CITY OF GALESBURG

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

August 2018

DRAFT
DRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Community Profile & Assessment 6
Community Outreach Summary 16
Community Vision, Goals & Objectives 24
Land Use 32
Housing & Residential Areas Plan 38
Commercial Areas Plan 48
Transportation 58
Community Facilities 72
Parks & Recreation 80
Subareas 92
Sustainability Framework 106
Implementation 128

DRAFT
1
INTRODUCTION
COMPREHENSIVE COMPREHENSIVE
This document presents the Compre-
hensive Plan for the City of Gales-
burg, Illinois. It sets forth a long- PLAN PURPOSE PLAN ADVISORY
range guide for the maintenance and The Galesburg Comprehensive Plan COMMITTEE
enhancement of the City’s existing is a detailed policy document that A Comprehensive Plan Advisory
areas, and for improvement, devel- guides land use, development, capital Committee (CPAC) consisting of
opment and redevelopment within improvements, community invest- Galesburg community leaders
the City and its planning jurisdiction. ment, growth, and overall quality and residents was established to
As a long-range planning and policy of life for 15 to 20 years. The Plan guide and assist the Planning Team
guide, Galesburg’s Comprehensive is comprehensive both in breadth throughout the process. The CPAC
Plan provides assistance and direc- and scope, with recommendations convened on June 20, 2017, and met
tion for future investment and serves for areas that encompass land use, periodically throughout the plan-
as a decision-making framework housing, parks and recreation, trans- ning process, serving as a “commu-
for the City, residents, developers, portation, and community facili- nity sounding board” as the Plan
and other stakeholders. The Plan ties, and more. The Plan provides was developed.
establishes a vision for the commu- the framework for regulatory tools
nity along with goals and objectives like zoning, subdivision regulations,
that serve as the foundation for the annexations, and other City policy.
Plan’s policies and recommenda- Galesburg’s Comprehensive Plan
tions. Recommendations and poli- promotes the community’s vision,
cies are organized by chapter/topic, goals, objectives, and policies; estab-
including land use and development, lishes a process for orderly growth
transportation, community facilities, and development; addresses both
and environmental features and open current and long-term needs; and
space. The Comprehensive Plan is a provides for a balance between the
product of considerable community natural and built environment.
input and represents the culmination
of a 12-month planning process.

2 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Introduction
 A standard for review at the
USING THE PLAN STATE PLANNING
The Illinois Local Planning Technical
local, County, and State level: The Assistance Act (Public Act 92-0768,
The Galesburg Comprehensive Plan comprehensive plan is the stan- ACTS Sec. 5) provides additional guidance
should be used for the following: dard for review for development Several Illinois statutes contain as to what elements a comprehen-
proposals and applications for state general descriptions of what a sive plan should address, including
A basis for regulatory actions: The and federal funding and support. comprehensive plan is, and what it land use, natural resources and
plan serves as a foundation and Comprehensive plans should be should contain. The Illinois Munic- the environment, transportation,
guide for the provisions of zoning used to develop regional plans or ipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-12-5(1)) economic development and housing/
regulations, subdivision regulations, intermunicipal programs, such as dictates that a city or village plan residential development. In addition
the official map, flood hazard regu- a regional trail networks, transit commission must prepare and to these essentials it is suggested
lations, annexation decisions and programs, and economic develop- recommend a comprehensive plan that a comprehensive plan consider
other decisions made under these ment initiatives. to serve as a tool for guiding future additional elements, adjusting
regulations. development or redevelopment to suit unique community issues,
A source of information and within the municipality. These plans including: parks and open space,
A basis for community programs, marketing: The Plan is a valuable cover the entire incorporated area historic preservation, urban design,
budgeting, and grant applications: source of information for local of the municipality and can extend subareas/key focus areas, agricul-
The plan is a guide and resource for boards, commissions, organizations, to land up to one-and-a-half miles ture and forestry, and technology.
the recommendations contained in citizens, and businesses. It is also a beyond its corporate limits. Elected
a capital budget and program, for a powerful marketing tool that can bodies (i.e. village and city councils)
community development program, be used to promote Galesburg and charge their appointed planning or
the basis and rationale for grant highlight opportunities for invest- zoning commission with the task
applications, and for direction and ment. of preparing a plan and once it is
content of other local initiatives, complete, they vote on its adop-
such as for water protection, recre- A long-term guide: The Plan is tion as a guiding document for the
ation or open space land acquisition a long-term guide by which to municipality.
and housing. measure and evaluate public and
private proposals that affect the
A source for planning studies: Few physical, social, and economic envi-
plans can address every issue in ronment of the community.
sufficient detail. Therefore building
on the comprehensive plan, further/
future studies and plans may be
needed to develop more specific
actions or study.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 3

Introduction DRAFT
 Step 3: Market & Demographic Step 5: Vision, Goals & Objectives. Step 8: Citywide Plans & Policies.
PLANNING Analysis. The Planning Team This step included a “hands-on” This step included the preparation
PROCESS conducted research and analysis on planning charette, and tasked of plans and policies that address
The Galesburg Comprehensive housing, employment, and develop- community residents to craft their growth and annexation, land use,
Plan is the product of a 12-month ment conditions, providing a foun- long-term vision for Galesburg. The transportation, open space and
planning process that included the dation for future recommendations. results of the workshop provided environmental features, community
following 11 steps: The analysis revealed the trends, focus and direction for subsequent facilities, urban design, and commu-
supply, demand, and potential for planning activities, including the nity sustainability. This step was
Step 1: Project Initiation. The residential, commercial, and indus- Plan’s Vision Statement, and Goals the core of the Comprehensive Plan,
project kicked-off with meetings with trial uses. and Objectives. reflecting the collective community
City staff, officials, and the CPAC to vision for the City.
discuss the overall direction of the Step 4: Existing Conditions Analysis. Step 6: Plan Framework & Key
Comprehensive Plan and any policy Using data gathered from the City, Recommendations. Using the Step 9: Draft Plan, Presentation,
issues facing the City. This step laid community service providers, local community input and compre- Review & Feedback. Collecting the
the initial foundation for further agencies, organizations, and on-the- hensive analysis gathered and results of the previous steps, a draft
research and analysis. ground reconnaissance and obser- conducted in the previous five steps, Comprehensive Plan document was
vation, the Planning Team reviewed the Planning Team prepared an prepared and presented to City Staff,
Step 2: Community Outreach. and analyzed Galesburg’s conditions overall framework for the Plan along the CPAC, City Council, the Planning
Outreach is considered one of the as they existed at the time of the with its key recommendations. and Zoning Commission, and the
most important steps of the Plan. planning process. The results were public for review and comment.
Members of the Galesburg commu- presented in an Existing Conditions Step 7: Draft Subarea Plans. This
nity shared their recommendations, Report, produced in August 2017. step included the preparation of Step 10: Revision to Draft Plan (TO
concerns, and opinions with the detailed subarea plans for Downtown BE COMPLETED). Based on draft
Planning Team via in-person meet- Galesburg, Grand Avenue, and both Plan feedback from all parties, all
ings, workshops, charrettes, and the north and south Henderson Street revisions were made and brought
a variety of online tools. Chapter Corridors. The Subarea Plans provide back to the Planning and Zoning
3 summarizes the results of the more specific recommendations for Commission for review.
community outreach conducted as these critical areas of the City.
part of the planning process. Step 11: Final Comprehensive Plan
& Adoption (TO BE COMPLETED).
The final Comprehensive Plan was
presented to City Council for consid-
eration and adoption.

4 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Introduction
 4. Vision, Goals & Objectives 7. Economic Development 10. Parks & Open Space –
PLAN – Establishes the community – Provides an economic Highlights key recommendations
ORGANIZATION vision that guides the development strategy from the Parks and Recreation
The Comprehensive Plan is orga- Comprehensive Plan document for Galesburg, with Master Plan, which was
nized into 12 chapters: and describes what Galesburg recommendations regarding developed in conjunction with
will be in 2033. attracting, retaining, this Comprehensive Plan.
1. Introduction – Presents the and growing businesses;
purpose Comprehensive Plan, 5. Land Use – Illustrates and attracting new residents; 11. Subarea Plans – Establishes
how it should be used, the describes the type and location and supporting workforce a vision and site-specific
process to complete the Plan, of future land uses within development, education, and recommendations for Downtown
and its organization. Galesburg. This section also entrepreneurship. Galesburg, Grand Avenue,
addresses growth management. and both the north and south
2. Community Profile – Details 8. Transportation & Mobility – Henderson Street Corridors.
a variety of important 6. Housing & Neighborhoods Includes recommendations for
background information, – Outlines policies and the City’s roads, trails, sidewalks, 12. Implementation – Presents
such as the City’s history and recommendations for the City’s and more, and identifies specific actions, as well as
demographics. neighborhoods including infill opportunities to increase potential funding sources,
development, code enforcement, community connectivity. that the City should pursue
3. Community Outreach historic preservation, aging in as it seeks to implement the
Summary – Summarizes all the place, and more. 9. Community Facilities – recommendations of the
input received from community Identifies future need for Comprehensive Plan.
outreach events including community facilities and offers
in-person and online. long-range recommendations
for future facility locations and
improvements to ensure that
residents are adequately served
by providers.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 5

Introduction DRAFT
2
COMMUNITY PROFILE &
ASSESSMENT
REGIONAL SETTING
Long-range planning is founded
upon an understanding of the
Rockford
community in the present. As a The City of Galesburg is approxi-
mature community, a detailed mately 45 miles northwest of Peoria Chicago

assessment of Galesburg’s existing in western Illinois. It is the Knox Rock Island

conditions is critical to creating County seat and principal city of Creston

informed recommendations. This the Galesburg Micropolitan Statis- Rochelle

Malta
Kankakee
chapter provides important back- tical Area, which is comprised of 88
Peoria
ground information about the Knox and Warren Counties. Major
community, including the regional highways to the City include US-34,
GALESBURG
position and history of Galesburg, an US-150, and I-74. Galesburg is also
overview of the City’s demographics, served by Amtrak and BNSF Railway Springfield

and an inventory of existing land for both freight and passenger rail.
use. Collectively, this information The City is about 35 miles east of
creates a profile of the Galesburg the Iowa border with neighboring
Saint Louis
community and the influences communities such as Monmouth to
that shaped the development of the west, East Galesburg to the east,
the Comprehensive Plan. For more Henderson to the north and Knox-
detailed information and analysis ville to the south. ILLINOIS
refer to the Existing Conditions
Report that was completed as part
of the planning process.

6 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Profile & Assessment
 DAVENPORT
74
280 MOLINE 80
SCOTT COUNTY
ROCK ISLAND

MUSCATINE

80
ROCK ISLAND 6
PRINCETON
COUNTY

HENRY COUNTY

150 KEWANEE
VIOLA

MERCER COUNTY

61 67 34
I l li n o i s
Io w a

74

HENDERSON

GALESBURG OAK RUN

EAST GALESBURG

er
Riv

MONMOUTH CHILLICOTHE
pi

KNOXVILLE
s
ip

is sis
M
34

er
Riv
Illinois
WARREN COUNTY
ABINGDON
KNOX COUNTY

PEORIA

67 474
FAIRVIEW
DALLAS CITY

FULTON COUNTY
24
PEKIN
CANTON

MACOMB
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 7
Community Profile DRAFT
 HENDERSON WATAGA

150

74

JURISDICTIONAL
SETTING
A Comprehensive Plan addresses 34

issues within the municipal bound-

aries of the City as well as unin-
corporated areas adjacent to the 40

City. Illinois State Statute (65 ILCS GALESBURG

5/11-12-5) allows a Comprehensive 7

Plan to cover an area extending 1.5

miles from the current corporate
9

boundary. The vast majority of

Galesburg’s Extraterritorial Juris- 164 41

diction (ETJ) is actively used for

agriculture or has been developed
EAST GALESBURG
by adjacent municipalities, such as
Knoxville. Although the ETJ abuts
and overlaps areas within the
project boundary, recommendations 34
25

from the Comprehensive Plan will 10 10

74

predominantly focus on areas within

the City limits as well as potential 150
areas for growth near the US-34 and 41

I-74 exits and entrances. KNOXVILLE

WARREN COUNTY
KNOX COUNTY

Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction (ETJ)
Galesburg Municipal
Boundary
Adjacent Communities

8 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Profile
COMMUNITY PAST PLANS,
telephones, delivered-mail, electric Below is a list of reviewed plans,
street lights, and public transpor- studies, and reports (the Existing
HISTORY tation. Shortly after the turn of the STUDIES & Conditions Report contains a full
In 1835, Reverend George Wash- twentieth century, the City Council REPORTS summary of each document):
ington Gale of Whitesboro, New York approved bond issuance for the The planning process included a full
construction of City Hall, a police ŠŠ Knox County Blueprint of Action
purchased nearly 11,000 acres in review of past plans, studies, and
station, and a fire station. At this (2017)
Knox County to build a school – Knox reports impacting policy, planning,
College. In June of 1836, the first time, the character of the City was and development within the City ŠŠ Design Development of
settlers arrived at the settlement but reflected in its Victorian-style homes of Galesburg. These prior planning Downtown Public Spaces (2016)
erected temporary housing on the and economic prosperity via the efforts serve to inform the planning ŠŠ North Seminary Street Business
outskirts until formal living quarters railroad. process and, where applicable, were District Plan (2013)
could be built. Just one year later, built upon as a component of the ŠŠ Galesburg Housing Memo (2013)
residents established one of the The City continued to grow through community’s new vision.
the 20th Century thanks to major ŠŠ East Main Street Corridor Plan
first anti-slavery societies in Illinois
employers like Maytag, Butler, and (2009)
and began construction of the first
building for Knox Manual Labor BNSF Railroad. Maytag was Gales- ŠŠ Downtown Strategic Plan (2008)
College. burg’s largest employer for over half ŠŠ Comprehensive Plan (1999)
a century until the manufacturing
In 1841, Galesburg became a city and plant closed in 2004. For the past
the population continued to grow couple of decades, the City has expe-
into the thousands with the comple- rienced a slight decline in population
tion of the Chicago, Burlington and but this has not altered its strong
Quincy Railroad line. Galesburg historical identity.
became incorporated through an act
of the Illinois Generally Assembly on
February 14, 1857 and became the
county seat 16 years later. By 1885,
the City had brick-paved streets,

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 9

Community Profile DRAFT
DEMOGRAPHIC
Collectively, this information
DEMOGRAPHIC SUMMARY
provides a snapshot of Galesburg’s
OVERVIEW current and projected competitive City of Galesburg
An analysis of Galesburg’s demo- position within the region. Projected Change
2010 2016 2021 (2010-2021)
graphic conditions was conducted
to guide the planning process and Individual chapters within the Plan, Population 32,186 31,454 30,907 -1,279 -4.0%

provide the necessary background such as the Chapter 6: Housing and Households 13,005 12,641 12,379 -626 -4.8%

information for developing market- Residential Areas Plan and Chapter Average Household Size 2.18 2.20 2.20 0.02 0.9%

viable policy recommendations. 7: Commercial and Industrial Areas Median Age 39.6 40.5 40.6 1.00 2.5%
Plan utilize findings from these anal- Median Household Income $37,453 $38,667 1,214 3.2%

This section presents and assesses yses to make recommendations.

Galesburg Micro SA
current trends, notes important
market implications, and to the DECLINING POPULATION 2010
2016 2021
Projected Change
(2010-2021)
extent possible, makes projections Galesburg’s population is declining, Population 52,919 52,632 52,094 -825 -1.6%
for future growth and development which reduces the labor force and Households 21,535 21,353 21,089 -446 -2.1%
opportunities. When possible and impacts a business’s decision to Average Household Size 2.27 2.28 2.28 0.01 0.4%
where necessary, data for the City of locate in the City. The 2016 popula- Median Age 42.0 43.1 43.6 1.60 3.8%
Galesburg is compared with data for tion was estimated at 31,454 and is Median Household Income $42,895 $45,428 $2,533 5.9%
the Galesburg Micropolitan Statis- projected to decrease to 30,907 by
Source: ESRI Business Analysis; Houseal Lavigne Associates
tical Area. All data in this section are 2021, while median age is projected
the most recent available at the time to remain stagnant.
of the analysis.

Population Trend Population Distribution

(2009 - 2016) (2016 and 2021)
32,400 4,500
32,176 32,158
32,200 4,000
32,038
32,000
31,946 3,500
31,898
3,000
31,800 31,696
2,500
31,600 31,454
2,000
31,400 1,500
31,337
31,200 1,000

31,000 500
0
30,800 0-4 5-9 10 - 14 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 - 74 75 - 84 85+
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2016 2021

10 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Profile
 Income Distribution Employment Trend
(2010 - 2014)
$200,000+ 18,500 18,190
18,003
17,885
$150,000 - $199,999 18,000 17,721
17,414
$100,000 - $149,999 17,500

$75,000 - $99,999 17,000

$50,000 - $74,999 16,500

16,000 15,651
$35,000 - $49,999
15,415 15,373
15,500 15,308
$25,000 - $34,999 15,075
15,000
$15,000 - $24,999
14,500
<$15,000
14,000
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2016 2021 Galesburg Micro SA

INCOME DISPARITY EMPLOYMENT GROWTH DAYTIME POPULATION RETAIL POTENTIAL

While median household income Galesburg’s employment is growing More people enter Galesburg for The City’s median household income
is projected to increase in coming faster than that of the micropolitan work than leave it (9,865 to 6,032) is rising, which correlates to an
years, the group expected to add the statistical area (a geographic area meaning that it has an increased increase in disposable income.
most households (170) is the $15,000 with at least one urban cluster and a daytime population with a poten- Meanwhile, Galesburg’s local and
- $24,999 category. Depending on the population greater than 10,000 but tially greater spending power. Again, regional retail markets are over-sup-
number of members, households fewer than 50,000) and it is projected the largest industry is health-care plied by 640,000 and 575,000 square
within this range are at or below the to do so through 2024 with the with over 4,200 workers entering feet of space respectively. Compar-
national poverty level. As such, these addition of over 800 jobs. Growing Galesburg followed by retail with atively the Micros SA is over-sup-
households may need additional employment is an opportunity for nearly 2,600. The City should take plied by 269,000 square feet and the
social and financial services. the City to expand its economy and, advantage of this opportunity by State of Illinois is under-supplied
subsequently, its services. More than marketing existing businesses to by 23.6 million square feet. Gales-
a quarter of employment expansion the daytime population and lever- burg should take advantage of this
has, and is projected to continue, in aging the population to recruit new opportunity to capture the increased
the healthcare and social services businesses. spending power. At the same time,
sector. Galesburg should take steps the City should be cautious in
to encourage diversification, to avoid recruiting additional retail busi-
over reliance on this sector, should it nesses that might displace existing
experience a downturn. ones.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 11

Community Profile DRAFT
EXISTING LAND USE EXISTING LAND USE SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED MULTIFAMILY
A review of the existing land uses Land Use Acres % The Single-Family Detached land use Multifamily housing units are
was conducted as part of the Plan- Agriculture 796.3 8% areas consist of detached homes. stacked vertically and horizon-
ning Process and is recorded on the Single-Family 2,968.5 31% This designation is the predominant tally, with common entrances and
Existing Land Use Map on page 15. Single-Family Attached 104.3 1% land use in Galesburg. Throughout shared amenities. Multifamily areas
Land uses in the City is typical of Manufactured Homes 77.9 1%
the central portion of the City, includes apartments, condominiums,
mature urban communities, with Multi-Family 132.2 1%
single-family homes are generally and senior housing, as well as
commercial land uses stripped along found on smaller lots (averaging single- family homes that have been
Commercial 711.0 8%
its busier corridors, and indus- one-third of an acre), arranged in converted into multifamily units
Office 87.7 1%
trial areas situated adjacent to its compact blocks in a grid pattern. (typically rental properties) located
Light Industrial 370.0 4%
railroads. Based on field reconnais- Single-family residential areas in the within Galesburg’s older residential
Heavy Industrial 228.5 2%
sance and research conducted in far southern, northern, and eastern neighborhoods in the southwest and
Public/Semi-Public 817.6 9%
September 2017, all parcels within portions of the City are arranged on central area where single-family
Parks 768.3 8%
the City have been categorized into slightly larger lots on longer blocks residences have been converted.
Open Space 120.4 1%
15 different land use classifications, and developed in a curvilinear street
each described in this section.
Airport 719.1 8%
pattern. MANUFACTURED HOMES
Railroad/Utility 1,028.3 11%
The Manufactured Homes land use
Vacant/Undeveloped 542.9 6% SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED designation includes homes that are
Total 9473.1 100%
Single-Family Attached uses consists constructed on a permanent chassis,
of towns homes, duplexes, and other allowing for transportability. Gales-
dwellings that share a common burg’s manufactured home commu-
wall with an adjacent housing unit. nities exist on the far southwest and
Single-Family Attached is scattered far southeast sides of the City.
intermittently throughout Galesburg
with small concentrations located on
the edges of the City.

12 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Profile
COMMERCIAL HEAVY INDUSTRIAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC
The Commercial land use desig- The Heavy Industrial land use desig- Light Industrial uses includes areas/ The Public/Semi-Public designation
nation includes commercial areas nation includes uses that are larger facilities involved in the manufac- includes facilities for government
(local and regional) that provide in scale, such as facilities involved turing, processing, storage, and public agencies, and other service
retail and commercial services in the processing of chemicals and distribution of goods and mate- providers including schools and
that meet the needs of the Gales- plastics, refineries, and industrial rials. The majority of the City’s light places of worship. Galesburg’s
burg community as well as the machinery. These uses typically have industrial uses exist in southwest public/semi-public uses include, but
larger region. Commercial uses environmental, noise, and visual Galesburg along Monmouth Boule- are not limited to Community Unit
include big box stores, standalone impacts on adjacent areas. Heavy vard and Louisville Road. Light School District 205, Knox College,
retailers, small retail centers, auto industrial areas within Galesburg industrial uses typically have less Carl Sandburg College, the Gales-
repair shops, restaurants, and are in the far southwest quadrant of an impact on surrounding areas burg Public Library, police and fire
hotels. Galesburg busy corridors of the City along US Highway 34 and (if well managed) and are generally stations, Galesburg Cottage Hospital,
are predominantly commercial, around rail lines. clustered together within established and OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
including Main Street, Henderson industrial parks.
Street, Grand Avenue, and Knox PARKS
Square. The Parks land use designation is
comprised of parkland maintained
OFFICE by the Parks and Recreation Depart-
Office land uses included profes- ment. The Galesburg Parks and
sional services as well as medical Recreation Department operates
office uses. Most of Galesburg’s office and maintains 28 parks and recre-
uses are scattered throughout along ational facilities throughout the City.
commercial corridors, however
some can be found within Gales-
burg’s residential areas. The largest
cluster of office uses exist around
Windish Drive in the northern part
of the Galesburg.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 13

Community Profile DRAFT
OPEN SPACE VACANT/UNDEVELOPED VACANT/UNDEVELOPED RAILROAD/UTILITY
The Open Space land use designation The Vacant/Undeveloped land use LAND BY ZONING DISTRICT The Railroad/Utility land use
includes natural areas and envi- designation is comprised of parcels Zoning Total Vacant % of designation includes transportation
ronmental resources that contain that can reasonably be consid- District Land (Acres) District and utility infrastructure, such as
heavily wooded areas, lakes, rivers, ered available for redevelopment. (Acres) railroads, electrical substations,
wetlands, and detention ponds. The majority of vacant land falls AG 33.1 0 0% power line rights-of-way, and water
These areas include land that is not within single-family attached (R1C) ER 83.4 7.8% 9% treatment facilities. The Amtrak and
appropriate for development. and general business (B2) zoning R1A 904.3 37.8 4% BNSF Railway contribute to a large
districts as well as multifamily R1B 1,490.0 41.6 3% portion of the City’s Railroad/Utility
AGRICULTURE (R3A) and office (O) districts. Large R1C 11.2 4.8 43% land uses.
The Agriculture land use designation areas of vacant land exist along the R2 412.5 25.9 6%
is comprised of land that is actively rail line near Linwood Road. This R3A 530.9 80.2 15% AIRPORT
being used for the production of category does not include the vacant R3B 22.5 1.9 9% The Airport land use designation
crops, livestock, and farming-related areas that are part of a larger B1 123.2 7.7 6% includes land on the west side of
activities. Within Galesburg, over 796 parcel. For example, while more than B2 421.5 119.3 28% Galesburg dedicated to the use and
acres of land is use for agriculture, half of the former Butler manufac- B3 57.5 3.7 6% operation of the Galesburg Munic-
most of which exists around the turing site is vacant, the site lies on a ipal Airport. This airport is a city-
I 1,311.8 12.6 1%
eastern border of the City. single parcel, therefore the parcel is owned, public-use airport.
O 4.7 0.7 15%
designated as industrial.
M1 125.0 2.9 2%
M2 2,078.07 191.6 9%
CPD 186.4 4.8 3%

14 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Profile
 74

34
30 S LAKE STOREY RD

Existing Land Use

N HENDERSON ST
40
E CARL SANDBURG DR

Agricultural Light Industrial DB

D
URG R

N
Single-Family Heavy Industrial

W CARL SA
34
Detached Public/Semi Public

MAPLE AVE
Single-Family
Parks & Open Space

N SEMINARY ST
Attached 150
Multifamily Airport
Manufactured Home Railroad/Utility
Vacant W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST
Commercial

N BROAD ST
RD
Office D

ST
OO

LN
N LINW

CO

N FARNHAM ST
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

W MAIN ST E MAIN ST
164

W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST
S LINWOOD RD

GR
AN

S HENDERSON ST
D
D AV
LV E
HB
OUT
Galesburg NM

S SEMINARY ST
MO

S FARNHAM ST
ST
Muni Airport

AD
RO
SB
150
34
41 74

10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 15

Community Profile DRAFT
3
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
SUMMARY
Community outreach and engaging The following outreach efforts and ŠŠ A Visioning Workshop was held
residents, civic and business leaders, initiatives were conducted: on September 9, 2017 at the
and other key stakeholders is crit- Kensington Ballroom. Residents
ical to understanding the needs, ŠŠ A Kickoff Meeting was held with worked in teams and drew their
concerns, issues, and opportunities City Council and Department visions for the community on
within the community. The engage- heads on April 24, 2017 at City large maps.
ment process for the Galesburg Hall.
Comprehensive Plan consisted of ŠŠ A Subareas Visioning Workshop
ŠŠ A workshop was held with the was hosted on January
both in-person and online outreach,
Comprehensive Plan Advisory 31, 2018 and participants
including resident and business
Committee (CPAC) on June 20, created a detailed vision for
workshops, key person interviews, a
2017. the City’s three subareas:
project website, online surveys, and
an interactive mapping tool. Downtown Galesburg, Grand
ŠŠ After the CPAC meeting, Avenue, and north and south
about 10 residents attended a
The process also relied on support Henderson Street. This included
Community Workshop at City
from Galesburg Heart & Soul and recommendations for a few
Hall on June 20, 2017.
its use of social media to further specific catalyst sites.
provide input during the Compre- ŠŠ A Business Workshop was held ŠŠ Online Questionnaires were
hensive Plan engagement activities. with five business owners and completed by 228 residents and
Input received from community operators on the morning of 12 business owners.
outreach helped shape the direc- June 21, 2017 at City Hall.
tion of the Comprehensive Plan ŠŠ Participants that used map.
by informing key goals, objectives, ŠŠ City Council and the Planning social (formerly sMap), an
and recommendations. This section and Zoning Commission interactive, online mapping
provides a summary of the commu- convened for a joint workshop system, generated 19 distinct
nity outreach activities undertaken. on July 24, 2017 at City Hall. maps with 204 points of interest.
A more detailed write-up of the
ŠŠ Seven Key Person Interviews
community outreach activities is
were conducted July 2014 with
provided in the Existing Conditions
representatives from prominent
Report.
stakeholder organizations.

16 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Outreach Summary
GALESBURG
Galesburg On Track began its More than 200 people helped VALUE STATEMENTS
process by gathering partners and draft eight Galesburg On Track
HEART & SOUL volunteers and establishing a plan value statements, which represent
ŠŠ We value and take pride in our
history and cultural heritage.
Galesburg Heart & Soul, which was of coordinating with one another. comments made by hundreds of
branded as Galesburg On Track, is Activities were then established to people who answered the question: ŠŠ We value our welcoming
a two-year community engagement attract a diverse mix of people to “What do you LOVE about Gales- community.
program actively working with the identify issues, opportunities, and burg?” Community members are
community members to identify the assets in the community. A list of then asked, on a scale from 1-10, how ŠŠ We value a healthy business
City’s most beloved features and available options was created from well they think the following state- climate.
core values. The intended outcome the information gathered during ments represent their community
engagement, which eventually values as Galesburg was 20 years ŠŠ We value quality education.
of engagement efforts is to estab-
lish a guide that will strengthen will transform into an action plan. ago; as the City is today; as it might ŠŠ We value our town’s image.
the cultural, social, and economic Finally, a Stewardship Team was be 20 years from now if nothing
vitality of the community. established to keep track of how but the “status quo” is maintained; ŠŠ We value our town’s services and
actions are progressing, coordinate and as it might be 20 years from amenities.
work, and communicate progress now with intentional planning and
with community members and actions. ŠŠ We value easy accessibility.
accountable decisionmakers.
ŠŠ We value having things to do
(arts, entertainment, recreation).

Results from Galesburg On Track

have helped inform the goals, objec-
tives, and recommendations of the
Comprehensive Plan.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 17

Community Outreach Summary DRAFT
PRIORITY ISSUES & ECONOMIC & Solutions identified by participants DIVERSITY & PRIDE
WORKFORCE included marketing Galesburg to
CONCERNS DEVELOPMENT retain and attract a larger educated,
Apathy and a lack of community
pride were commonly cited as
The following summary presents skilled workforce; establishing and
Many community members empha- concerns from workshop partici-
a synthesis of all input received encouraging more internships
sized the issue of educated, young pants. A need for increased repre-
through the various comprehensive with the City; and encouraging
individuals leaving the City and the sentation of diverse populations
plan workshops, focus groups, and more people to study in Galesburg.
need for a trained work-force. The in City leadership was also cited.
interviews. While a wide variety of Participants would like to have a
limited supply of a skilled workforce Participants suggested that under-
topics were discussed by members multi-trade school developed for
as well as the lack of high-paying represented members of the commu-
of the Galesburg community, this high school graduates and a youth
jobs has negatively impacted nity should be actively recruited to
summary highlights several of the skills program initiative created,
economic development in the City. serve in leadership positions to be
key themes that emerged from where high school students are paid
In addition, participants noted that more represetative of the commu-
discussion and written comments. to learn skills that will allow them
there should be more communica- nity they serve. Participants were
A summary of comments related to to be employed upon graduation.
tion between the City and businesses also concerned over the pessimistic
each theme is provided below. Participants also suggested building
as well as more cooperation between view of the City, and would like to see
a Ferris Wheel to help market the
the City and the County a shared vision for the future estab-
City by attracting tourists and busi-
lished. Participants shared that they
nesses. It would also contribute to
would like to see the City beautified,
community pride.
particularly the East Main Street
Corridor, and gateway signage and
features added at entrances to the
City.

