Location The Village of Shorewood is located in Troy Township in Will County, Illinois. The Village is situated just north of Interstate 80 and just west of Interstate 55. The Village is experiencing strong growth in both residential and commercial uses. Its location along the prime arterials of Illinois Routes 59 and 52 provides exceptional access to the neighboring Interstates and place it in one of the fastest growing areas in Will County. The DuPage River flows northeast to southwest through the Village. Description of the Planning Area The Comprehensive Plan sets forth the development policies and implementation strategies for the existing corporate limits of the Village of Shorewood, its 1 ½ mile planning jurisdiction, and areas outside this jurisdiction that represent strategic planning areas. All lands within the planning area fall within the limits of jurisdictional boundary agreements established between Shorewood and the neighboring communities of Joliet, Channahon and Minooka. Areas of projected growth to the west of County Line Rd. extend into Kendall County, and until annexed, will remain under that jurisdiction. -The Village s current corporate limits and the comprehensive planning area are shown in Illustration 1: Planning Area Map. The illustration below indicates the Village s long-term planning area beyond the limits of the planning area utilized within this comprehensive plan SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 3
THEODORE ROAD RIDGE ROAD Comprehensive Plan BRONK ROAD DRAUDEN ROAD Village of Shorewood ARBEITER ROAD Legend VERTIN BOULEVARD 59 City of Joliet MCDONALD AVENUE DR RAVINIA DR O RE RIVER ROAD Village of Channahon ROUTE 52 H OK S WYNSTONE DRIVE Village of Shorewood Village of Minooka COUNTY FARM ROAD SEIL ROAD G DR ROSSIN RIVER C BELL ROAD HARE ROAD COUNTY LINE ROAD MOUND ROAD OBRIEN ROAD WILDY ROAD INGOLSBY ROAD HANSON ROAD Corporate Limits BRO N RD JUGHANDLE ROAD JONES ROAD RAVE KENDALL COUNTY WILL COUNTY HIGHLAND DRIVE Planning Boundary 56 ROU TE 59 BLACK ROAD SHOREWOOD DR MCKANNA ROAD VAN DYKE ROAD Feet 0 SHEPLEY ROAD HOLT ROAD 1,750 3,500 CHANNAHON KENDALL COUNTY GRUNDY COUNTY E UT RO MINOOKA 6 FEBRUARY 2007 7,000
Existing Land Uses The pattern of land use within the community reflects the character of the land, historical growth influences, regional transportation linkages, social and economic bases, market values, and previous planning activities. The variety and distribution of land uses, effectively serves as a snapshot of a community s character. The balance of lands devoted to residential, commercial, industrial, office and open space is viewed as an indicator of economic health; an image that can attract or repel citizens and potential residents, viable business and quality developers; and can set the direction for growth to meet future needs. Existing Land Uses are shown on Illustration 2: Existing Land Use Map. The following section describes the existing land use patterns within the Village of Shorewood. For purposes of this comprehensive plan, a cumulative outlook on the current status of development is required to direct future land development policies. The future land use patterns and themes described in later sections are dependent upon the existing land use conditions found within the village and surrounding areas. SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 5
VAN DYKE ROAD VERTIN BOULEVARD MCDONALD AVENUE RAVINIA DR 59 DR RIVER ROAD O RE WYNSTONE DRIVE ROUTE 52 H OK S JUGHANDLE ROAD Agricultural/Rural Residential/Undeveloped Single-Family Residential BRO N RD Towne Center Residential Multi-Family Residential Manufactured Home Park Commercial COUNTY FARM ROAD SEIL ROAD Government/Institutional Open Space/Parks ROSSIN RIVER C HARE ROAD Utility G DR COUNTY LINE ROAD MOUND ROAD INGOLSBY ROAD HANSON ROAD Existing Land Use Industrial BELL ROAD OBRIEN ROAD Planning Boundary RAVE JONES ROAD 56 ROU TE 59 BLACK ROAD SHOREWOOD DR Legend HIGHLAND DRIVE WILDY ROAD Comprehensive Plan BRONK ROAD THEODORE ROAD ARBEITER ROAD MCKANNA ROAD RIDGE ROAD Village of Shorewood Feet SHEPLEY ROAD 0 HOLT ROAD R U O TE 1,750 3,500 6 FEBRUARY 2007 7,000
