,000 population. However, the type of parkland available to the residents can be improved. Much of the existing parkspace is for active recreation. This type of recreation includes team sports such as baseball or soccer and playground equipment. One of the top responses in the community survey was the desire to have an interconnected greenway system. This would increase the availability of passive recreation. Families are increasingly looking for a safe network of parks and trails on which to actively recreate. Easy access to recreation facilities often is a deciding factor on where to raise a family. The village should attempt to connect the three existing parks, residential neighborhoods, downtown, and school. Much of this can be done by creating sidewalks on at least one side of the street that would travel through the existing development. Future improvements would include dedicated paths allowing for primarily uninterrupted pedestrian and bicycle travel. Such paths are recommended to have a hard, non-slip material that allow for safe bicycle traffic. Bicycle racks should be included at various public spaces around the community, including the downtown area. All future residential subdivisions should have small pocket parks included or a fee in lieu that can be placed into a fund for future parkland development. This policy increases the quality of life value for all Paw Paw residents. Parks should be located within a maximum of a five-minute walk within all residential units. Sidewalks on both sides of the streets should also be mandated for all new subdivisions. Continuing with this, existing sidewalks should continue to be rehabilitated and new sidewalks should be constructed in areas that are lacking. A larger, regional trail network could be created along Chicago Road using easements. Lee County should be included in a collaboration that could also include the addition of water and sewer lines. A new community-level park is proposed on the northeastern edge of the town near the school. This park could be tied into space for the school as well as offering additional recreational amenities, such as tennis courts, a soccer field, new playground equipment, fitness equipment, and a large shelter to be used for community events. It would also be heavily utilized by possible residential development on the east side of the community. Such a park could also include an indoor recreation center, though this would likely be cost prohibitive unless other financing was secured. The addition of a larger park to combine with the existing parks and future pocket parks would create an envious system of parkspace for a community the size of Paw Paw.
Land Use
Page
6-8
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Industrial Little industrial development is currently within the Paw Paw village limits. The village’s location within close proximity to I-39 should eventually create an increased demand for largerscaled industrial and commercial development near the interchange. The most likely area for industrial development would be along Chicago Road east of the interchange. The creation of the Rochelle transportation hub has led to an area that has experienced increased light industrial development. Many corporations have or will be locating distribution facilities in the area since the transportation network is in place to ship products quickly and cheaper. Creating design standards can greatly enhance the appearance of large industrial facilities. Such standards would minimize their negative visual and environmental impact. The number of curbcuts and entrances should be minimized and entrances should only be located on streets that have the capacity to handle additional heavy traffic. The outside of any industrial use should be screened from view along any public street through the use of buffers, berms, large trees, or decorative fencing. This screening minimizes the amount of sound escaping from the facility and helps to maintain the type of visual identity that Paw Paw residents expect. Pedestrian trails and sidewalks must be kept away from possible interactions with vehicular traffic. Within the property, the amount of impervious surface should be minimized through a reduction in pavement and placing vegetation throughout to collect stormwater runoff. Nearby farms should not experience an increase of possible pollutants escaping from the facility. The buildings should also maintain a high level of architectural integrity similar to commercial establishments. Buildings should contain some articulation and avoid long, blank facades. Loading facilities should be placed out of view of public streets. Green building is recommended as a way to minimize the environmental impact and to reutilize as many resources as possible. This construction has proven to be more cost-effective over a long-term and recycles many products used and created that would typically be disposed. The location near the I-39 interchange offers access to Rochelle within less than a half hour and large swaths of land that can be tailored to any business. It would also keep most of the truck traffic from entering the town. It is expected that any type of industry in this location would not create many environmental problems. Manufacturing has evolved into cleaner operations and away from the stereotypical images of polluting smokestacks. Convincing manufacturing companies to locate in Paw Paw would allow the village to meet one of its top policies to create a more diversified local employment base and better balance the equalized assessed value (EAV). Commercial Paw Paw has a commercial base typical of most small towns. It is based on its main street and centrally located within downtown. This area should be strengthened before encouraging further commercial growth. It is important for each of the properties to be occupied by tax-producing businesses. If it is deemed necessary, incentives could be offered to urge possible retailers into Land Use
Page
6-9
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan the downtown storefronts. Incentives should only be used as a last option because it can create equity issues with the existing businesses. Downtown streetscape improvements should be completed on Chicago Street between Flagg Street on the west and the community park to the east. Such items include old-fashioned lights, increased signage, decorative pedestrian crossings, and placing a few benches, trash receptacles, and bicycle racks on both sides of Chicago Street. As with the entrance into the village, the downtown entrance should be clearly delineated. Downtown signage should closely resemble other public signage, such as entrance signs and public building signs. The downtown businesses can coexist with possible chain retailers if the downtown maintains a unique identity and is embraced by the village residents. Downtown commercial has a different clientele than thoroughfare commercial uses. As land near the I-39 interchange is developed and annexed into Paw Paw, it is imperative that the village makes every attempt to make visitors aware of the downtown commercial base. This