18 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Outreach Summary
Additionally, participants would like COMMUNITY HEALTH & Marketing and promoting physical
to see more large-scale community FOOD SOURCES fitness through incentives, such
events created to bring the public as offering participation points;
Issues regarding physical and
together and foster a stronger sense healthy, reduced rate meals offered
mental health were a shared
of community pride. Many residents at restaurants; and school credit
concern among participants. Many
felt that there are not many options provided for students who exercise
felt that access to healthy food
to entertain and enrich children and beyond school hours was also a
across the City was also a problem.
would like to see, in general, more suggestion among participants.
In addition, many were concerned
development occur within the City.
over the limited amount of available
They stated that development should Participants would also like to see
mental health services and resources
build on the community’s strengths, the City recruit and support the
within the community. Community
such as its arts and colleges, to provision of stable and effective
members discussed the need to offer
appeal to young adults and recent mental health services. Finally, to
more fun, free events that promote
graduates. promote healthy eating habits,
healthy physical activity and eating
participants would like to see fruit
habits, such as a “Pack the Track”
trees and vegetable gardens planted
night, running clubs, and healthy
in parks and public spaces, allowing
cooking classes.
community members to harvest food
at no cost, as well as the support
and promotion of urban agriculture
throughout the community.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 19

Community Outreach Summary DRAFT
PARKS & RECREATION The perception of the quality of BLIGHTED PROPERTIES Participants would like to see the
parks in lower-income neighbor- & MAINTENANCE City incentivize people to improve
The creation of a free or very
hoods was also a shared concern their properties and would like to see
inexpensive summer program that Blighted properties and poor
among participants. Expanding property maintenance, repair, and
caters to low-income residents was property upkeep were frequently
parks in lower-income neighbor- renovations exist as more of a joint
suggested among participants. The discussed among participants.
hoods and enhancing parks with effort between the City and property
quality of parks in lower income resi- Participants were concerned over
more amenities were common owners. Participants would like to
dential neighborhoods was also a the lack of property maintenance
suggestions. Cleaning up Lake see more derelict, abandoned prop-
shared concern among participants. and the number of abandoned
Storey and improving regulations erties demolished, and deteriorating
Expanding parks in lower income properties., and mentioned that the
regarding fishing were also sugges- properties and neighborhoods reno-
residential neighborhoods and City was slow to respond to inquiries
tions by participants. Participants vated and redeveloped.
enhancing parks with more benches, regarding them. In addition, partic-
also would like to see additional staff
pavilions, lawn game rentals, public ipants noted the inconsistency in
support in parks and recreation,
grills, and interactive sculptures code enforcement as well as the lack
which would help with program-
were common suggestions. of resources, funding and informa-
ming and upkeep, and provide more
tion available to assist them with
jobs. The community would even-
property maintenance.
tually like to see the City create an
outdoor sports complex that would
allow Galesburg to compete in youth
sports tournaments, similar to Rock-
ford and Peoria.

20 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Outreach Summary
 PRIMARY
TRANSPORTATION & Participants would also like the
INFRASTRUCTURE City to create policies that establish
more walkable communities when STRENGTHS &
Aging infrastructure and limited
walkable areas of the City were
pursuing projects, especially around ASSETS
schools and bus stops. Participants All workshops concluded with a
shared concerns among partici-
would like to see deteriorating road- discussion of the strengths and assets
pants. Suggested solutions included
ways repaired. Participants would that Galesburg should preserve and
adding more bicycle trails and
also like to see sidewalks improved build upon. Responses generally
bicycle parking, and connecting the
and expanded. highlighted the City’s strong sense
entire community with bicycle and
walking paths, sidewalks, and trails of community, parks, railroad, and
from Lake Storey to King School. schools. The most frequently iden-
Participants suggested that the City tified strengths and assets included
focus more on improving sidewalks, the City’s historic community identity,
curbs, and streets, and extend and friendly people, and strong sense of
enhance sidewalks and bicycle paths community. Comments also high-
to parks, creating a more intercon- lighted Galesburg’s parks and natural
nected system with added wayfin- features, churches, schools, colleges,
ding signage. and public health and human
services. Finally, participants valued
the City’s railroad, brick streets,
airport, low cost of living, strong
downtown, and growing restaurant
and retail scene as important commu-
nity assets to build upon.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 21

Community Outreach Summary DRAFT
MAP-BASED
OUTREACH
[Link] (formerly sMap) is an
online mapping platform that allows
community members to actively
participate in the planning process.
[Link] enables participants
to create their own community
maps, placing points to note issues
and opportunities while providing
comments on specific locations.
Participants are able to identify
elements such as community assets,
desired uses and developments, key
transit destinations, areas with poor
appearances, problematic intersec-
tions, and public safety concerns.

Nineteen user maps were created

with a total of 204 points. The
following provides a summary of
points placed on the map, organized
by topic.

22 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Outreach Summary
 Community Asset Problematic Intersection Undesirable Use New Park or Park Amenity
Assets that should be preserved Intersections that participants Eight sites are identified as Areas where a new park should
and enhanced are mainly identified as a safety concern or undesirable uses, including be located or where an existing
concentrated in the Down- an impact on the smooth flow empty commercial buildings park should have additional
town, the Galesburg Municipal of traffic are primarily concen- and schools, overgrown vacant amenities were largely identified
Airport, and the City’s parks. trated within central Galesburg. areas, and public places with around Lake Storey and close
Twenty-six sites were identified Nine sites were identified as discarded industrial debris. to the Downtown. Fifteen points
as assets, including Lake Storey problematic intersections, such were identified as new park or
Park, the Galesburg Farmers’ as Main Street and N Kellogg Poor Appearances improvement areas, including
Market, Central Congregational Street, E Water Street and N Rotary Park, northeast of the
Participants identified areas
Church, the Park Plaza, and Seminary Street/N Kellogg Monmouth Boulevard and W
that they felt were unsightly or
Kiwanis Park. Street, North Street and Lincoln Brooks Street intersection, the
could benefit from additional
Street, and N Farnham Street old Veterans Affairs building
landscaping and aesthetic
Development Priority Site just north of E Main Street. at the northwest corner of the
improvements. Seventy sites
N Seminary Street and E Grove
Sites that participants would like were identified, most of which
Public Safety Concern Street intersection, and at
to see developed or redeveloped are concentrated in east and
the southwest corner of the E
in the short term are concen- Participants identified areas central Galesburg. Identified
Mary Street and Kellogg Street
trated in the Downtown. Twelve that they felt pose a concern areas include litter near the
intersection near the Galesburg
sites were identified as devel- to public safety, pedestrians, Lincoln Street and Main Street
Cottage Hospital.
opment priority sites, including and park users, most of which intersection and other areas
Main Street, the northeast part are concentrated around the of the community, dilapidated
of the square at Central Park Downtown and near Kiwanis buildings along the railroad,
on Broad Street, Veterans Drive, Park. Seventeen sites were iden- abandoned buildings, and
the Amtrak Station, and far east tified as public safety concerns, Bateman Park.
Main Street near I-74. including the bicycle route on
Log City Trail, the northwest Key Transit Destination
Desired Use corner of Public Square near
Participants identified areas in
the hotel, near the intersection
Sites identified as areas and uses the community that should be
of South Street and Academy
that participants would like to better served by public transit.
Street, and the bridge on W 3rd
see developed are concentrated One site, Carl Sandburg College,
Street near the railroad.
in the Downtown. Twenty-three was identified as an area that
sites were identified as desired should be served by night buses
uses or developments, such as a for students taking evening
new library, public bathrooms, classes.
and the Sandburg Mall.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 23

Community Outreach Summary DRAFT
4
COMMUNITY VISION,
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
VISION IN 2033…
Although single-family residential
homes are still the predominant type
The Vision Statement is written as Following the recommendations and of housing in Galesburg, the City has
a retrospective, reflecting on the policies of the City’s 2018 Compre- worked to promote the development
Galesburg community 15 years in hensive Plan, the City of Galesburg of a mix of housing types to provide
the future. It is a narrative that has seen dramatic change. The housing options for everyone, in all
paints a picture of what the City can City’s industries and businesses are stages of life. Throughout the City,
achieve following the adoption of the thriving, residential neighborhoods one can find housing designed for
Comprehensive Plan. The narra- are reinvigorated, Downtown has seniors, residential units for young
tive is intended to be ambitious and been revitalized, parks and trails professionals, and stable, healthy
inspirational, depicting the commu- are well used, and the City continues neighborhoods for families with
nity’s collective desires, and serving to invest in its streets and critical young children.
as the foundation for the Plan’s infrastructure.
goals, objectives, and recommenda- Since the adoption of the Compre-
tions. One of the most noticeable changes hensive Plan, the City has prioritized
can been seen in Galesburg’s diverse connecting each neighborhood to
and vibrant neighborhoods. Thanks not only one another but the neces-
to the City’s Single-Family Owner sary services and desired amenities
Occupied Rehabilitation Grant and that create a high quality of life.
consistent code enforcement, blight Such connections have been made
has almost been eliminated and the through a complete transportation
appearance of the City’s residential network of well-managed streets,
areas has greatly improved. Not long safe bike lanes, sizeable sidewalks,
ago, the City’s historic districts were and frequent public transit. Gales-
expanded, and the Historic Property burg was able to save many of its
Tax Assessment Freeze has helped eclectic red-brick roads, helping to
incentivize the rehabilitation and maintain the City’s historic nature.
restoration of many of Galesburg’s
historic homes.

24 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Vision, Goals & Objectives
Per direct recommendations from Overall quality of life in Galesburg Galesburg’s police force has grown Galesburg has experienced an influx
the 2018 Parks and Recreation has greatly improved for all resi- over the years to continue to ensure of skilled workers due to technical
Master Plan, a comprehensive paths dents. Through implementation of that every member feels safe in training and education spurred by
and trails network was developed recommendations laid out in the every part of the City. The Public industry partnerships with the City
that now links cyclists and pedes- Comprehensive Plan, the City has Works Department and the Sani- and the local colleges, which has
trians throughout the City, particu- been able to provide an abundance tary District have embraced green in turn significantly bolstered the
larly to and within parks and recre- of, and improve access to, important infrastructure practices, which has local economy. With help from the
ation areas as well as Knox College services and entertainment ameni- ensured safe drinking water through Knox County Area Partnership for
and Carl Sandburg College. ties that has increased activity various actions and strategies, Economic Development, the Gales-
throughout Galesburg. For example, including removal of all lead water burg Logistics Park has been filled
Over the last 15 years, the parks the Galesburg Public Library has service lines. with major employment industries
and recreation system in Galesburg been relocated into a larger facility that use Interstate 74 and Highway
has seen an increase in visitors and on West Main Street and now Other sustainable practices in 150 to move goods in and out of
users due to increased programs, provides complete access to all resi- stormwater management have the City multiple times a day. The
such as outdoor concerts and sports dents, not only to books but updated been implemented to remediate and addition of businesses in this area
leagues for all ages, and updated technology services as well. reduce flooding while improving has been one of the most noteworthy
equipment that allow people of water quality and the environment. projects of the past 15 years. The
all abilities to enjoy these ameni- Similarly, a new recreation center For example, the ecological reno- formerly vacant buildings along
ties year-round. The most popular now provides extensive indoor space vation of Lake Storey heightened Monmouth Boulevard such as OMC
destination, Lake Storey, has been for public and private meetings, the beauty and popularity of the have been repurposed as various
updated with an enhanced trails activities, and events for both youths beach and surrounding woodlands. uses, including a business incubator,
system, refurbished campgrounds, and adults. In partnership with Similarly, the water has become so as overall supportive services for
expanded boat ramps, and more. the City and in an effort to be more pristine it supports an increased Galesburg’s economy.
Lake Storey continues to not only involved, Galesburg’s two postsec- diversity of fish species.
connect citizens to recreation but ondary educational institutions,
also nature and the environment Knox College and Carl Sandburg
for passive engagement. As a result College, have expanded their roles
of hard work from City staff and in the community to host regular
officials, a new mini golf course was public events and help address local
built and now provides another issues, particularly regarding job
family-friendly activity for Gales- training and education.
burg residents and visitors.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 25

Community Vision, Goals & Objectives DRAFT
 Since the adoption of the Gales-
GOALS &
Vacant buildings in Downtown The goals and objectives presented
Galesburg have been converted to burg Comprehensive Plan, the City below are based on input from City
a variety of uses including restau- has continued to rank as one of OBJECTIVES staff, community workshops, key
rants, galleries, shops, maker the most desirable places to live in The City of Galesburg’s Compre- person interviews, and from feed-
spaces, and learning centers with western Illinois. It is a place where hensive Plan, through its goals and back and discussions at various
the above floors renovated as office young professionals and families objectives, and other recommenda- public meetings.
and residential spaces. The trans- are excited to build their lives, and tions and policies, provides a flexible
formation of buildings to mixed-use where established residents can policy guide for decision-making The goals and objectives have been
has increased activity Downtown thrive. It is an inclusive commu- and community action. Driven by categorized by the following topics:
with people shopping and eating nity whose diverse and quality community and stakeholder input,
at various stores and restaurants housing, natural features, strong ŠŠ Housing & Neighborhoods
this section details the Plan’s goals
or attending an event. The façade heritage and history, recreational and objectives, which provide the ŠŠ Economic Vitality
improvement program has been amenities, entertainment, shop- framework for planning recom- ŠŠ Transportation & Mobility
utilized by many business and ping, and restaurants provide all mendations, policies, projects, ŠŠ Parks, Recreation & Open Space
property owners to restore most residents with a high quality of life. and actions expressed within the
of Downtown’s buildings to their Galesburg has prioritized positive ŠŠ Community Services
Comprehensive Plan.
historic nature. Street trees, land- health outcomes and inclusivity ŠŠ Image & Identity
scaping, and gateway improvements by ensuring that all residents have Goals describe desired results
throughout the City and Down- access to transit and attainable toward which planning efforts
town along with the completion of housing and the opportunity to be should be directed. They are broad
Park Plaza renovations have also physically active. The City’s commit- and long-range. They represent an
attributed to its overall beautifica- ment to sustainability, community end to be sought, although they may
tion. Crosswalks, signal lights, and health, equity, and diversity has never actually be fully attained.
sidewalks have helped to improve fostered a strong and inclusive
access to and throughout Downtown community where all residents, Objectives describe more specific
Galesburg. regardless of age, income, race, actions that should be undertaken in
ethnicity, identity, or ability, not only order to advance toward the overall
feel welcome but may also pursue goals. They provide more precise and
their aspirations and dreams. measurable guidelines for planning
action.

26 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Vision, Goals & Objectives
HOUSING & Goal 1: Restore Galesburg’s ŠŠ Establish a demolition strategy ŠŠ Promote infill development on
NEIGHBORHOODS homes and neighborhoods to for dilapidated properties vacant parcels throughout the
When discussing affordable housing, their historic character. throughout the City, particularly City, prioritizing parcels closer
in the southern and central to Downtown.
it is important to note the differ-
Objectives areas of Galesburg.
ence between affordable housing ŠŠ Promote the integration of
and market-rate housing. For the ŠŠ Coordinate with property ŠŠ Continue to support community rental housing throughout
purposes of the Galesburg Compre- owners to ensure all units gardens, rooftop gardens, Galesburg to connect all
hensive Plan “affordable housing” is meet the most recent and indoor urban farms in residents to necessary services
defined as properties that provide housing standards to protect residential neighborhoods to and desired amenities.
below-market rates for households. neighborhoods, occupants, and help improve direct access to
Naturally occurring affordable property values by controlling healthy food. ŠŠ Promote residential
housing (NOAH) is comprised of blighting influences. development of a variety of
market-rate housing that is afford- ŠŠ Likewise, support restorative housing types and densities in
able to all households within their ŠŠ Explore the creation of a vacant agricultural practices in nearby accordance with the Land Use
income means. This has recently buildings registry and inspection farms to produce a diversity of Chapter.
been referred to as attainable program to identify priority products to build soil health.
housing. properties for redevelopment or ŠŠ Ensure that the Zoning
demolition. Goal 2: Provide high-quality, Ordinance and other regulatory
safe, and attainable housing tools are updated according to
ŠŠ Promote the Single-Family options for both owners and recommendations in the Land
Owner Occupied Rehabilitation renters. Use Chapter.
Grant program to provide
financial assistance help ŠŠ Continue to provide helpful
renovate the City’s older housing
Objectives information and resources to the
stock. ŠŠ Maintain the community’s community to on how to access
existing attainable housing attainable housing.
ŠŠ Utilize the Historic Property Tax stock, while providing incentives
Assessment Freeze to encourage to facilitate the development
the renovation and restoration of new attainable housing,
of the City’s historic homes. particularly rental units, to
ensure all households have
ŠŠ Promote the use of high- quality housing they can afford.
performance building practices
to improve energy and water
savings for renovated homes.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 27

Community Vision, Goals & Objectives DRAFT
ECONOMIC VITALITY ŠŠ Encourage mixed-use ŠŠ Establish a clear vision for the
developments, particularly in Sandburg Mall property to
Goal: Create a skilled work- Downtown Galesburg, to make organize and direct its potential
force through education efficient use of empty buildings, development opportunities in
and training programs to reduce the City’s vacancy rate, the future.
recruit and retain new busi- and increase activity.
nesses that generate local ŠŠ Explore and embrace high-
employment opportunities ŠŠ Pursue desired entertainment performance green building and
and expand the City’s overall and destination businesses to site practices to improve energy
economy. help attract residents, visitors, and water efficiency, build upon
and other businesses to the City, Knox College’s reputation for
Objectives and consider locating them in sustainability, and create a
ŠŠ Encourage partnerships Downtown Galesburg where competitive advantage for local
between local businesses and [Link] to partner business and investment.
Knox College and Carl Sandburg with the Galesburg Chamber
College to develop workforce of Commerce and the Knox
education initiatives. County Area Partnership to
improve business development
ŠŠ Collaborate with business in Galesburg.
incubators to develop
opportunities for businesses ŠŠ Use various funding tools
leaving the incubators to including Tax Increment
remain and continue to grow in Financing (TIF) districts, an
Galesburg. Enterprise Zone, the Downtown
Special Service Area, and
ŠŠ Prioritize development of the Historically Underutilized
Galesburg Logistics Park to Business Zones (HUBZones) to
expand the City’s opportunity spur and establish business
for attracting industrial use development throughout
businesses, which require large Galesburg.
lot sizes and easy access to
major transitways.

28 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Vision, Goals & Objectives
TRANSPORTATION & ŠŠ Work closely with existing ŠŠ Enhance the wayfinding system
ACCESS business owners to consolidate across Galesburg to improve
or remove unnecessary, obsolete, access to key commercial,
Goal: Improve transpor- or unsafe curb cuts by providing industrial, and community
tation access and mobility cross access between and shared facility destinations for drivers,
throughout Galesburg to access into businesses wherever bikers, pedestrians, and public
effectively and efficiently possible. transit riders.
transport people and goods.
ŠŠ Expand the bike lane network ŠŠ Establish an evaluation and
Objectives across the City to provide prioritization strategy for
ŠŠ Continue updating and complete access for cyclists to updating and/or replacing
expanding the sidewalk system everywhere in Galesburg. brick streets to improve
throughout Galesburg to mobility and maintain the City’s
ŠŠ Work with BNSF to evaluate historic qualities; consider
improve pedestrian mobility and
the City’s numerous at-grade high-performance permeable
access, particularly along auto-
railroad crossings to determine pavement system for durability,
dominated corridors.
if any should be upgraded or stormwater management
ŠŠ Continue partnering with removed to enhance travel benefits, and compatibility with
Galesburg Transit to enhance efficiency and safety throughout historic neighborhood character.
the bus transit system to ensure Galesburg.
all residents have access to
necessary services and desired
amenities, especially those
without cars.

ŠŠ Assess options for removing at

least one of the four through-
travel lanes on Main Street in
Downtown to provide additional
opportunities for pedestrian
improvement in the area.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 29

Community Vision, Goals & Objectives DRAFT
PARKS, RECREATION & ŠŠ Expand the trails system to and ŠŠ Use infiltration-based green COMMUNITY SERVICES
OPEN SPACE within all City parks to provide infrastructure (permeable
better access and recreation pavement, bio-retention/
Goal: Provide efficient, effec-
Goal: Maintain and enhance opportunities to users. rain gardens, urban trees,
tive, and responsive services
the parks, recreational facil- etc.) in public spaces and all
to Galesburg residents and
ities, and natural areas to ŠŠ Identify other areas for public properties to manage
visitors.
provide quality recreation conservation. stormwater runoff and provide
and access to nature that other benefits. Objectives
promotes active and healthy ŠŠ Partner with local
ŠŠ The City should perform a study
lifestyles as well as protects environmental groups to ŠŠ Analyze the existing greenspaces to assess the potential for a
environmentally susceptible provide public education about in Galesburg to determine the recreation center development.
areas for future generations. environmental responsibility needs and opportunities for
and sustainability. greenway corridors throughout ŠŠ Ensure adequate infrastructure
Note that more detailed goals, the City; linkages could be exists to meet the needs of
objectives, and recommendations ŠŠ Consider drafting a tree
made in existing right-of-way current and future residents
are contained within the Galesburg preservation ordinance to
and publicly-held properties as and businesses, including
Parks and Recreation Master Plan, protect and manage existing
well as vacant/underutilized telecommunications, water,
which is being produced in conjunc- trees, and increase the
properties. wastewater, energy, and (green)
tion with the Comprehensive Plan. quantity, and diversity of trees
stormwater management.
in Galesburg’s public spaces;
Assess existing street trees city- ŠŠ Regularly communicate with
Objectives wide; develop a plan to improve educational institutions in
ŠŠ Identify opportunities to urban tree canopy on every the City to identify areas for
expand and enhance parks and block for shade, air quality, collaboration on all future
facilities, and provide additional stormwater management, and projects.
programs and opportunities for improved property values.
emerging recreational sports ŠŠ Partner with local health
and activities, including those and social services providers,
targeted toward seniors. Galesburg’s largest employment
industry, to identify
ŠŠ Investigate opportunities,
opportunities to attract skilled
such as outreach and events,
candidates to apply for their
to increase the diversity and
available jobs.
inclusivity of programming
within parks and recreational
facilities.

30 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Community Vision, Goals & Objectives
 ŠŠ Maintain regular IMAGE & IDENTITY ŠŠ Support the rehabilitation ŠŠ Consider adding gateways to
communication with the police of older industrial buildings additional points of entry into
and fire departments to ensure
Goal: Maintain and promote in areas that are becoming the City such as on Seminary
optimal levels of fire and police
a positive image and identity functionally obsolete or Street, North Henderson
protection.
for the City that is distinct undesirable, including Street, and West Main Street all
and reflective of Galesburg’s improvements to loading docks, along US-34 to better welcome
ŠŠ Support the Galesburg Public unique heritage and history. technology infrastructure, residents and visitors to
Library through its upcoming access, building facades, Galesburg.
transition to a new facility to Objectives signage, streetscaping,
ensure residents continually ŠŠ Work with other agencies and landscaping, and parking ŠŠ Install streetscape elements
have access to its services. organizations to develop and areas to accommodate more along prominent corridors and
share the story of Galesburg’s appropriate and market-viable districts that strengthen the
ŠŠ Work with the Galesburg unified theme of the community
history including that of Carl uses.
Sanitary District to discover such as benches, landscaping,
Sandburg and the railroad.
funding sources to help with ŠŠ Use appropriate design tools trash cans, streetlights, bike
increasing costs for lower ŠŠ Encourage compatible and high- such as screening, buffering, racks, wayfinding signage, and
discharge limits for nutrients quality design and construction and site design to minimize the other amenities.
in wastewater and disinfecting for all development/ negative impacts of industrial
discharge; explore green redevelopment with an uses on adjacent areas.
infrastructure practices to emphasis on site design, building
reduce operating costs and orientation, architecture, ŠŠ Enhance the idea of public art
improve performance of storm buildings materials, and site across the City through strategic
and wastewater systems. improvements. partnerships and collaborations
with local artists and businesses.
ŠŠ Continue removing privately ŠŠ Preserve, reuse, and take
owned lead water service lines in advantage of the city’s historic ŠŠ Use the “Design Development of
the City as funding allows. character. For example, promote Downtown Public Spaces” plan
the Downtown Façade Grant while ensuring it matches the
Program and the Downtown community-desired character
Strategic Plan’s design for Galesburg.
guidelines.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 31

Community Vision, Goals & Objectives DRAFT
5 LAND USE
The Land Use Plan builds upon the
existing land uses and development
patterns within the City and is an
extension of the Comprehensive
Plan’s vision, policies and recommen-
dations. The Land Use Plan is a guide
for future land use and development
that is respective of the fact that
the City is a developed and mature,
established community, with some
opportunities for infill development
and outward expansion. It strives
to maintain and enhance the tradi-
tional form, character and distin-
guishing features of Galesburg while
accommodating high-quality and
In addition, the Land Use Plan
attempts to address land use
conflicts that may have arisen as the
community has evolved. The Land
Use Plan accomplishes this by identi-
fying which land uses should remain
for the future and which areas
should be considered for new uses.

It should be emphasized that the

Land Use Plan is a general guide for
growth and development within the
City and provides a foundation for
further decision-making and is not
a site development plan. While it is
a detailed document that provides
LAND USE
DESIGNATIONS
This Plan identifies 12 distinct cate-
gories of future land use. The subse-
quent chapters, including Chapter
6: Housing and Residential Areas
Plan, Chapter 7: Commercial Areas
Plan, build on the Land Use Plan and
provide specific policies and recom-
mendations to each pertinent land
use. Additionally, subarea plans for
three key areas of Galesburg (Down-
town, Grand Avenue, and Henderson
Street) have also been prepared as
part of the Comprehensive Plan and
compatible improvements and new specific guidance on land use deci- provide more specific recommenda-
development in selected locations. sions, it is also intended to be suffi- tions for these key areas.
ciently flexible to accommodate
unique or compelling circumstances
and the consideration of creative
approaches to development that are
consistent with the overall policies
and guidelines in the Comprehensive
Plan.

32 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Land Use
 74

34
30 S LAKE STOREY RD

Future Land Use

N HENDERSON ST
40
E CARL SANDBURG DR

Agriculture Local Commercial DB

D
URG R

N
Single-Family Industrial/Business

W CARL SA
34
Park
Multifamily

MAPLE AVE
Public/Semi-Public
Manufactured Homes

N SEMINARY ST
150
Parks & Open Space
Downtown Mixed-
Use Airport, Railroad, &
Utility
Regional Commercial W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST

N BROAD ST
RD
D

ST
OO

N
N LINW

L
CO

N FARNHAM ST
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

W MAIN ST E MAIN ST
164

W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST
S LINWOOD RD

GR
AN

S HENDERSON ST
D
D AV
BLV E
UTH
MO
Galesburg

S SEMINARY ST
N
MO

S FARNHAM ST
ST
Muni Airport

AD
RO
SB
150
34
41 74

10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 33

Land Use DRAFT
RESIDENTIAL USES Single-Family Multifamily Manufactured Homes
The Land Use Plan classifies Gales- The Single-Family residential land Multifamily Residential areas should Manufactured and/or mobile homes
burg’s residential areas into three (3) use designation includes areas consist of condominiums, apart- are structures built on a semi-per-
residential categories: Single-Family for both detached and attached ments, and senior housing develop- manent chassis or foundations
Residential, Multi-family Residen- single-family homes. Single-family ments. Multifamily housing plays an and transportable in one or more
tial, and Manufactured Homes. An detached is the predominant resi- important role in diversifying the sections. These homes contain all
expanded discussion of the City’s dential land use in Galesburg, city’s housing stock and ensuring all necessary plumbing, heating, air
residential areas, along with detailed however some townhomes are scat- residents have a place to live that conditioning and electrical systems,
policies for residential development tered throughout the city. Most resi- they can afford. Presently, a signif- and often designed to be used as a
are located in Chapter 6: Housing dential areas area within mature, icant portion of Galesburg’s multi- dwelling with, or without, a perma-
and Residential Areas Plan. well-defined neighborhoods that are family land uses are within or near nent foundation, when connected to
well served by schools and parks, Downtown, or around Henderson all required utilities. Unlike conven-
within some infill lots available for Street. It is recommended that the tional homes, these types of housing
new residential development. City promote additional multifamily products have limited investment
development to occur in a more capabilities, and unlike houses,
Infill lots throughout the city are well coordinated and organized fashion, which appreciate in value, most
suited for single-family detached in areas identified as multifamily mobile and manufactured homes
homes, but also provide an oppor- residential in the land use plan. The depreciate over time similar to an
tunity for duplexes/attached single- City should continue supporting the automobile. The Land Use Plan iden-
family which can help increase development of multifamily homes tifies areas for mobile home parks/
density and diversify the city’s to promote affordable, diverse communities in the far southwest
housing stock. Where parcel sizes housing options available to resi- and southeast sides of the City.
can accommodate, larger town- dents of various incomes as well as
home/townhouse development density around commercial corri-
should be promoted. dors and bus routes.

