R-10-02 02/11/02RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR A TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE GRANT UNDER THE
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY'S GENERAL AUTHORITY
TO MAKE SUCH GRANTS
WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation Authority (the "Authority "), is authorized to study
public transportation problems and developments; and to conduct, in cooperation with other public
and private agencies, such studies; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has the power to expend funds for use in connection with these
studies; and
WHEREAS, the Authority has the power to make and execute all contracts and other
instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers; and
WHEREAS, Approval for said funds will impose certain financial obligations upon the
recipient.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF LEMONT:
Section 1. That the Assistant Village Administrator is authorized to execute and file
applications on behalf of the Village of Lemont with the Regional Transportation Authority for a
technical assistance grant for a Village of Lemont Station Area Planning Study; and
Section 2. That the Assistant Village Administrator is authorized to furnish such additional
information, assurances, certifications and amendments as the Regional Transportation Authority
may require in connection with this technical assistance grant application.
Section 3. That the Assistant Village Administrator is authorized and directed on behalf of
the Village of Lemont to execute and deliver grant agreements and all subsequent amendments
thereto between the Village of Lemont and the Regional Transportation Authority for technical
assistance grants, and the Village Clerk of the Village of Lemont is authorized and directed on behalf
of the Village of Lemont to attest said agreements and all subsequent amendments thereto.
Section 4. That the Assistant Village Administrator is authorized and directed to take such
action as is necessary or appropriate to implement, administer and enforce said agreements and all
subsequent amendments thereto on behalf of the Village of Lemont.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE VILLAGE OF LEMONT, COUNTIES OF COOK, WILL & DU PAGE, ILLINOIS, on
this 11th day of February , 2002.
John Benik
Debby Blatzer
Peter Coules
Connie Markiewicz
Steven Rosendahl
Jeanette Virgilio
Attest:
AYES NAYS PASSED ABSENT
JO AZZA, Villa
CHARLENE SMOLLEN, Village Clerk
FY 2002 RTAP
Regional
Transportation
Authority
REGIONAL TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(RTAP)
APPLICATION
INTRODUCTION
Project Eligibility
The RTA may provide technical and /or financial support to various agencies for innovative, cost -
effective transit planning projects that increase transit customers and /or enhance the position of
the regional public transit market. RTA support may be provided as funding for comprehensive
transit planning and market research studies, innovative approaches to improve access to local
transit facilities, and new institutional arrangements to address emerging transportation needs
within non - traditional markets. Land acquisition, design engineering, construction or other capital -
related projects are not eligible activities. Costs or obligations incurred prior to funding approval
are ineligible for reimbursement unless specifically authorized in writing by the RTA.
Program Principles
For RTAP projects, a local funding share is not required, but is recommended. The RTA targets a
twenty - percent local matching contribution for applicants. In some instances, however, technical
assistance funding may constitute only a portion of total project costs based on a determination of
transit benefit, delineation of a specific scope of work, or an allocated portion of total cost.
APPLICATION PROCESSING PROCEDURES
Upon receipt of the signed Application, the RTA will issue a letter of acknowledgement. In the
acknowledgement, the applicant will be advised of any missing or supplemental information
required within this Application. However, the RTA considers the Application as representing the
applicant's intent to undertake the proposed study project if approved.
Please work with your assigned RTA Project Manager to complete this Application. If you would like
an electronic version of this application, please ask your project manager to transmit one to you via
e -mail.
Completed applications should be sent to the Project Manager assigned to your project in the letter
accompanying this Application:
Jay Ciavarella
RTA Project Manager
Regional Transportation Authority
181 West Madison Street, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60602
FY 2002 Page 2
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Date of Application
02 / 11 / 2002
Project Title
Lemont Station Area Planning Study
Legal Name of Applicant
Village of Lemont
Address
418 Main Street
City, State, Zip Code
Lemont, IL 60439
Contact Person
Drew Irvin
Title
Assistant Village Administrator
Authorized Official
John F. Piazza
Title
Mayor
The VILLAGE OF LEMONT hereby applies to the Regional Transportation Authority for a
Technical Assistance funding grant. Required resolutions and other documents in support of this
request are attached and are considered a part of this application.
By signing this application, the applicant is committed to and responsible for securing all local
matching funding sources. If multiple organizations are providing sources of local funding, the
applicant is responsible for securing these funds and notifying the RTA in writing that local funding
has been secured. For the application to be considered complete, the applicant must demonstrate
to the RTA that there is a binding agreement among the local funding organization(s) that local
matching funds will be available for the project.