can be prominently done through wayfinding signage that directs the traveler into downtown. The downtown needs to be set apart from the rest of town to give the visitor a reason to shop. It is expected that the interchange will begin to see commercial and industrial development within the life of this plan. Though the area farthest west of the Paw Paw village limits within the 1½ mile planning jurisdiction is currently viewed as prime industrial land, chain commercial may also be ready for this area as the market demand increases. The village must be ready for growth in this area ahead of time before it has a negative impact on the existing facilities and businesses. In addition, the area near Moffet Road and Chicago Road is planned for small-scale niche retail development. This development would complement the existing retail. It could be a combination of local and national retailers. Additional industrial and commercial growth is encouraged due to the increase in tax revenue for the village. The village could further capture sales taxes beyond what it is already receiving. However, any growth must not come at the expense of the small town environment that the Paw Paw residents currently enjoy. The developments must maintain some sort of scale that is appropriate for a rural town. This includes having buildings and signage that create a sense of identity and uses that will not inappropriately overburden the village’s public facilities. The signage height, colors, and illumination should not negatively impact surrounding lots and should be kept in harmony with a primarily rural environment. Maximum sign heights and square footages should be imposed for all thoroughfare commercial developments. Parking lots should be oriented away from any public streets with structures built closer to the right-of-way line. Large expanses of parking should not accompany sizeable developments and the parking lots, storage, and trash receptacles should be screened from view by appropriate landscaping. Lot entrances should also contain appealing landscaping but should not lie within the sight-ofdistance of approaching traffic. It is highly recommended that the village require that buildings and contain visually-appealing design features through its site plan review process. Large, blank walls should be broken up through articulation and the use of windows. Concrete blocks and metal siding should not be Land Use
Page
6-10
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan used on building facades. Unique building shapes should be embraced to avoid boring square structures. Buildings built closer to the right-of-way line establishes a greater pedestrian identity and can help shield large parking lots. Residential With little current commercial and industrial uses in the village, Paw Paw is a bedroom community that helps supply a labor force for nearby towns such as Dixon, Mendota, and Rochelle. Additional housing will be needed to supply the jobs that will be available when new commercial and industrial development is created in and around Paw Paw. Much of the existing housing are detached single-family owner-occupied dwellings. As the current population continues to age, there will be an increased demand for senior housing. In addition, activities and recreation will need to be designed for people 55 and older. Such a complex is planned for the northwest edge of the town on Flagg Street. Additional single-family housing is planned for the south and eastern portions of the village. These areas could accommodate more residential growth while not having an undue impact on the water and sewer lines. This plan recommends a diversification in both the type and the appearance of new housing. Housing developments of more than ten homes should offer various styles of homes that give a distinction that set them apart from other homes found in Paw Paw. Monotony should be avoided whenever possible. Also, developments should be designed so traffic can operate smoothly and efficiently without causing safety problems for the neighborhood residents. The neighborhoods should continue a grid network of community streets to facilitate ingress and egress from multiple points. Each neighborhood should be linked through a solid road and sidewalk complex. Much of the current housing in Paw Paw is affordable. Though the price of housing has greatly increased in the last ten years, it is not expected to continue such an increase where it would begin to have an effect on the general demographics of the town. The slow rate of growth will ensure that gentrification does not occur. Single-family homes have primarily been built on smaller lots, which preserves land for agricultural or park purposes. Large developments are recommended to be built as cluster developments. This approach looks at the whole footprint of the land instead of on a lot-by-lot basis that is typical of normal residential development. Homes can be built on more suitable land and fragile environments can be protected from development or used as open space. Cluster developments lessen the amount of necessary utilities and generally offer more cost-effective homes. If the total amount of residential development is built according to the projections on the Future Land Use Map, the Paw Paw population could increase by 650-1,400 residents. This assumes that lots will range from one-half acre to one acre in size and includes the possibility of a senior housing complex. The increase in population is achievable given the amount of time it would be expected to experience such a plan. This increase would average 33-70 people on a yearly basis spread out over 20 years.
Land Use
Page
6-11
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Use of Future Land Use Map The planning map on Page 6-13 does not necessarily mirror the current regulated zoning districts for the Village of Paw Paw. Zoning maps are available at Village Hall. Rather, the Future Land Use map serves as a guide, representing a basis for future land use planning, on which future zoning updates and rezoning decisions will be based. This includes the 1½ mile planning jurisdiction, which includes reasonable areas where development could occur outside of the village limits. The zoning ordinance should be configured in a manner that is easily flexible and allows greater conformity to the policies in this plan and the Future Land Use Map. Needs of developers and residents will continue to evolve and both this plan and the zoning ordinance should reflect that desire. These areas of future land use were determined by current growth and development patterns, along with significant studies of current land use. Many key stakeholders within the village were consulted to get opinions and knowledge of future development options. The planning map essentially shows how the Village would like to manage growth over the next 15 to 20 years. The map also provides a legal basis for Village officials to base planning and land use decisions on. Developers and landowners can use the Future Land Use map as an informational tool to identify where the Village will support new development.