34 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Land Use
COMMERCIAL USES Downtown Mixed-Use Regional Commercial Local Commercial
The Land Use Plan identifies four Downtown Galesburg, the “core” of The Regional Commercial land use Local Commercial areas are
(4) categories of commercial land the City, is an important community designation provides opportunities intended to provide residents with
uses: Regional Commercial, Local focal point. Downtown Galesburg for commercial uses that provide convenient, day-to-day goods and
Commercial, Downtown Mixed-Use, should flourish as with a vibrant, goods and services at a scale and services within a short walk or drive
and Industrial. An expanded pedestrian oriented, mixed-use density capable of drawing patrons from their homes. Local commer-
discussion of the City’s commercial district – both vertically and from within, and beyond, the City. cial areas should host a mix of less
areas, along with detailed poli- horizontally, meaning the City Appropriately, the Land Use Plan intense commercial uses consisting
cies for commercial development should promote a variety of uses identifies the areas around the of retail, service and office that cater
and improvement are provided in throughout Downtown, mixed within interchange of Henderson Street to a local population. Henderson
Chapter 6: Commercial Areas Plan, the same building (i.e. commercial and US-34 for Regional Commercial. Street and Grand Avenue, Gales-
along with detailed subarea plans on the ground floor, with residential Suitable uses within these areas burg’s busier corridors, are mostly
for three important commercial above) where appropriate. include large shopping centers, “big identified as local commercial.
areas of the City. box” retail, auto dealerships, restau- Additionally, there are several other
To maintain its vibrancy and rants, and hotels. areas spread throughout the city.
importance to the City, Downtown
should continue to contain a mix of
land uses that reinforce its unique
character. Appropriate uses within
the Downtown include commercial
service, retail, entertainment, resi-
dential, civic, institutional and other
public amenities, including public
parking. Mixed-use buildings should
be encouraged to accommodate first
floor retail/restaurant/commercial
uses with office or residential above.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 35

Land Use DRAFT
Industrial/Business Park PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC RAILROAD/UTILITY AIRPORT
Industrial and business park The Public/Semi-Public land use Utilities/Railroad include property The Airport land use designation
uses should continue to play an designation is comprised of uses that owned by the railroad and parcels includes only the Galesburg Munic-
important role in the local economy. include facilities for government of land dedicated solely to munic- ipal Airport on the west end of the
Accordingly, the Land Use Plan public agencies, and other service ipal infrastructure, including lift city. This airport is a city-owned,
designates large areas of land for providers. Such facilities include stations, water towers, and electric public-use airport.
industrial and business park uses schools, colleges, and other educa- substations. These infrastructure
in the southwestern portions of the tional institutions as well as places facilities allow the City of Galesburg AGRICULTURE
City, adjacent to local railroads and of worship. Galesburg’s public/ to function, and the operation of the The Agriculture land use designation
within close proximity to the Gales- semi-public uses include, but are not railroad provides freight service for is comprised of land that is actively
burg Municipal Airport. limited to Knox College, Carl Sand- the City’s industrial areas. Utilities/ being used for the production of
burg College, the Galesburg Public Railroad uses can be unsightly and crops, livestock, and farming-related
The Industrial/Business Park Library, police and fire stations, noisy and should be well buffered activities. Within Galesburg, over 796
designation provides flexibility for a Galesburg Cottage Hospital, and OSF from adjacent residential properties acres of land is used for agriculture,
number of different uses of varying St. Mary Medical Center. whenever feasible. most of which exists around the
intensity, including manufacturing, eastern border of the City.
processing, storage, and distribution PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
of goods and materials, processing The Parks and Open Space land use
of chemicals and plastics, refineries, designation is comprised of parkland
and industrial machinery. Lighter maintained by the Parks and Recre-
industrial uses with more minimal ation Department as well as natural
impact on surrounding areas should areas and environmental resources
be considered more desirable for that contain heavily wooded areas,
areas adjacent to non-industrial lakes, rivers, wetland, and detention
uses. Heavier industrial uses capable ponds. These areas include land that
of environmental, noise, and visual is not appropriate for development.
impacts on adjacent areas should be The Galesburg Parks and Recreation
located away form the City’s estab- Department operates and maintains
lished residential neighborhoods. 26 parks and recreational facilities
throughout the City.
36 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT Land Use
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 37
Land Use DRAFT
6
HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL
AREAS PLAN
The City of Galesburg is predomi-
nantly a residential community, with Total Housing Units
unique residential neighborhoods 16,000
that contribute to the City’s “small 14,000
town” atmosphere and character. 1,272 1,637 1,818
12,000
Building on the three residential
land use categories established in 10,000 5,074
5,164 5,101
the Land Use Plan (Single-Family 8,000
Residential, Multifamily Residen-
6,000
tial, and Manufactured Homes), the
Housing & Residential Areas Plan 4,000 7,931 7,476 7,278

strives to strengthen, enhance, and 2,000

preserve Galesburg’s residential 0
assets. 2010 2016 2021

Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Vacant

The Housing & Residential Areas
Plan identifies specific objectives and
policies to accommodate develop-
NEIGHBORHOOD
These characteristics not only create
ment, investment, rehabilitation and a level of separation among resi-
other actions within Galesburg’s STABILIZATION dences within the same neighbor-
residential areas. Some of the recom- hood, but as well as between individ-
The City of Galesburg is most
mendations are general, and have uals and the community as a whole.
notably characterized by single-
broad applicability to the entire City, Many neighborhoods, specifically to
family neighborhoods consisting
although the issues these policies the south and west, are also experi-
primarily of traditional detached
address are not necessarily present encing high instances of blight.
houses. Many of these neighbor-
in every single one of the City’s resi-
hoods consist of homes on large
dential neighborhoods. Accordingly,
lots with ample yard space. Several
the application of citywide policies
of the City’s neighborhoods have
should be tailored to the needs and
numerous vacant structures or
conditions of Galesburg’s various
lots interspersed between occupied
neighborhoods and residential
homes.
areas.

38 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Housing & Residential Areas Plan
 HOUSING CONDITIONS Additionally, this creates an unat-
Housing Stock by Age tractive living environment for
(2011 - 2015) Galesburg’s housing stock is fairly
nearby residents, can foster crime,
old with more than 62 percent built
1939 or Earlier and decreases the community’s
before 1960 and nearly 38 percent
1940-1949 overall quality of life. Rectifying
built before 1940 (5,430 units). Only a
these issues of unsightliness and
1950-1959 small portion (less than 10 percent)
vacancy to reinvest in and reaf-
1960-1969 was built after 1989. This indicates
firm the small-town quality that
that new home development is
1970-1979 describes Galesburg will require an
not occurring in the City and that
1980-1989 openness to utilizing a variety of
age of the housing stock is likely to
options and actions.
1990-1999 continue to increase.
2000-2009
2010 or Later Blighted homes were identified as a
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 key issue by community members,
Numbr of Unit noting that it was a problem
throughout the City. The intensity
of the degradation of certain areas
RESIDENTIAL VACANCY On the other hand, a declining is concerning to neighboring resi-
housing supply matches the dences, as dilapidated houses are not
Vacancy rates are increasing from 11
declining population, helping to only decreasing their own value, but
percent in 2016 to 13 percent in 2021.
reduce the vacancy rate. The City also the values of the surrounding
Vacant and unmaintained housing
should monitor these trends and homes.
strains a neighborhood, socially
projections to determine when and
and financially. Fewer homes means
where to support housing develop-
reduced property tax revenue, which
ment and where not to do so.
also affects the economy. Galesburg’s
housing stock is decreasing. It is
projected to lose 81 units by 2021, a
half percent decrease in the City’s
total housing stock.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 39

Housing & Residential Areas Plan DRAFT
 Owner Housing Unit Supply Discrepancy
by Household Income
800

600
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY The case is similar for rental
400
REVITALIZATION housing, except low-income house-
holds are also experiencing a 200
For owner-occupied households,
disparity. The units with lower rental 0
there are indications of a surplus $14.9K $15K - $30K - $45K - $60K - $75K - $105K - $150K - $225K - $300K - $450K
rates, especially in the $0 to $124 per or Less $29.9K $44.9K $59.9K $74.9K $104.9K $149.9K $224.9K $299.9K $449.9K or More
of low-to-middle-value housing (200)
month range, are lacking the appro-
compared to the number of house- (400)
priate number of units to meet the
holds with income levels that can
demand by the households. This is (600)
afford those units. These are the
also the case for the high-rent units
houses with a value ranging from (800)
of $875 or more per month. Units in
$15,000 to $104,999. Inversely, there (1,000)
the rental ranges from $375 to $875
is a lack of high-value units, particu- Surplus Deficit
have a surplus of units, particularly
larly the $105,000 to $450,000 homes.
from $625 to $874.
There is a high demand for house-
holds with income that correlates to Renter Housing Unit Supply Discrepancy
Overall, affordability comparisons
these housing values to purchase a by Household Income
indicate that there are disparities 800
unit in those cohorts. For example,
between household income and
there are only 640 units in the
housing supply, particularly for 600
$150,000 to $224,999 range but there
low-income renters. Galesburg lacks
are 1,523 households with a demand 400
a sufficient number of rental units
for that value of unit. Thus, only 42
affordable to low-income house- 200
percent of those households can be
holds, nearly 900 units for house-
deemed to be in an affordable home.
holds earning less than $15,000 a 0
$124 $125 - $250 - $375 - $500 - $625 - $875 - $1,250 - $1,875
year. Many of these households are or Less $249 $374 $499 $624 $874 $1,249 $1,874 or More
(200)
experiencing a housing cost burden,
defined as spending more than 30 (400)
percent of their income on housing.
This burden is not only a detriment (600)
to their financial security but also Surplus Deficit

reduces their spending capacity.

40 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Housing & Residential Areas Plan
RECOMMENDATIONS & ŠŠ Utilize middle housing options TAX CREDITS Historic Rehabilitation
POLICIES such as duplexes, triplexes, Tax Credit (HTC)
multiplexes, courtyard Low-Income Housing
ŠŠ Use tax credits to help Tax Credits (LIHTC) HTC are subsidies used for the pres-
apartments, and townhouses, to
developers build affordable units ervation of historically significant
provide more affordable housing LIHTC are subsides used for the
to meet the demand of lower- buildings and/or neighborhoods. A
options throughout Galesburg. creation of affordable housing units.
income households. Potential developer could receive up to a 40
A developer could receive either a
credits are described further in ŠŠ Promote the missing middle percent tax credit—20 percent each
four or nine percent credit to cover
the section below. housing options (attached for federal and state tax liabilities—
the costs for renovating a home. This
single-family and multifamily) for the rehabilitation and mainte-
ŠŠ Increase funding available for credit helps to increase the housing
on infill parcels within single- nance of a historic property. Qual-
the demolition of blighted homes stock of livable homes in neigh-
family neighborhoods to ifying housing could be saved and
to help quicken community borhoods. In addition, it provides
increase density and maintain properties of significance preserved.
revitalization. affordable options for low-income
neighborhood character. families and helps them to access
ŠŠ Provide incentives for better neighborhoods.
ŠŠ Prioritize the rehabilitation
developers to purchase
of vacant housing over its
lots or blighted homes
demolition to demonstrate
within Galesburg’s mature
the City’s commitment to
neighborhood and other
neighborhood improvements
developable properties, such
and to avoid increasing the
as an increased or extended
amount of vacant land in
property tax abatement.
neighborhoods.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 41

Housing & Residential Areas Plan DRAFT
 ŠŠ Identify and market sites for
ANNEXATION & priority infill or redevelopment NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORIC HOMES
INFILL that will contribute to the CHARACTER As discussed earlier in this chapter,
Galesburg’s housing stock is old.
Galesburg is a mature, “built-out” vitality and character of Galesburg was established with
And while old does not necessarily
community and its boundaries Galesburg. neighborhoods of large-lot, multi-
mean historic, there are a number
are well defined, however there story, single-family homes and has
ŠŠ In accordance with Illinois of homes in Galesburg within the
are unincorporated areas that, in maintained that character to date.
State Statute, consider the use Galesburg Historic District (added
most instances, are surrounded by This neighborhood character still
of forced annexation to better to the National Register of Historic
the City. Although there is limited includes homes built in the mid-19th
control properties that threaten Places in 1976) or are in fact desig-
opportunity for annexation and century and brick roads built shortly
the quality and character of nated as local historic landmarks.
growth, there are specific actions the after. These properties and road-
incorporated neighborhoods Unfortunately, a number of Gales-
City can take to maximize remaining ways greatly contribute to the City’s
and commercial areas. burg’s older and potentially historic
development opportunities. small-town charm and many are
housing stock has fallen into disre-
ŠŠ Where annexation is not need of significant repair and resto-
pair or is suffering from deferred
ANNEXATION AND INFILL immediately beneficial, ration.
maintenance. The community has
RECOMMENDATIONS & implement annexation expressed a desire to restore these
POLICIES agreements with BRICK STREETS
homes to celebrate the City’s history
ŠŠ Encourage new development unincorporated property owners Some of Galesburg’s older neighbor- and to improve the character of the
and infill development that is in order to ensure that the long- hoods feature original brick pavers. City’s existing neighborhood.
complementary to the scale term goals and objectives of this Although these streets are more
and character of surrounding Plan can be attained. difficult and costly to maintain, they
residential neighborhoods. contribute significantly to character
ŠŠ Work with property owners of the neighborhoods and areas
ŠŠ Consider infill development and developers to annex where they are located, specifi-
sites as an opportunity to adjacent unincorporated cally Broad Street north of Losey
promote development that areas as they are developed, Street and south of Fremont Street.
can strengthen, elevate, and using annexation agreement Provided safety is not compromised
contribute to, the city’s mature negotiations to achieve other the City should consider maintaining
neighborhoods. Plan recommendations. brick streets wherever possible.

42 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Housing & Residential Areas Plan
 ŠŠ Utilize the Single-Family Owner
SENIOR HOUSING
MANUFACTURED & The City should also establish
MOBILE HOMES minimum sizes for the mobile home Occupied Rehabilitation Grant to
units; require running gear, tongue, help single-family homeowners It is important for senior housing to
The Land Use Plan identifies areas
axles, and wheels be removed; restore their property to its be a component of the Galesburg’s
for mobile home parks/communities
require skirting on all sides of the original historic character. residential offerings. Although no
in the far southwest and southeast
homes; and strictly regulate main- area within the City is specifically
sides of the City. In addition, there ŠŠ Promote the use of the Property
tenance and upkeep. Should these, designated as “Senior Housing”, it is
are currently mobile homes scat- Tax Assessment Freeze for
and other desired requirements, fall important for the City to accommo-
tered throughout the City, and while historic-home rehabilitation
beyond the City’s police powers, the date senior housing opportunities
they provide affordable housing to assist property owners
City work with mobile home park throughout the City to allow resi-
options for residents, they can reinvest in their home and their
operators/developers to establish dents to remain in Galesburg as they
detract significantly from a tradi- neighborhood.
strict covenants, conditions and progress through all stages of life.
tional neighborhoods’ appearance
restrictions (CCRs) which they would
and character. Throughout the ŠŠ Encourage owners of historic
administer and police to ensure SENIOR HOUSING
City there are many mobile homes properties to apply for the RECOMMENDATIONS &
the areas remain safe, healthy and
that are in disrepair, and their poor National Register of Historic POLICIES
attractive.
condition creates an unattractive Places to further enhance and
ŠŠ Recognize the importance of
and in some cases an unsafe atmo- market Galesburg rich history.
NEIGHBORHOOD developing additional senior
sphere. CHARACTER housing within the community
RECOMMENDATIONS & to accommodate the City’s
Whether the City continues to permit POLICIES existing and future senior
manufactured and mobile homes
ŠŠ Consider limiting manufactured population.
within its corporate limits is a policy
homes/mobile homes to
decision beyond the scope of this ŠŠ Support the development
Galesburg’s formalized and
Comprehensive Plan and warrants and use of all types of
planned mobile home parks.
careful consideration by City offi- housing, including single-
cials. At a minimum, mobile homes ŠŠ Work with the City’s mobile family detached, attached, or
should be limited to formalized and home park operators to ensure multifamily dwellings for senior
planned mobile home parks which mobile home parks remain safe, housing.
are subdivided, platted, and sites healthy and attractive.
owned by the owner of the mobile ŠŠ Promote the development of
home. senior housing in areas within
close proximity to transit, goods,
and services, such as Downtown.
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 43
Housing & Residential Areas Plan DRAFT
INCOME & UNITS OWNER UNMET HOUSING DEMAND FOR OWNER HOUSEHOLDERS
COMPARISON When analyzing owner-occupied
housing within each tract, avail-
Census
Tract Income ($)
This analysis shows the comparison
ability reconciles with demand, 5K- 10K- 15K- 20K- 25K- 35K- 50K- 75K- 100K-
of existing, assessed housing stock <5K 9.9K 14.9K 19.9K 24.9K 34.9K 49.9K 74.9K 99.9K 149.9K 150K+
except for Tract 5 where a surplus
values and prices to household 17095000300 -17 -13 90 189 183 184 -95 -235 -154 -70 -62
of 350 units exists. However, that 17095000400 -15 32 17 -19 28 52 129 26 -65 -132 -54
incomes delineated by occupancy
analysis is the summation of all 17095000500 40 31 9 -50 1 -61 -190 -165 -146 259 -61
tenure (owner or renter). For-sale
household income and home valu- 17095000600 -9 1 37 98 113 169 30 -190 -124 -88 -36
home values and rental rates for
ation comparisons rather than the 17095000700 -15 10 73 147 49 28 -79 -131 -68 -13 0
owner- and renter-occupied units,
individual ranges. The individual 17095000800 0 15 -4 5 8 15 -29 -35 1 25 0
are categorized to align with income 17095000900 -8 155 36 9 -13 -29 -47 -72 -18 -12 0
comparisons show greater discrep-
ranges that can afford those units 17095001000 -17 168 96 188 129 13 -249 -163 -83 -70 -12
ancies, particularly for households
without experiencing a housing cost 17095001100 59 43 8 34 56 49 -71 -113 -44 -21 0
earning $35,000 or more annually.
burden (defined as an expenditure 17095001200 2 4 7 2 4 2 6 -10 3 -10 -10
Total 20 446 368 601 557 420 -595 -1086 -698 -132 -235
of 30 percent or more of annual Housing demand within individual
income on housing). Price points tracts show discrepancies. Each
are separated into low-, mid-, and tract averages five income ranges However, the total demand for units
high-value ranges. The discrepancy that are not meeting housing needs. in the undersupplied income ranges
between income and price deter- Nearly half of the income ranges (2,843) is greater than the over-
mines the existence of a surplus or require additional units to meet supply in the lower income ranges
an indication of unmet demand. If the needs of their households. Lack (2,493) by 350 units. However, the
there are more homes than potential of housing options for households vacant units in Galesburg would be
households then there are excess earning $35,000 or more annually able to cover additional units, not
units (oversupply) and the inverse is not a significant issue because considering housing quality and cost
indicates a demand for units (under- lower-value homes (developed for of those vacant units. The adjacent
supply). households earning incomes less maps identify a surplus or demand
than $30,000 a year) are readily for units within each census tract
available. across the City for each income
range.

44 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Housing & Residential Areas Plan
 17095000400 17095000400 17095000400 17095000400

17095000300 17095000300 17095000300 17095000300

150 150 150 150

17095000700 17095000700 17095000700 17095000700

17095000600 17095000600 17095000600 17095000600

17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200

17095000800 17095000800 17095000800 17095000800

17095001100 17095001100 17095001100 17095001100

17095000900 17095000900 17095000900 17095000900

34 34 34 34
17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74

Income: $0 - $5K Income: $5K - $9.9K Income: $9K - $14.9K Income: $15K - $19.9K

17095000400 17095000400 17095000400 17095000400

17095000300 17095000300 17095000300 17095000300

150 150 150 150

17095000700 17095000700 17095000700 17095000700

17095000600 17095000600 17095000600 17095000600

17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200

17095000800 17095000800 17095000800 17095000800

17095001100 17095001100 17095001100 17095001100

17095000900 17095000900 17095000900 17095000900

34 34 34 34
17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74

Income: $20 - $24.9K Income: $25K - $34.9K Income: $35K - $49.9K Income: $50K - $74.9K

17095000400 17095000400 17095000400

17095000300 17095000300 17095000300

150 150 150

17095000700 17095000700 17095000700

17095000600 17095000600 17095000600

17095000500 17095000500 17095000500

Owner Supply/Demand
Per Census Tract
17095001200 17095001200 17095001200
17095000800 17095000800 17095000800

17095001100 17095001100 17095001100

17095000900 17095000900 17095000900 In Demand

34 34 34
17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74
Supply Meets Demand
Over Supplied

Income: $75 - $99.9K Income: $100K - $149.9K Income: $150K or More

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 45
Housing & Residential Areas Plan DRAFT
RENTER Each tract for rental housing
UNMET HOUSING DEMAND FOR OWNER HOUSEHOLDERS
averages six income ranges that
Unlike owner-occupied housing, Census
currently do not meet housing needs.
aggregated rental housing supply Tract Income ($)
As with owner-occupied housing,
does not match the demand across 10K- 15K- 20K- 25K- 35K- 50K-
nearly half of the income ranges <5K 5K-9.9K 14.9K 19.9K 24.9K 34.9K 49.9K 74.9K 75K+
the majority of the tracts, with no
require additional units to meet 17095000300 -28 0 -71 5 32 99 -21 11 -64
tract experiencing an oversupply. 17095000400 -32 -49 -83 91 102 41 71 -100 -68
the needs of households. Again, 17095000500 -40 -3 -25 13 53 44 -39 -19 -13
The majority of income ranges
households earning $35,000 or more 17095000600 -34 -25 -94 32 8 202 -17 -31 -55
are undersupplied over 150 each, 17095000700 -20 6 -18 -36 49 95 -25 -49 -25
annually can afford lower-rent
specifically households earning less 17095000800 -35 -5 88 77 -90 -1 -29 43 -48
units with a surplus, such as those 17095000900 -61 -14 -15 22 88 62 -60 -33 -9
than $15,000. Those earning $35,000
ranging from $375-$874, which are 17095001000 -51 -70 -29 81 78 34 -22 -38 -50
or more are undersupplied as well. 17095001100 -154 -32 -25 -42 145 80 -27 -38 -8
currently oversupplied by more than 17095001200 -4 -6 -8 -3 13 24 -1 -10 -12
When analyzing specific tracts
1,300 units. Lower-income renter Total -459 -198 -279 241 477 681 -170 -263 -351
within income ranges, the less than
households do not have the option
$5,000 range requires 459 additional
of renting a lower-cost unit due to
units among all ten census tracts. INCOME & UNITS ŠŠ Create a development brochure
significant undersupply.
The $10,000-$14,999 range requires COMPARISON to give to potential developers
279 additional units among nine RECOMMENDATIONS when they inquire about
census tracts to meet need. housing projects in Galesburg
ŠŠ Prioritize for-sale and renter
as a starting point for what
units at prices affordable for
the City needs for residential
households with lower incomes.
development.
ŠŠ Utilize the Unmet Housing
ŠŠ Promote the development of
Demand tables and maps
lofts on upper floors above
to determine the number of
businesses in Downtown
housing units that can be built
Galesburg. Chapter 10
at specific value and rental rate
Subarea Plans provides
ranges in certain areas of the
detailed recommendations for
City.
Downtown.

46 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Housing & Residential Areas Plan
 17095000400 17095000400 17095000400

17095000300 17095000300 17095000300

150 150 150

17095000700 17095000700 17095000700

17095000600 17095000600 17095000600

17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200

17095000800 17095000800 17095000800

17095001100 17095001100 17095001100

17095000900 17095000900 17095000900

34 34 34
17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74

Income: $0 - $5K Income: $5K - $9.8K Income: $10K - $14.9K

17095000400 17095000400 17095000400

17095000300 17095000300 17095000300

150 150 150

17095000700 17095000700 17095000700

17095000600 17095000600 17095000600

17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200 17095000500 17095001200

17095000800 17095000800 17095000800

17095001100 17095001100 17095001100

17095000900 17095000900 17095000900

34 34 34
17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74

Income: $15 - $19.9K Income: $20K - $24.9K Income: $25K - $34.9K

17095000400 17095000400 17095000400

17095000300 17095000300 17095000300

150 150 150

17095000700 17095000700 17095000700

17095000600 17095000600 17095000600

17095000500 17095000500 17095000500

Renter Supply/Demand
Per Census Tract
17095001200 17095001200 17095001200
17095000800 17095000800 17095000800

17095001100 17095001100 17095001100

17095000900 17095000900 17095000900 In Demand

34 34 34
17095001000 74 17095001000 74 17095001000 74
Supply Meets Demand
Over Supplied

Income: $35 - $49.9K Income: $50K - $74.9K Income: $75K or More

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 47
Housing & Residential Areas Plan DRAFT
7 COMMERCIAL AREAS PLAN
Economic development is critical
to Galesburg’s existing and future
success and it includes many
factors including well-paying jobs,
workforce training and education,
invested and engaged employers,
and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Each of these components requires
individual development and atten-
tion along with targeted strategies
to ensure the work together. This
chapter provides key goals, prior-
ities, and recommendations that
can help Galesburg’s economy grow
while improving the overall business
climate and encouraging reinvest-
The City of Galesburg’s location can
be considered both an asset and a
liability. With access from Walter
Payton Memorial Highway (U.S. 34),
U.S. 150, and I-74, some commercial
areas are highly visible and acces-
sible to interstate traffic in addition
to local residents in the community.
However, the City is located in an
area of Western Illinois that is more
rural and not as densely populated,
which can reduce the number of
visitors.

Vibrant, attractive, accessible,

inviting, and competitive commer-
The Objectives, Policies, and Recom-
mendations in the Commercial
Areas Plan are intended to:

ŠŠ Keep Galesburg competitive

ŠŠ Improve the appearance and
function of regional commercial
areas
ŠŠ Promote compatible close-to-
home shopping
ŠŠ Improve Downtown and
maintain it as a community
focal point

ment in the community’s established cial areas are important for the City.
commercial and industrial districts. They provide the Galesburg commu-
nity with access to goods, services,
and employment, while serving to
diversify Galesburg’s tax base and
provide revenue for the City. The
Commercial Areas Plan builds on the
Land Use Plan, and provides objec-
tives, policy recommendations, and
specific guidance for the City’s three
distinct commercial classifications:
Neighborhood Commercial, Regional
Commercial, and Downtown Mixed
Use.

48 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Commercial Areas Plan
 RETAIL GAP ANALYSIS BY INDUSTRY
Galesburg - 10 & 20 Minute Drivetime (2016)

10 Minute 20 Minute
Industry Group Drivetime Drivetime
Retail Gap Potential1 Retail Gap Potential1
Motor Vehicle & Parts Dealers -$45,982,778 (114,957) -$35,511,113 (88,778)
Automobile Dealers -$33,838,598 (84,596) -$24,390,058 (60,975)
Other Motor Vehicle Dealers $1,143,017 2,858 $1,345,770 3,364
Auto Parts, Accessories & Tire Stores -$13,287,198 (33,218) -$12,466,826 (31,167)

COMMERCIAL
Furniture & Home Furnishings Stores $1,706,042 4,265 $4,009,117 10,023 A retail gap analysis is a comparison
of retail supply and demand within
MARKET
Furniture Stores $3,719,277 9,298 $5,142,386 12,856
Home Furnishings Stores -$2,013,235 (5,033) -$1,133,269 (2,833) a defined market area. Its findings
Electronics & Appliance Stores $1,818,182 4,545 $5,137,098 12,843
Bldg Materials, Garden Equip. & Supply Stores -$41,376,932 (103,442) -$52,267,516 (130,669) MARKET OVERVIEW help establish what types of new
Bldg Material & Supplies Dealers -$26,253,770 (65,634) -$35,584,369 (88,961) Galesburg has 1,338 retail businesses retail may or may not be supported.
Lawn & Garden Equip & Supply Stores -$15,123,162 (37,808) -$16,683,146 (41,708)
including 88 bars and restaurants. The analysis was conducted using
Food & Beverage Stores -$70,490,567 (176,226) -$61,245,790 (153,114)
Many of these are found along drivetimes to establish a local
Grocery Stores -$73,041,708 (182,604) -$65,560,422 (163,901)
Specialty Food Stores $836,006 2,090 $1,597,421 3,994 major corridors including Main market (10-minute drivetime) and a
Beer, Wine & Liquor Stores $1,715,135 4,288 $2,717,210 6,793 Street, Henderson Street, and Grand regional market (20-minute drive-
Health & Personal Care Stores -$17,618,267 (44,046) -$11,708,923 (29,272)
Avenue. The Sandburg Mall is the time). Galesburg’s local and regional
Gasoline Stations -$7,793,710 (19,484) -$7,146,092 (17,865)
only major shopping center within retail markets are over-supplied by
Clothing & Clothing Accessories Stores* $827,925 2,070 $4,983,058 12,494
Clothing Stores $4,550,039 11,375 $7,397,670 18,494 a 20-minute drive from Galesburg, 640,000 and 575,000 square feet of
Shoe Stores -$2,131,874 (5,330) -$1,627,062 (4,068) located in the northern part of the space respectively. Comparatively
Jewelry, Luggage & Leather Goods Stores -$1,590,239 (3,976) -$787,551 (1,969)
City. It has over 520,000 square the Micros SA is over-supplied by
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book & Music Stores -$10,096,661 (25,242) -$11,028,708 (27,572)
feet of leasable space with most 269,000 square feet and the State
Sporting Goods/Hobby/Musical Instr Stores -$8,055,730 (20,139) -$6,526,399 (16,316)
Book, Periodical & Music Stores -$2,040,932 (5,102) -$4,502,309 (11,256) of that being vacant. The mall has of Illinois is under-supplied by 23.6
General Merchandise Stores -$30,776,973 (76,942) -$35,455,065 (88,638) two anchor stores, JC Penney and million square feet. Galesburg should
Department Stores Excluding Leased Depts. -$40,148,448 (100,371) -$48,658,091 (121,645)
Bergner’s, however both are set take advantage of this opportunity
Other General Merchandise Stores $9,371,474 23,429 $13,203,026 33,008
to be closed by the end of August to capture the increased spending
Miscellaneous Store Retailers -$4,295,776 (10,739) -$3,375,816 (8,440)
Florists -$645,003 (1,613) -$415,491 (1,039) 2018 leaving GNC as the lone store power. At the same time, the City
Office Supplies, Stationery & Gift Stores -$1,599,106 (3,998) -$2,255,837 (5,640) in operation in the Mall. As of should be cautious in recruiting
Used Merchandise Stores -$2,920,503 (7,301) -$2,676,875 (6,692)
January 2017, the plans to demolish additional retail businesses that
Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers $868,835 2,172 $1,972,387 4,931
some vacant stores are on hold. In might displace existing ones. Also,
Nonstore Retailers $4,534,020 11,335 $7,036,876 17,592
Electronic Shopping & Mail-Order Houses $6,258,745 15,647 $8,177,907 20,445 October 2017 Council approved a the City’s median household income
Vending Machine Operators $225,783 564 $293,075 733 five-lot subdivision that will separate is rising, which correlates to an
Direct Selling Establishments -$1,950,508 (4,876) -$1,434,106 (3,585)
portions of the existing mall into increase in disposable income.
Food Services & Drinking Places -$36,400,692 (91,002) -$33,674,064 (84,185)
Full-Service Restaurants $688,180 1,720 $926,481 2,316 new property available for redevel-
Limited-Service Eating Places -$2,239,854 (5,600) -$2,205,512 (5,514) opment/reuse.
Special Food Services -$34,849,018 (87,123) -$32,395,032 (80,988)
Drinking Places - Alcoholic Beverages -$1,024,761 (2,562) -$583,106 (1,458)
1 Square footage potential based on an average annual sales per-square-foot of $400.
*Analysis was conducted when Bergner’s and JCPenney were still open at the Sandburg Mall.
Source: ESRI Business Analyst: Houseal Lavigne Associates

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 49

Commercial Areas Plan DRAFT
EMPLOYMENT Galesburg is projected to gain 829 Nearly 10,000 people commute to BALANCE
CONDITIONS jobs by 2024, a five percent growth Galesburg for work each day while
A majority of Galesburg’s commer-
from 2014 to 2024. The Illinois just over 6,000 commute out to other
Galesburg employment has steadily cial business is located in the
Department of Employment Security municipalities. In total, 63 percent
risen since 2012 from 15,075 to northern part of the City. New
(IDES) issues employment projec- more people enter Galesburg for
15,651 primary jobs in 2014. This is commercial development is also
tions for the state as well as for 26 work than leave it. This significant
roughly a four percent increase in primarily occurring in this area. This
Local Workforce Investment Areas influx suggests Galesburg has desir-
primary jobs. The City’s employment growth has the potential to impact
(LWIA). The LWIAs are groups of able jobs. The next step for Gales-
is trending similar to the Micro investment and commercial growth
contiguous counties in Illinois. Gales- burg is to capture those commuters
SA’s but at a slightly greater rate. in other areas of the City, such as
burg is in Knox County, which is part and get at least a percentage of
During the same period the Micro the Downtown and southern Gales-
of LWIA 14 along with eight other them to become City residents. This
SA’s employment increased by three burg. There is a need to balance
counties: Adams, Brown, Hancock, would help address recent popula-
percent. Three industries account for commercial growth and investment
Henderson, McDonough, Pike, tion decline and have more individ-
more than 96 percent of the employ- to ensure that the City as a whole
Schuyler, and Warren. From 2014 to uals spending round the clock rather
ment growth in Galesburg from prospers.
2024 IDES estimates that LWIA 14 will than just during working hours.
2012-2014: Healthcare and Social
gain 4,640 jobs and subsequently,
Assistance (195), Manufacturing
Galesburg will gain 829 jobs. The top
(194), and Retail Trade (165). Gales-
five industries projected to see the
burg’s employment is growing faster
greatest job growth are Healthcare
than the Micro SA, which indicates
and Social Assistance (411); Retail
that it is getting the majority of the
Trade (104); Educational Services
Micro SA’s new jobs.
(78); Administration and support,
Waste Management, and Reme-
diation (60); and Accommodation
and Food Services (48). The Health-
care and Social Services industry
provides more than 27 percent of
the primary jobs in Galesburg and is
projected to grow the most through
2024.

