Roscoe trustees plan for improvements to the Main Street District

ROSCOE, Ill. (WTVO) — Roscoe trustees revealed a rough timetable for the city’s plan for improvements to the Main Street District on Tuesday.

City leaders said upscaling Main Street is crucial in creating a different identity for Roscoe.

“Everyone is seeking to get to the goal, that is to have Roscoe have a reputation of not just a pass-through community, bedroom community,” said Village of Roscoe President Carol Gustafson. “So let’s make it holistic. Not only do people live here, but they want to play here, eat here.”

The multi-million dollar project will be completed in sections. Some sections getting worked on and completed this year and other aspects may take years to be completed.

“Putting in the multi-use public space, bridge and main, that is coming,” said Gustafson. “[Those] should be online by the end of October.”

In the spring of 2025, the pop-up shop section should be complete and the mayor said the build-up of downtown could take a few years with its expense.

“So, it’s safety and it’s also beautification and is also providing for greater buildout,” said Gustafson.

The planning session for Roscoe trustees was one of few to take place hoping to get community feedback. Many neighbors who live close to the changes have pointed out possible parking and noise issues.

“Really helping to create and establish a vision,” said Place Foundry CEO David A. Sidney. “But ultimately how do we execute on that vision and become working together with residents and property owners to create a very vibrant Main Street experience here?”

“So it’s an opportunity to generate some enthusiasm as well as inform and answer any questions,” Gustafson explained. “Also, we solicit feedback, particularly from those neighbors that are in close proximity to the hub.”

The pop-up market project is going to be worked on with the help of Hononegah High School Construction Trades students.

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