Land Use
Page
6-12
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES The Village should both seek appropriate growth and serve as an intelligent critic and regulator of development, being guided in so by the perspective of the Comprehensive Plan. In establishing and deciding upon a certain set of development plans or activities, three degrees of decision formulation are apparent. These are goals, objectives, and policies that range from the broad to the specific. For example, a goal being the most general term could be “to make Paw Paw a better place to live.” An objective would be to “eliminate all substandard housing.” The policy following could then be stated as “establish a code enforcement project based upon a thorough housing plan.” Goals are essentially general expressions of values and wishes. They are abstractions providing directions rather than locations and, in a sense, are difficult to obtain. Objectives, on the other hand, are specific purposes to be obtained that attempt to reach these broad goals. Policies are definitive courses of action chosen from among a possible group of alternatives to guide future decisions. They deal with the way or ways in which specific objectives may be accomplished. As such, policies provide directions for the preparation of specific plans, programs, and projects. Policies should be detailed and provide measurable outcomes to analyze in the future. As one moves from the general to the specific, it must be noted that, over time, new areas of need or new situations become dominant and it is necessary to reappraise and amend goals, objectives, and policies periodically to reflect changing conditions. Because certain events cannot be properly planned for, these objectives and policies should be reviewed and updated every five years. Based upon the present point in time and the existing conditions in the Village, the following goals, objectives, and general development policies are recommended.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
The Land Use and Community Character Goal A basic task in planning is to achieve a balance of land uses that result in the lifestyle and environment desired by the residents of a particular community. Of particular importance are the locations of land uses and facilities that shape the environment such as housing, industry, commercial centers, utilities, transportation facilities, and open space. Goal:
Improve the physical environment and general livability of the Village and its environs by minimizing the costs of urbanization by orderly and planned development while creating an attractive appearance.
Objective 1: Ensure that future development blends within and enhances preexisting land uses. Policy 1:
Revise the zoning ordinance to more accurately meet the needs of current building trends.
Policy 2:
Rezoning should not be granted unless the proposal is shown to be in accordance with the intent of the comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance.
Policy 3:
Provide areas for development that will not harm stream corridors.
Policy 4:
Accommodate compatible commercial and light industrial uses at selected locations, in addition to those located in the Village of Paw Paw, to provide jobs and a stronger sense of community.
Policy 5:
Urge diversity in new developments to create quality structures and a sense of place.
Policy 6:
Promote balanced land uses throughout Paw Paw and the 1½ mile planning area.
Policy 7:
Coordinate with other agencies, such as the Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District, to determine areas that are suitable for development and those that should remain in agricultural production.
Objective 2: Consider land suitability and carrying capacity, transportation, utility availability, and other services in future growth. Policy 1:
Maintain adequate stormwater capacities of drainage basins, floodplains, and waterways, including surface detention in areas with impermeable soils. Review stormwater drainage regulations on a regular basis.
Policy 2:
The existing transportation network must be able to meet the needs of any new
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-2
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan development. Policy 3:
Establish consistent development regulations between the Village, County, and Townships.
Policy 4:
Encourage the conservation of energy in site planning and building design.
Policy 5:
Promote selective industrial development in industrial designated areas.
Objective 3: Expand opportunities for living and working within the Village corporate limits and the 1½ mile planning area. Policy 1:
Where possible annexed property is not contiguous to the Village, consider establishing an annexation agreement with the property owner to control the manner of development.
Policy 2:
Regulatory measures and procedures will be reviewed and modified in recognition of the needs of contemporary situations and the need to properly control such situations; the development policy will not be rigid and inflexible, but neither shall it be discriminately permissive.
Policy 3:
Development proposals that produce undesired effects to the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare will not be permitted.
Objective 4: Proactively prepare Paw Paw and the 1½ mile area for development encroaching from the east. Policy 1:
Consider annexing property north and west of the existing Village limits to the I39 interchange to guide development.
Policy 2:
Provide adequate community facilities and services for future development through upkeep, improvement, and expansion of existing facilities.
Policy 3:
Create landscaped, standardized gateways into the town from each direction.
Policy 4:
Require landscaping and buffering standards be met for developments that adjoin agricultural lands, farms, or environmentally sensitive lands.
Policy 5:
Consider a unified streetscape for the Chicago Street corridor.
Policy 6:
Manage the use of land consistent with the capabilities of existing soils and geology.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-3
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Policy 7:
Rezoning should not be granted unless the proposal is shown to be in accordance with the intent of the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.
Policy 8:
Special attention will be given to providing the citizens of the community with the comprehensive and timely information on all aspects of the Comprehensive Plan, new development proposals, zoning and other regulatory measures adopted by the Village Board.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-4
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Housing and Residential Development Goal To provide the best possible living conditions for all residents of Paw Paw, programs should be developed and implemented that promote the construction of sound new housing, the protection of existing sound housing, the rehabilitation of deteriorating housing, and the replacement of dilapidated and unsound housing. Goal:
Provide a range of housing types that meets every demographic in Paw Paw.
Objective 1: Residential development of quality construction will be required and promoted through the comprehensive plan and the planning process. Policy 1:
The Village shall require the removal of vacant or abandoned structures that are deemed a hazard to citizen health or safety, at cost to the owner of record, if such structures cannot be brought up to acceptable standards within a reasonable period of time.
Policy 2:
Citizens shall be expected to maintain their homes to meet the minimum standards set by the Village Board, and other appropriate regulatory agencies.
Policy 3:
Sidewalks should be at a minimum on one side of the street and adequate lighting shall be provided on each public street.
Policy 4:
Consider expanding residential opportunities to the south and east of the existing Village limits where conditions are favorable for development.
Policy 5:
Where feasible, require curb and gutter for all new developments.
Policy 6:
Parking in residential areas should be limited to one side of the road and for no longer than 24 hours.
Objective 2: Ensure that all development within the 1½ mile planning area complies with all appropriate zoning codes in that area. Policy 1:
The Village should consider adopting a building maintenance code.
Policy 2:
Encourage the preservation of existing homes in Paw Paw to further contribute to the neighborhood character.
Policy 3:
Protect residential areas from the intrusion of inappropriate land uses.
Policy 4:
Ensure that new residential developments maintain the scale and density of the
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-5
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan existing neighborhoods. Policy 5:
Discourage any residential growth that is not located within the future residential areas in Paw Paw and the 1½ mile planning area.