50 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Commercial Areas Plan
OFFICE
Job Projection by Industry
According to LoopNet there are (2014 - 2024)
eleven available office properties in
Galesburg, one of which is catego- Public Administration 13

rized as flex space that can be used Other Services (excluding Public Administration) 8

for office, industrial or even retail. Accommodation and Food Services 48

There’s a total of 273,000 square Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 4

feet among the buildings with an Health Care and Social Assistance 411

average cost of $48.85 per square Educational Services 78

foot. The largest available property Administration & Support and Waste Management 60

is the former Walmart on National Management of Companies and Enterprises -9

Boulevard at 106,213 square feet. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 23

One-third of available office proper- Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 17
ties are located on Main Street above Finance and Insurance 17
retail spaces. Galesburg has signifi- Information 1
cant office space available for a few Transportation and Warehousing -10
large-scale companies or several Retail Trade 104
smaller companies. Office spaces are Wholesale Trade 21
in marketable locations along Main Manufacturing 21
and Henderson Streets with easy Construction 24
consumer access. Utilities -2

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 0

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting -1

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

Number of Jobs

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 51

Commercial Areas Plan DRAFT
RECOMMENDATIONS program to develop a skilled ŠŠ Continue to partner with the ŠŠ Create a marketing campaign
workforce to meet employers’ Galesburg Downtown Council about the benefits of moving to
ŠŠ Healthcare and Social
needs. (GDC) to provide Downtown Galesburg to incentivize workers
Assistance is the largest
businesses with the Downtown commuting into the City to
employment industry in ŠŠ Utilize this same partnership Facade Redevelopment Grant. become residents.
Galesburg. Community outreach to develop more internship Consider expanding it to other
determined that healthcare programs in Galesburg. ŠŠ Provide new retail and
commercial businesses outside
and social service providers entertainment opportunities in
of Downtown when appropriate.
are having difficulty recruiting ŠŠ Redevelop the Sandburg Galesburg to capitalize on the
qualified candidates to fill Mall property as mixed-use ŠŠ Develop new housing options increasing incomes across the
their growing number of job residential, convention center, or identified in Chapter 5 Housing City.
opportunities. Work with these institutional campus to utilize its and the commercial options ŠŠ Promote the development of
providers to create a marketing prominence in the area. Chapter identified in Chapter 10 Subarea lofts on upper floors above
campaign to direct potential 10 Subareas Plan provides Plans to make Galesburg an businesses in Downtown
employees to apply to them and detailed recommendations for attractive place to live for new Galesburg to increase density
bring people to Galesburg. the Sandburg Mall. residents. and have more people
ŠŠ Work to ensure that employment Downtown to patronize
ŠŠ Communicate regularly with
is spread evenly throughout its businesses. Chapter 10
business and property owners
industries to help prevent large- Subarea Plans provides
to understand their issues and
scale job loss. detailed recommendations for
needs and how the City can help
Downtown.
address them.
ŠŠ Redevelop unused and
ŠŠ Foster a partnership between underused parking lots in
businesses, especially healthcare commercial areas to reduce
and social service providers, and dead space and provide greater
local colleges and universities development opportunities in
to create a technical training Galesburg.
52 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT Commercial Areas Plan
REGIONAL Regional Commercial LOCAL COMMERCIAL Some of Galesburg’s local commer-
COMMERCIAL AREAS Recommendations & Policies cial, particularly Henderson Street
Local commercial areas provide
ŠŠ Modify zoning regulations to and Grand Avenue, areas carry
The areas along the northern end of retail, service, office, and other
require parking lot screening and large volumes of traffic, around,
Henderson Street at the interchange day-to-day amenities for residents
interior landscaping. and through the City. Many highly
of U.S. 34 are identified in the Land of Galesburg. As these uses are
visible buildings, parking areas, and
Use Plan as Regional Commer- generally located near or adja-
ŠŠ Consider parking maximums to business signs along these corridors
cial, which should include retail cent to residential areas, intensity
avoid large expanses of parking are unattractive and detract from
and services capable of drawing and residential compatibility are
allowing for denser areas of the community’s appearance and
consumers from a larger region. important considerations. Within
commercial development. reputation. Many building façades
Galesburg’s regional commercial Galesburg, Local Commercial
are outdated or unsightly, and most
areas benefit from an advantageous ŠŠ Minimize conflict points along areas are primarily located along
parking areas lack sufficient land-
location with direct access and visi- Henderson Street by reducing Henderson Street and Grand Avenue,
scaping (perimeter and interior).
bility to U.S. 34, U.S. 150, and I-74. or consolidating curb cuts, with other nodes and areas are
Inconsistent lighting and deterio-
enhancing on-site circulation located throughout the community.
rating pavement also contribute to
between adjacent sites, and using Below are recommendations, policies
the negative appearance of these
intersecting streets for access to and actions that will help ensure
areas.
commercial sites. these areas have minimal impact
on Galesburg’s neighborhoods
ŠŠ Create design guidelines for and the safe and efficient flow of
regional commercial areas to traffic along Galesburg’s corridors,
elevate their appearance. while ensuring local commercial
uses provide necessary goods and
ŠŠ Ensure that regional commercial services to the community.
areas are well connected to
transit by expanding stops and
lengthening hours of operation to
include evenings and weekends.

ŠŠ Consider connections from

transit stops to the front
entrances of regional commercial
uses with safe and direct paths
for pedestrians.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 53

Commercial Areas Plan DRAFT
Local Commercial ŠŠ Require commercial development ŠŠ Establish design guidelines for DOWNTOWN
Recommendations & Policies to be fully accessible for all users, local commercial uses to help
Downtown Galesburg should consist
ŠŠ Appropriately manage access including motorists, pedestrians, maintain the character of a
of a mix of goods, services, activities,
to sites along local commercial cyclists, and transit riders. neighborhood.
and housing that include eating/
corridors through curb cut ŠŠ Modernize the City’s aging ŠŠ Explore implementing a façade drinking establishments, smaller
consolidation, cross-access shopping centers through improvement program for niche retailers, professional office
easements, and access from side improved signage, landscaping, businesses outside of Downtown space, multifamily housing, and
streets and alleys. access and circulation, modern to assist other key businesses civic uses and a walkable setting.
tenant spaces/layouts, building in making appropriate Galesburg’s Downtown is the historic
ŠŠ Evaluate current parking
orientation and visibility, outlots, improvements that meet City commercial core of the community
requirements to the amount
and parking lot maintenance. requirements and guidelines. and is viewed as a key component
of on-site parking that can
in defining its character and iden-
be accommodated, taking ŠŠ Carefully review proposals for ŠŠ Consistently enforce codes and tity, and the community has voiced
into account lot size and businesses interested in locating ordinances to ensure Galesburg a desire to preserve it and improve
configuration, required in the neighborhood commercial is attractive and welcoming to upon it through reinvestment, rede-
landscaping, and the relationship designation, carefully examining residents and visitors alike. velopment and rehabilitation.
to surrounding uses. hours of operation and intensity
ŠŠ Amend zoning regulations to of use. As for many midwestern cities,
require parking lot screening Downtown Galesburg was once a
ŠŠ Amend zoning ordinances to bustling central business district.
and landscaping to improve regulate the size, scale, and
residential compatibility and However, similar to many down-
design of business signs to towns across the Nation, Downtown
enhance the appearance of local improve visibility and maintain
commercial corridors. Galesburg experienced disinvest-
neighborhood character. ment, due largely in part to the
introduction and proliferation of the
automobile. Newer, more “conve-
nient” commercial development was
more easily accommodated in areas
outside of the Downtown, where
businesses could cheaply provide
ample and convenient parking.

54 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Commercial Areas Plan
Parking in Downtown on the other Downtown ŠŠ Encourage the development of an ŠŠ Utilize the Downtown Façade
hand, was limited to small lengths on Recommendations & Policies appropriate intensity and char- Redevelopment Grant Program to
the street or in public lots, requiring ŠŠ Consistently regulate permitted acter in surrounding neighbor- help improve storefronts of Down-
longer walks to businesses. uses within the CBD zoning district hoods that supports an active and town business.
to maintain active storefronts on vibrant Downtown environment.
Today, Downtown is comprised of a ŠŠ Eliminate curb cuts and drive-
the ground floor and public spaces ŠŠ Install wayfinding signage along thrus on Main Street to prevent
mix of businesses, most of which are
throughout Downtown. Main Street to improve the promi- disruption of the pedestrian
locally owned. Over the last decade
or so, a national trend of downtown ŠŠ Located Downtown development nence of Downtown. environment.
revitalization is occurring with the at, or near, the front property ŠŠ Locate wayfinding signage
ŠŠ Install gateway signs on Main
realization that pedestrian-oriented lines fronting the street to create throughout Downtown, partic-
Street before the I-74 overpass
shopping districts and downtowns a “street wall” that encourages ularly at the railroad station to
and at the intersection of Main
offer character and atmosphere walkability and help establish a direct residents and visitors to key
Street and West Street to welcome
that cannot be provided in other safe and attractive pedestrian places throughout the area.
visitors and mark the entrance of
commercial areas or easily manu- environment. Downtown. ŠŠ Continue working with the
factured. Although Downtown
ŠŠ Utilize existing alleys as a way of Galesburg Downtown Council to
Galesburg is not as vibrant as it once ŠŠ Host more community and special
providing access to parking areas revitalize Downtown Galesburg.
was, it too is experiencing increased events in Downtown to help
attention and reinvestment. The and assisting with circulation reinforce the area as a community
Galesburg Downtown Council is throughout Downtown. focal point.
continuing to attract and retain
ŠŠ Continue to provide centralized ŠŠ Acquire and assemble parcels
businesses along with assistance
parking areas that meet the within Downtown as opportunities
from the City.
demands of local businesses and present themselves to facilitate
reduce the need for intermittent larger, more catalytic, redevelop-
lots that compromise the char- ment.
acter of the Downtown.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 55

Commercial Areas Plan DRAFT
INDUSTRIAL
There are six industrial spaces Similar to office space, the City has KNOX COUNTY
available in Galesburg including an significant industrial space available AREA PARTNERSHIP
MARKET 86,000 square-foot flex space. The for both large and small compa- FOR ECONOMIC
The Land Use Plan for the City of buildings comprise 743,000 square nies. Industrial buildings are also in DEVELOPMENT
Galesburg identifies a considerable feet, averaging a cost of $11.93 per optimal locations along the edges
The Knox County Area Partnership
amount of land dedicated to indus- square foot. The largest available of town with easy truck access to
for Economic Development is a
trial uses. Industrial areas including property is the one of the former Interstate 74, US Highway 150, and
nonprofit organization that moni-
business parks and heavy industry Maytag buildings on Monmouth Route 41. Both are incentives for new
tors economic development prac-
are critical components of the local Road at 451,000 square feet. The business recruitment. The Logistics
tices and provides support services
economy. They provide tax revenue City also owns a 350-acre develop- Park, which is a large ready-to-de-
in Knox County, including Galesburg.
to the City and more importantly, ment site known as the Galesburg velop space in an Enterprise Zone, is
The Partnership manages a property
jobs to residents. The Land Use Plan Logistics Park. This undeveloped site an incentive tool to industrial compa-
database of available spaces in the
designates the following types of is set in the southeastern edge of nies. For future growth and devel-
county for all commercial property
industrial in the City: Light Indus- Galesburg along US Highway 150, a opment, the City should leverage its
types. It also advertises these spaces
trial/Business Park. couple of miles from an Interstate 74 relationship with the Partnership
and other opportunities to potential
interchange. It is zoned heavy indus- for Economic Development, site
businesses in the region, including
Maytag and Butler were once the trial and has built-in Enterprise Zone selection, etc. Many industrial areas
the Galesburg Logistics Park.
City of Galesburg’s largest employers incentives. are not buffered or screened from
and most prominent manufacturing residential areas, and in some cases,
companies. These companies relo- residences abut industrial properties.
cated from Galesburg in the early
2000s leaving large-scale buildings
vacant and available for use. The
manufacturing industry in Gales-
burg, as well as across the country,
has been declining prior to the turn
of the century. However, recent years
have shown an increase in Gales-
burg’s manufacturing jobs.

56 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Commercial Areas Plan
RAIL RESIDENTIAL AREAS RECOMMENDATIONS ŠŠ Screen industrial areas from
differing adjacent uses and
Galesburg is served heavily by Burl- Some industrial uses are located ŠŠ Continue to work closely
enforce stricter buffering
ington Northern Santa Fe rail lines within single-family residential with the Knox County Area
requirements to address this
with multiple freight trains stopping neighborhoods, particularly in Partnership to market
issue.
in the City every day. The City acts as the south side of the City, near the Galesburg’s available, high-
a hub in western Illinois for freight rail lines. Many of these industrial quality industrial spaces. ŠŠ Plan for the long-term
rail traffic with lines materials businesses have outdoor storage, separation of incompatible land
coming from all over the country. repair bays, and fuel whose appear- ŠŠ Market vacant industrial
uses, working cooperatively
The industrial and light industrial ance, light, noise, and odors make properties to startups and
with existing industrial
uses in Galesburg, located primarily them incompatible with residential small businesses, particularly
businesses which operate
in the south, all have direct access uses. This unaesthetic appearance in the technology sector to take
within/or adjacent to residential
to rail lines for shipping purposes for the neighborhoods can detract advantage of growing trends
neighborhoods to relocate to
if necessary. The same is true for from quality of life and impact home and industries.
more suitable industrial sites
access to key interstates and high- values. In addition, these industrial ŠŠ Work with property owners and elsewhere in Galesburg.
ways. businesses attract heavy truck developers to identify industrial
traffic through residential neighbor- buildings that could be
hoods which results in an increased adaptively reused as residential
deterioration of local streets and and other commercial property
safety concerns. as well.

ŠŠ Ensure that existing and future

industrial areas have direct,
uninhibited access to rail
lines and major highways for
material reception and product
distribution.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 57

Commercial Areas Plan DRAFT
8 TRANSPORTATION
The City of Galesburg has a well-de-
veloped transportation network for
all modes of travel. In addition to the
extensive street network, Galesburg
Transit operates four fixed routes,
and Amtrak has a passenger station
in Downtown. The Transportation
and Mobility Chapter is intended
to provide a summary of the City’s
existing transportation facilities
and travel options, public services,
and infrastructure. In addition to
existing conditions, the chapter
outlines regulations, individual
actions, and investments that can be
made to enhance the overall viability
EXISTING
ROADWAY
NETWORK
There are many key travel corridors
within the City that are essential
to Galesburg’s functionality and
mobility, with Main Street being
perhaps the most important. Main
Street, an east-west arterial route,
provides access to and from the
eastern side of the City via the I-74
interchange and from the western
side via the US 34 interchange.
US 34, the Chicago – Kansas City
Expressway loops the northern
The Henderson Street interchange
provides excellent regional access to
the previous Sandburg Mall, which is
an opportunity area for new devel-
opment. Speed limits vary from 25
miles per hour (MPH) within most
residential portions of the commu-
nity and along Main Street through
Downtown to 35/45 MPH along
major and minor arterial routes,
such as Henderson Street (US 150).

of Galesburg’s transportation and western portions of Galesburg,

networks. with interchanges at I-74, Seminary
Street, and Henderson Street (US
150).

58 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Transportation
FUNCTIONAL These hierarchy classifications are ŠŠ Minor Arterial
CLASSIFICATION defined by the Illinois Department ŠŠ Knox County Hwy 10
of Transportation (IDOT). The Map
The roadways within the City are ŠŠ Fremont Street
illustrates the City’s functional
classified according to the char- ŠŠ Losey Street
classification system. Representative
acter of service they are intended to
streets include: ŠŠ Grand Avenue (US 150)
provide. This functional classifica-
tion process recognizes a hierarchy ŠŠ South Street / Monmouth
ŠŠ Interstate
of roadways and the fact that they Boulevard
ŠŠ I-74
do not function independently, ŠŠ Seminary Street
but as a system-wide supportive ŠŠ Freeway
ŠŠ Carl Sandburg Drive
network. Functional classification is ŠŠ US 34
ŠŠ Henderson Street from Main
often used as a measuring tool for ŠŠ Other Principal Arterial Street south to Knox County
roadway maintenance and snow ŠŠ Main Street from I-74 to US 34 Hwy 10.
plowing.
ŠŠ Henderson Street from Main ŠŠ Major and Minor Collectors
Street north to US 34 ŠŠ Numerous local East-West and
North-South routes provide
support for the arterial routes

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 59

Transportation DRAFT
 13600

74
5100

N HENDERSON ST
Functional 30 S LAKE STOREY RD 13200
34

Classification
11900
7800

40
E CARL SANDBURG DR
8400
10400
Interstate Major Collector 3950

9700

R
Freeway Minor Collector

N DBURG DL
34

W CAR
17200

Local Road or

MAPLE AVE
Other Principal Street
16300

SA

N SEMINARY ST
Arterial 4100
150
7450
Minor Arterial ## Traffic Volumes
4650 W FREMONT ST 9500 E FREMONT ST 5400

N BROAD ST
RD
D

ST
OO

N
N LINW

L
CO
16300
4850

LIN
5900

N FARNHAM ST
3050 W LOSEY ST 8900 9100 7900 E LOSEY ST

5700 11800

W MAIN 7500 6200 W MAIN ST 7000 6800 E MAIN ST

ST 164
3300

W SOUTH ST 5800 E SOUTH ST

4000 4800
S LINWOOD RD

2300

S HENDERSON ST
5600
4550
GR
D AN
H BLV D
UT
Galesburg 4700
NM
O AV
E

S FARNHAM ST
MO

ST
Muni Airport

AD
3350 5950

RO
SB

S SEMINARY ST
150
2550
34 41
9650
74
5600

4200

1950 1750

10 3400
3700 3750
3650 10 3450 3200

4250

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH
5750

60 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT
5050
Transportation
TRUCK ROUTES As can be seen, the major Class 1 Grand Avenue and Main Street east TRAFFIC VOLUMES
trucks routes are along US-34 and of Henderson Street experience on
The City of Galesburg has a well- Traffic volume is a key factor that
IL-74 which run along the outer average roughly 500 daily truck
defined truck route plan that tends helps define roadway operations.
western, north, and eastern edges trips, despite not being designated
to direct heavy vehicles along roads Volume measurements are taken
of the City. US-34 experiences an truck routes. Presumably this traffic
outside of Downtown and the many in a number of ways, one standard
average of 2,200 and 2,750 trucks is exiting IL-74 and then utilizing
residential neighborhoods. Illinois being Average Daily Traffic (ADT).
daily, whereas IL-74 sees between Grand Avenue to gain access to
has three classes of routes, and truck Available IDOT published volume
4,025 and 4,700. Both Henderson Main Street for deliveries along
drivers should be aware of how data was obtained for roads and
Street and South Lynwood Road act the corridor. It is recommended
speed and weight limits may vary on streets throughout the City. The
as the City’s main north/south Class that truck traffic is discouraged
these roads. table depicted summarizes the ADT
2 truck routes, which carry between along Grand Avenue and that
data. The highest ADT volumes are
425 and 700 trucks daily. The east/ these trucks be rerouted to Knox
Class 1: This is an interstate type found on I-74 at about 17,000 vehicles
west Class 2 truck routes are Knox Highway 10, which still has access
of route, and it is approved for load per day (VPD) and Henderson Street
Highway 10 and Main Street west to both Henderson Street and South
widths of eight-and-a-half feet or in the I-74 influence area again with
of Henderson Street, both of which Lynwood Road.
less. about 17,000 VPD. The ADT on Main
have noticeably less truck traffic.
Henderson Street is one of the main Street ranged from 6,500 at the west
Class 2: This is a major roadway, side of the City near the US 34 inter-
corridors that serves Galesburg. It is
and it is approved for load widths change to a high of 9,200 VPD at
recommended that truck deliveries
of 8’6 or less. Trucks may be longer the I-74 interchange influence area.
along this corridor occur during off
on Class 2 routes, but they may not Throughout Downtown, the ADT on
peak times to further reduce any
have a base greater than 55 feet. Main Street was fairly consistent at
congestion that occurs.
about 7,700 VPD. As a north-south
Class 3: This is a local road, and the arterial route, Seminary Street also
maximum allowable load width is had a relatively high ADT with 9,700
8’0. Also, the wheel base may not be VPD near the US 34 interchange.
greater than 55 feet.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 61

Transportation DRAFT
The City of Galesburg has two As explained in the Issues and It should be noted that both West The current average daily traffic
heavily traveled routes that run Opportunities section, the traffic and East Main Street experience (ADT) volumes along Main Street
in the north/south direction, volumes along Main Street warrant some truck traffic. If bicycle lanes range from approximately 7,000 to
Henderson Street and Seminary a “road diet”, which would effectively are to be striped along these road- 8,500, which are volumes that can
Street. Adding an additional north/ reduce the amount of travel lanes ways, it would be beneficial that a be adequately accommodated by the
south route on the east side of the down from two in each direction to buffer zone be placed between the “road diet” cross section. However,
City may help alleviate the high one in each direction with a center outside lane striping and bicycle it is important to understand that
volumes both Henderson Street and left-turn lane. West Main Street, lane striping. As mentioned in the these volumes may be understated
Seminary Street are experiencing. Main Street throughout Downtown, “Truck Routes” section above, East due to the previous underpass
The City has expressed interest in and East Main Street all stand to Main Street truck traffic should construction at the intersection
extending Carl Sandburg Drive benefit from this recommenda- ideally be rerouted along Knox of Sumner Street and Main Street.
east, thus connecting the route with tion. Recapturing extra pavement Highway 10 to the south, thus elimi- Traffic that normally would use
Farnham Street. This connection width will allow for the addition of nating the conflict between bicyclists Main Street was forced to reroute
would provide motorists with more potential bicycle lanes along West and trucks. One main factor that along parallel running east/west
options for both north/south and Main Street and East Main Street. prevents this option from being streets, potentially reducing the ADT
east/west mobility. One example If on-street parking is angled to a possibility is the width of right- number. The City should remonitor
may be for a high school student increase the supply, Main Street of-way along these routes. Another the ADT value in order to ensure that
who lives on the east side of the City; throughout Downtown should imple- street that would benefit from this reducing the cross section on Main
this connection would provide a ment shared bicyclist/motorist pave- type of traffic calming approach is Street would not create unreason-
more direct route. If this recommen- ment markings. However, if parallel Seminary Street. able congestion.
dation is taken into consideration, parking is to remain on Main Street
Farnham Street north of Bluebird throughout Downtown, bicycle lanes
Street should be reconstructed to are preferred over shared pavement
match the “urban” (e.g. curb and markings.
gutter) pavement section south of
Bluebird Street.

62 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Transportation
 4700
260

74
305

650

325 34
30

N HENDERSON ST
S LAKE STOREY RD 2375

Truck Routes
2750

40
E CARL SANDBURG DR

Class I DB
D
URG R

N
Class II

W CARL SA
34
## Truck Volumes

MAPLE AVE

N SEMINARY ST
150
2200
700

W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST 4575

N BROAD ST
RD
D

ST
OO

N
N LINW

L
580

CO

N FARNHAM ST
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

690

725 W MAIN ST E MAIN ST

250 180 164 275

W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST

625
GR
AN

S HENDERSON ST
S LINWOOD RD

D
D AV
BLV E
UTH
MO
Galesburg

S SEMINARY ST
N
MO

S FARNHAM ST
ST
Muni Airport

AD
4025

RO
525

SB
150
34
1350 41 74

10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH
425

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 63

Transportation DRAFT
LEVEL OF SERVICE Level of Service B is described as Level of Service F is described as Typically, a roadway is designated
reasonably free-flow operations. a breakdown in vehicular flow. as beginning to become congested if
Another key consideration regarding
Traffic is travelling at average speed, Flow is forced, and every vehicle the level of service falls below LOS C.
roadway operations is congestion
about 70 percent of the free-flow moves together, and frequent As noted above, LOS C is often used
and its impacts on level of service
speed. Complete mobility between slowing is expected. Travel speeds as the “design” standard and LOS D
(LOS). Average delay and speed,
lanes is generally available. are extremely low and significant is considered the lower threshold of
as well as other factors, are key
queuing at signalized intersections providing “acceptable” operations.
components used in determining Level of Service C can be described is expected. Roadways operating at Based on the ADT volumes shown
the LOS for a roadway. The LOS as at or near free-flow operations. LOS F often have more demand than on Functional Classification Map
for various links of a roadway are Mobility between travel lanes is capacity. all roads and streets in Galesburg
determined based on the type of more restricted in midblock loca- operate at or better than the “accept-
roadway, cross section, number of tions. Travel speeds are generally Level of Service for the arterial able” LOS D.
signalized intersections, ADT, and maintained around the posted speed links within the City of Galesburg
several other factors. A “link” is limit. This is the design LOS for most were determined using a method However, there are locations within
a section of roadway in between suburban and urban arterials. prepared by the Florida Department the City that experience congestion,
intersections and does not include of Transportation (and allowed for in particular during the busiest
the intersections. The various stages Level of Service D is described as use by IDOT) in conjunction with morning and evening peak periods
of LOS, as defined by the Highway decreasing free-flow levels. Speeds the Highway Capacity Manual. The when overall volumes are highest
Capacity Manual (HCM), the prom- decrease as the volume and delay LOS is based on the type of roadway, and significant numbers of turns
inent industry standard for evalu- increase. Mobility between lanes is number of signalized intersections occur at signalized intersections.
ating congestion and capacity, are much more reduced and driver level per mile, number of lanes, ADT, Main Street throughout Downtown,
as follows: of comfort decreases. median presence and turn lanes. Henderson Street, and Seminary
Street tend to experience the most
Level of Service A can be described Level of Service E is described as congestion throughout the day. Main
as free-flow operations. Traffic is operations capacity. Flow is irreg- Street, in particular, is congested
generally travelling at or above the ular and speed varies rapidly, but when north/south intersecting
posted speed limit. There is complete rarely reaches the posted speed streets introduce turning movement
mobility between travel lanes. limit. There are virtually no useable conflicts to and from Main Street.
gaps in traffic, making mobility There are also conflicts between
between lanes challenging. motor vehicles and pedestrians.

64 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Transportation
CRASH HISTORY In addition, southbound traffic on Furthermore, one potential reason ROADWAY JURISDICTION
South Street has a long queue with for the high level of crashes along
Safety is a key transportation Roadway jurisdiction is an
poor sight lines into the viaduct. Henderson Street is the large
component that should be addressed important factor with regard to
Additional signage would be helpful. number of access drives currently
within the Comprehensive Plan for roadway function and maintenance.
Eastbound and westbound traffic present. It is recommended that
all modes of travel. The IDOT data- Some of the major roadways serving
speeds are often too fast, as traffic access drives be consolidated and
base was obtained for crash history the City are under the jurisdiction of
is traveling downhill. Again, signage more inter-access connections
over the latest three available years, the Illinois Department of Transpor-
would provide a visual cue to help between business be provided.
from 2013-2015. As anticipated, the tation (IDOT) and the Knox County
motorists slow down. This will help reduce the amount
most crashes tended to occur along Highway Department. The two
of potential turning movements
the roads that have the higher primary routes under IDOT juris-
from Henderson Street into and out
ADT volumes, such as Main Street, diction are US 150 and US 34. US 34
of businesses and will reduce the
Henderson Street, and Seminary provides a bypass route around the
number of pedestrian conflict points.
Street. There were two areas that north and west sides of the Gales-
Also, if a “road diet” is implemented
experienced the most crashes; Main burg. Conversely, US 150 traverses
along Main Street, it will help to
street in Downtown and along throughout the heart of Galesburg,
reduce the amount of conflicting
the Henderson Street commercial leading into Downtown from Grand
movements between east/west
corridor south of US 34. Avenue, then traveling along Main
through movements and motorist
Street, before heading north on
turning onto/off Main Street, which
Henderson Street. Numerous County
may reduce the amount of crashes
routes are located on the fringes of
along the corridor.
the City, but then tend to transfer to
local jurisdiction once inside the City
limits.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 65

Transportation DRAFT
With major roads outside of the PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS PARKING If the implementation of a “road
City’s jurisdiction, its ability to make diet” occurs along Main Street in
The IDOT multi-year highway Parking is, in general, prohibited
improvements, control access, Downtown, parking spaces could
improvement program focuses on along the major arterial roadways
or unify roadway character is a be repurposed to angled instead of
resurfacing roads within the Gales- within the City, such as Henderson
challenge and requires cooperation the existing parallel spaces. This will
burg vicinity, such as the US 150, Street. However, on-street parking
and coordination between agencies. increase the prime parking supply,
Henderson Street, Main Street, and is provided throughout Downtown
These agencies should be further which has been a problem voiced by
Grand Avenue corridor and IL 41 Galesburg and businesses are also
involved in the planning process the residents and patrons of Gales-
south of Monmouth Street. The US supported by fifteen public parking
moving forward to ensure that plan burg. Not only will angled parking
150 bridge just east of Galesburg is lots. Parking along the local, residen-
recommendations reflect the needs provide more spaces, but it also
on the plan for replacement. Over tial roadways is generally provided
of the City as well as the partner increases safety as people do not
$12,000,000 of IDOT funding is antic- along both and/or one side of the
agencies responsible for implemen- have to walk out onto the roadway
ipated to the Year 2022. street. Within most of the major
tation. to enter or exit their vehicle.
retail shopping centers (Target,
The City’s multi-year capital Lowes, Hy-Vee), parking is, in
improvement program (CIP) also general, underutilized with oppor-
focuses on roadway maintenance tunities for potential out-lot devel-
and resurfacing. Of the approxi- opment. The ability to implement
mate $48,000,000 of transportation shared parking opportunities should
improvements earmarked till the be explored to help make the most
Year 2022, about $43,000,000 is efficient use of existing facilities.
funded. Over $27,000,000 was funded
to construct the East Main Street
underpass.