In support of this application, I offer the above data and attached supporting documents as
required. I certify that the statements herein and in the supporting documents are correct and
complete.
JOHN F. PIAZZA
Name of Authorized Official Attest Signature
Signature Title
Date Date
FY 2002 Page 3
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT (attach additional pages, if necessary)
Briefly describe, with assistance from your RTA project manager, the nature, size, location, and limits
of all elements of the proposed project. Also discuss existing conditions and how the proposed project
will improve such conditions. Applicants are advised to focus on the project description within the
context of benefits to the public transit system and its patrons.
If the work proposed for Regional Technical Assistance Program funding is part of a larger project,
describe its relationship to the larger project. Please provide a description of the physical boundaries
of the study area.
The Village of Lemont is a historic town located on the Illinois and Michigan (I & M) canal, twenty -five miles
southwest of Chicago. Founded in 1836, Lemont grew rapidly with the construction of the canal, linking
Illinois to the Great Lakes, and its associated industries including quarrying (limestone) and rail commerce.
Lemont is no longer the booming industrial town it once was. However, its distinctive qualities have helped it
evolved into a community whose population has doubled in the last ten years.
The Village government, in conjunction with area residents, is continually working to balance the traditional
quaint, historic character with the rapidly expanding demand for increased mobility, and new housing and
commercial development.
The historic downtown and Metra station is at the center of the TOD study; it is also a prosperous TIF district.
The main north -south street through downtown is Stephen Street. The Village is currently in the planning
stages for its reconstruction. Main and Canal Streets underwent a similar reconstruction over the past few
years, which won an American Public Works Association award.
The northern boundary of the project is the Sanitary Ship Canal. This area contains a potential Brownfield
redevelopment site, Tri- Central Marina. Phase II environmental studies were recently concluded on the site
with positive initial results. A small park (General Fry's Landing) and the I & M canal and trail are also just
north of the center of town. The length of the recreational I & M Canal trail is approximately 7 miles. The
Village is continually working to expand the trail to link to the regional Centennial Trail and the I & M Canal
Trail in neighboring Willow Springs, thus changing the trail from having a recreation focus to a commuting
one.
The entrance to a local industry, KA Steel, marks the boundary to the east. The eastern section of the study area
contains several potential redevelopments sites along Talcott, a block of single - family homes, and a few parcels
with manufacturing zoning. A recently developed and popular senior housing development is also east of the
downtown. A portion of the I & M Canal, which in this location does not have a trail along its southern edge, is
in this eastern quadrant.
Illinois Street is the proposed southern boundary of the project area. The Village Hall and several blocks of
shops and restaurants lie between Illinois and Main Street. The southern half of Illinois Street is lined with a
mix of single - families homes and two -flats.
FY 2002 Page 4
Finally, the Lemont Fire Protection District Firehouse is the west boundary the study area. A traditional, local
owned grocery store and an ACE hardware store are west of the downtown. This is in close proximity to the
Metra train station and parking lots.
The Village of Lemont is respectfully submitting for your consideration a request for consultation, planning,
technical support, workshop and information services assistance for a Transit Oriented Development Study.
This study will focus on mixed -use and residential units in close proximity to the Lemont commuter rail station,
Pace bus route, and community pedestrian/bicycle trail network. The goals of the project include but are not
limited to the following:
• Strengthen Lemont as a transit node,
• Make the downtown a vital and robust destination,
• Improve downtown appearance and image,
• Increase housing options,
• Offer a greater variety of retail and service consumer options,
• Access to rail and bus facilities,
• Improve air quality by lowering automobile trips,
• Improve mobility for the disabled,
• Facilitate multi - modalism and joint development, and
• Enhance the commuter station area environment.
This project is justified by the Village of Lemont's continuing commitment to downtown revitalization that is
intimately linked to the Village and the Regional Transit Authority's ability to provide cost effective transit and
transportation opportunities to residents, employers and visitors to Lemont and the greater Chicago region. To
that end, the Village works with Metra and Pace harmoniously to identify and capitalize on opportunities to
improve Lemont's transit system.
PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES
Task 1: Data Collection
Description: Viewed as a critical element in completing the remaining tasks, data collection comprises the
compilation and analysis of data pertaining to the existing uses and conditions within the study area. The
information collected and inventoried should at a minimum include:
• Land Use — within and adjacent to study area, zoning classifications, intensity of uses,
inventory of land available for development within each zoning class
• Transit service — level of service, ridership demographics, location of facilities, parking, how
riders access transit (drive, walk, bike, carpool, or drop off), barriers to transit use
• Circulation — available parking, pedestrian enhancements, bicycle facilities, trails
• Tenant Mix — retail vs. office, vacancies and turn over, condition of buildings, infrastructure
• Housing stock — proximity to transit station, density, vacancies and turn over, condition,
average cost, age of stock
Consultants will obtain this data through area organizations including Metra and Pace, photo logs,
traffic and parking studies, and survey (transit riders, residents of study area, and study area
business owners). The Village of Lemont will provide a list of data previously collected and past
studies to the consultant.
Deliverable: The consultant will prepare a memorandum summarizing the findings and methods used in Task
1. Data directly related to Tasks 2 -6 should also appear with the report specific to that task.
Estimated Time Frame:
Estimated Task Budget: $
FY 2002 Page 5
Task 2: Circulation Plan
Description: The ability to access the TOD study area with ease, regardless of the desired mode of
transportation, is key to the area's success. The Circulation Plan developed through this study will be
comprised of three individual plans: Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Vehicular Plan, and Transit Plan. Specific
issues to be examined in this task include:
• Transit Plan — location of parking and increasing ridership, analysis of station location
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan — wayfinding signs, location for additional bicycle facilities, increasing
walkability, better of use trails for commuting purposes
• Vehicular Plan — best routes to access transit center, employee vs. customer parking, feasibility of
parking garages, creating one -way streets
The consultant should also examine ways to link the transit center to the downtown via routing vehicular traffic,
to make the transit station an all -day destination, and to allow easy vehicular access without dominating
streetscape.
Deliverable: The consultant shall prepare a report detailing the findings and recommendations, including
illustrations of wayfinding signs, infrastructure locations, access routes, and maps.
Estimated Time Frame:
Estimated Task Budget: $
Task 3: Market Analysis
Description: A TOD should contain a mix of commercial uses offering a variety of goods and services. Using
the data collected, the consultant should provide an analysis of the best commercial uses. The study should
center on a retail analysis, examining at least the following issues: market research, tenant mix planning, visual
merchandising, storefront design and signage, building structure, retail management, marketing and
promotional plans (including the potential to tie promotions to transit service), and physical maintenance.
Deliverable: The consultant shall provide a detailed report of the retail analysis, as well as recommended
locations for potential development or redevelopment within the study area.
Estimated Time Frame:
Estimated Task Budget: $
Task 4: Housing Analysis
Description: An appropriate mix of housing is also required in a TOD. Similarly to the market analysis in
Task 3, the consultant should utilize the data previously collected on the existing housing stock and perform a
housing analysis. The study should include the supply and demand for the housing market, identify price
points, and absorption rates.
Deliverable: The consultant shall provide a housing analysis report detailing the above information and
recommendations to improve the TOD's housing stock.
Estimated Time Frame:
Estimated Task Budget: $
Task 5: Land Use Analysis
Description: Lemont is unique in the sense that the major landholders in and around the TOD are not all
Lemont residents or even private businesses, but are government agencies. The land analysis should include
this multi - faceted ownership aspect and how it impacts redevelopment opportunity, as well as examine density,
urban design, floor -area ratios (FARs), and environmental factors.
FY 2002 Page 6
Deliverable: The land use analysis provided by the consultant shall include land use maps of the TOD,
suggestions for implementing intergovernmental agreements and fostering cooperation, and a prioritization of
opportunities. The consultant should also provide concept plans for key areas of development or
redevelopment.
Estimated Time Frame:
Estimated Task Budget: $
Task 6: Implementation Strategies
Description: The final task of the TOD requires a summary of findings for the previous tasks, but focuses on
achieving the stated goals. Consultants should include a list of available tools and policies.
Deliverable: A final report that includes the findings of Tasks 1 -5 with a prioritization schedule and tools
for their completion.
Estimated Time Frame:
Estimated Task Budget: $
TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME FRAME:
545 Days
TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT BUDGET: $ 75,000
PROPOSED PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Project Management Plan shall provide all pertinent information on the organization and administration
structure that will be utilized to oversee the project. The plan shall include the role and responsibilities of each
project participant, project scheduling information, project budget, and funding information as required.