The total land area within the municipal boundaries of the Village is approximately 4,000 acres. Residential uses comprise a majority of the development within the Village, typical of many communities. The bulk of commercial uses within the Village are located along the major arterials, Route 52 (West Jefferson Street) and Route 59. There are several commercial uses along Route 52 as well as a light industrial park and the existing Village hall. The commercial corridor along Route 52 is surrounded by residential uses, as are the commercial uses along Route 59. Route 59, at the intersection with I-55 is also the location of a light industrial park and a major logistics and business park. Commercial development in the Village has been rapid during the past five years, seeing all of the available Route 59 frontage developed. Older areas of Route 59 are now being pursued for redevelopment potential. New commercial areas along Route 52 in the western portion of the Village are seeing increased development potential in 2005 and 2006. The 52 corridor will be the commercial development corridor in upcoming years. The largest segment of the recent development in land area within the Village is residential, with commercial development consisting of the largest portion by assessment values. Residential development is expanding to the north, west and south. Residential development will continue to be a dominant factor in the future development plans for the Village of Shorewood. The intersection of Interstate 55 at Route 59 and Route 52 (just east of the Village) serves the needs not only of the residents of Shorewood, but also the significant amount of interstate traffic that passes by Shorewood every day. Both interchanges are extremely important as they offer the first impression of the Village and provide redevelopment areas for regionally significant commercial opportunities. The most prominent existing land use in the planning area is Agricultural/Rural Residential. Much of this land will likely be developed and eventually annexed by the Village. The future of Shorewood's image and development will be dependant upon proper planning and utilization of this area s resources. Environmental Conditions and Physical Features A general environmental assessment was made for the Shorewood area. This assessment offers information on environmental conditions that significantly influence the usage of land. Such an analysis assists in the determination of the appropriate locations for various land uses such as residential, commercial, and open space. Soils Using the soil surveys produced by the United States Soil Conservation Service (now the Natural Resource Conservation Service), the soils within the planning area were examined. The capability of these soils for development was considered in the analysis. SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 7
There are several types of soils found within the planning area in and around Shorewood. These soils include Symerton Silt Loam (294B), Andres (293A), Ashkum Silt Clay (232), Saybrook Silt Loam (145B), Elliot Silt Loam (146B), and Drummer Silt Clay Loam (152). Of these, the Symerton is the most prominent. The poor suitability for construction on certain soils within the planning area is a variable which should be considered. Any limitations found will not necessarily hinder the development of the area, however, soils conditions should be carefully reviewed during approval of new development. Review of new developments on poorly suited soils will insure proper mitigation measures are taken to avoid situations which would negatively affect the Village. Floodplain Another environmental feature of any community is the floodplain. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) provides the following explanation of a floodplain: "Rivers and streams are a part of nature's systems for carrying water from high ground to lakes and oceans. Floodplains are the part of the system that nature made for carrying large amounts of water: floods. Flooding is a natural process and floodplains are a vital part of that process." A floodplain is comprised of two elements: the floodway and the flood fringe. In general, the floodway includes a stream's channel and the immediate area on either side of the channel which facilitates the greatest amount of water movement down stream. The flood fringe is the remaining area of the flood plain where the water rises. Several streams are within the Village of Shorewood's planning area. The main source of water to the area is the DuPage River. Other sources of water include Hammel Creek to the west of the DuPage River, as well as Aux Sable Creek (and its associated tributaries), which runs through the far western extents of the planning area. Overall, it is these waterways which provide the runoff system for the area's surface water. The general topography of the Village's planning area runs from northeast to southwest toward the Illinois River. As development continues and creates more impervious surfaces, surface drainage will become more critical. Discouraging development in the floodplains will eliminate many potential problems in the future. Development in the floodplain and an increased flow to the waterways will promote erosion and flooding and sedimentation problems. SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 8