66 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Transportation
ROADWAY CROSS Urban: An urban cross section Major Arterials Throughout the Downtown area,
SECTIONS generally contains the traveled way, parallel parking is also provided
Along the major arterial corridors
curb and gutter, a parkway, and a along both sides of the roadway.
The roadway widths, or cross (Main Street and Henderson Street),
sidewalk. Urban cross sections can The construction of a viaduct for
sections, are generally determined the cross section is typically urban.
be manipulated in many ways to fit the freight and Amtrak rail line that
by volumes, available right-of-way Most intersections throughout
into the surrounding area. Street- intersects the roadway just east of
(ROW), and safety measures. Galesburg have an urban cross
scape is an important feature of Downtown was recently completed.
Conversely, roadway widths and section. The cross section is typically
urban cross sections. Streetscape This viaduct will help reduce conges-
geometry are important in deter- two through lanes in each direction
consists of anything from trees, tion and delays throughout the
mining traffic capacity. with turn lanes (five lane cross-sec-
lighting, pedestrian accommoda- Downtown area.
tion). The five-lane cross-section is
tions, as well as other features.
Generally, there are two types of generally seen near all major inter-
Henderson Street is the major
cross sections found throughout sections along Henderson Street and
Rural: A rural cross section does arterial that intersects the western
the City - rural and urban. These Main Street.
not contain curb and gutter and half of the City from north to south.
cross sections are located along all
provides a ditch that is used for This arterial is generally a five-lane
roadway types. Urban cross sections Main Street is a major arterial that
necessary drainage. A rural cross section until you reach the southern
are found mostly along arterial traverses Galesburg from east to
section contains the traveled way, portion of the City, where it tapers to
roadways such as Henderson Street, west. This road has an urban five-
a paved shoulder, and unpaved a two to three-lane cross section.
as well as most residential neighbor- lane cross-section, with two lanes in
shoulder, and a ditch.
hoods. Rural cross sections are more each direction and left-turn lanes at
prominent on the outskirts of the most key north-south streets, with Residential Streets
City boundaries. Definitions of these the exception of a few blocks in the Sections along residential streets
types of cross sections are as follows: heart of Downtown. are mixed between urban and rural.
Generally, neighborhoods further
towards the outskirts of the City
have rural pavement sections.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 67

Transportation DRAFT
BRICK ROADS Additionally, Broad Street is desig-
nated as one of the two main north/
A sizeable number of streets within
south bike routes that traverse
Galesburg are constructed with
Galesburg. It is imperative that this
brick pavers. While these streets are
stretch of roadway, as well as all
generally more difficult to maintain,
other brick roadways, be maintained
they contribute to the character of
to provide motorists with safe condi-
the City and provide a greater sense
tions of travel.
of place as compared to asphalt or
concrete. Broad Street north of Losey
Street and south of Fremont Street is
roughly half a mile of brick paving.

Brick Roads

68 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Transportation
NON-AUTO GALESBURG TRANSIT Residents have expressed difficulty AMTRAK
using the bus transit to return
TRANSPORTATION Galesburg Transit operates four bus
home from work during the evening
Amtrak has a train station in Down-
MODES routes daily that have widespread
coverage throughout the City. The
hours. The current bus routes
town Galesburg, as part of the route
that connects Chicago, Quincy, and
Galesburg residents, employees, run from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM on
hours of operation are 8:00 AM to Kansas City. There are about 100,000
and visitors have the opportunity Monday through Saturday. Many
6:00 PM Monday through Saturday. riders a year on the Galesburg route,
to use a variety of non-motorized people may not leave their place
The bus routes include: with four trains stopping each day
transportation to provide access to of employment till 6:00 PM, which
in both directions. The Galesburg
neighborhoods, jobs, shopping, and denies them access to bus transit
1. Blue – East Loop station is within the top ten busiest
services. This section summarizes that they may otherwise use. It is
Amtrak communities in Illinois. The
the bus, train, bicycle, and pedes- recommended that all bus routes
2. Green – Central Loop Amtrak routes include the California
trian systems throughout the City. increase their operating hours by
Zephyr, the Illinois Zephyr, the Carl
Non-Auto Transportation Map illus- one hour, from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
3. Red – West Loop Sand Berg, and the Southwest Chief.
trates the non-auto transportation However, before implementing this
Amtrak Thruway Bus Company also
facilities. change, ridership numbers should
4. Gold – Express Loop has service in Galesburg.
be analyzed and a future demand
During the public outreach process The route locations are depicted study should be explored to ensure
of this plan, feedback was gathered on the following page. As can be riders would utilize this extended
from residents regarding their seen, the four provided routes timeline. Furthermore, as alluded
thoughts and visions on non-auto offer coverage throughout the City. to in the Issues and Opportunities
transportation facilities. Some of However, it is important to consider section, bus stops should be placed
the notable takeaways from this other factors outside of route on the “far side” of intersections to
exercise were as follows: more walk- coverage, such as speed, reliability, reduce congestion. The bus stops
able streets, increased bike path/ and frequency. that provide covered waiting areas
lane connectivity, easier to use bus should also have the bus schedule
system, and repair of both sidewalk and route location map posted inside
and roadway infrastructure. The of them for convenience.
following section will seek to address
these pertinent issues, while also
keeping in mind the recommen-
dations being proposed must be
prudent from both implementation
and cost standpoints.
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 69
Transportation DRAFT
PEDESTRIAN The bike route system tends to loop Additionally, the City should explore Through public outreach, the team
INFRASTRUCTURE a significant portion of the western upgrading Log City Trail to a full has learned that residents have
AND BIKEWAYS side of the City with twenty-one width hard surface roadway that expressed interest in citywide pedes-
points of interest along the way. also provides bicycle lanes or an trian and bicycle infrastructure. If
As a mostly established urban area,
Parks, the public square, schools, off-street trail. This upgrade would this type of infrastructure were to
the vast majority of City streets
and the Amtrak depot are all linked help in handling the traffic in the take form, it would then be possible
have sidewalks, at least on one side.
by the designated bike routes. The area, while also providing a connec- to explore a bike-share program,
There are several locations that
major north/south routes that are tion to the proposed Carl Sandburg which was another interest brought
have sidewalk disconnects and /
designated for bicycle travel are Trail via Fremont Street. forward by residents. All of the
or carriage walks that do not meet
Broad Street and Log City Trail. proposed locations for both types of
current subdivision standards. The
These routes offer connections The proposed trail map depicts areas trails should be explored, as this type
City CIP has $375,000 scheduled and
mainly between the Lake Storey that off-street trails will offer great of network would greatly improve
budgeted for curb and gutter and
recreational area on the north benefits to the residents of Gales- the pedestrian/cycling environment
sidewalk replacement through the
side of the City and Knox College burg. The 10-12 foot wide Carl Sand- of the City, while simultaneously
Year 2020. The areas that are in the
on the south side of the City. The burg Trail would provide a “loop” improving safety for all involved as
most need of improvement should be
City is lacking in east/west bicycle around the City with smaller 6-8 foot crossings at intersections outside of
targeted first, which then should be
route connections that are safe connector trails that traverse east/ the trail network would be mini-
followed by community facilities and
and efficient, with Fremont Street west and north/south. Generally, mized.
points of interest.
being the exception to this as bicycle off-street trails are more likely to be
lanes are striped along the route. As utilized by bicyclists and pedestrians
mentioned in the “Traffic Volumes” because of the increased safety they
section, bicycle lanes along West offer. However, it is important to
Main Street and East Main Street note that both right-of-way (ROW)
would help to improve the number of and property easements will affect
east/west bicycle route connections the possibility of constructing any
throughout the City. given off-street trail.

70 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Transportation
 74

Non-Auto 30 S LAKE STOREY RD

34

Transportation

N HENDERSON ST
40
E CARL SANDBURG DR

Blue - East Loop D

URG R
Amtrak Station DB

N
Green - Central Loop

W CARL SA
34
Trail Head
Red - West Loop

MAPLE AVE
Carl Sandburg Trail
Gold - Express Loop

N SEMINARY ST
150
Galesburg Connector
Main Street Walk
W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST

N BROAD ST
RD
D

ST
OO

N
N LINW

L
CO

N FARNHAM ST
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

W MAIN ST E MAIN ST
164

W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST
S LINWOOD RD

GR
AN

S HENDERSON ST
D
D AV
BLV E
UTH
MO
Galesburg

S SEMINARY ST
N
MO

S FARNHAM ST
ST
Muni Airport

AD
RO
SB
150
34
41 74

10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 71

Transportation DRAFT
9 COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Community facilities and infrastruc-
ture provide Galesburg’s residents
and businesses with services and
resources that contribute to the
City’s high quality of life. Community
facilities include educational and
cultural institutions, police and fire
protection, City administration and
government, utilities, health institu-
tions, and community organizations.
This chapter provides an overview of
the City’s community facilities and
infrastructure.

EDUCATION
Galesburg has one school district
GALESBURG COMMUNITY
UNIT SCHOOL
DISTRICT 205
The Galesburg Community Unit
School District 205 (CUSD 205)
provides public education from
early childhood through high school.
The District has an enrollment of
4,542 students, which has increased
since 2012 (4,369). The District has
an average daily attendance of
94%, which has remained relatively
constant since 2012, and is consistent
with the State average.

As part of a joint agreement within

Programs offered by GAVC include
Auto Mechanics, Building Trades,
Early Childhood Education, Engi-
neering Design, Fire Science, Culi-
nary Occupations, Health Occu-
pations, Law Enforcement, and
Welding.

CUSD 205 SCHOOLS

Bright Futures Preschool
Gale Elementary School
King Elementary School
Nielson Elementary School
Silas Willard Elementary School
Steele Elementary School
Churchill Junior High School
Lombard Middle School
and a handful of private schools that Knox and Warren Counties, the Galesburg High School
provide courses of study ranging District offers specialized educa- Additional Facilities
from Pre-K through high school. The tional services for children with Galesburg High School North
City also houses two colleges, which disabilities. The District also offers Galesburg Area Vocational Center

were cited by residents as key assets an alternative high school program,

throughout the public outreach Galesburg High School North, that
process. offers at-risk students the ability to
earn the credits needed to complete PRIVATE SCHOOLS
their high school education. In addi- Residents in Galesburg are also
tion, the District houses the Gales- served by three private schools,
burg Area Vocational Center (GAVC), providing education from Pre-K
which offers vocational classes to through Grade 12, and a handful of
high school students within the private daycare centers. Galesburg’s
Delabar CTE System, training them private schools include Mt. Calvary
to work in fields where jobs are Lutheran Pre-School, Costa Catholic
available. School (PK-8), and Galesburg Chris-
tian School (PK-12).
72 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT Commuity Facilties
KNOX COLLEGE CARL SANDBURG COLLEGE The Carl Sandburg College plays a RECOMMENDATIONS
significant role providing educa-
Knox College is a four-year liberal Carl Sandburg College is a two-year ŠŠ Foster collaboration between
tional opportunities for area
arts college that offers many community college that provides CUSD 205, Carl Sandburg
employers. It offers several special-
distinctive academic programs and associate degree education for College, and Knox College to
ized programs, such as industrial
promotes state-of-the-art under- students. The college serves the develop educational initiatives
welding technology, locomotive
graduate research. The college west-central Illinois region, with its and programs for CUSD
mechanical, locomotive electrical,
was founded by anti-slavery social main campus located in Galesburg, a students to help them remain in
and security technology. The
reformers and was one of the first branch campus located in Carthage, Galesburg.
program is designed to produce
colleges in the United States to admit and an off-campus site in downtown
skilled employees that will fill the ŠŠ Partner with the GAVC to
women and students of color. Knox Galesburg. Carl Sandburg College
existing gap in the City’s manufac- work with local employers and
College faculty is comprised of over also offers as over 50 occupational
turing sector. While the program is students to identify programs
120 professors who are committed programs as well as continuing
effective, it is struggling to enroll and skills that should be
to providing their students with education and adult learning.
candidates as students are taking improved and expanded to meet
high-quality education. Students are The College enrolls 2,400 students
preference to other careers paths. their needs.
also very active in the community annually, 90% of which are from the
As such, the College is working with
and have donated more than 82,341 district and others that are inter- ŠŠ Utilize Galesburg Heart &
Galesburg High School and the
hours of service in 2016. national students or have come for Soul’s “Trains, Planes & Ferris
junior high schools to provide career
its well-known dental hygiene and Wheels” theme developed in the
exploration for the trades.
mortuary science programs. organization’s action plan to
promote City pride in Galesburg
schools.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 73

Commuity Facilties DRAFT
GALESBURG RECOMMENDATIONS CITY GOVERNMENT PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC LIBRARY ŠŠ Begin and complete construction
of the new public library to be
The City of Galesburg has nine The Galesburg Planning and Public
Works Department manages the
The Galesburg Public Library began departments that provide municipal
located on Main Street. operation, maintenance, and
in 1858 as a reading room for the services to residents and businesses.
improvement of the City’s infra-
Young Men’s Literary and Library ŠŠ The library should consider an
CITY HALL structure and coordinates the efforts
Association, which was established adaptive reuse of its old facility. of its various divisions.
as a Free Public Library and Reading Galesburg City Hall, located on
Room in 1874. The first public library Tompkins Street, provides space for
building, the Carnegie Library, was various governmental functions,
constructed and opened to the public such as City Administration, the
in 1902, until it burned down in 1958. Planning and Public Works Depart-
The opening of a new library in 1961 ment, and the Finance Department.
marked the birth of the present-day
Galesburg Public Library. Currently,
the Public Library Board is inter-
ested in relocating the library to
Main Street.

74 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Commuity Facilties
Water Division The City is working to address issues Engineering Division RECOMMENDATIONS
of elevated lead levels for homes
The City of Galesburg Water Division The City of Galesburg Engineering ŠŠ Continue replacing lead water
that have a privately-owned lead
ensures that residents have access to Division issues permits to contrac- service lines across the City.
water service line by improved water
clean, safe drinking water. The City’s tors and citizens working in the
treatment and offering free water ŠŠ Implement green infrastructure
water is sourced from an aquifer City’s rights-of-way, reviews subdivi-
testing for all Galesburg customers practices as a more sustainable
near Oquawka, Illinois. Water from sion and drainage plans for compli-
with a lead service line. The City is way to provide water to
the aquifer is pumped approximately ance with local ordinances, and
also in the process of replacing lead residents and businesses. For
32 miles to Galesburg through a 36- designs and inspects construction
service lines. Over 650 lines have example, the City is looking to
and 42-inch transmission line via a projects, such as bridges, streets,
been replaced since 2017 with an install a two mega-watt solar
collector well and three gravel-pack sidewalks, and sewers, with contrac-
additional 500 to be replaced in 2018 array.
wells. There are nine million gallons tors, the state government, and
as well as another 500 anticipated in
of storage capacity at the Galesburg other entities.
2019. It is estimated that there will ŠŠ Rehabilitate the existing Street
Water Plant and two million gallons
be 2,200 lead service lines remaining Division building with a new
of overhead storage in three towers Engineering Division
at the end of 2018. The Water Divi- roof, siding, insulation, heating,
throughout the City. The distribution
sion uses filtration, chlorination, The Street Division’s equipment electrical, and sprinkler system
system consists of approximately
fluoridation, and corrosion control facility is aging and in need of to provide a better space for
1,400 fire hydrants with 12,500 water
to treat the City’s water supply. significant repair. Currently much equipment and offices.
users. of the Division’s equipment must be
The relatively new water treat- stored outside due to lack of space.
ment facility in Oquawka is a great This degrades the equipment faster
example of forward thinking that and shortens their useful life by up
helps provide Galesburg resi- to 15 percent. An updated storage
dents with clean and safe water. building would be able to house all
Sustainable/green infrastructure of the equipment safely and barri-
is an emerging practice that can cades. It would also update office
help create more efficiencies for space for Division employees.
providing water to residents, while
also removing the environmental
impacts incurred inherent to that
process.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 75

Commuity Facilties DRAFT
EMERGENCY
According to the 2015 Annual Report, FIRE RECOMMENDATIONS
reported crime in Galesburg has
SERVICES gradually declined since 2005, and
The Galesburg Fire Department
is committed to providing profes- ŠŠ Consider opportunities to
POLICE there has been a slight increase in
sional emergency and medical fire expand the police force to
The Galesburg Police Department, motor vehicle accidents since 2011. help address the increase in
suppression services to the City. The
founded in 1841, is recognized as Issues impacting the Galesburg emergency calls and provide
department is comprised of 42 full-
one of the top police agencies in the Police Department are that there equitable and complete service
time firefighters, 3 stations, and a
region. The department employs are more calls received than officers to all community members.
training site. The training site would
49 full-time police officers, 26 staff, available to respond. In addition,
be the potential location of a fourth ŠŠ Research funding sources to hire
and is housed in the Public Safety incidences of crime are perceived as
station if expansion were needed. additional police officers.
Building on South Broad Street. In a threat to public safety. The Police
The department offers programs to
2016 to 2017, the Galesburg Police Department is prioritizing attracting
the students, such as Risk Watch, an ŠŠ Regularly monitor the need
Department Public Safety building and retaining quality employees and
injury prevention program offered for an additional fire station
was renovated. The $800,000 project obtaining adequate funding to meet
to Pre-K to 8th Grade students. The throughout the life of the
included new windows, locker rooms, the Department’s needs.
Galesburg Fire Department has an Comprehensive Plan.
restrooms, floors, painting, roofing Insurance Service Organization (ISO)
and exterior repairs. ranking of 3, meaning that the City
maintains adequate fire protection.
The department is comprised of a
Field Operations Division as well as
the Staff and Services Division, and
offers a variety of teams, such as
the Accident Response, Bicycle, and
Canine teams.

76 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Commuity Facilties
HILL SANITARY
Both of these issues will bring Green infrastructure techniques
with them significant expenses, include stormwater BMPs, which
CORRECTIONAL DISTRICT as the Sanitary District struggles are used to help ensure longevity
CENTER The Galesburg Sanitary District to accomplish these tasks as they and improve the health of the City’s
Opened in October of 1986, the Hill maintains the sanitary sewer presently exist. Sanitary District watersheds. BMPs can be imple-
Correctional Center is a medium-se- collection system to ensure quality improvements are necessary to mented by homeowners, businesses,
curity prison for adult males located public health, and is responsible ensure the public health and safety organizations and the City. They can
on the southwest side of the City. The for approximately 50 percent of of residents, businesses, and the be integrated before, during, and
facility is comprised of 71 acres of the storm sewers in the City. The environment. However, as treatment after development, and will not only
land, 38 of which are within security sewer system is comprised of costs rise there will be increased help the environment but they will
fences, and houses approximately approximately 160 miles of mains costs to Galesburg’s residents and also save time and money.
1,704 inmates. Inmate programs that direct wastewater to the sewer business owners. In 2016, the City
include academic programs (Adult plant. The facility is in the process implemented a utility tax, one third RECOMMENDATIONS
Basic Education, General Educa- of adding treatment processes at of which is used for storm sewers. ŠŠ Support the additional
tion Development, and Pre-General the wastewater treatment plant as treatment processes at the
Education Development), vocational well as routine sewer replacements wastewater treatment plant.
(custodial maintenance, career and upgrades. A consistent major
concern of the Sanitary District is ŠŠ Continue routine sewer line
technologies), industries (milk,
flooding due to infiltration or inflow, replacements and upgrades.
juice, meat), volunteer (religious,
Alcoholics Anonymous), and other which can significantly affect the ŠŠ Research funding sources
specialized programs. Aside from the level of service that they are able to help address flooding
possibility of replacing watchtower to provide. The Sanitary District due to infiltration and the
guards with security cameras, there is also concerned with anticipated anticipated low discharge limits
are no current plans to modify the lower discharge limits for nutrients for nutrients affecting the
location or operation of this facility. in the wastewater as well as the stormwater and wastewater
requirement to disinfect the district’s systems.
RECOMMENDATIONS discharge.
ŠŠ Assist the Correctional Center ŠŠ Utilize green infrastructure
in the appropriate capacity techniques to help improve the
as the need arises, such as City’s watersheds.
permitting for the replacement
of watchtowers or a general
expansion of the facility.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 77

Commuity Facilties DRAFT
UTILITIES HEALTHCARE
Formed in 1993 by merging Services, OSF Medical Group, Heart-
McDonough County Rehabilitation Care Midwest, and OSF Galesburg
The City of Galesburg obtains its GALESBURG COTTAGE Center (MCRC), Spoon River Incorpo- Clinic.
natural gas and electric energy from HOSPITAL rated (SRI), and Harrington Family
Ameren Illinois. Ameren Illinois has The Galesburg Cottage Hospital is Services and Spoon River Center, it’s RECOMMENDATIONS
recently completed upgrading resi- a community healthcare provider global mission is “Creating Solutions
dential and business customers’ elec- for western Illinois. The facility for Everyone.” Bridgeway, which is ŠŠ Partner with Bridgeway and
tric and natural gas meters in 2017. has 173 beds, over 70 medical staff funded in part through contribu- other mental health service
Galesburg residents are also served members, and provides inpatient, tions from United Way, United Fund, providers to enhance and
by Stratus Networks, Comcast, and outpatient, and emergency care and Community Chest, is essentially expand these services for all
CenturyLink for internet and cable. services. The hospital received The 15 nonprofit companies working Galesburg community members.
Joint Commission seal of accredi- as one entity to provide services
RECOMMENDATIONS ŠŠ Work with all healthcare
tation and has been named the Top and employment to those in need,
providers to develop a healthy
ŠŠ Continue to work with the Performer hospital in west-cen- regardless of race, ability, national
food program to educate
various utility providers in the tral Illinois. At present, Galesburg origin, or age. The organization
residents about the importance
City to ensure all Galesburg Cottage Hospital is undergoing provides employment services for
of good nutrition and healthy
residents and business have ongoing hospital renovations to individuals with disabilities, devel-
food options.
high-quality access to their update outdated infrastructure. The opmental disability services, mental
services. hospital is also concerned with the health recovery services, supported ŠŠ Support the expansion and
limited candidate pool available for housing services, and business renovation of Galesburg
job growth and the limited amount services. The organization serves Cottage Hospital as needed to
of internal resources for marketing over 9,000 individuals annually and help improve and increase its
and promoting the facility as a has served 9,952 individuals in 2016. services in the City.
place for service and employment.
In addition, the hospital is hoping to OSF ST. MARY ŠŠ Collaborate with the Galesburg
add a walk-in clinic within the next MEDICAL CENTER Cottage Hospital to identify
12 months. OSF St. Mary Medical Center is an strategies for marketing the City
acute care hospital serving Knox, and the Hospital to potential
BRIDGEWAY Warren, Henry, Mercer, Henderson, employees both locally and
Bridgeway is a Commission on McDonough, and Fulton counties. nationally.
Accreditation of Rehabilitation The facility has 81 beds and provides
Facilities (CARF) accredited organi- therapeutic, diagnostic, medical,
zation that focuses on mental health, and surgical support services. They
employment, and family services. range from emergency care and
mobile services to neuroscience
and clinical research. The hospital’s
campus is home to several medical
offices, such as OSF Home Care

78 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Commuity Facilties
 74

34

Community 30 S LAKE STOREY RD

Facilities
2 3

N HENDERSON ST
40
E CARL SANDBURG DR
Schools and Universities Fire Provention D
URG R
DB
Carl Sandburg College
5 West Fremont Street

N
2

W CARL SA
Station 34
3 Costa Catholic School
4
Gale School
16 Central Fire Station

MAPLE AVE
22 Brooks Street Station

N SEMINARY ST
6 Galesburg Area 150
Vocational Center 4

7 Galesburg High School Libraries

6 7
19 Galesburg Public Library 5 8
8 Silas Willard Elementary W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST 9
School

N BROAD ST
City Hall

RD
9 Galesburg Christian School D

ST
Association 18 Galesburg City Hall OO 11 13

N
N LINW

N FARNHAM ST
CO
10 12
Galesburg Christian School

LIN
10
Junior/Senior High School W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST
14
11 Churchill Junior High School
13 Lincoln Elementary School
14 Nielson Elementary School
15 Steele School 164 W MAIN ST
16 19
E MAIN ST
15 17 18
21 Knox College 20
23 Lombard Junior High School W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST
21
24 King School 22
S LINWOOD RD

GR
AN

S HENDERSON ST
23 D
D AV
BLV E
Hospitals U TH
MO
Galesburg

S SEMINARY ST
N
OSF St. Mary Medical MO 24

S FARNHAM ST
1

ST
Muni Airport

AD
Center

RO
12 Galesburg Cottage

SB
Hospital 150
34
Law Enforcement 41 74
17 Police Department
20 Knox County Sheriff’s
Department
10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 79

Commuity Facilties DRAFT
10 PARKS & RECREATION
In conjunction with the Comprehen-
sive Plan, the City of Galesburg also
commissioned the development of a
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The Master Plan was adopted July
2018 and serves as the guide for the
Galesburg Parks and Recreation
Department’s future endeavors. This
DEMOGRAPHIC
ANALYSIS &
TRENDS
An analysis of existing conditions
and trends was conducted to provide
context and validation to the recom-
mendations within the Galesburg
ŠŠ An issue noted during outreach
was the lack of a centralized
community center for public
use by all residents for
active recreation and other
programming.

ŠŠ Residents also highlighted

the need for more trails in
Chapter is a brief summary of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Master Plan highlighting high-level Galesburg, particularly to
The following are key implications connect parks to one another,
analysis, strategies, and recom- identified through public engage-
mendations. The detailed Parks and and completing and expanding
ment and existing conditions anal- the trail at Lake Storey Park.
Recreation Master Plan is available ysis. They represent the key issues
at City Hall. which were explored and addressed ŠŠ Only 27 percent of residents
through the planning process, and surveyed participate in
have helped to guide goals, objec- recreational programs, siting a
tives, and specific recommendations lack of awareness and access to
found throughout the Plan. park services and programs as
barriers to use.
ŠŠ Galesburg’s population is
declining and is projected
to continue, meaning there
will be fewer people to use
the parks and participate in
programming. This will affect
the Parks and Recreation
Departments budget and ability
to maintain update the parks
and recreation system.

80 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Parks & Recreation
 Number of Parks
Per 10,000 Persons

Urbana (42,311) 4.7

(with Population)
Municipality
Vernon Hills (25,613) 10.2

Quincy (40,780) 7.4

Glenview (47,446) 5.9

PARKS & OPEN PARKS CLASSIFICATION

& RECOMMENDATIONS
Geneva (21,806) 18.3

SPACE Galesburg (31,273) 7.0

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Parks can be characterized by NRPA Standard Median (5.3) Parks per 10,000 Persons
This section provides the Parks and several different factors and appro-
Recreation Department with the priately classified based on those
necessary direction to improve park- factors. These factors include func- PARK CLASSIFICATIONS
land facilities and support quality tion, size, accessibility, and service Classifi-
of life through access to well-main- areas. Galesburg has five classi- cation Use Service Area Location Facilities Size
tained parks. It includes direct fications that are outlined in the Mini Park Isolated or 1/4 mile Easily accessible Playground, 2 Acres
recommendations for each classifi- adjoining table. unique recre- to the neighbor- benches, walking or less
ational needs hood residents path, etc.
cation within the parks system. such as tot lots. within safe walk-
ing distance.
A service-area analysis was used to
Neighborhood Serves as a recre- 1/2 mile radius, Easily accessible Playground, 2-10
determine service accessibility of the Park ational and so- free of major to the neighbor- benches, walking Acres
cial focus of the barriers such hood residents path, small fields,
City’s parks system by quarter- and neighborhood. as highways or by foot, bike, and restroom, park-
waterways. cars. ing, courts.
half-mile intervals. Based on this
analysis, the majority of residents Community Serves com- 1/2 to 3 miles or Accessible to Neighborhood 10-50
Park munity with some uses com- community and park facilities, Acres
are within a half-mile walk either a programmed munity-wide. take advan- basketball,
activities. Gen- tage of natural aquatics,
mini, neighborhood, or community erally has major amenities and multi-purpose
improvements. convenient loca- facilities, skate
park However, some residents in tion. Accessible park, disc golf,
by automobile trails, natural ar-
the northwest and southeast are or regional trail eas, large picnic
outside of a half-mile walk from a system. shelter, etc.

park. These residents are located Special Use Park A broad range of
facilities intended
Community-wide Accessible by
automobile or
Miscellaneous. -

primarily in Wards Two, Three, and for single use. regional trail
system.
Seven. Parks within each classifi-
cation were also analyzed against
various service metrics. The recom-
mendations based on these analyses,
listed below, are divided by classifi-
cation.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 81

Parks & Recreation DRAFT
Mini Parks Neighborhood Parks Community Parks ŠŠ Keep pursuing the expansion
of Lake Storey Park to acquire
ŠŠ Identify opportunities for mini ŠŠ Identify opportunities for ŠŠ Develop a comprehensive
additional parkland to
parks in residential areas that new neighborhood parks in master plan for Lake Storey Park
accommodate more regional,
are apart from other residential the underserved residential to include an improved aquatic
water-based recreation.
neighborhoods such as those areas of Galesburg. The new park, trail connectivity, water
directly east of the airport. neighborhood parks should access, ecological preservation, ŠŠ Work with Galesburg Transit
include playgrounds and other fishing area, marina for to align transit schedule to
ŠŠ Implement the Park Plaza outdoor athletic facilities such nonmotorized watercrafts, Department’s major recreational
Master Plan to establish an as a baseball field, soccer field, and improvements to existing programming schedule or align
updated urban recreation space or basketball court. facilities. recreational programming
for Downtown Galesburg.
schedule to Galesburg transit
ŠŠ Ensure that all neighborhood ŠŠ Charge a user fee for certain
ŠŠ Upgrade the playground schedule. This will help in
parks have a playground, amenities to nonresidents to
equipment at Dale Kelley Park. providing equitable access of
park shelter, drinking water help offset maintenance costs
parks and recreation facilities
fountain, restroom, and parking within the parks system.
ŠŠ Improve the benches at to all residents who do not have
(dedicated or on-street).
Lancaster Park. ŠŠ Add new and renovate existing regular access to cars.
ŠŠ Enhance maintenance and shelters in community parks.
ŠŠ Enhance maintenance and
upkeep in all neighborhood
upkeep in all mini parks to ŠŠ Update the skate park at
parks to ensure safe use year-
ensure safe use year-round. Kiwanis Park.
round.

ŠŠ Continue to work with School ŠŠ Improve the park safety and

District 205 to provide public security of community parks
access to its playground by adding well-defined walking
facilities during evenings and paths, and installing new
off-school days. lighting fixtures especially at
Kiwanis Park.

ŠŠ Maintain and regularly update

community parks to ensure
year-round access by all
residents.

