Joliet Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Meeting - April 1, 2026\n\nThe Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) met on April 1, 2026, to review engagement results from the second community workshop, discuss the draft plan outline and key policy recommendations, and receive staff updates. The committee approved the February 4, 2026 meeting minutes and adjourned. Major discussion centered on housing diversity, code enforcement, and the framing of affordable housing strategies.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- Approval of Minutes: The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes from February 4, 2026 were approved. Motion by Nora Gruenberg, seconded by Elaine Bottomley. Vote: 11 ayes (D'Arcy, Cardenas, Bottomley, Dorris, Gruenberg, O'Hara, Pryor, Roolf, Rouse, Walker, Zdunich), 0 nays, 4 abstentions (Howard, Martin, Randich, Rico), 1 absent (Parker). Passed.\n\n### Discussion Items\n- Community Workshop #2 & Character Area Online Engagement: Consultant Katrina Balog reported that the in-person workshop had approximately 100 attendees, and the online component garnered over 160 additional responses (total ~260). Preliminary feedback by character area: Joliet Mall – desire for mixed-use destination with multifamily housing and family-friendly entertainment; Ridge Road – balanced development with parks, plazas, and safe pedestrian/bike infrastructure; Cass Street & Henderson Avenue – build on history and culture, preserve Darrell's flea market, add affordable grocery; Chicago & McDonough – neighborhood revitalization, improved amenities, healthcare facilities, welcome signage, and river access. Consultant Lesley Roth noted that character area plans will be conceptual diagrams showing land use and development patterns, not specific building typologies. Committee members discussed the importance of a robust communication plan to increase participation. Chairman Roolf emphasized outreach to neighborhood groups.\n- Draft Plan Outline: Lesley Roth presented the structure of the draft comprehensive plan, including seven priorities: Strong Neighborhoods & Housing Stability, Economic Development & Local Investment, Quality of Life & Community Identity, Land Use & Future Development, Transportation & Mobility, Environment & Natural Resources, Utilities & Infrastructure. For each priority, preliminary strategies were outlined; specific actions will be added later.\n\n A lengthy discussion arose over the wording of Strategy 2 under Strong Neighborhoods: originally "Expand affordable and middle-income housing options to meet diverse needs and prevent displacement." Committee member expressed concerns that the term "affordable" carries stigma and that the city needs diverse housing options across all income levels, not just affordable and middle-income. Some advocated for renaming to "Expand housing options for all" or "Expand housing options to meet diverse needs." Others insisted on retaining affordability language to ensure those needs are addressed. The committee also debated the role of rentals, code enforcement, and the need for proactive inspection. Consultant clarified that the order of strategies is arbitrary and that actions will provide specificity. The committee will continue to provide feedback on the outline.\n- Staff Reports: Dustin (staff) updated on Urban3 economic analysis (presentation scheduled for early June), Downtown Joliet Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) Zoning Project (open house possibly in June, zoning package by end of 2026), I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan (trail network design), Bicentennial Bluffs Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan (next community meeting June 4), Historic Preservation Month (awards nominations due April 10), and Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study (nearing completion). New administrative assistant Kelsey Karpinski introduced.\n- Member Comments: Chairman Roolf recommended committee members attend neighborhood group meetings to promote plan engagement. Dr. Rouse announced open houses at Hufford and Gompers schools (April 18) and Marshall Elementary (May 27). Damon Zdunich shared Joliet history. Jen Howard invited attendance at the U.S. Civics Bee Regional Competition (April 28). Juan Rico invited interest in trades careers at Joliet Electrical Training Center.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Approved February 4, 2026 meeting minutes.\n- Committee will submit additional feedback on the draft plan outline and strategies to staff/consultants.\n- Committee members encouraged to conduct outreach to neighborhood associations and groups.\n- Next steps: Consultants will develop actions and prioritize strategies; implementation plan will include cost estimates and roles.\n- Staff will continue work on Urban3 presentation, ETOD zoning, and other projects.\n- Meeting adjourned after a motion by Steven Randich, seconded by Jen Howard, unanimously approved.