Policy 6:
Provide open space and landscape buffers as transitions between different housing types and land uses.
Objective 3: Provide for a range of residential environments within the Village and 1½ mile planning area. Policy 1:
Encourage individual neighborhood identification through specific plantings, signage, and other visually pleasing amenities.
Policy 2:
Provide for a balanced housing market by being receptive to recent innovations, such as cluster developments.
Policy 3:
Consider areas that are suitable for multiple-family residential.
Policy 4:
Ensure that multiple-family residential developments utilize high-quality materials and design.
Policy 5:
Encourage the addition of housing opportunities for senior citizens.
Objective 4: All future residential developments shall be adequately served by water, wastewater treatment systems, and storm sewer systems. Policy 1:
Ensure the proper storm drainage is used and encourage the use of conservation practices in installation as opposed to traditional stormwater ponds.
Policy 2:
Promote staged utility extensions that are consistent with the adopted development strategy.
Policy 3:
Coordinate with the Paw Paw Schools to gauge the impact of new residential developments on the enrollment.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-6
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Transportation Goal A safe, convenient, and efficient transportation system is vital to the future growth and development of Paw Paw. A good street and highway system should not only be capable of accommodating present and future traffic volumes, but should serve the people by connecting living areas with employment, shopping, and recreational areas. In the same sense, the total transportation system should link business and industries with essential services, suppliers, terminals, and markets within and beyond Paw Paw. Goal:
A safe and efficient transportation network should be provided within the Village.
Objective 1: Promote development of an efficient, well-organized thoroughfare system that meets the needs of all anticipated land use types, while providing necessary and appropriate linkage with the regional highway network. Policy 1:
Provide improved entryways to the community that define it as a unique place.
Policy 2:
Develop an ongoing schedule of maintenance for streets, curbs, and gutters. Particular attention should be paid to those arterials streets that funnel traffic into and out of the Village.
Policy 3:
Traffic and welcome signage should be easier to read and at visible locations.
Policy 4:
Require traffic impact studies for any new development that generates 75 or more peak hour, peak direction vehicle trips.
Policy 5:
Require access roads and entrances for new businesses to be located from arterials or major collector streets.
Objective 2: Off-street parking should be within scale of future developments. Policy 1:
Coordination and planning of any future housing, industrial, commercial, agricultural, etc. design so as to facilitate proper traffic circulation.
Policy 2:
While off-street parking will be necessary with new developments, particular attention should be paid to ensure that there will not be an overabundance of paved lots.
Policy 3:
Parking in residential areas should be limited to one side of the road and for no longer than 24 hours.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-7
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Objective 3: Recognize the necessity for pedestrian needs in the thoroughfare plan. A bikeway/pedestrian plan should be a part of the overall design plan that recognizes the needs for non-motorized uses with proper lighting. Policy 1:
Improve pedestrian (hiking and biking) circulation routes through and around Paw Paw, particularly to the schools, parks, public facilities, and downtown.
Policy 2:
Improve the pedestrian connectivity between each neighborhood.
Policy 3:
Consider connecting the I-39 interchange with the existing Village limits as part of a County- and region-wide trails program. (This could possibly be done by the Village acquiring the easement for water and sewer mains and putting the pedestrianway on top of it).
Policy 4:
Review the need for new sidewalks and curbs in existing residential areas currently not provided with sidewalks.
Policy 5:
Develop subdivision regulations that require sidewalks and curbs in all subdivisions in Paw Paw and maintenance of existing sidewalks and streets in good repair.
Policy 6:
Require proper lighting for all new and old sidewalks.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-8
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Commercial and Economic Development Goal Carefully designed and located commercial facilities are important to the convenience of Village residents, and, by providing a wide variety of goods and services, these establishments can contribute to the overall livability and function of Paw Paw. A strong commercial base also helps supply the needed sales and property tax base to fund capital improvement projects. Goal:
Maintain an adequate supply of well-located and designed commercial facilities to serve existing and future populations.
Objective 1: Maintain and improve the existing central business district to serve as a focal point for a reasonable concentration of civic, residential, business, cultural, and institutional activities in the community. Policy 1:
Encourage commercial development near the I-39 interchange.
Policy 2:
Encourage the rehabilitation of existing commercial structures and urge highquality design in new buildings.
Policy 3:
Better market downtown retail and service uses that serve the local and regional area to keep necessary stores within close proximity to Village residents.
Policy 4:
Require the provision of adequate off-street parking facilities at all commercial areas.
Policy 5:
Physically distinguish the downtown as a shopping district by creating gateways, enhance streetscaping, and provide a safe environment for its users.
Policy 6:
Design and landscape pedestrian ways to encourage and facilitate walking between uses.
Policy 7:
Discourage the development of commercial uses in scattered locations around the community and in areas where they would cause disruption to existing circulation patterns and adjacent residential areas.
Policy 8:
Encourage creative site and building designs that have less impact on the environment and have great compatibility with the existing built environment.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-9
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Industrial Development Goal Carefully designed and located industrial facilities are important to the employment of Village residents. The compatibility of industrial sites with surrounding land uses should be a major factor in locating development. Paw Paw’s location near I-39 should serve it well as it attempts to attract industrial growth. Goal:
An adequate supply of well-located and designed industrial facilities to serve the needs of the Paw Paw employment community.