82 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Parks & Recreation
Parks, 74

Open Space & 1 2

34

Environmental 30 S LAKE STOREY RD

Features

N HENDERSON ST
40
E CARL SANDBURG DR
4
Mini Parks Neighborhood Parks D
URG R
3 DB
Peck Park Inbinder Park

N
10 3

W CARL SA
34
11 Dale Kelley Tot Lot 4 Optimist Park
5
Full Viewpoint Park Jason Wessels Park

MAPLE AVE
15 5

N SEMINARY ST
19 Swing Park 6 Debbie Klapp Park 150
150
20 Lancaster Park 8 Bateman Park
6
21 Rogers Park 9 O.N. Custer Park
22 H.T. Custer Park W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST

N BROAD ST
RD
Community Parks D

ST
OO 13

N
N LINW

L
Lake Storey Park

N FARNHAM ST
CO
1 7
9

LIN
8
2 Lincoln Park W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST
14
7 Rotary Park
18 Kiwanis Park 10

15
12
Special Use Parks W MAIN ST E MAIN ST
164
12 Centeral Park 11 14
16
13 Standish Park Arboretum W SOUTH ST
13 17
E SOUTH ST
14 Park Plaza 18
16 Colton Park & RR Museum
S LINWOOD RD

GR
AN
Icehouse Park

S HENDERSON ST
17 D
D AV
BLV E
U TH
MO
Galesburg

S SEMINARY ST
21
Other Features N
MO 20

S FARNHAM ST
ST
Open Space & Muni Airport

AD
RO
Agricultural Uses 22

SB
Residential Uses 19
150
150
Floodplain 34
41 74
Trails

10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 83

Parks & Recreation DRAFT
Special Use Parks Operations & Maintenance ŠŠ Provide an adequate number of
staff and maintain their training
ŠŠ Enhance maintenance and ŠŠ Centralize maintenance facilities
and certifications to ensure the
upkeep in all special use parks to to optimize maintenance equip-
quality and timely maintenance
ensure safe use year-round. ment and resources.
of parks and recreation facilities
ŠŠ Expand programming and ŠŠ Decentralize recreational ameni- and equipment.
amenities in special use parks ties to provide equitable access to
ŠŠ Develop an asset management
such as Standish Park and recreation programming to the
system that tracks inventory,
Icehouse Park to incentivize entire Galesburg community.
asset condition, critical systems
residents to visit them.
ŠŠ Design parks and facilities with maintenance, and repair and
ŠŠ Coordinate with local arts and future maintenance requirements rehabilitation requirements to
culture organizations to conduct in mind and implement a life- inform investment decisions.
events at these parks to increase cycle cost analysis before imple-
participation. mentation of any capital project.

ŠŠ Ensure adequate access for main-

tenance vehicles in all existing
and future parks and facilities.

84 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Parks & Recreation
 74

Parks Service 30 S LAKE STOREY RD

34

Area Analysis

N HENDERSON ST
40
E CARL SANDBURG DR

10 Minute Walk Time DB

D
URG R
from Park

N
W CARL SA
34
Parks

MAPLE AVE
Open Space

N SEMINARY ST
Residential Uses 150

W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST

N BROAD ST
RD
D

ST
OO

N
N LINW

L
CO

N FARNHAM ST
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

W MAIN ST E MAIN ST
164

W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST
S LINWOOD RD

GR
AN

S HENDERSON ST
D
D AV
BLV E
UTH
MO
Galesburg

S SEMINARY ST
N
MO

S FARNHAM ST
ST
Muni Airport

AD
RO
SB
150
34
41 74

10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 85

Parks & Recreation DRAFT
 PARK AMENITIES MATRIX

Walking/Biking Trail
Water Play or Pool
Drinking Fountain
RECREATION

Horseshoe Pit

Tennis Court
Area (acres)

Playground
& FACILITIES

Skate Park
Basketball

Restroom
Backstop

Camping

Dog Park
Ball Field

Sledding
Disc Golf

Museum
Fishing

Shelter
Fire Pit

Ice Rik
Beach
This section examines a deeper anal- Park
ysis of recreation and facilities and Park Name Classification
Bateman Neighborhood 1.49
defines specific recommendations
for Galesburg’s parks system. This Central Special Use 1.33

includes programs and facilities that Colton Special Use 4.77

provide recreational opportunities Dale Kelley Mini 0.27
for residents to get active, become Debbie Klapp Neighborhood 7.06
involved in sports and social activ- Full Viewpoint Mini 0.15
ities, and supplement traditional H.T. Custer Neighborhood 7.81
parks with unique and entertaining Ice House Special Use 0.73
amenities. Inbinder Neighborhood 15.62
Jason Wessels Neighborhood 13.93
PROGRAMMED SPORTS Kiwanis Community 53.27
The Galesburg Parks and Recre- Lake Storey Community 431.0
ation Department provides sports Lancaster Mini 0.67
programs and amenities for both Lincoln Community 43.52
children and adults in the commu- Optimist Neighborhood 18.41
nity. This includes the sports activity O.N. Custer Neighborhood 4.88
itself as well as the facility on which
Park Plaza Special Use 0.26
it is played. This section analyzes
Peck Mini 2.20
specific sports programs within
Rogers Mini 0.58
Galesburg that includes recom-
Rotary Community 12.11
mendations to expand and improve
Standish Park Arboretum Special Use 3.31
them.
Swing Mini 0.44

86 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Parks & Recreation
 Baseball /Softball
Service Area
Park with Baselball or
Softball Facility 74

N HENDERSON ST
School with Baseball 34
or Softball Facility S LAKE STOREY RD

10 Minute Walk Time E CARL

from Park RG
DR
SANDBURG DR

ŠŠ Continue to ensure ball fields

U
SANDB
Baseball & Softball Residential Uses

N SEMINARY ST
(infields and turf areas) are

RL
CA 150

MAPLE AVE
Trails
ŠŠ Due to lack of ballfields in
W

well maintained throughout the W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST

southwestern Galesburg, build

N BROAD ST
RD

ST
baseball/softball seasons.

D
OO

N FARNHAM ST
L N
a new field at Lancaster Park.

N LINW

CO
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

Additional land purchase will be ŠŠ Ensure parking at parks W MAIN ST

required for the new field.

164 E MAIN ST

with ball fields is adequate W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST

to accommodate players and

S HENDERSON ST
ŠŠ Identify opportunities for a
GR
D AN
BLV D
TH

S LINWOOD RD

S SEMINARY ST
spectators, addressing parking
OU AV

S FARNHAM ST
NM E
MO
field(s) in the central areas of

ST
AD
shortages with new parking

RO
the community including a new

SB
34

lots or on street parking where

41
74
potential park site, or through
necessary.
intergovernmental agreements
for potential fields at Churchill ŠŠ Provide additional lighting to
Junior High, Knox College, or improve the safety at Kiwanis
Silas Willard Elementary School. Park.
ŠŠ Continue to maintain existing ŠŠ Explore the feasibility of
intergovernmental agreements improvements to Lake Storey Basketball ŠŠ Develop full or half courts at
and work with School District baseball and supporting H. T. Custer Park to serve the
205 to provide public access to ŠŠ Reestablish the boys’
facilities to better support southern portion of Galesburg.
baseball/softball facilities at recreational basketball
leagues and tournaments.
Galesburg High School. program and develop a new ŠŠ Develop a full or half basketball
adult’s recreational basketball court at Lincoln Park to serve
ŠŠ Continue to foster the
Football
program. the northern portion of the City.
partnership with the Cal ŠŠ Develop a formal football field
Ripken organization to support for youth leagues to use in the ŠŠ Work with Carl Sandburg ŠŠ Identify opportunities for a park
tournaments that the league City. College to provide public access in central Galesburg to provide
brings to the City and continue to their basketball courts to help outdoor athletics including
ŠŠ Continue to provide access to serve the northern portion of
to work with the agency to basketball courts.
Jason Wessels Park for League Galesburg.
explore the possibility of a
use. ŠŠ Evaluate and assess existing
centralized/unified complex at
Optimist Park. basketball facilities and provide
necessary updates to ensure safe
use by all residents.
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 87
Parks & Recreation DRAFT
 Playground
Service Area
Park with Playground
74

N HENDERSON ST
School with
Playground 34
S LAKE STOREY RD

10 Minute Walk Time

from Park E CARL
SANDBURG DR
DR
Residential Uses RG

U
SANDB
Soccer Tennis Trails

N SEMINARY ST
RL
CA 150

MAPLE AVE
ŠŠ Continue to support and partner ŠŠ Renovate and restripe outdoor
W

W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST

with the Knox County YMCA to courts at Bateman Park to allow

N BROAD ST
RD

ST
D
OO

N FARNHAM ST
L N
provide soccer leagues in Gales- pickleball to be played on the same

N LINW

CO
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

burg and prevent duplication of courts.

W MAIN ST

services.
164 E MAIN ST

ŠŠ Provide surface parking or

W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST

S HENDERSON ST
ŠŠ Develop additional soccer field at
GR

dedicated on-street parking at

D AN
BLV D
TH

S LINWOOD RD

S SEMINARY ST
OU AV

S FARNHAM ST
NM E
MO
Kiwanis Park to provide access to Bateman Park.

ST
AD
RO
the sport for the residents living in

SB
34 41

southern part of Galesburg. ŠŠ Continue to maintain partner- 74

ships with School District 205 to

ŠŠ When developing new soccer increase access to tennis facilities.
fields, ensure that adequate
parking is available for players
and spectators. SPECIAL USE FACILITIES
The Galesburg Parks and Recreation
ŠŠ Until a new field is built, coordi-
Department also operates and main- ŠŠ Provide new playgrounds
nate with the School District to Playgrounds
tains several facilities that serve in the underserved areas of
work around scheduling issues to ŠŠ Renovate the remaining
special functions in the community northcentral and southeast
provide additional public access to playgrounds that need
that are unique to each individual Galesburg by acquiring new
soccer fields. improvements in the Galesburg
facility. Recommendations for parkland.
existing facilities as well as those parks system to ensure residents
most desired by Galesburg residents have high-quality, safe play ŠŠ Add new, theme-based, and
are below. equipment. engaging playground equipment
at Lake Storey that meets
ŠŠ Work with School District 205
current industry trends.
to provide continued public
access to the playgrounds and ŠŠ Construct direct paths from
equipment during evenings, the public right-of-way to
weekends, and off-school-days. all playgrounds to provide
appropriate access to residents
ŠŠ Provide water fountains in all
of all abilities.
parks with playgrounds.

88 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Parks & Recreation
TRAILS PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM Recommendations trail network to allow for
adjustments in the trail width
Outreach and engagement identi- ŠŠ Continue to develop the trail
This section provides recommenda- based on available right-of-way.
fied the need for a connected trails project that is underway on
tions for the Parks and Recreation
system. A proposed trail network has South Lake Storey Road to ŠŠ Establish design standards to
Department’s role and opportunities
been developed to achieve this goal expand the trail network. coincide with standards adopted
in the development of a complete
trail network throughout the City including four trail types: Primary by the Illinois Department of
ŠŠ Identify funding sources to help
of Galesburg. They focus on getting Trail, Secondary Trail, Tertiary Transportation (IDOT) and
with the proposed expansion of
residents active as well as providing Trail, and Main Street Walk. For AASHTO (American Association
the Lake Storey trail to improve
better access to parks and facilities historical context and connection, of State Highway Transportation
the park itself and ensure the
through nonmotorized transporta- the first two trail types have been Organization).
additional trail is developed to
tion alternatives. named Carl Sandburg Trail and
complete the trail loop around ŠŠ All trails should comply with all
Galesburg Connector respectively.
the lake. Americans with Disabilities Act
The following recommendations
and accompanying map express (ADA) design criteria.
ŠŠ Connect Galesburg’s parks,
the possibility of a connected trails and other public spaces with ŠŠ Utilize private and/or nonprofit
system in Galesburg. the proposed trail network to organizations to establish a bike
provide better and safer access path connecting the north and
to these parks, particularly for south sides of Galesburg.
individuals without easy access
to a car. ŠŠ Undertake planning efforts to
further develop special-use
ŠŠ Consider a more comprehensive trails.
study to plan and design for
each section of the proposed
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 89
Parks & Recreation DRAFT
ADDITIONAL TRAIL Railroad Crossings ŠŠ Implement a surveillance and Wayfinding
CONSIDERATIONS enforcement policy to prevent
ŠŠ Where necessary, use six-to-eight- ŠŠ Place wayfinding signage
railroad trespassing.
This section outlines recommenda- feet-high chain-link fence to avoid in high-trafficked areas
tions for additional trail elements crossing railroads at undesignated ŠŠ Educate residents on the risks of throughout the City, such as
that are necessary for easy and locations. railroad crossing. Implement a in parks and public spaces, to
unrestricted access. Mindful trail railroad safety program through direct people to Galesburg’s
design encourages residents to ŠŠ Grade-separated crossing is trails.
local schools and community
use trails and market them to the highly recommended in Galesburg
organizations.
greater region. where possible. If grade-separated ŠŠ Provide highly distinctive
crossing is not possible, implement wayfinding signage to Carl
active and passive safety devices to
Trailheads Sandburg House and other
Road Crossings supplement at-grade rail crossings. ŠŠ Add proposed trailheads to the key historical and cultural
ŠŠ Insert crossings within existing proposed Carl Sandburg Trail to landmarks.
traffic-controlled intersections ŠŠ Remove vegetation or cut it improve the City’s network.
wherever possible to ensure back periodically to provide ŠŠ Locate wayfinding signage along
drivers are forced to stop for appropriate sight distance. Sight ŠŠ Incorporate additional amenities trails at key points of interest
pedestrians. distance should be kept free of at trailheads along most utilized that alert users to interesting
parked vehicles and standing trails as usership becomes facts, safety concerns, and
ŠŠ Implement pedestrian-activated railroad cars. Care should be identifiable and measurable. branching directions.
signals and refuge medians on taken to avoid the accumulation
high-traffic streets to enhance of snow in this area.
safety.
ŠŠ Utilize a 90-degree intersection
ŠŠ Consider visibility and stopping as the optimal geometry
distances when placing crossing between railroad track
crossings to help driver and and trails.
pedestrian interactions.

90 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Parks & Recreation
 74

34
30 S LAKE STOREY RD

Parks & Trails

N HENDERSON ST
40
E CARL SANDBURG DR

Park Trails Trail Head DB

D
URG R

N
Carl Sandburg Trail Parks

W CARL SA
34
Galesburg Connector Open Space

MAPLE AVE
Main Street Walk Residential Uses

N SEMINARY ST
150
Proposed Heritage
Trail
W FREMONT ST E FREMONT ST

N BROAD ST
RD
D

ST
OO

N
N LINW

L
CO

N FARNHAM ST
LIN
W LOSEY ST E LOSEY ST

W MAIN ST E MAIN ST
164

W SOUTH ST E SOUTH ST
S LINWOOD RD

GR
AN

S HENDERSON ST
D
D AV
BLV E
UTH
MO
Galesburg

S SEMINARY ST
N
MO

S FARNHAM ST
ST
Muni Airport

AD
RO
SB
150
34
41 74

10 10

Miles
0 0.25 0.5 1 NORTH

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 91

Parks & Recreation DRAFT
11 SUBAREAS
Primary goals for Galesburg are to
make the city an enjoyable and prof-
itable place to live and to operate
a business. To advance these goals,
four districts in the city have been
selected for more in-depth study
and recommendations. Between
them, they cover most of Galesburg’s 150
74

34

commercial corridors and include Henderson Street

major entry points into the city. The
districts include most of Route 150
in Galesburg. They are Main Street
and Downtown, Henderson Street Main Street &
Downtown
between Route 34 and 4 Street, and 164

most of Grand Avenue. Henderson

Street is evaluated in two sections
because of the difference land use, Grand Avenue
scale, and roadway configuration
between the north and south ends. 34 74
41
150
Evaluation and recommendations
relate to private property (including
its use, development, and siting) and
the public realm (notably Route 150,
roadways and walkways in general,
and access to property). Recommen-
dations include short and long-term
actions and those which require
policy decisions or financial invest-
ments.

92 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
 National Blvd
34
rg Dr
dbu
an
lS
ar

C
W
Inbinder Sandburg
Park Mall

North
Henderson Street Pine Tree Ln

Framework Areas Dayton Dr

The Henderson Street subarea has been divided into three 150
W Dayton St
functional zones: North, Central, and South. Each is auto-oriented

lvd

N Henderson St
kB
but with varying intensities of commercial uses as you travers the Stre
a

r
Silve
W Sanborn St
corridor. Each zone includes its own unique recommendations
along with some that are common across all three. W Fremont St

North Benard St

The North zone extends from the I-34 interchange south to Harvey St

Lawrence Ave
Harvey Street. It has the most-intense commercial uses and

Jefferson St
Monroe St
Olive St
highest level of traffic of the three zones.

Central Losey St

The Central zone has a more equal mix of residential and

commercial uses as it transitions south of the North zone. It runs
from Harvey Street to Monmouth Boulevard.

South Central
The Central zone has a more equal mix of residential and
commercial uses as it transitions south of the North zone. It runs W Main St 150

from Harvey Street to Monmouth Boulevard.

k
r Cree
Ceda ad
F Railro
BNS W South St

South
Harding St

lvd
S Henderson St

hB
out
onm
Holton St

M
W First St
Avenue A
Avenue B

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 93

Subareas DRAFT W Fourth St
Henderson Street
Framework Area: North
The North zone is the most active of three and includes the heaviest commercial
uses with stand-alone restaurants, strip malls, big-box stores, and Sandburg Mall. It
has strong regional access via U.S. Route 34 and 150 that can be further capitalized
on with more developments, such as the redevelopment of Sandburg Mall. 34

National Blvd
arl Sandburg Dr
WC
2
Redevelopment Sites 3 Freemont & Henderson
1
1 Sandburg Mall The properties on the entire block on east

Home Blvd
Once a bustling example of a traditional side of Henderson Street between Freemont Sandburg
Mall
2
Midwestern mall, the Carl Sandburg Mall and Sanborn are disconnected and divide Inbinder
Park

the block up creating traffic access and flow 1

has been vacated by all of its former stores.
This presents a prime opportunity for an issues. This block could be consolidated and
innovative, large-scale redevelopment developed as a strip mall or as smaller,
project in Galesburg. For example, a large single-use commercial or office spaces with Pine Tree Ln

mixed-use residential project that utilizes fewer entrances and exits. Park View Rd
Hackberry Rd

the plethora of parking to create outdoor 150

public spaces. Any new development should 4 Walgreens Plaza Dayton Dr

N Henderson St
take advantage of the success of the Walgreens has an open space in front of the
surrounding commercial properties. parking lot that abuts both Henderson and
Freemont streets. This space is an
2 Carl Sandburg Drive Vacancies opportunity to create a small public plaza
W Dayton St

The vacant properties adjacent to the Mall on Henderson Street.

vd
2

Bl
ak
to the west provide an opportunity for

re

Jefferson St
St

Monroe St
lv

er
Si
additional multifamily housing in this area.
The new residential development should 3 W Sanborn St

match the character and scale of the

existing residential units nearby. 3
W Freemont St

Lawrence Ave
Benard St

Olive St
Harvey St

94 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
 Morrisville, NC - Parking Lot Landscaping Milwaukee, WI - Neighborhood Gateway

Oak Park, IL - Use of Alleys Oak Brook, IL - Monument Sign Elmhurst, IL - Sidewalk Crossing Oak Brook, IL - Sidewalk Connection

Model Sites Interior Landscaping Improve Crossings Expand Executive Estates

1 Applebee’s Add interior landscaping to large parking Increase visibility of crosswalks at all Expand Executive Estates to the vacant
The Applebee’s just south of Small Street lots to break up the pavement and intersections with striping or different parcels east of the existing townhomes
can serve as a model site for future encourage bioswales to help stormwater materials to improve pedestrian mobility to provide additional, higher-density
restaurant/dining developments with its runoff. and safety. Include timed crossing signals housing in the area.
updated façade and perimeter landscaping. where applicable.
Alleys Clean Up Right-of-Way
2 Thorntons Complete/install an alley behind the Signage Work with Illinois Department of
With its perimeter landscaping and buildings on the east side of Henderson As an exception to the signage Transportation (IDOT) to clean up the
well-maintained façade the Thorntons gas Street between Home Boulevard and policy, the City should preserve the right-of-way (ROW) by the U.S. Route 34
station at the southeast corner of Dayton Dayton Street to provide cross access for Arbys sign as a connection to the Interchange and regularly mow/burn the
and Henderson Streets should be a model customers and service access for garbage corridor’s history. grasses.
site for future corridor commercial trucks and other vehicles.
developments. Remove signs that inhibit visibility Fencing
Sidewalk Connections of buildings and no longer match Replace the chainlink fencing at El
3 Henderson Suites Strip Mall Create pedestrian connections from the character of Henderson Street. Rancherito with traditional wood-on-wood
The strip mall behind Tompkins State Bank sidewalks to the front doors of business to to provide better screening for adjacent
help pedestrians safely navigate their large Although the general policy is to single-family residences.
can be model site for future strip mall
parking lots. reduce the size and heights of signs
developments along Henderson Street for
along the corridor, signs near U.S.
its parking-lot landscaping and layout.
Gateway/Wayfinding Route 34 can help attract visitors.
The City should permit taller signs
Add a gateway sign to welcome visitors to
within this area.
Galesburg.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 95

Subareas DRAFT
Henderson Street
Framework Area: Central
Frank St
The mix of residential and commercial uses on Henderson Street in the Central zone Harvey St

establishes it as more of a transition area between the North zone, which is mostly
commercial and the South zone, which is mostly residential. As development along
Henderson expand and pushes its way south, the Central zone can capture
additional commercial uses, particularly when residential uses come offline.

Redevelopment Sites 2 Losey & Grove Midblock Alley

1 Main & Henderson The properties north of the Circle K gas Complete/install an alley behind the
The four corners of Main Street at station on the northeast corner of Grove buildings on the east side of Henderson Losey St

Henderson Street is an opportunity for Street are prefabricated sheds either Street between Home Boulevard and
significant redevelopment to extend the converted to business spaces or used as Dayton Street to provide cross access for

Monroe St
Olive St
success of businesses in the North zone to garages. These do not fit with the character customers and service access for garbage 2
the Central zone. To establish a commercial of the zone and should be redeveloped as trucks and other vehicles.
small-scale commercial or office uses.
Grove St
node at this busy intersection a
consolidation of properties on the south Downtown Wayfinding
side of Main Street should be considered.
Adaptive Reuse/ Add wayfinding to direct people to key sites
Smaller commercial and office uses are
Commercial Conversion including Galesburg Downtown, Knox
appropriate on these consolidated sites. The Commercial Conversion/Adaptive Reuse College, City Hall, the County Courthouse,
North St

vacant Aldi site should be relocated closer properties are properties that currently and Public Square. 150

to the property line to improve the site’s exist as single-family homes but have the

N Henderson St
visibility and access. A similar business that ability to convert to a commercial land use. Improve Crossings
requires a larger building footprint should This may include adaptive reuse of existing Increase visibility of crosswalks at all
be developed here. A new commercial or structures, or redevelopment of a site with intersections with striping or different
office business should be located in the a more appropriate use. materials to improve pedestrian mobility
former State of Illinois workforce 1
and safety. Include timed crossing signals 1
development building on the northwest Pedestrian Linkages where applicable. W Main St 150
corner. Improve pedestrian linkages between the
1 1
commercial area and adjacent residential Cross Access

Arthur Ave
areas. Implement cross access between parking
lots to reduce traffic on Henderson Street
Buffer Timpkins St

Screen residential uses directly adjacent to r Cree

k
Ceda
the Central zone with appropriate buffers to ilroa
d
F Ra
BNS
inhibit noise and site pollution.
96 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT Subareas
 W Main St 150

Henderson Street
Framework Area: South
With few commercial developments and scattered single-family homes the South
reek
zone possesses significant opportunities for innovative development and Ced
ar C

redevelopment. This part of the Henderson Street subarea is also bounded by heavy
d
ilroa
F Ra
BNS
industrial uses to the east, south, and west. The South should be used as a catalyst W Tompkins St
for creative sustainable development utilizing large plots of land and the
connection to industrial uses.

W South St
Green Innovation Neighborhood Center
Allow for “Green Innovation” uses to Establish a neighborhood center to
repurpose large vacant properties provide some necessary and desired W Berien St
in the area to useful and innovative commercial uses for residents in the
business uses that have the South Zone.
potential to expand the City’s
economy. The intent is to allow an Cul-de-Sac W Brooks St

array of uses particularly related to Create a cul-de-sac on Brooks Street

local food production, between Harding and Henderson
environmental sustainability, Streets to separate the residential

Harding St
alternative energy, and other green neighborhood from the commercial
initiatives. Over time, if green uses along Monmouth and prevent
innovation uses are not sought cut-through traffic.
W Knox St

after, then general industrial uses

Holton St
lvd
hB
out
should be allowed in this area Monm

instead.
W First St

S Henderson St
Infill Residential
Promote infill development of
single-family attached and
multifamily residential to increase W Second St

density and provide affordable

housing options, as interest from

Avenue A
Avenue B

developers arises.
W Third St

W Fourth St

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 97

Subareas DRAFT
 ek
re
rC
d
ilroa
F Ra

da
BNS

Ce
E North St
North

rg
eB
yk
erd
Bick

N Chambers St
W Water St E Water St

N Broad St
N Academy St

N Seminary St
Cedar Ave

N Kellogg St
N Cherry St

N Prairie St
N Cedar St
Maple Ave

N West St

Sumner St
Garfield Ave
Walnut Ave
W Ferris St
W Ferris St E Ferris St

c Sq
bli

Pu
W Main St 150 Central
Park Core E Main St 150

ad
West

ilro
S Henerson St

Ra
SF
W Simmons St

BN
E Simmons St

S Broad St
Mulberry St

Colton
W Tompkins St E Tompkins St Park

S Academy St

S Seminary St
S Kellogg St
S Cherry St

S Prairie St
S Cedar St
S West St
Standish
Park

Main Street & Downtown hB

lvd W South St
E South St

Framework Areas
out
nm
Mo
Knox South
College
Downtown Galesburg includes several unique areas that have their own E Berrien St

characteristics that help makeup Downtown. As such, the Downtown subarea has

t
tS
po
De
been divided into four framework zones provide further defined recommendations
that will be incorporated into the overall subarea. The four zones are the West,
North, South, and Core.

North Core West South

Seminary and Cedar streets bound the The Core zone runs the length of Main The boundaries of the West zone are The South zone is anchored by the
North zone to the east and west and Street from Cedar Street to the railroad Water Street to the north, Cedar street Whitcomb Art Center, the home of
North and Ferris streets bound it to the overpass. It extends south to Simmons to the east, South Street to the south Knox College’s art and art history
north and south. This area is Street and north to Ferris Street. It also and Walnut Avenue to the west. This departments. Cedar, Simmons,
characterized by rustic warehouses includes the three blocks between area is the western entrance to Seminary, Mulberry, and Berrien
primed for redevelopment. Some Simmons and Tompkins streets from Downtown and includes the majority of streets and the railroad mark the
multifamily apartments and smaller Cherry Street to Seminary Street. The the existing residences in the subarea. boundaries for this zone.
antique shops are an existing Core is the heart of Downtown
foundation from which to build. Galesburg with a majority of the shops
and restaurants along with some
upper-floor office and residential
spaces.

98 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
 k
ree
rC
da
Ce
d
ilroa
F Ra
BNS
E North St

Main Street & Downtown

g
Br
ke
Framework Area: North

dy
ker
Bic
This area is characterized by rustic warehouses primed for E Water St

redevelopment as both commercial and residential uses. Some

3
multifamily apartments and smaller antique shops are an existing

N Broad St

N Kellogg St
N Prairie St
N Cherry St
N Cedar St
foundation from which to build. As Downtown grows and the Core

N Seminary St
1
becomes built-out, the North zone should be utilized to accommodate 2
additional shops, cafes, and multifamily housing.
E Ferris St

Redevelopment Sites 3 Bank

1 Ferris & Broad The vacant bank at the southwest corner of

The empty building and parking lot on the Water and Prairie streets serves as an
northwest corner of Ferris and Broad impromptu parking lot for area residents Central
Park E Main St 150

streets is a large parcel of land that needs to and Downtown visitors. This property
be utilized. The City should redevelop this should be developed as multifamily
property as a mixed-use residential or office residential to match the style and character
building to provide supportive uses for the of the model multifamily building across
businesses on Main Street. Prairie Street.

2 Historic Space Model Site Modify Channel Connections

The vacant lot on the northwest corner of Prairie Street Apartments Modify the Cedar Creek channel to prevent Create connections to the Core/Main Street
Ferris and Prairie streets was once the site The multifamily apartment building at the accidents, improve its appearance, and along Ferris Street at adjacent intersections
of a historic building in Downtown southeast corner of Water Street and create an outdoor recreation space in via wayfinding signage, pedestrian
Galesburg. This building has been Prairie Street exhibits a character that Downtown Galesburg. crossings, and public art.
demolished for several decades and should matches rustic appearance of the historic
now be developed as a mixed-use warehouses. It should be used as a model Railroad Separation
residential building with a restaurant or site for future developments in the North While included in the Downtown Subarea
café on the ground floor to provide an zone. Plan, this area is separated from Galesburg
amenity for residents in adjacent Core by the BNSF Railroad and Cedar
multifamily buildings. Creek. Given the areas location, the City
should promote uses that can compliment
and/or support Downtown uses.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 99

Subareas DRAFT
 N Broad St

N Chambers St
E Ferris St

N Seminary St
N Kellogg St
N Cedar St

N Cherry St

N Prairie St
4
1 3

Sumner St
2
Sq
ic 3

bl
Pu
W Main St 150 Central
E Main St 150
Park
Plaza
Park 3
3

2 1
E Simmons St 4

Main Street & Downtown

S Seminary St
S Kellogg St
S Prairie St
S Cherry St
Framework Area: Core

ad
ilro
The Core is the heart of Downtown Galesburg with a majority of the shops and

Ra
E Tompkins St

SF
restaurants along with some upper-floor office and residential spaces. It is the

BN
shopping, eating, and socializing destination for residents and visitors.