Wetlands Wetlands are delineated according to the wetland inventory maps prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Special care should be given when development is proposed in these areas. Disturbances to jurisdictional wetlands are regulated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and are subject to a permitting process to protect the wetlands and mitigate wetland disturbances. -Mapped floodplain and wetland areas, per aforementioned national maps, can be found for the planning area in Illustration 3: Environmentally Sensitive Area Map. SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 9
EAS Village of Shorewood T BR Comprehensive Plan BRONK ROAD VAN DYKE ROAD VERTIN BOULEVARD HIGHLAND DRIVE RAVE JONES ROAD 56 ROU TE 59 BLACK ROAD SHOREWOOD DR EEK BL E CR ARBEITER ROAD AUX SA MCKANNA ROAD H RIDGE ROAD ANC THEODORE ROAD Waterway MCDONALD AVENUE N RD RI VE R E PA G Floodplain Wooded Area/Forest Preserve/Parks CR EE COUNTY FARM ROAD K ROSSIN RIVER C HARE ROAD G DR INGOLSBY ROAD COUNTY LINE ROAD MOUND ROAD ROCK RUN CREEK LE JUGHANDLE ROAD AB HANSON ROAD DU XS RAVINIA DR RIVER ROAD AU OBRIEN ROAD 59 Wetland Colvin Grove SEIL ROAD BELL ROAD WILDY ROAD Planning Boundary Rock Run Preserve ROUTE 52 Four Seasons Park Legend Hammel Woods Lower Rock Run Preserve SHEPLEY ROAD Feet HOLT ROAD Lake Chaminwood AN L IL IN S OI & M H IC N CA AL R U O TE 6 0 1,750 3,500 IG FEBRUARY 2007 7,000
Transportation Shorewood is served by an extensive system of local and regional roadways. The Village is adjacent to Interstate 55, which serves as a connection to Chicago and downstate Illinois, and Interstate 80, which extends east and west between Indiana and the Quad Cities. Shorewood is also locally served north and south by Illinois Route 59, and east and west by US Route 52, which intersects in the east end of the community. In addition, EJ & E Railroad extends north and south in the western portion of the Village s planning area. The Joliet Municipal Airport is located within one mile of Shorewood s eastern boundary, along US Route 52. Road Network Future development in and around Shorewood will be affected by existing road networks and vice versa. The Village is focused on maintaining a sufficient roadway network that is capable of handling not only existing levels of traffic, but also projected levels for areas requiring service expansion. Development trends indicate that several portions of the roadway network already require such expansion, and are being planned for accordingly as an initiative of this plan. Additional impacts to the existing road network will continue to intensify with the development of the WIKADUKE Trail, as well as other future roadway improvement/expansion plans. Local Collector Streets: Local streets primarily serve as access-ways between neighborhoods and nearby destinations. They connect with other collectors and arterials. Minor Collector Streets: Minor collector streets are used to collect and distribute medium volume traffic between other minor collectors, major collectors, local collectors, and abutting property. Major Collector Streets: Major collector streets are also known as secondary thoroughfares. Major collectors serve to collect and distribute medium volume traffic between arterial and minor collector streets and often include section line roads. Arterial Streets: All State and US designated highways connecting between designated highway and freeway interchanges and other heavily traveled streets described as primary thoroughfares. Railway E J & E Railroad extends north and south through the Village s planning area, just to the west of the incorporated limits. The closest east-west rail is the C R I & P, just south of Interstate 80. Shorewood is not currently connected to Chicago with the Metra passenger rail service. Currently, many residents would have to travel to Chicago via the Metra Station in Joliet. However, a Metra station is currently being considered for the intersection of E J & E Railroad and Route 52, and would be of great benefit to the future of the Village. SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 11