Objective 1: Pursue industrial development that will add quality jobs to the community but will not have a detrimental effect on its residents. Policy 1:
Industrial establishments will be expected to achieve a high standard of maintenance and repair. The quality of building and landscape design, the proper storage of trash, the maintenance of the yard, the control of noise, light, and odors, and many other factors will be considered important to the acceptance of proposed industrial developments.
Policy 2:
Consider annexing west toward the I-39 interchange and install water and sewer lines to improve the Village’s future industrial outlook.
Policy 3:
Take advantage of the location on I-39 and nearby transportation hubs to recruit light industrial or warehousing businesses.
Policy 4:
Concentrate industrial areas and buffer them from residential uses.
Policy 5:
Encourage the development of an industrial base for jobs that can adequately meet the needs of the Paw Paw employment community and surrounding region.
Policy 6:
Promote the use of current industrial facilities and the development of industrial areas that will help concentrate industrial land use and promote economic development in areas surrounding the Village.
Policy 7:
Encourage light, clean industrial establishments. New innovations, such as green building, should be drawn upon.
Objective 2: Encourage development of industrial sites where appropriate utilities are available, including sewer, water, and roads. Policy 1:
Locate industrial uses along pre-existing transportation links.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-10
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Policy 2:
Industrial development should be located so that it is serviced by the arterials into the Village.
Policy 3:
Industrial developments should have little impact on the existing transportation network and not create any pollution.
Policy 4:
Encourage owner-managed or locally responsive industries that require protection of natural resources.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-11
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Public Utilities Goal There should be established a long-range program for the purpose of providing essential facilities – including land acquisition for schools, playgrounds, parks, community buildings, and governmental services – well in advance of need. High quality community facilities are a prime asset of attracting new high quality residential, commercial, and industrial developments to the Village. The adequate provision of sewer, water, and refuse disposal facilities is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy environment. The availability of public utilities should be a major factor in controlling development. Goal:
Provide and improve public utility systems necessary to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of Paw Paw’s population and to guide future development.
Objective 1: Provide an adequate water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer system to serve all areas within the Village and to future development adjacent to the Village limits. Policy 1:
Run sanitary sewer and water to the interstate area to attract commercial and industrial developments.
Policy 2:
Ensure that future growth does not exceed the capacity of the present water and sewer system during this planning period.
Policy 3:
Promote enhanced water quality from stormwater runoff through detention basin design and other methods.
Policy 4:
Do a water and sanitary sewer survey to determine with accuracy the capacity and quality of the existing infrastructure and how it would support future development.
Policy 5:
Consider upgrading the size of the existing water mains throughout the town.
Objective 2: Provide for a fair distribution of costs and benefits. Policy 1:
Require developers using the residuary capacity of existing water and sewer lines to pay an appropriate impact fee to assist in future maintenance, repair, and expansion.
Policy 2:
Prohibit any development that could contaminate or otherwise impair existing public or private water wells.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-12
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Policy 3:
Require residential developers to run lateral sewer lines to the treatment plant or existing sewer lines where nearby sewer lines have insufficient residuary capacity.
Objective 3: Assure new development has access to all available public utilities. Policy 1:
Encourage the provision of new and existing utility lines underground whenever possible.
Policy 2:
Meet with area technology providers to encourage the increased access and installation of recommended upgrades such as high-speed internet access and other telecommunications enhancements.
Policy 3:
Locate utility lines and structures where they will be compatible with existing or planned development and will be in accord with the optimum use of air, water, and other resources.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-13
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Community Facilities Goal Public services, including police protection, fire protection, and garbage pick-up, are services that support the majority of land uses within Paw Paw. Public services are somewhat unique, however, in that they receive little attention when functioning properly but become important community issues when they do not. Education, fire protection, law enforcement, and health care are the main facilities in this category. The provision of high-quality facilities and services is essential to the full development of the community and to the protection of the public health safety and general welfare. Goal:
Maintain and improve community facilities to offer the residents of Paw Paw the best service possible.
Objective 1: Coordinate all school and community facility development within the Village according to the impact on existing facilities. Policy 1:
Coordinate with the Paw Paw schools to utilize school facilities for community activities after school hours.
Policy 2:
Encourage citizen volunteers and support for community projects, programs, and activities.
Policy 3:
Upgrade the level of health care services and facilities within the Paw Paw area to a minimum standard.
Policy 4:
The location of all public facilities should be based on the comprehensive plan or other Village-adopted documents.
Policy 5:
Improve the existing and develop additional recreational programs and facilities for all residents including management and maintenance of recreational facilities. Ensure that adequate programs and facilities exist for any new development.
Policy 6:
Expand educational and social activities and opportunities for teenage and college-age residents.
Objective 2: Maintain the most cost-effective and cost-efficient level of Village services that are provided to the residents of Paw Paw. Policy 1:
Maintain optimum police and fire protection for the Paw Paw area including personnel, equipment, and adequate buildings.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-14
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Policy 2:
Purchase future fire fighting and and rescue equipment to quickly respond to calls within the service area, including a new ambulance, pumper, and extrication gear.
Policy 3:
Maintain and enhance Paw Paw’s present public buildings. These include but shall not be limited to the Village hall, fire station, maintenance facilities, and public parking.
Policy 4:
Encourage impact fees for the funding of capital facilities so that all new development will receive the same high standard of services currently provided to the residents.
Policy 5:
Coordinate growth of the Village, including a balanced tax base, with the level of public services that can be provided at reasonable cost.
