2021 Comprehensive Plan

The Village of Tower Lakes has a seven member Plan Commission whose members are appointed to five-year terms by the Village president, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

The Plan Commission meets at 7:00 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (as necessary) at the Village Office. Virtual Webex meetings have been held recently due to Covid 19. Plan Commission Meeting Agendas are posted at the Village Hall door at least 48 hours before every meeting. The Plan Commission has all the duties and powers conferred upon plan commissions by the statutes of the State of Illinois, the Zoning Ordinance of the Village, and such additional duties and powers as may be conferred from time to time by the Village Board.

The Plan Commission is responsible for creating and updating the Comprehensive Plan approximately as needed. The Comprehensive Plan is an official policy document to guide growth and development in the Village. It is designed to assist current and future Village Boards to make decisions that take into account the needs of its residents. The Comprehensive Plan creates a long-range vision for the community to improve the Village while preserving the character of the area. The Comprehensive Plan assists the Village Board to make educated planning decisions.

Specifically the plan:

• Acts as a guide for Village development and policy decisions
• Asks for and encourages resident input to set goals and priorities
• Attempts to coordinate and prioritize projects that have the most positive impact on residents’ lives
• Provides for the well-being of the entire community

Throughout 2018 and 2019 the Plan Commission interviewed Village Board trustees in order to help guide the vision of the Comprehensive Plan going forward. An online Resident Survey was sent out in early 2020. From survey responses, the Plan Commission learned where the community stands on certain issues and what residents view as the most important priorities moving forward. Village trustees were interviewed regarding their areas of expertise and responsibility. Trustees discussed issues under their oversight pertaining to the history, present circumstances, and their vision of the future for Tower Lakes.

The Comprehensive Plan includes a community profile and sections highlighting land use, facilities, utilities, and services, public health and safety, economic development, housing, transportation, and environmental stewardship. It also includes the survey data and analyses from the 2020 resident survey.