Bicycles and Pedestrians Bicycle and pedestrian systems are established at various levels throughout the Village. Recent developments and roadway improvements have included significant miles of multi-purpose trails along most Village collector roads. These systems are in place to link neighborhoods to destination uses such as parks, schools, community facilities and shopping areas. New developments will be required to extend and complete the overall trail system throughout the Village. Community Facilities Schools The children of Shorewood attend the Troy or Minooka elementary school districts and Joliet Township or Minooka High School districts. -Mapped unified, elementary and high school district boundaries can be found in Illustration 4- Jurisdictional Boundaries Map. Fire Protection The Troy Fire Protection District provides for both fire and paramedic service for Shorewood and the surrounding area. The District Currently operates two stations. One located along Jefferson Street just west of Route 59 and the second located along Seil Road just west of Wynstone Drive. There are currently plans for a proposed third station, to be located along Wynstone Drive near Black Road. Police Protection The village is served by the Shorewood Police Department, staffed with well-trained, community-oriented officers. Community policing has become an integral part of the department s philosophy and has prompted numerous programs: Neighborhood Watch Program Citizen s Police Academy Bicycle Patrol Unit (conducts bicycle safety seminars) COPS (Community Organization for the Police of Shorewood) The department is also praised for the instituting of DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program at the local grade schools. SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 12
Village of Shorewood Plainfield School District 202 ROU TE 59 RIDGE ROAD THEODORE ROAD VAN DYKE ROAD SHOREWOOD ARBEITER ROAD BLACK ROAD Planning Boundary 56 Village of Shorewood Corporate Limits Joliet Township High School District 204 RAVINIA DR DR RIVER ROAD O RE Unified School District 59 Oswego 308 Troy Community Consolidated School District 30C Plainfield 202 Elementary School District COUNTY FARM ROAD ROSSIN RIVER C SHOREWOOD G DR BELL ROAD SHOREWOOD COUNTY LINE ROAD SEIL ROAD Channahon 17 Minooka 201 Troy 30C High School District Joliet 204 / Minooka 111 MINOOKA HARE ROAD WILDY ROAD MINOOKA Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 INGOLSBY ROAD MOUND ROAD SHOREWOOD HANSON ROAD Channahon ROUTE 52 H OK S WYNSTONE DRIVE Minooka Minooka Community High School District 111 OBRIEN ROAD Shorewood Boundary Agreements Joliet BRO N RD SHOREWOOD BOUNDARY AGREEMENT CONTINUES WEST TO ASHLEY ROAD Legend RAVE JONES ROAD KENDALL COUNTY WILL COUNTY HIGHLAND DRIVE BOUNDARY AGREEMENT CONTINUES WEST TO BRISBIN ROAD Comprehensive Plan VERTIN BOULEVARD SHOREWOOD DR MCKANNA ROAD BRONK ROAD Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Feet 0 1,750 3,500 R CHANNAHON O U HOLT ROAD TE 6 SHEPLEY ROAD KENDALL COUNTY GRUNDY COUNTY SHOREWOOD CHANNAHON FEBRUARY 2007 7,000
Utility Systems The Village of Shorewood currently receives waste water treatment service from the City of Joliet. The Village does not own or operate its own treatment plant. A proposed sanitary sewer treatment facility is currently in the planning stages, to be located west of the intersection of Mound Rd. and the EJ&E Railroad. With this new facility, the Village would be able to meet the infrastructural needs of future development. The Village maintains its own public water system. Expansions to existing well and water tower capacity are currently being planned to provide for the continued expansion of the Village. Additionally, the Village is considering the use of Lake Michigan water, and is currently studying this alternative. Proposed Village Hall Parks and Recreation The Village of Shorewood does not have a separate park district established by state statute. However, the Village has formed a Parks and Recreation Department. This Department is responsible for providing direction and supervision necessary to provide for, operate and maintain recreational facilities and activities for the residents of the community, consistent with the physical and fiscal resources available to the Village. SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 14
In June of 1999, the Village of Shorewood adopted a Parks and Open Space Master Plan. The purpose, as stated in the Plan,...is to serve as a guide for shaping the Village's parks and open space into the future. The Comprehensive Plan and the Parks and Open Space Master Plan should compliment each other and should not disrupt the intent or purposes of each. The Village is currently in the process of updating its Parks and Open Space Master Plan to meet the needs of a growing and expanding community (see Table 1-Park Amenities Detail). Table 1: Park Amenities The Forest Preserve District of Will County has one preserve located within the municipal limits (Hammel Woods), and a preserve just to the east of the Village (Rock Run Greenway). SHOREWOOD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Page 15