Policy 6:
Encourage providing senior citizen and continuing education courses for residents in the community.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-15
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Open Space and Recreation Goal A growing regional population, increased mobility, more leisure time, and a growing interest in outdoor recreation will have the effect of placing tremendous demands for recreational facilities on the community. Open space and recreational facilities are vital to the image of Paw Paw and the physical well-being of its residents. The challenge to Paw Paw will be to provide open space and recreational facilities to serve the needs of its population. Goal:
Provide and preserve adequate and convenient open space and recreation areas for all Village residents and visitors.
Objective 1: Develop park and other recreational facilities, based upon a hierarchy of uses needed by various elements of the community. Policy 1:
Make sure that facilities are developed for all residents of Paw Paw including seniors, kids, minorities, and the disabled.
Policy 2:
As land becomes annexed into the community, provide at least 10.5 acres of public developed open space per 1,000 residents.
Policy 3:
Consider developing a larger park that would act as a region-wide attraction and contain multiple site amenities, including the possibility of a indoor recreation center.
Policy 4:
Provide bicycle racks for bicyclists in the downtown area.
Policy 5:
Supply adequate parking for use at future recreation areas.
Policy 6:
Encourage a tree planting program throughout the community with significant local trees, such as paw paw trees.
Objective 2: Provide neighborhood parks located within a reasonably defined service area, where children will not be required to cross arterial streets to reach the facility. Policy 1:
Encourage the use of open space adjacent to the Paw Paw schools to use for community events.
Policy 2:
Attempt to provide at least one park within each quadrant of the community that would be within a five minute walk for all residents.
Policy 3:
Encourage appropriate private, as well as public, open space recreational uses that support the leisure needs of residents.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-16
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Objective 3: Reserve sufficient open space to serve future population growth. Policy 1:
Identify unused public lands and evaluate and classify them for various potential types of public use.
Policy 2:
Require new residential subdivisions to provide open space and recreational improvements or a cash donation toward existing parks improvements. This would be based upon the size of the development.
Objective 4: Protect unique natural areas from urban development. Policy 1:
Provide better signage and a stronger connection with Rogers Park.
Policy 2:
Consider acquiring land adjacent to Rogers Park for site additions and upgrades, including but not limited to, new ball fields, soccer fields, playgrounds, and trails.
Policy 3:
Retain or expand existing public and private open space that serves public purposes and has scenic, recreational, conservation, or protective value.
Policy 4:
Regulate any new development within the 100-year flood plain or other flood prone areas.
Policy 5:
Discourage the rezoning of natural areas requiring protection from disturbance and development.
Policy 6:
Avoid disrupting or infringing upon acquired or designated open space with utility lines or other public improvements whenever possible. All utilities should be buried underground on new park sites.
Policy 7:
Attempt to develop a greenway system for Paw Paw by interconnecting large public open spaces and trails with smaller private open/green spaces.
Policy 8:
In the acquisition and development of open space and recreational facilities, the Village will seek cooperation, advice, and assistance from other levels and agencies of government such as the County, State, and Federal Government.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-17
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
Ongoing Planning Goal The ultimate success of a Comprehensive Planning program in Paw Paw will be measured by the degree of acceptance and input it receives from the residents of the Village. The recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan can become the expression of the combined will of the community through a vigorous process of citizen participation. Goal:
The use of the Comprehensive Plan as a development guide for future development of Paw Paw and its 1½ mile territory.
Objective 1: Encourage participation of citizen groups not only in local planning, but in county and state planning as well. Policy 1:
Encourage the attendance of individuals and citizen groups at Planning Commission and all other governmental meetings.
Policy 2:
Advocate the formation of citizen groups interested in the future of the Village and its residents.
Policy 3:
Continue to actively keep residents involved in the implementation of the comprehensive plan.
Policy 4:
Establish a means whereby activities of the Planning Commission are reported on by the local news media.
Policy 5:
Create an official village website.
Objective 2: Institute a system of planning to coordinate the development process at all levels of government and private activity. Policy 1:
Meet with planning officials from the county, townships, and other area units of government to coordinate future land use plans.
Policy 2:
Develop policies and standards that will encourage orderly growth by sequencing and timing with the availability of community services.
Objective 3: Form and maintain a time frame for reviewing and updating Village planning documents, including but not limited to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision ordinance. Policy 1:
Use the comprehensive plan as a guide to develop changes to the Village’s zoning ordinance and create a new subdivision ordinance.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-18
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Policy 2:
Provide development information in handout form for use by the general public and developers regarding the procedures for zoning, rezoning, variances, special uses, building permits, etc.
Policy 3:
Review all sign ordinances to ensure that signs are uniform, in scale with the development in Paw Paw, and aesthetically pleasing.
Policy 4:
Maintain an inventory of existing buildings for commercial or industrial development.
Policy 5:
Place a copy of the Comprehensive Plan on the new website, on file with the library, and make copies available for purchase at a low cost.
Policy 6:
Provide all present and future elected and appointed officials with a copy of the Comprehensive Plan and zoning and subdivision ordinances.
Policy 7:
Review rezonings and building permits on an annual basis to provide an overview of current and future development trends.