Redevelopment Sites 3 Kellogg & Seminary Midblock Priority Adaptive Reuse Rear of Buildings
1 Broad & Main Parking lots fronting Main Street is also a Repurpose Central Congregational Church Many buildings on Main Street have rear
The Broadview Inn and Restaurant is an misuse of property by breaking up the as a public use to increase public space in entrances, particularly for customers
older building that is in need of significant street wall and disrupting pedestrian traffic Downtown and retain a significant and parking in the back. Rear facades of
repair and is an inappropriate development flow. Mixed-use infill development should be attractive historic building. buildings should be enhanced to make them
on a prominent corner of Public Square. To prioritized for any parking lots fronting attractive and inviting.
enhance the visual appearance of Main Street. Square Enhancement
Downtown and provide a more appropriate Consider a comprehensive redesign of Activate Sidewalks
4 Breslin’s Floor Covering Public square to improve traffic flow, Take advantage of the wide sidewalks along
use for the area, the property should be
redeveloped. While a beneficial and successful business, a enhance pedestrian mobility, and provide Main Street by encouraging businesses to
flooring retailer is not an appropriate additional high-quality public space for utilize the space. Section 111.115 of the
2 Cherry & Prairie Midblock commercial business in the Downtown Downtown. City’sCode of Ordinances allows the
Open spaces in Downtown can provide Core. It should be moved to a vacant establishment of a sidewalk cafés with the
public gathering and/or recreation spaces warehouse building in the North zone and Relocation Assistance appropriate permit in the B3 Central
to patron. However, Downtown Galesburg redeveloped as a more pedestrian-friendly Encourage the relocation of the Business District, which encompasses the
already has this space with Park Plaza and business. auto-oriented businesses between entire Downtown Core zone. Sidewalk cafés
thus any other open space is a misuse of Chambers Street and the overpass to the for restaurants and sidewalk sales for
property. The City should prioritize east side of the overpass as they are not stores should be promoted at businesses
mixed-use infill development on the vacant compatible with the Downtown character. along Main Street.
lot adjacent to Statham & Long to increase Provide technical assistance to the owners
density Downtown. to help with relocation. Redevelop the
buildings as mixed-use residential or office
buildings.
100 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan
DRAFT Subareas
 Elmhurst, IL - Downtown Streetscape

Oshkosh, WI - Downtown Plaza Carbondale, IL - Active Sidewalk

First Midwest Bank Parking Improve Crossing Streetscape Improvements

Building 1 Prairie & Simmons Increase visibility of crosswalks at all Encourage midblock bumpouts along Main
Add landscaping, seating, and other Incorporate the parking lot on the intersections with striping or different Street to control traffic and increase
amenities to activate the open space in northeast corner of Simmons and Prairie materials to improve pedestrian mobility pedestrian safety.
front of the building facing Kellogg Street. streets into the adjacent City lot to improve and safety. Include timed crossing signals
efficiency. where applicable. Remove cobra-head street lights from
The large sign on the north wall of the Downtown per the recommendation from
Orpheum Theater is uncharacteristic of a 2 Cherry & Prairie Midblock Encourage midblock bumpouts along Main the Galesburg Design Development of
pedestrian-oriented downtown. The City Street to control traffic and increase Downtown Public Places Plan.
Reconfigure the two parking lots behind
should have unique sign standards for pedestrian safety.
Park Plaza to avoid confusion and
Downtown and seek to eliminate this and Add street trees/planters to break up the
congestion.
other large signs. Remove vehicular-scale cobra-head street sidewalk and enhance the natural beauty of
3 Kellogg & Siminary lights from Downtown per the Downtown.
Plazas recommendation from the Galesburg
Add striping to the parking lot shared by Downtown Signage
Develop plazas on both sides of Main Street Design Development of Downtown Public
Trinity Lutheran and Mount Zion
as pedestrian entryway into Downtown Places Plan. Add wayfinding throughout the Downtown
Missionary Baptist churches to create
Galesburg. Core to direct people to key sites including
designated parking stalls and cleanup the
Add street trees/planters to break up the Knox College and City Hall.
lot overall.
sidewalk and enhance the natural beauty of
Downtown. Some the City’s parking areas have new,
4 Chambers
attractive signage. The City should replicate
Consolidate the parking lots that face the
these new signs for all parking lots.
streets for development of buildings.
Remaining parking should be behind the
buildings with a single-lane entrance and
exit.
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 101
Subareas DRAFT
 Creek
Cedar
W Water St
ilroad
BNSF Ra

Main Street & Downtown

Framework Area: West

N Broad St
Cedar Ave

N Cedar St
Maple Ave

N West St
This area is the western entrance to W Ferris St

Walnut Ave

Garfield Ave
W Ferris St

Downtown and includes the majority of

N Academy St
the existing residences in the subarea.
As it grows, it should serve as a ic
Sq

higher-density neighborhood to for

bl
Pu
W Main St 150 Central
Knox College students, faculty, and Park

staff.

S Henerson St
Future
Library
Site
Hope
Cemetery
Fencing W Simmons St

Update the fencing at the Mary Allen West

S Broad St
Tower apartments to match the fencing at
William H. Moon Towers. Dale
Kelly
Park

Replace the chainlink fencing at Hope

W Tompkins St

Cemetery to improve its appearance.

S Academy St

S Cedar St
S West St
Standish
Relocate Light Connections
Park

Industrial Uses
Enhance and leverage
As a long-term objective, relocate light W South St
connections to Knox College
industrial uses out of downtown to provide lvd
along South street at adjacent nm
out
hB

space for additional multifamily Mo

intersections via wayfinding
developments, particularly for Knox College
signage, pedestrian crossings,
residents. Buffer Light Industrial
and public art.
Buffer the light industrial uses north of
Improve Crossings Cedar Creek/BNSF Railroad to screen them
Create connections to the
Increase visibility of crosswalks at all Core/Main Street along Cedar from adjacent residences.
intersections with striping or different Street at adjacent intersections
materials to improve pedestrian mobility via wayfinding signage,
and safety. Include timed crossing signals pedestrian crossings, and public
where applicable. art.

102 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
 Central
Park E Main St 150

ad
ilro
Ra
SF
E Simmons St

Main Street & Downtown

BN
2

Framework Area: South

S Broad St
Mulberry St
Galesburg
City Hall
The South zone is anchored by the Whitcomb Art E Tompkins St
Colton
Park

Center, the home of Knox College’s art and art history Konx County
departments. The Center should be the foundation for Court House
1
future development in this zone characterized by its

S Seminary St
S Kellogg St
S Cherry St

S Prairie St
S Cedar St
Standish
Park 3
connection to the Galesburg arts community and
Knox College. E South St

Redevelopment Sites
1 Prairie & Tompkins Knox
College
St. Mary’s Square, a former medical E Berrien St
campus, includes a vacant historical
building in a desirable location adjacent to

t
tS
the County Courthouse, Knox College, and

po
De
Main Street. This property should be
redeveloped as mixed-use residential with 3 Kellogg & Tompking Galesburg Station Area Whitcomb Art Center
coworking and/or gallery space for artists
The Galesburg Mini Storage site and the Enhancement Capitalize on Whitcomb Art Center’s
to help enhance the art-centric character of
vacant lot adjacent to it are not appropriate For daily train passengers to Galesburg, the connection to Knox College and the overall
the area.
uses for the Downtown. They should be Galesburg Station and Colton Park are the Galesburg art community to establish an
2 Seminary & Mulberry redeveloped as one-to-two-story mixed-use face of the City. It should be a true public arts district in the South zone.
office buildings to better utilize the space that serves the community. The
The Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides a
property. station area should utilize its proximity to Connections
needed service for commuters and visitors
both Colton Park and the Galesburg Enhance and leverage connections
arriving by train. However, it should be
Church Campus Railroad Museum with sponsored events to Knox College along South street
moved to the parking lot across Mulberry
Encourage the Corpus Christi Catholic and activities. The City should consider at adjacent intersections via
Street to expand Colton Park. Also
Church to plan for their campus by adding moving the car rental facility so that it can wayfinding signage, pedestrian
redevelop the parking lot adjacent to
landscaping and pedestrian walkways use the entire block. crossings, and public art.
Appliance Parts Depot as a new
throughout to improve the appearance of
commercial space.
the entire block, and to strengthen the site Create connections to the Core/Main
as an amenity to Downtown. Street along Tompkins Street at
adjacent intersections via
wayfinding signage, pedestrian
crossings, and public art.
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 103
Subareas DRAFT
 Neighborhood Center Residential Move Light Industrial
Neighborhood Centers act as commercial Transition Areas Move the autobody shop at the western
nodes along Grand Avenue to serve to area Transition nodes are areas identified for no corner of Locust and Grand to the Light
with commercial uses not available on substantive changes within the Grand Industrial zone as a long-term objective to
Mulberry St
Main Street. They can also include Avenue subarea. These nodes include help establish the desired character the
Locust St higher-density residential as a supportive lower-density residential along with some Grand Avenue subarea.
use. public/semipublic uses such as a fire
Haynor St
station. Improve Crossings
1 1 Increase visibility of crosswalks at all

Division St
E South St Light Industrial Zone intersections with striping or different
150 The Light Industrial Zone is the entry into materials to improve pedestrian mobility
NC 1 Gr
an
d the subarea from U.S. Route 150 and serves and safety. Include timed crossing signals
Av
e as a local hub for light industrial uses in the where applicable.
southeastern part of Galesburg.
E Berrien St

Sidewalks
2
Oak St

RTA 1 Add sidewalks to the north side of Grand

Avenue to improve pedestrian mobility and
E Brooks St
NC 2
safety.
S Elm St

2
Buffer Light Industrial
2 E Knox St
Screen residential uses directly adjacent to
2 the LIA north and south of Grand avenue
S Farnham St

RTA 2 with appropriate buffers to inhibit noise

Ohio Ave
and site pollution.
e
Av
a
an
di

E First St
In

Michigan Ave
Ba
ird

Grand Avenue 3
Av
e

Framework Plan NC 3
E Second St
3
Grand Avenue is a former gateway to Galesburg via U.S. Route
150. It is still a major route to the City, but it now acts as a
connector to Downtown instead of its own destination corridor.

in g Ave
4

Wisconsin Ave
The Grand Avenue Subarea is divided into three types of zones

h it
W
that appear multiple times in different locations along the street: Chappell Ave

Neighborhood Center, Transition, and Light Industrial.

McMasters Ave
150
Gr
LI 1
an
d
Av
e
4
4
E Fifth St

104 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
 Carbondale, IL - Parkway Sidewalk

Hinsdale, IL - Buffer for Residential Uses West Bloomfield, MI - Shopping Center Downers Grove, IL - Historic Homes

Redevelopment Sites 2 Knox & Grand 3 Michigan & Grand Street Trees
1 Locust & Grand Neighborhood Center 2 will be the largest of In Neighborhood Center 3, redevelop the Plant street trees to break up the sidewalk
Redevelop Grand Liquor and the adjacent the three neighborhood centers, which will vacant RJ’s Pub and additional properties and enhance the appearance along Grand
vacant parcel to the north as require the largest amount of north to Ohio Street as new commercial Avenue for residents and visitors.
commercial-goods businesses. Consolidate redevelopment. Consolidate the largest uses, that should include a restaurant. Also
the four vacant lots at the corner of Haynor group of parcels in NC 2, to the north and redevelop Grand Tap as a commercial Historic Homes
and Locust streets and Grand Avenue and west of Farnham Street, Knox Street, and goods or service use. Restore historic homes where possible to
develop them as a larger multifamily Grand Avenue, to be developed as a larger maintain the City’s historic character, and
commercial shopping center. Redevelop the 4 Single-Family in Light Industrial Zone
building to help support the new demolish and rebuild where necessary to
commercial uses in Neighborhood Center 1. properties on the southeast corner of the Redevelop all of the single-family homes in improve the residential areas.
Knox and Farnham intersection to one or the Light Industrial Area to provide more
two stand-alone commercial properties. space for additional industrial uses, Adaptive Reuse/
Consolidate the parcels south of Grand particularly those identified for removal Commercial Conversion
Avenue and west of Farnham street to from other subareas. Commercial Conversion/Adaptive Reuse
develop multifamily apartments. Likewise,
properties are properties that currently
redevelop the parcels south of Knox Street
exist as single-family homes but have the
and north of Grand Avenue as additional
ability to convert to a commercial land use.
multifamily. Repurpose the triangular piece
This may include adaptive reuse of existing
of land bounded by all three streets as open
structures, or redevelopment of a site with
space for the area.
a more appropriate use.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 105

Subareas DRAFT
12 SUSTAINABILITY
FRAMEWORK
SUSTAINABILITY
Incorporated throughout Gales-
burg’s Vision, Goals, and Objectives
is the notion of sustainability. In
community planning, the term
“sustainability” typically means that
the plan proposes strategies and
Ec
onomic

tactics that together will allow the

nmental
community and its citizens to thrive
both now and long into the future.
This concept is often described

Soc
with three interrelated and equally
important facets: economic, environ-

ro

ia
i l
mental, and social sustainability. Env

Economic: Provide fair-wage Environmental: Protect, preserve, Social: Provide a sense of commu-
employment opportunities and and steward natural resources nity, foster interaction, welcome visi-
support a climate of investment including water, soil, and landscapes tors, and address basic health and
within the community while to provide a healthy habitat for human service needs for all citizens.
avoiding negative impacts to essen- people, plants, and animals; support
tial natural resources and land- and maintain biodiversity and
scapes; ecology; reduce/minimize carbon
emissions and other climate-related
impacts;

106 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
An approach that addresses all three GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE From a planning scale, GI strategies GI strategies are essential tools
simultaneously and symbiotically PRACTICES preserve and expand a network of to help achieve some of the key
is underlying many of the land use multiuse open spaces as a frame- goals and objectives articulated in
In support of the City’s Vision, Goals,
recommendations in this plan: work to connect commercial, the Comprehensive Plan and is a
and Objectives, some of the key
institutional, and residential uses fundamental component of Conser-
ŠŠ housing choices and elements and recommendations of
to green space. At the site/building vation Development or Low Impact
affordability; the Comprehensive Plan suggest
scale, GI includes assorted methods Development practices. Through a
or imply the integration of Green
ŠŠ walkable, bikeable to slow, cool, cleanse, and infiltrate holistic, integrated application of GI
Infrastructure (GI) practices for land
neighborhoods; surplus rainwater as local to the strategies and techniques, renovated
use development/redevelopment,
ŠŠ recreational opportunities for source as possible. Green roofs, and new site, building, or infrastruc-
community/public infrastructure
citizens of all ages, incomes, and permeable pavement, bioretention/ ture development can do more than
and facilities, and building/site
levels of mobility; rain gardens, urban trees, and other minimize negative impacts associ-
development practices. GI encom-
site-specific practices each provide ated with development, and instead
ŠŠ preservation and management passes a range of strategies and
a range of benefits and values while be restorative to ecological functions
of natural lands; techniques from planning scale to
supporting a water agenda. At every in a very cost-effective manner.
ŠŠ healthy local food production; site/building scale.
scale, GI relies on soil, vegetation,
ŠŠ rebuilding streets, sidewalks, and natural processes to effectively
and utilities with green, water manage water resources and to
and energy-efficient practices. provide a wide range of other bene-
The term “resiliency” is related to fits and values at the same time.
sustainability and goes one step
further, ensuring that the commu-
nity retains these qualities over
time in the face of rapid change. To
support a sustainable and resilient
Galesburg both near- and longer-
term, the recommended approach is
to incorporate “green infrastructure”
practices into each land use and
redevelopment scenario.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 107

Subareas DRAFT
Properly designed, engineered, and ŠŠ Increased connection to The core focus of GI centers upon PROPOSED PRACTICES
managed GI site practices as a part recreational opportunities treating all water (stormwater,
of a larger GI greenway network wastewater, potable water) as a Expand, protect, and restore
offer the ability to provide a wide ŠŠ Improved community and valuable resource, while accom- the City’s existing network of
range of benefits. Green site/building individual health and wellbeing plishing other measurable perfor- open spaces, natural areas,
development practices support and mance benefits as well. Additionally, and aquatic resources.
ŠŠ Higher property values
optimize the ability for open spaces green practices should also address: The City currently has substantial
to provide the greatest range of ŠŠ Reduced long-term maintenance areas of protected open spaces,
functions and values, including: and operations costs for public ŠŠ Reduced energy use and higher primarily to the north within Lake
infrastructure reliance upon renewable energy Storey. However, the biological integ-
ŠŠ Water conservation, improved sources rity and overall ecological function
water quality in downstream ŠŠ Overall improved performance of natural areas greatly improves to
aquatic resources, including and quality of life for residents ŠŠ Solid waste reduction and the degree that larger networks are
wetlands, streams, and Lake and business owners recycling/composting of waste interconnected, as well as expanding
Storey recreational potential through trails
ŠŠ Enhancement and beautification ŠŠ Healthy local food as part of
and public accessibility of these
ŠŠ Reduced flooding and more of the natural character of resiliency and community health
spaces.
stable, localized hydrology Galesburg
Through proactive planning, close
ŠŠ Cleaner air and water ŠŠ Local authenticity that will
coordination with property owners
strengthen and reinforce the
ŠŠ Improved urban ecology and and developers, and cooperation
City’s unique identity
biodiversity with other agencies, the City can
build upon the foundation of natural
lands within Lake Story to include
other lands adjacent to the City,
especially streams, wetlands, lakes,
and areas immediately upstream.

108 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
Natural areas including wetlands, Conservation-based green building Apply conservation-based This practice of high-performance,
woodlands, and prairies, as well and site development practices can be green building and site green building and site design is the
as flood prone areas, hydric soils incorporated into all new and retrofit development practices basis of rating systems such as Lead-
(subject to high water table/inun- development to restore natural into renovated and new ership in Energy and Environmental
dation) and other environmental hydrology and water quality. These commercial, institutional, and Design (LEED), Sustainable Sites
qualities, should be identified and practices further enhance the integ- residential developments. Initiative (SITES), Living Building
prioritized as open space uses as rity, biodiversity, and overall health There are a growing number and Challenge, One Planet Communities,
development occurs in the undevel- of Lake Storey and water bodies. They variety of methods to slow, cool, and others, which help facilitate and
oped areas of the City. They should also begin to expand a network of collect, and infiltrate rainwater as incentivize integrated design.
be linked as an open space network natural areas within the City. well as to improve other perfor-
where possible. mance characteristics of roofs, A Green Infrastructure Toolbox is
pavement, landscapes, and other included at the end of this section that
In addition to identifying, protecting, surfaces within the built environ- describes these practices and asso-
and restoring more natural areas ment. These include green roofs, ciated benefits in greater detail and
within and adjacent to the City, some permeable pavement, bioreten- includes illustrations and examples.
existing properties, especially Lake tion, street trees, and rainwater
Storey and some of the open space harvesting/reuse practices that not
on the southwest side of town near only mitigate the impact of storm-
the airport, may benefit from expan- water runoff, but conserve water
sion. Improvement of the natural/ resources and reduce the need to
ecological landscape through use drinking water in the landscape
restoration and/or preservation is and for potentially other uses.
suggested. These green infrastructure prac-
tices achieve the greatest overall
function and value when they are
integrated into a development with
a systems approach. The systems
approach addresses all of a project’s
water, energy, waste, and materials
processes as an integrated system.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 109

Subareas DRAFT
Pursue demonstration Knox College is an excellent resource Foster partnerships with allied While other parts of the State have
projects to further explore through its sustainability program agencies and organizations. promoted sustainable practices for
the potential for the City and has implemented some exam- many years, there are fewer allied
As already identified, Knox College
to capitalize on green ples of green building and green agencies in close proximity to Gales-
strongly supports and encourages the
infrastructure practices. infrastructure on recent capital proj-
same green infrastructure prac-
burg, which provides the opportunity
Each investment in public infra- ects. Experience from this and other to become a model for conserva-
tices as part of their sustainability
structure, including streets, side- green infrastructure initiatives as tion-based development practices
program. Partnerships are recip-
walks, parks, public buildings, they are explored and implemented within the County and the region.
rocal, and many public agencies and
and other facilities, provides an in Galesburg will be extremely Through the establishment of a green
nonprofit foundations have programs
opportunity for the community to beneficial to further the widespread infrastructure sub-committee and/
that encourage and potentially
benefit from green infrastructure application and integration of these or sustainability coordinator, the
support green infrastructure prac-
practices. While these practices are systems in the City over time. City should have a voice in regional
tices. Potential partners include Carl
now widely promoted within the policies, programs, and incentives
Sandberg College, Galesburg Commu-
Northeastern Illinois region, and Also, private development and relative to development and land
nity Foundation, Growing Together,
across the country, they are still not redevelopment should be encour- management practices enhanced
Inc., Knox Advocates for Recycling
widely used. As with any change aged and incentivized to incorporate through green infrastructure.
and Environmental Sustainability
in standard practice, it requires a these practices more aggressively.
(K.A.R.E.S.), Knox County Area Part-
combination of policy, incentive, and Demonstration applications should
nership for Economic Development,
local examples to gain acceptance be monitored for performance and
KnoxCorps, and The University of
and widespread use. To catalyze acceptance and adapted to the City’s
Illinois Extension.
implementation, capital projects priorities.
currently planned within the City
could be used to demonstrate green
infrastructure applications.

110 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
Develop and implement Promote, encourage, and Native grasses, such as switchgrass, Update applicable
a long-term operations incentivize restorative farming are being used for biofuels and offer development standards,
and management plan practices and agricultural a distinct sustainability advantage codes, ordinances, and
for Green Infrastructure operations within the City over corn (ethanol) as it is a peren- guidelines to encourage,
throughout the City. and adjacent areas. nial crop and does not require inten- incentivize, and regulate
For Green Infrastructure to be most Community members identified sive industrial-scale agricultural conservation-based Green
effective and achieve the greatest healthy local food as a priority, and practices. Infrastructure practices
level of performance, it is essential the City is located in a primarily throughout the City.
that long-term maintenance and rural agricultural area with agri- By promoting and facilitating these Development methods and practices
management of these systems is cultural lands within City limits. agricultural practices, especially in largely follow policy requirements
considered and properly planned for There is a growing trend towards critical unprotected environmental set forth by regulatory authori-
during the design phase. Typically, restorative, sustainable agriculture areas and open spaces, development ties. A critical next step towards
overall maintenance requirements practices such as: growing crops sites can be amenitized. These prac- embracing and implementing green
are less than conventional practices for rainwater infiltration; mini- tices can also spur the local economy infrastructure practices in the City
over time, however, many GI strate- mizing the use of harmful fertilizers, with locally grown produce, grains, is to conduct a thorough review of
gies include living plants and other herbicides, and pesticides; building meat, and value-added, craft-food all applicable codes, ordinances, and
materials that need regular inspec- soil health; and producing healthier, products. Further, these kinds of policies that could be elevated, modi-
tion and attention to ensure their more valuable food, fiber, and healthy, human-scaled farming land- fied, or augmented to implement
ongoing performance. other crops. In addition to organic scapes and production facilities attract green infrastructure throughout
local produce, which is growing in visitors and business enterprise. the City. Model conservation-based
The City could further capitalize popularity and demand in markets codes have been developed in other
upon the aggregated benefits of throughout the region, there is an communities, and there may be
a green infrastructure approach increasing demand for specialty additional resources and technical
through centralized maintenance crops that are used in baked goods, support available to support the
and management operations. As craft brewing and distilling, and City once the Comprehensive Plan is
the use of these systems is expanded many other products. Native grass- adopted.
throughout the City, their orga- land agriculture provides another
nization and management can opportunity to restore the watershed
be further optimized. The overall and to support the local economy.
objective is to provide the greatest Native grassland can be used
degree of services and benefits for to graze cattle, sheep, and other
the community within appropriate healthy meats that are growing in
cost and resource parameters. popularity.
City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 111
Subareas DRAFT
13 IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation is essential to turn
the Comprehensive Plan into phys-
ical change and action within the
City of Galesburg. This process will
require the cooperation of City staff,
elected and appointed officials, public
agencies, the local business commu-
nity, property owners, developers,
ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan establishes next
steps by which the City can begin
implementation and continue the
time-honored tradition of commu-
nity planning in Galesburg. These
strategies are intended to ensure
FORM AN
IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION COMMITTEE
As a first step toward implementation,
the City should form an Implemen-
tation Action Committee. This group
would be charged with ensuring the
Comprehensive Plan is implemented
and residents. This chapter provides the Plan becomes integrated within
and continues to reflect the priorities
the tools and strategies to assist with regular planning efforts and policy
and vision of the City in the future.
achieving the City’s long-term vision decisions for the City. Further, they
The Committee would meet at specific
and applying recommendations to assist with implementation of core
times throughout the year to review
meet the specific goals and objectives recommendations and planning
the Comprehensive Plan, discuss
of the plan. This includes an action principles over the life of the plan.
completed projects and improvements,
plan to guide next steps in the plan-
and identify opportunities for addi-
ning process, a review of potential
tional implementation. Working in
funding sources that will be essential
an advisory role, the Committee will
to physical improvements, and an
be able to provide staff with prior-
Implementation Action Matrix which
itized actions that are reflective of
reviews and provides direction on all
both the Plan’s goals and objectives
recommendations made throughout
as well as changing conditions that
the Plan.
may have been unforeseen during the
development of the Plan. In this way,
committee members will help guar-
antee that action items are responsive
to City finances, economic develop-
ment, and implementation progress.
The Committee should be comprised of
a mix of community volunteers and key
City staff that can foster implementa-
tion throughout the life of the Plan.

112 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
USE THE PLAN DAILY ŠŠ Provide assistance to the public DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS Per the recommendations of the
in explaining the Plan and its Plan, the City should identify specific
The Comprehensive Plan should be relationship to private and public The City of Galesburg should be the
organizations and agencies to assist
used on a daily basis, functioning development projects and other primary lead for plan implementa-
with implementation and explore
as the official policy guide for land proposals, as appropriate. tion, coordinating administrative
opportunities for potential partner-
use, development, and commu- actions and public improvement
ŠŠ Assist City Council and other ships and collaborations. This should
nity improvement in Galesburg. It projects as identified within the
boards and commissions in include open and regular commu-
should act as a ‘go-to’ document to Comprehensive Plan. However, the
the day-to-day administration, nication with other governmental
assist City staff, City Council, and success of implementation will rely
interpretation, and application of and service districts such as local
other boards and commissions, on developing and maintaining
the Plan. school districts, the Galesburg Parks
providing direction for the review partnerships with the numerous
and Recreation Department, Knox
and evaluation of future projects, ŠŠ Meet with key department stakeholders throughout Galesburg,
County, utilities companies, and the
development proposals, and initia- heads and officials to explain the including public agencies, neighbor-
Illinois Department of Transpor-
tives. In addition, the City should purpose, importance, and benefits hood groups, adjacent municipali-
tation. This should include discus-
encourage service providers and of the Comprehensive Plan. ties, the local business community,
sion following adoption of the plan
partner organizations to utilize the and the private sector. Given the
ŠŠ Provide an ‘orientation’ for regarding what goals and recom-
Plan when establishing goals and new staff, officials, and board breadth and scope of the Plan, these
mendations are most likely to affect
analyzing future development, new members which highlights key organizations will be essential to
partner agencies. Further, the City
facilities, infrastructure extensions, takeaways and major goals of assisting the City in reaching the
should encourage builders and devel-
and programming. the Comprehensive Plan which established goals and vision for the
opers to undertake improvements
are essential to local policy and future of Galesburg.
and new construction that conforms
To ensure daily usage and further initiatives.
to the directives of the Plan.
educate the community about the
Plan, the City should:Make copies of ŠŠ Maintain a list of current possible
the Plan document available online. amendments, issues, or needs
that may be the subject of
change, addition, or deletion from
the Plan.

ŠŠ Coordinate with and assist City

Council in the Plan amendment
process as necessary.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 113

Subareas DRAFT
UPDATE REGULARLY This process should coincide with Update Related Plans Following adoption of the Compre-
preparation of the City’s annual hensive Plan, the City should review
Noting the City’s dedication to In addition to the Comprehen-
budget and capital improvement existing plans to identify those which
thoughtful planning, the Compre- sive Plan, the City has completed
program, enable recommendations remain relevant and applicable and
hensive Plan should not exist as numerous other planning efforts
and projects from the plan to be those should be updated or replaced.
a static document, but rather the in the past. The resulting plans,
considered as part of upcoming Plan updates should reflect modern
center of a continuous planning studies, and reports are essential to
commitments for that fiscal year. trends and demographics, market
process. Following adoption of the guiding growth and development
Establishing a routine for review of realities, and be aligned with the
Plan, the community will continue to and addressing specific issues and
the Plan will ensure the document goals, objectives, and vision of the
move forward, change, and evolve. study areas within Galesburg. Past
remains relevant to the needs and Comprehensive Plan.
As such, the Plan should be updated planning efforts were reviewed and
desires of Galesburg.
on a regular basis to respond to summarized as part of the Existing
these changes, addressing shifts in Conditions Report. In addition, key
community aspirations and demo- recommendations, directives, and
graphic trends as well as new and policies from past plans have been
unexpected issues as they arise. appropriately incorporated within
Proposals to amend the Compre- the Comprehensive Plan to provide
hensive Plan can be introduced a coordinated approach that is
by petition at any time; however, inclusive of previous planning
the City should regularly initiate a within the community.
systematic review and analysis of
the plan. In general, a full review
should be completed at least every
two to three years; however, the best
practice would be an annual review.

114 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
INTEGRATE WITH As part of the City’s Capital Improve- MAINTAIN PUBLIC within the plan, are conveyed to
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ment Program process, the Gales- COMMUNICATION the entire community. This should
PROGRAMS burg Comprehensive Plan should be
The Galesburg Comprehensive
be supported by regular updates,
referenced to identify and include coverage of major milestones, and
Coordination of financial resources Plan was supported by an outreach
priority projects for implementa- additional opportunities for resi-
will be essential to implementation process intended to gather public
tion. Examination of capital funding dents to voice their opinion.
of the Galesburg Comprehensive input and foster a sense of steward-
for implementation each year will
Plan, allowing for capital invest- ship and excitement for the final
assist with prioritization of action In addition, the City should maintain
ment to be carefully and effectively Plan. Through outreach events, the
items and offer City staff a period to avenues by which residents and
organized. This is best accomplished project website, interactive tools, and
review and become familiar with the stakeholders can communicate with
by including the recommendations, other media, residents and stake-
Plan annually. City staff and receive information
projects, and directives of the Plan holders were able to stay involved
about planning and development
within the City’s annual Capital and informed of the Plan’s develop-
efforts. This should include methods
Improvement Program. This ensures ment. This helps communicate the
for residents to voice questions and
that implementation is responsive importance of planning and provide
concerns that are then reviewed
to budget realities within the City. individuals with a clear under-
and addressed in a timely manner.
Further, more significant projects standing of ongoing efforts to better
Further, the City should provide
or improvements can space over their community and quality of life.
media online and in print that
multiple years due to various phases
explain and simplify civic func-
for design and construction. Inclu- The outreach process should act
tions, particularly materials that
sion within the Capital Improvement as a foundation for continued
offer guidance with applications
Program enables City staff and communication with members of the
for zoning, building, subdivision, or
officials to plan appropriately for public throughout implementation.
other development related permits
funding requirements across the The City should ensure that major
and approvals.
life of these projects and spread out recommendations and the overall
costs to reduce the economic burden. ‘vision’ for Galesburg, as defined

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 115

Subareas DRAFT
POTENTIAL GENERAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Sales Tax Rebate Tax Abatement
FUNDING SOURCES A sales tax rebate is a tool typically
used by municipalities to incentivize
A property tax abatement is a
versatile tool that can be applied to
The following is a review of potential
Incubators
business to locate to a site or area. address a wide range of community
funding sources that the City could Business incubators provide low-cost
The rebate is offered as a percentage issues. Property tax abatements
pursue to support implementation space and specialized support to
of the annual sales tax revenue are typically used as an incentive to
of the Galesburg Comprehensive small companies. Such services
generated by the establishment and attract business and revitalize the
Plan. It is important to note that might include administrative
is often tied to benchmarks such that local economy. In the State of Illinois,
funding sources are subject to consulting, access to office equip-
as sales volume increases, so too does municipalities and other taxing
change over time. As such, the City ment and training, and assisting
the proportion of the rebate. Sales districts can abate any portion of
should continue to research and in accessing credit. Incubators are
tax rebate percentages can range the tax that they individually levy
monitor grants, funding agencies, typically owned by public entities
from 1% to 100% and are dependent on a property. The period of tax
and programs to identify deadlines, such as municipalities or economic
on the goals and objectives of the abatement on a given property
funding specifications, and new development agencies who then
local municipality. Sales tax rebates can be no longer than 10 years and
opportunities as they become avail- subsidize rents and services with
have proven effective in attracting the total combined sum of abated
able. These programs are organized grants. In addition to job creation
new businesses and encouraging taxes for all taxing districts cannot
by funding category, which include: and generating activity, the goal is
redevelopment and renovation. exceed $4 million over that period.
to facilitate growth and expansion of
A taxing district can administer the
ŠŠ General Economic Development startup businesses within an area.
abatement by one of two methods: 1)
ŠŠ Transportation & Infrastructure lowering the tax rate; or 2) initiating
a property tax freeze where the
ŠŠ Parks, Trails & Open Spaces property is taxed based on a pre-de-
velopment assessed value.