A. Project Management: RTA
Project Management refers to which entity will enter into a contract with the selected consultant (if
applicable) to perform the scope of services detailed in this application. The entity responsible for Project
Management will also assume the majority of administrative duties for the project, including procurement
of the consultant, invoicing, organizing and presiding over Project Team meetings, and reviewing and
approving work products.
B. Proposed Project Team Members /Responsibilities /Agreements:
Project Team Member
Primary Responsibility
RTA
Jeanette Virgillio
Drew Irvin
Tim Teddy
Christina Dudek
Michael Bogert
FY 2002
Page 7
PROPOSED PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN continued
Project Team Member Agreements (if applicable):
Please specify if additional agreements will be required between the various members of the
Project Team. Note the type of agreement needed. These agreements will typically involve the
applicant requesting another organization (other than the selected consultant) to complete a
portion of the Scope of Services. Do not list the agreement that will be entered into between the
RTA and the applicant in this section. If not applicable, check the box below.
Project Team Member Agreement X Not Applicable
Between Project Team Members:
Recommended type of Agreement:
Brief Description of Agreement:
Attach additional agreement descriptions as necessary.
C. Funding Source Information (if applicable)
The applicant is committed to securing all local funding sources. If multiple entities are providing sources
of local funding, the applicant is responsible for securing these funds. A local funding source agreement
is a binding agreement between the applicant and other local funding entities which the applicant
provides to the RTA demonstrating that the applicant is responsible for providing the local matching
funds for this project. Any local funding source agreements should be attached to this Formal
Application.
Proposed Applicant Funding Amount:
Applicant Local Funding Source:
Local Funding Source Expiration Date:
Local Funding Agreement Attached:
$ 15,000
General Fund Revenue
NA / /
Yes No X N/A
Other Specified Project Funding Sources (if applicable)
1)
Funding Amount:
Funding Source:
Funding Source Expiration Date:
Source Agreement Attached:
$
Yes No ON /A
FY 2002 Page 8
PROPOSED PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN continued
2)
Funding Amount:
Funding Source:
Funding Source Expiration Date: / /
Source Agreement Attached: 0 Yes 0 No N/A
D. Estimated Project Budget and Time Frame
Proposed Project Time Frame: Months from Notice to Proceed
Proposed Total Project Budget:
Proposed Project Funding Sources:
Funding Source
Amount
% of Total
Task #(s) Covered
RTA
$60,000
80%
Applicant
$15,000
20%
Other, specify
$
%
Other, specify
$
%
Additional Project Notes or Comments: None
GOVERNING BOARD RESOLUTION
A resolution must be passed by the applicant's governing board authorizing the filing of the application and
execution of the required technical assistance agreement. A sample Governing Board Resolution will be
provided under separate cover.
FY 2002
Page 9
:;est Madison
,cago
Jo02
?12.917.0700
Regional
o Transportation
Authority
December 10, 2001
Mr. Drew Irvin
Assistant Village Administrator
Village of Lemont
418 Main Street
Lemont, IL 60439
Dear Mr. Irvin:
It is my pleasure to inform you that the Regional Transportation Authority's Board of
Directors has approved the selection of the "Village of Lemont Station Area Planning Study"
for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2002 Regional Technical Assistance Program (RTAP).
In the coming days, I will be contacting you to set up a meeting to discuss the scope of work,
project management plan, and budget for your project. I will serve as the RTA's Project
Manager on this effort and will be assisting you in project development.
Within the next couple of weeks, I will be sending you an Application for your technical
assistance funding. This application will include the issues listed above and will be available
in an electronic format to allow for easy use and transfer.
Although the RTA is committed to funding the project, be advised that the exact budget and
funding sources are to be determined. The RTA will be working with you and other funding
agencies to secure the required amounts. For RTAP projects the RTA targets a twenty
percent local matching contribution. If for some compelling reason you are unable to provide
the target local match please inform me so other arrangements can be made. We have
programmed this project at a budget amount not to exceed $75,000. Please be advised that
costs associated with this project will not be reimbursed until a funding agreement is executed
between the Village of Lemont and the RTA. Furthermore, the RTA recommends not
entering into a third -party contract until the funding agreen ent is execute?.
Thank you once again for participating in the RTAP program and I look forward to working
with you on this project. If you have any questions, I can be reached at (312) 917 -1429 or via
email at ciavarellaj@rtachicago.org.
Sincerely,
es
Jay M. Ciavarella
Senior Analyst
RCA Planning Department
01*
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