Goals, Objectives, and Policies
Page 7-19
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION The Village of Paw Paw’s Comprehensive Plan is a comprehensive community policy statement comprised of a variety of both graphic and narrative policies intended to provide basic guidelines for making community development decisions. The Plan is intended to be used by Village officials, persons making private sector investments, and by all citizens interested in the future development of Paw Paw and the 1½ mile planning area. The completion of the plan is only one part of the community planning process. The implementation of the goals, objectives and policies of the plan can only be attained over a period of time and only through the collective efforts of the public and private sectors. The implementation step is the most critical in the planning process, and determines the success of this plan. It is the hope of the Planning Commission members that this document, when used in accordance with the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations, will guide development within the Village and surrounding areas for the next 20 years. Comprehensive Plan Development The development of a comprehensive plan in itself is an important implementation tool. It can influence public and private decisions by providing a readily available source of information and ideas. The plan document is basically a coordinated set of advisory proposals. The degree to which this influences decisions depends upon the soundness of the plan, its relevance to the actual situation, and its availability to developers and the public. A plan that is not available to the public and is not used can hardly be influential. The Planning Commission will present its official actions to goals, objectives, and policies in the comprehensive plan. If the Planning Commission and Village Board neglect the comprehensive plan, others will follow suit. On the other hand, if the Planning Commission and other Village departments embrace the plan and use it to guide and substantiate decisions, private decision makers are likely to do so as well. Therefore, printing and disseminating the plan is an important step toward its implementation. This document must be made available to the public for purchase at the Village Hall. The Village should also consider making the plan available on their web site. Village Board The Paw Paw Village Board is the final authority on policy formulation for the community. It adopts the budget, passes local ordinances, and develops planning policy under direction of the
Implementation
Page 8-1
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Village President. Village Board member support is essential for effective functioning of the planning process. The Village President and Board appoint the Planning Commission and adopt the Village comprehensive plan. To implement the plan the Board will administer the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations through future development issues. The Village Board should examine creative ways to implement the comprehensive plan. Different funding sources should be looked at for all projects and the Village should also look for traditional and nontraditional professional and labor resources. In order to assist in the implementation in the plan, the Village Board should develop a 5-year capital improvement plan, which is reviewed and updated every year. Planning Commission The Paw Paw Planning Commission consists of a chairman and four other members, which are appointed by the Village President and approved by the Village Board. The commission is established to advise elected officials on direct planning matters, while representing the overall views of the community. Currently, the Planning Commission does not meet on a regular basis and only for necessary topics. The Planning Commission has the power to prepare and recommend to the Village Board this plan for present and future development or redevelopment of the Village. The plan may be made applicable to land within the corporate limits of the Village and contiguous territory not more than 1½ miles beyond the corporate limits and not included in any other municipality or their previously planned area, which there are currently not any limitations. The plan may be implemented by ordinances as designated by the Village Board. Additional powers of the Planning Commission as specified within State of Illinois statute include: to recommend changes from time to time in the official comprehensive plan; to prepare and recommend to the Village Board from time to time, plans for specific improvements in pursuance of the official plan; to give aid to the Village officials charged with the direction of projects for improvements suggested in the official plan; and to promote the realization of the official plan. The Plan Commission's most important responsibility is to ensure that the Board is aware of the community's viewpoints on direct planning issues. The commission acts as the mediator between the public and elected officials, spending time researching, studying, and listening to public opinion and comment, and making recommendations to the Board to reflect the community's views.
Implementation
Page 8-2
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan Updating the Plan The Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan, in whole or in part, may be amended from time to time, as necessary and as planning and legislative bodies deem appropriate. Because of the timeliness of the information and goals presented in this plan, this document must be reviewed regularly to remain updated, ideally every four to five years. New goals and objectives, along with added or amended maps and information, must be added. Prioritized Timeline Following is a list of priority items to be completed in the implementation of the Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan. These items are broken into three time frames: immediate, 0-2 years; middle, 3 -5 years; and long range, 6-10 years. The most immediate items are those that can and should be started with relatively ease and/or are more urgent to the future of Paw Paw. Items with longer time frames are intended for early thought, but may take more resources and schedules for implementation. These items are not listed in any particular order of importance for that time frame. Immediate: 0-2 years 1.
Revise the zoning ordinance to more accurately meet the needs of current building trends. •
2.
Create a village web site. •
Implementation
The completion of the comprehensive plan should provide a smooth transition into revising the zoning ordinance. The plan should be used to guide future zoning policies. The plan will provide the means to developing zoning mandates that are consistent with what the village and its residents would want to see in Paw Paw.
The website has become the best approach to reach all residents and any prospective visitors to the town. An increasing percentage of towns throughout the country now have an official website. Potential developers and visitors now expect towns to have a site that gives a first impression of the town makeup, government, geography, and history. The site should contain a number of facets, including demographics, development applications, zoning ordinance, comprehensive plan, a listing of village staff and elected officials, a map of the village, and a listing of available buildings and sites for development using the state’s Location One Information System (LOIS) system.
Page 8-3
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan 3.
Consider a unified streetscape for the Chicago Street corridor. •
4.
Where feasible, require curb, gutter, and sidewalks for all new developments. •
5.
Larger developments should be required to minimize any negative impacts they might have on adjacent neighborhoods. Requiring curb and gutter will help control storm water runoff and quickly move it to a receiver plant. Curb and gutters can be replaced by grass swales in areas that offer lower densities and slopes that can handle a flow of water during storms. The Village should consider adopting a building maintenance code.
•
6.
A solid building inventory creates a greater overall building stock. Residents and businesses should be required to maintain a minimal level of upkeep of their properties so as to not negatively affect any nearby structures and to ensure a safety level for all in Paw Paw. International building codes are easily adoptable and are comprehensive. Provide improved entryways to the community that define it as a unique place.