116 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
In some circumstances municipalities Payment in Lieu of Enterprise Zone ŠŠ State and Local Sales Tax
can also petition the County to lower Taxes (PILOT) Exemption – Applicable to any
The Illinois Enterprise Zone program
a property’s assessment. For example, building materials bought in the
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) is administered by the Illinois
a commercial property could be State of Illinois that was used to
is a tool similar to tax abatement. Department of Commerce and
assessed at a percentage equivalent construct the development.
The City can use PILOT to reduce Economic Opportunity and works
to that of a residential property. This
the property tax burden of a desired to grow and diversify commercial, ŠŠ Construction Permit Fee Waiver
is an effective means of lowering a
business for a predetermined industrial, multifamily or upper – Waives the fee for building,
property tax bill; however, it should
period. In this instance, the City and story residential developments in the demolition, electrical, sign,
be noted that this method impacts
property owners will agree to the B3 zoning district. Galesburg incen- plumbing, or heating permits;
all taxing districts and not just the
annual payment of a set fee in place tives include: Water Service Tap Fees; Street
district making the request.
of property taxes. Payments are and Terrace Opening Fees; and
generally made in the form of a fixed ŠŠ Real Estate Tax Abatement - Sanitary Sewer Tap Fees.
sum, but they may also be paid as a 100% property tax abatement
percentage of the income generated on any increase in the EAV due
by a property. to property redevelopment or
enhancement. The abatement
In addition, PILOT can be a means cannot exceed $1 million per
of reducing the fiscal impact on the taxing period and lasts for a
City of a nonprofit, institutional 10-year period. It does not apply
use, or other non-taxpaying entity to projects that do not create jobs
location on a key site. While such or experiences a decrease in EAV.
uses can be desirable as activity
generators, they can also negatively
impact municipal services because
they do not pay taxes. Provisions
can be made to offset that negative
impact by allowing the City to be
compensated for at least a portion of
the revenue that would otherwise be
collected in the form of property tax.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 117

Subareas DRAFT
Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Over the life of a TIF district, existing The Façade Grant Program Historic Property Tax
taxing bodies receive the same Assessment Freeze
The purpose of TIF funding is to The Downtown Façade Redevelop-
level of tax revenue as in the base
incentivize and attract desired ment Grant Program is a joint effort This program allows for 12 years of
year. Provisions exist for schools
development within key commer- between the City of Galesburg and the reduced property taxes for historic
to receive additional revenue. The
cial areas. TIF dollars are typically Galesburg Downtown Council and is owner-occupied, principal residences
maximum life of a TIF district in the
be used for infrastructure, streets- administered by the Planning Divi- by freezing the property’s assessed
State of Illinois is 23 years, although
caping, public improvements, land sion. The program is meant to stimu- value. The freeze can last for up to
a district can be extended beyond
assemblage, and offsetting the cost late private investment in commercial eight years and is followed by a four-
that through authorization from the
of development. buildings by providing financial year period during which the resi-
State Legislature.
incentives to business who update the dence’s assessed value increases to
TIF utilizes future property tax appearance, safety, structural integ- reflect its current market value. This
The City currently has five TIFs which
revenues generated within a desig- rity and quality of their storefronts or program is managed by the Illinois
include the I-74 offramp area at East
nated area or district, to pay for entire buildings. It is reviewed by the Historic Preservation Agency.
Main Street, the East Main Street
improvements and further incen- Façade Advisory Committee (FAC) and
corridor, the villa development at
tivize continued reinvestment. As is approved in its final stage by the
South Lake Story Road and North
the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) Galesburg City Council.
Henderson Street, the region south
of properties within a TIF district
of I-74 surrounding East Main Street,
increases, the incremental growth in The Façade Grant Program contrib-
and the city blocks on either side of
property tax over the base year that utes to the economic revitalization
South Seminary Street between E
the TIF was established is reinvested and character of the Downtown by
Main Street and Mulberry Street.
in that area. Local officials may providing financial assistance for
then issue bonds to undertake other such façade improvements. Building
financial obligations based on the façades, both individually and collec-
growth in new revenue. tively, create a strong first impression
of an area. Through this program,
current property owners are
provided an opportunity to improve
their outdated or failing structures
without having to relocate.

118 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
Federal Historic Business Development ŠŠ Acquire all development and ŠŠ Enter into contracts with any
Preservation Tax Credit District (BDD) redevelopment proposals public or private agency or person.
Based on the Tax Reform Act of Authorized by Division 74.3 of the ŠŠ Acquire, manage, convey, or ŠŠ Sell, lease, trade, or improve
1986, a commercial, agricultural, Municipal Code of the State of otherwise dispose of real and such real property as may be
industrial, or rental residential Illinois, a municipality may desig- personal property acquired acquired in connection with
building that goes under significant nate, after public hearings, an area pursuant to the provisions of a business district development or
rehabilitation, is income-producing, as a Business Development District development or redevelopment redevelopment plans
and certified as historic, may be (BDD). A BDD would allow the City to plan
eligible for a 20% tax credit. The levy up to an additional 1% retailers ŠŠ Expend such public funds
credit may be taken directly off the occupation tax, 1% hotel tax, and ŠŠ Apply for and accept capitals as may be necessary for the
federal income taxes owed by the 1% sales tax within a designated grants and loans from the planning, execution, and
property owner. This incentive helps district. Similar to a TIF district, a federal government and the implementation of the business
revitalize deteriorating neigh- BDD has a maximum life of 23 years. State of Illinois for business district plans
borhoods, increases the value of BDD legislation also permits munici- district development and
surrounding properties, promotes palities to utilize tax revenue growth redevelopment ŠŠ Create a Business
historic preservation and the reuse that has been generated by BDD District Development and
of the built environment, helps properties to fund improvements in ŠŠ Borrow funds as it may Redevelopment Commission
close financial gaps between project the district. be deemed necessary for to act as an agent for the
cost and return on investment, and the purpose of business municipality for the purpose of
brings back properties to tax rolls. Business district designation district development and business district development
The program is administered by the empowers a municipality to carry redevelopment, and in this and redevelopment
Preservation Services division of the out a business district development connection, issue such obligation
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency or redevelopment plan through the or revenue bonds as it shall be
for Illinois properties. following actions: deemed necessary, subject to
applicable statutory limitations

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 119

Subareas DRAFT
Economic Development ŠŠ At least 20% of the households Illinois Angel Investment Brownfield Tax Incentive
for Growing Economy Tax in the area receive assistance Credit Program The U.S. Environmental Protection
Credit Program (EDGE) under the Supplemental
The Illinois Angel Investment Credit Agency (EPA) offers the Brownfields
Nutrition Assistance Program
The Illinois EDGE program gives Program encourages investment Tax Incentive to help clean up former
(SNAP) for a period of at least
annual corporate tax credits to busi- into early-stage, innovative busi- industrial or commercial areas that
two consecutive calendar
nesses that create new employment nesses within the State of Illinois were abandoned due to concerns
years preceding the date of the
opportunities, capital investment, by offering tax credits to qualifying about environmental contamina-
application.
and improve standard of living for investors. The credits equal to 25% tion. To satisfy the contamination
their community members. The tax ŠŠ Average unemployment rate of the claimant’s investment made requirement, the taxpayer must
credit is equal to 50% of the income that is more than 120% of directly in a new business. The tax demonstrate that there has been
tax withholdings of the new busi- the national unemployment credit may not exceed the taxpayer's a release, threat of release, or
ness, or becomes 75% if the project average, for a period of at Illinois income tax liability for the disposal of a hazardous substance
is located in an “underserved area” least two consecutive calendar taxable year, but the credit may be at the property. Under the incentive,
that meets one of the following years preceding the date of the carried forward for up to 5 years environmental cleanup costs are
criteria: application. following the excess credit year. Tax fully deductible in the year incurred,
credits are allocated on a quarterly rather than capitalized and spread
ŠŠ Poverty rate of at least 20%. basis throughout the year and are over time.
awarded on a first-come, first-served
ŠŠ 75% or more of the children
basis. These investments prompted
in the area are eligible to
by this program provide new busi-
participate in the federal free
nesses with critical funds to support
lunch or reduced-price meals
their growth and success.
program for a period of at
least two consecutive calendar
years preceding the date of the
application.

120 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
TRANSPORTATION & Illinois Transportation Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) PARKS, TRAILS &
INFRASTRUCTURE Enhancement Program (ITEP) The SRTS program has provided OPEN SPACES
Fixing American’s Surface The Illinois Department of Trans- funding for the planning, design, Illinois Department of
Transportation Act portation (IDOT) administers the and construction of infrastructure Natural Resources
Illinois Transportation Enhancement related projects that will substan-
The FAST Act, a five-year trans- The Illinois Department of Natural
Program (ITEP) and has funded proj- tially improve the ability of students
portation reauthorization bill, was Resources (IDNR) administers
ects including bicycle and pedestrian to walk and bike to school, including:
established in December 2015 as a several grants-in-aid programs
facilities, streetscaping, landscaping,
replacement for the Moving Ahead to help municipalities and other
historic preservation, and projects ŠŠ Sidewalk improvements;
for Progress in the 21st Century local agencies provide a number of
that control or remove outdoor
(MAP-21) Act. The FAST Act, which is ŠŠ Traffic calming and speed public outdoor recreational areas
advertising. In the past, federal
implemented and administered by reduction improvements; and facilities. The programs operate
reimbursement has been available
the Federal Highway Administration on a cost reimbursement basis to
for up to 50% of the costs of right- ŠŠ Pedestrian and bicycle-crossing
(FHWA), aims to improve infrastruc- a government or non-for-profit
of-way and easement acquisition improvements;
ture, provide long-term certainty organization. Local governments
and 80% of the costs for preliminary
and increased flexibility for states can receive one grant per program
engineering, utility relocations, ŠŠ On-street bicycle facilities
and local governments, streamline per year, with no restrictions on the
construction engineering, and
project approval processes, and ŠŠ Off-street bicycle and pedestrian number of local governments that
construction costs.
encourage innovation to make the facilities; can be funded for a given location.
surface transportation system safer IDNR grants are organized into
and more efficient. It authorizes $305 ŠŠ Secure bicycle parking system; three major categories: Open Space
billion through 2020 for highway, and, Land Acquisition and Development
highway and motor vehicle safety, (OSLAD); Boat Access Area Develop-
motor carrier safety, rail, public ŠŠ Traffic diversion improvements ment (BAAD); and the Illinois Trails
transportation, hazardous materials in the vicinity of schools Grants Program.
safety, and technology, research, and
statistics programs. The City should
monitor the FAST Act as application
occurs to determine the full extent
of funding changes and implemen-
tation.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 121

Subareas DRAFT
Open Space Land Acquisition
& Development (OSLAD)
Land & Water Conservation
Fund (LWCF)
Illinois Bicycle Path Program IMPLEMENTATION
The federal Land & Water Conser-
The Illinois Bicycle Path Program
is a grants program administered
ACTION MATRIX
The OSLAD program awards up
vation Fund program (LWCF) is a by IDNR that provides funding The Implementation Action Matrix
to 50% of projects costs up to a
program with similar objectives assistance up to 50% to acquire and offers a comprehensive list of all
maximum of $750,000 for acquisi-
to the OSLAD program that is also develop land for public bicycle path implementation strategies, policies,
tion and $400,000 for development /
managed by IDNR. LWCF grants are purposes. Funded by a percentage of and recommendations contained
renovation of recreational facilities
available to municipalities, counties, vehicle title fees, maximum grants within the Galesburg Comprehensive
such as playgrounds, outdoor nature
and school districts to be used for awards are limited to $200,000 Plan. The matrix provides staff with
interpretive areas, campgrounds
outdoor recreation projects. Projects a tool to prioritize implementation
and fishing piers, park roads and
require a 50% match. All funded activities and projects over the life
paths, and beaches. IDNR adminis-
projects are taken under perpetuity of the plan. In addition, the matrix
ters five grant programs to provide
by the National Park Service and allows the City to approve specific,
financial assistance for the acquisi-
must only be used for outdoor recre- actionable items on an annual basis
tion, development, and maintenance
ational purposes. and evaluate progress based upon
of trails that are used for public
completed implementation strat-
recreation uses.
egies. The Implementation Action
Matrix offers a brief description
of each project and indicates the
following:

122 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
PRIORITY LEVEL EASE OF IMPLEMENTATION POTENTIAL
Priority is assigned considering the The ease of implementation is indi- PARTNERSHIPS
cost, ease of implementation and cated by a traditional grade scale Potential partnerships identifies
importance. Each strategy in the from A to F, with A being easiest to government bodies, civic organiza-
Implementation Action Matrix is implement and F being most diffi- tions, private entities, and other associ-
indicated with one of the following: cult to implement. This category is ations which may be able to provide
a collective indicator of the antici- assistance with the identify strategy
ŠŠ Priority 1: Near-term, low-cost, pated level of effort by responsible through coordination and cooperation.
easier to implement, critical parties, estimated cost, budget
opportunities, and general stake-
ŠŠ Priority 2: Mid-term, essential holder interest.
ŠŠ Priority 3: Long-term, desirable

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 123

Subareas DRAFT
 Recommendation Priority Ease Potential Partnerships
Chapter 5: Land Use
Where parcel sizes can accommodate, larger townhome/townhouse development should be promoted. 3 C Developers
Promote additional multifamily development to occur in a more coordinated and organized fashion, in areas
2 C Developers
identified as multifamily residential in the land use plan.
Continue to support the development of multifamily homes to promote affordable, diverse housing options
2 B Developers, Nonprofits
available to residents of various incomes and density around commercial corridors and bus routes.
Promote a variety of uses throughout Downtown, mixed within the same building (i.e. commercial on the Developers, Galesburg
2 C
ground floor, with residential above) where appropriate. Chamber of Commerce
Downtown should continue to contain a mix of land uses that reinforce its unique character, particularly Developers, Galesburg
1 A
mixed-use buildings. Chamber of Commerce
Heavier industrial uses capable of environmental, noise, and visual impacts on adjacent areas should be located
2 D
away forom the City’s established residential neighborhoods.
Utilities/Railroad uses can be unsightly and noisy and should be well buffered from adjacent residential proper-
2 D Railroad companies
ties whenever feasible.
Chapter 6: Housing & Residential Areas Plan
The application of citywide policies should be tailored to the needs and conditions of Galesburg’s various
2 C
neighborhoods and residential areas.
The City should monitor housing supply and population trends and projections to determine when and where
2 A
to support housing development and where not to do so.
Use tax credits to help developers build affordable units to meet the demand of lower-income households. 2 C Developers
Increase funding available for the demolition of blighted homes to help quicken community revitalization. 3 D
Provide incentives for developers to purchase lots or blighted homes within Galesburg’s mature neighborhood
2 C Developers
and other developable properties, such as an increased or extended property tax abatement.
Utilize middle housing options such as duplexes, triplexes, multiplexes, and courtyard apartments, and town-
2 C Developers
houses, to provide more affordable housing options throughout Galesburg.
Promote the missing middle housing options (attached single-family and multifamily) on infill parcels within
2 C Developers
single-family neighborhoods to increase density and maintain neighborhood character.
Prioritize the rehabilitation of vacant housing over its demolishing to demonstrate the City’s commitment to
2 C Developers
neighborhood improvements and to avoid increasing the amount of vacant land in neighborhoods.
Encourage new development and infill development that is complementary to the scale and character of
1 B Developers
surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Consider infill development sites as an opportunity to promote development that can strengthen, elevate, and
1 A
contribute to, the city’s mature neighborhoods.

124 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
 Recommendation Priority Ease Potential Partnerships
Identify and market sites for priority infill or redevelopment that will contribute to the vitality and character of Galesburg Chamber of
1 A
Galesburg. Commerce
In accordance with Illinois State Statute, consider the use of forced annexation to better control properties that
3 C
threaten the quality and character of incorporated neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Where annexation is not immediately beneficial, implement annexation agreements with unincorporated prop-
2 C
erty owners in order to ensure that the long-term goals and objectives of this Plan can be attained.
Work with property owners and developers to annex adjacent unincorporated areas as they are developed,
2 C Property owners, Developers
using annexation agreement negotiations to achieve other Plan recommendations.
Develop a “brick streets” plan to establish priorities, identify acceptable maintenance practices, and define
2 B Planning consultant
areas where the City’s historic brick streets should be preserved and/or restored.
Restore historic homes to celebrate the City’s history and to improve the character of the City’s existing neigh-
2 D Property owners, Developers
borhood.
Encourage owners of historic properties to apply for the National Register of Historic Places to further enhance
3 A Property owners
and market Galesburg rich history.
Consider limiting manufactured homes/mobile homes to Galesburg’s formalized and planned mobile home
2 B
parks.
Work with the City’s mobile home park operators to ensure mobile home parks remain safe, healthy and attrac-
2 C Property owners/managers
tive.
Utilize the Single-Family Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Grant to help single-family homeowners restore their
2 C Property owners
property to its original historic character.
Promote the use of the Property Tax Assessment Freeze for historic-home rehabilitation to assist property owners
2 C Property owners
reinvest in their home and their neighborhood.
Recognize the importance of developing additional senior housing within the community to accommodate the Developers, Senior citizen
2 C
City’s existing and future senior population. organizations
Support the development and use of all types of housing, including single-family detached, attached, or multi-
2 B Developers
family dwellings for senior housing.
Promote the development of senior housing in areas within close proximity to transit, goods, and services, such
2 C Developers, Galesburg Transit
as Downtown.
Prioritize for-sale and renter units at prices affordable for households with lower incomes. 2 D Developers, Nonprofits
Utilize the Unmet Housing Demand tables and maps to determine the number of housing units that can be built
1 A
at specific value and rental rate ranges in certain areas of the City.
Create a development brochure to give to potential developers when they inquire about housing projects in
3 A
Galesburg as a starting point for what the City needs for residential development.

City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan 125

Subareas DRAFT
 Recommendation Priority Ease Potential Partnerships
Promote the development of lofts on upper floors above businesses in Downtown Galesburg. 2 D Property owners, Developers
Chapter 7: Commercial Areas Plan
Work with healthcare and social service providers to create a marketing campaign to direct potential employees Healthcare and social service
2 A
to apply to them and bring people to Galesburg. providers
Communicate regularly with business and property owners to understand their issues and needs and how the
3 B
City can help address them.
Knox College, Carl Sand-
Foster a partnership between businesses, especially healthcare and social service providers, and local colleges
burg College, USD #205,
and universities to create a technical training program to develop a skilled workforce to meet employers’ needs. 2 D
Healthcare and social service
Utilize this same partnership to develop more internship programs in Galesburg.
providers
Redevelop the Sandburg Mall property as mixed-use residential, convention center, or institutional campus to
3 D Developers
utilize its prominence in the area.
Businesses owners, Galesburg
Chamber of Commerce, Knox
Work to ensure that employment is spread evenly throughout industries to help prevent large-scale job loss. 2 D
County Area Partnership for
Economic Development
Redevelop unused and underused parking lots in commercial areas to reduce dead space and provide greater
3 C Property owners, Developers
development opportunities in Galesburg.
Amend the zoning code to adjust to parking maximums that prevent excess and unnecessary parking spaces. 1 A
Continue to partner with the Galesburg Downtown Council (GDC) to provide Downtown businesses with the
Galesburg Downtown Council
Downtown Facade Redevelopment Grant. Consider expanding it to other commercial businesses outside of 1 C
(GDC)
Downtown when appropriate.
Create a marketing campaign about the benefits of moving to Galesburg to incentivize workers commuting into
3 A
the City to become residents.
Provide new retail and entertainment opportunities in Galesburg to capitalize on the increasing incomes across
2 C
the City.
Modify zoning regulations to require parking lot screening and interior landscaping. 2 A
Consider parking maximums to avoid large expanses of parking allowing for denser areas of commercial devel-
3 B
opment.
Minimize conflict points along Henderson Street by reducing or consolidating curb cuts, enhancing on-site
2 C
circulation between adjacent sites, and using intersecting streets for access to commercial sites.
Create design guidelines for regional commercial areas to elevate their appearance. 1 A

126 City of Galesburg Comprehensive Plan

DRAFT Subareas
 Recommendation Priority Ease Potential Partnerships
Ensure that regional commercial areas are well connected to transit by expanding stops and lengthening hours
2 D Galesburg Transit
of operation to include evenings and weekends.
Consider connections from transit stops to the front entrances of regional commercial uses with safe and direct
3 B Business and property owners
paths for pedestrians.
Appropriately manage access to sites along local commercial corridors through curb cut consolidation,
3 C
cross-access easements, and access from side streets and alleys.
Evaluate current parking requirements to the amount of on-site parking that can be accommodated, taking into
3 A
account lot size and configuration, required landscaping, and the relationship to surrounding uses.
Amend zoning regulations to require parking lot screening and landscaping to improve residential compatibility
2 A
and enhance the appearance of local commercial corridors.
Require commercial development to be fully accessible for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists,
2 C Property owners, Developers
and transit riders.
Modernize the City’s aging shopping centers through improved signage, landscaping, access and circulation, Shopping center businesses
3 C
modern tenant spaces/layouts, building orientation and visibility, outlots, and parking lot maintenance. and owners
Carefully review proposals for businesses interested in locating in the neighborhood commercial designation,
2 A
carefully examining hours of operation and intensity of use.
Establish design guidelines for local commercial uses to help maintain the character of a neighborhood. 3 A
Explore implementing a façade improvement program for businesses outside of Downtown to assist other key Galesburg Downtown Council
2 C
businesses in making appropriate improvements that meet City requirements and guidelines. (GDC)
Consistently enforce codes and ordinances to ensure Galesburg is attractive and welcoming to residents and
1 A
visitors alike.
Consistently regulate permitted uses within the CBD zoning district to maintain active storefronts on the ground
2 A
floor and public spaces throughout Downtown.
Locate Downtown development at, or near, the front property lines fronting the street to create a “street wall” Business and property owners,
2 C
that encourages walkability and help establish a safe and attractive pedestrian environment. Developers
Utilize existing alleys as a way of providing access to parking areas and assisting with circulation throughout
2 B
Downtown.
Continue to provide centralized parking areas that meet the demands of local businesses and reduce the need
2 B
for intermittent lots that compromise the character of the Downtown.
Encourage the development of an appropriate intensity and character in surrounding neighborhoods that
2 A
supports an active and vibrant Downtown environment.
Install wayfinding signage along Main Street to improve the prominence of Downtown. 3 B

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Install gateway signs on Main Street before the I-74 overpass and at the intersection of Main Street and West
3 B
Street to welcome visitors and mark the entrance of Downtown.
Local organizations and busi-
Host more community and special events in Downtown to help reinforce the area as a community focal point. 3 A
nesses
Acquire and assemble parcels within Downtown as opportunities present themselves to facilitate larger, more
2 D
catalytic, redevelopment.
Utilize the Downtown Façade Redevelopment Grant Program to help improve storefronts of Downtown busi- Galesburg Downtown Council
2 C
ness. (GDC)
Eliminate curb cuts and drive-thrus on Main Street to prevent disruption of the pedestrian environment. 2 C
Galesburg Downtown Council
Continue working with the Galesburg Downtown Council to revitalize Downtown Galesburg. 1 A
(GDC)
Locate wayfinding signage throughout Downtown, particularly at the railroad station to direct residents and
3 A
visitors to key places throughout the area.
Continue to work closely with the Knox County Area Partnership to market Galesburg’s available, high-quality Knox County Area Partnership
1 A
industrial spaces. for Economic Development
Market vacant industrial properties to startups and small businesses, particularly in the technology sector to take Knox County Area Partnership
2 A
advantage of growing trends and industries. for Economic Development
Work with property owners and developers to identify industrial buildings that could be adaptively reused as
2 A Property owners, Developers
residential and other commercial property as well.
Ensure that existing and future industrial areas have direct, uninhibited access to rail lines and major highways for
3 C Railroad companies
material reception and product distribution.
Screen industrial areas from differing adjacent uses and enforce stricter buffering requirements to address this
2 B Business and property owners
issue.
Plan for the long-term separation of incompatible land uses, working cooperatively with existing industrial busi-
nesses which operate within/or adjacent to residential neighborhoods to relocate to more suitable industrial 3 D Business and property owners
sites elsewhere in Galesburg.
Chapter 8: Transportation
Extend Carl Sandburg Drive east, connecting the route with Farnham Street, and reconstruct Farnham Street
3 D
north of Bluebird Street to match the “urban” pavement section south of Bluebird Street.
Consolidate access drives and provide more inter-access connections between businesses. 2 C
Place bus stops on the "far side" of intersections to reduce congestion. 3 B Galesburg Transit
Post bus schedule and route location map inside bus stops that provide covered waiting areas. 3 A Galesburg Transit
Increase the operating hours of all bus routes by one hour, from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. 2 C Galesburg Transit

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Give WestMain Street from Henderson Street westward to Linwood Road a "road diet," which would effectively
reduce the amount of travel lanes down from two in each direction to one in each direction with a center left- 2 D
turn lane and bicycle lanes.
Maintain Broad Street and other brick roadways to provide motorists with safe conditions of travel. 2 C
Implement bicycle lanes along West Main Street and East Main Street to help improve the number of east/west
3 C
bicycle route connections throughout the City.
Update Log City Trail to a full width hard surface roadway that provides bicycle lanes or an off-street trail. 3 C Parks & Recreation Department
Consider the creation of a bike-share program. 3 C
Construct a 10-12 foot wide Carl Sandburg Trail that would provide a “loop” around the City with smaller 6-8
3 D
foot connector trails that traverse east/west and north/south.
Chapter 9: Community Facilities
Foster collaboration between CUSD 205, Carl Sandburg College, and Knox College to develop educational CUSD #205, Carl Sandburg
1 B
initiatives and programs for CUSD students to help them remain in Galesburg. College, Knox College
Partner with the GAVC to work with local employers and students to identify programs and skills that should be
2 A GAVC
improved and expanded to meet their needs.
Utilize Galesburg Heart & Soul’s “Trains, Planes & Ferris Wheels” theme developed in the organization’s action
3 A Galesburg Heart & Soul
plan to promote City pride in Galesburg schools.
Begin and complete construction of the new public library to be located on Main Street. 2 B Galesburg Public Library
The library should consider a more central location and adaptive reuse for its new facility. 3 D Galesburg Public Library
Continue replacing privately owned lead water service lines to residences as funding is available. 1 B Galesburg Sanitary District
Knox Advocates for Recycling
Implement green infrastructure practices as a more sustainable way to provide water to residents and busi-
3 C and Environmental Sustain-
nesses.
ability (K.A.R.E.S.)
Rehabilitate the existing Street Division building with a new roof, siding, insulation, heating, electrical, and
1 C Galesburg Street Division
sprinkler system to provide a better space for equipment and offices.
Consider opportunities to expand the police force to help address the increase in emergency calls and provide
3 D Galesburg Police Department
equitable and complete service to all community members.
Research funding sources to hire additional police officers. 3 A Galesburg Police Department
Regularly monitor the need for an additional fire station throughout the life of the Comprehensive Plan. 3 A Galesburg Fire Department
Assist the Correctional Center in the appropriate capacity as the need arises, such as permitting for the replace-
3 C Hill Correctional Center
ment of watchtowers or a general expansion of the facility.
Support the additional treatment processes at the wastewater treatment plant. 1 B Galesburg Sanitary District

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Continue routine sewer line replacements and upgrades. 2 B Galesburg Sanitary District
Research funding sources to help address flooding due to infiltration and the anticipated low discharge limits for
2 A Galesburg Sanitary District
nutrients affecting the stormwater and wastewater systems.
Utilize green infrastructure techniques to help improve the City’s watersheds. 3 C (K.A.R.E.S.)
Continue to work with the various utility providers in the City to ensure all Galesburg residents and business
2 C Utility Providers
have high-quality access to their services.
Partner with Bridgeway and other mental health service providers to enhance and expand these services for all
2 C Bridgeway
Galesburg community members.
Work with all healthcare providers to develop a healthy food program to educate residents about the impor-
3 A Healthcare providers
tance of good nutrition and healthy food options.
Support the expansion and renovation of Galesburg Cottage Hospital as needed to help improve and increase
3 C Galesburg Cottage Hospital
its services in the City.
Collaborate with the Galesburg Cottage Hospital to identify strategies for marketing the City and the Hospital to
3 A Galesburg Cottage Hospital
potential employees both locally and nationally.
Chapter 11: Parks & Recreation
See the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for a detailed implementation procedure.
Chapter 12: Sustainability Framework
To support a sustainable and resilient Galesburg both near- and longer-term, the recommended approach is to
3 D Developers, (K.A.R.E.S.)
incorporate “green infrastructure” practices into each land use and redevelopment scenario.
Natural areas should be identified and prioritized as open space uses as development occurs in the undevel-
3 C Parks & Recreation Department
oped areas of the City. They should be linked as an open space network where possible.
Use capital projects currently planned within the City to demonstrate green infrastructure applications in order
3 C Various City departments
to catalyze implementation.
Use Knox College and its sustainability program as a resource when constructing green buildings and green
3 C Knox College
infrastructure in the future.
Developers, Carl Sandberg
College, Galesburg Commu-
Private development and redevelopment should be encouraged and incentivized to incorporate green infra- nity Foundation, Growing
structure practices more aggressively. Demonstration applications should be monitored for performance and 3 D Together, Inc., (K.A.R.E.S.),
acceptance and adapted to the City’s priorities. Knox County Area Partnership
for Economic Development,
KnoxCorps
Through the establishment of a green infrastructure subcommittee and/or sustainability coordinator, the City
should have a voice in regional policies, programs, and incentives relative to development and land manage- 2 C
ment practices enhanced through green infrastructure.

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 Recommendation Priority Ease Potential Partnerships
Develop and implement a long-term operations and management plan for Green Infrastructure throughout the
2 B
City.
Promote, encourage, and incentivize restorative farming practices and agricultural operations within the City
3 B K.A.R.E.S., Local farmers
and adjacent areas.
Update applicable development standards, codes, ordinances, and guidelines to encourage, incentivize, and
1 A
regulate conservation-based Green Infrastructure practices throughout the City.
Developers, Parks & Recreation
Apply green roofs, permeable paving, street trees, bioretention, naturalized swales, naturalized detention,
3 D Department, Public Works
cisterns, water discharge reduction, and onsite wastewater treatment as means of storm water management.
Department

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