•
Implementation
Creating a unique downtown streetscape will further ingrain the image of this area as the central meeting place within Paw Paw. The streetscape is made easier by the geography of the downtown being located on one street that also acts as the primary entrance into town. Streetscaping efforts should be developed with the pedestrian in mind. Benches, street trees, and distinct crosswalks are attractive to pedestrians and create definition within the downtown.
A distinctive gateway into Paw Paw could offer the type of special expression the village would like to make. Such entrance signage could also be coordinated with a downtown streetscape effort. The signs should give a clear identity as to what the village would like to portray to potential visitors. They should clearly stand out from each town entrance and present a clear and concise image of the town. Paw Paw trees could be incorporated into the background of the signage.
Page 8-4
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan 7.
Develop an ongoing schedule of maintenance for streets, curbs, and gutters. Particular attention should be paid to those arterials streets that funnel traffic into and out of the village. •
8.
This is already done to a minimal extent, but future efforts should include a formal document that specifically prioritizes which projects will be done on a yearly basis. The village engineer should be consulted to develop the most in-depth review of the village infrastructure as possible. This should help to more easily stay within a set budget and maintain an equitable maintenance system. Coordinate with the Paw Paw schools to utilize school facilities for community activities after school hours.
•
9.
The schools are treasured resources but could experience added connection with the rest of the community. The schools offer the best community meeting places and could be further utilized to meet the demand for more educational and social activities. Programs would offer greater opportunity for a wide-range of age groups, particularly teenagers and seniors, who must often travel longer distances to find age appropriate activities. Advocate the formation of citizen groups interested in the future of the Village and its residents.
•
A concerted effort should be made to encourage residents to take an active role in the implementation of this plan and other community-wide activities. Momentum is easier to continue if work is continually ongoing and results are evidenced at an early stage. Such citizen groups should include a solid snapshot of the community, including a variety of age groups, occupations, incomes, and backgrounds. One example could be a garden club that would plant and maintain landscaping at entrance signs, downtown flower boxes, and village parks.
Middle: 3-5 years 1.
Consider annexing property north and west of the existing village limits to the I-39 interchange to guide/spur development. •
Implementation
Though commercial and industrial development within this high priority area may be longer into the future, the planning for it should be started
Page 8-5
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan soon. Proceeding proactively will provide for an easier process once developers become more interested in developing this area. 2.
Provide adequate community facilities and services for future development through upkeep, improvement, and expansion of existing facilities. •
3.
Encourage the addition of housing opportunities for senior citizens. •
4.
As the Baby Boomer population reaches retirement age, there has been a recent increased demand for housing that meets their needs. Many residents expressed a desire for additional senior opportunities during the planning process. In addition, physical and educational activities should be planned for seniors. Review the need for new sidewalks and curbs in existing residential areas currently not provided with sidewalks.
•
5.
This is a matter of safety. It also provides for recreation through providing connections to safe walking surfaces. As a rule, it is highly recommended that sidewalks be located on at least one side of each street. Sidewalks and curbs will cut the amount of pedestrian and vehicle conflicts. A sidewalk plan would prioritize funding for repairing existing curbs and sidewalks and construction in areas not currently supplied with either. Do a water and sanitary sewer survey to determine with accuracy the capacity and quality of the existing infrastructure and how it would support future development. Also, find if there are problems such as leaking waterline system and infiltration of rain water into sewer system causing additional water to be unnecessarily treated.
•
Implementation
Emphasis is typically placed on how to encourage new development. However, an equal weight should be placed on ensuring that the current infrastructure/businesses is kept updated. Future developments should pay their fair share for expansion of existing facilities to maintain current service levels.
This plan advocates the expansion of the existing facilities to support the needs of further future development. A survey must be done first to accurately determine where the village currently stands and what upgrades ought to be completed to maintain the minimal water and sewer
Page 8-6
2006 Village of Paw Paw Comprehensive Plan lines for the existing structures in Paw Paw. The existing lines must be capable of handling the current demand before line extensions and facility construction can commence. Also, it is highly recommended that existing and new utility lines be placed underground whenever possible. Long Range: 6-10 years 1.
Improve pedestrian (hiking and biking) circulation routes through and around Paw Paw, particularly to the schools, parks, public facilities, and downtown. •
2.
Encourage impact fees for the funding of capital facilities so that all new development will receive the same high standard of services currently provided to the residents. •
3.
As a small town that must stretch its fiscal resources in order to maintain an expected level of service, the village should not be expected to take on the entire cost of development. Impact fees would force a portion of the construction costs on behalf of the developer. Many community ingredients would benefit, including the schools, fire and police protection, public works, and transportation. Consider developing a larger park that would act as a region-wide attraction and contain multiple site amenities, including the possibility of an indoor recreation center.
•
Implementation
The best approach would be coordinate this with the construction of new residential developments. Land should be set aside in each development for parks or linear greenways. These parks would be interconnected gradually with existing sidewalks or new trails throughout the town. Money could also be set aside in lieu of parkland donations and used to purchase property for parks in deserving areas or further development of existing facilties.
The location of a nearby park that provides a recreational component is an amenity that is highly valued as a quality of life concern for current and prospective residents. The village should look into the possibility of applying for a parkland acquisition and development grant as new residential development comes into Paw Paw. A larger park can also act as an economic development engine that appeals to users from a wide radius and would greatly increase sales tax revenues in the region.
Page 8-7
