CMAP Planning Grant Awarded to Morton Grove

Morton Grove, IL, March 24, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Morton Grove Village Trustees and Action Party Candidates Shel Marcus, John C. Thill, and Maria S. Toth are pleased to announce that Morton Grove has received a grant worth $50,000 for long-term planning in the Village’s industrial areas. Morton Grove’s Industrial Areas Plan Initiative was identified as a priority project by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). As a result, CMAP will work with the Village and community groups to prepare a plan for the Village’s industrial areas, including potential future land-use scenarios.

This project has an estimated value of $50,000. Many times, municipalities pay consultants to prepare community land-use plans, or hire additional staff to do so. Since CMAP will take on this role with grant funds it has received, the financial burden is removed from the Village of Morton Grove.

CMAP’s award notification letter identified that there were 220 applications for funding from around the region for a variety of projects. John Said, Director of Community and Economic Development for the Village, noted that this key win for Morton Grove is a no-cost way to help the community determine how to best manage its industrial areas in the future. “We believe that communities such as Morton Grove (with built-up environments) merit more attention to address future trends and possible changes in their towns,” Said explained.

Morton Grove Mayor Daniel Staackmann commented, “This is an opportunity for Morton Grove to have a proactive plan for the future of our industrial properties, and to utilize the resources and expertise of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.”

Public meetings will be scheduled to obtain resident and business input once the planning process gets underway. Morton Grove Village officials stress that residents, businesses, and interested parties are encouraged to participate in the planning process. Said also identified groups such as the Economic Development Commission, Plan Commission, and Morton Grove Chamber Board of Directors as key participants in this process.

Candidates Marcus, Thill, and Toth cite the professionalism of the Village’s application as a key component in Morton Grove receiving this grant. Economic development is a key plank in the Action Party candidates’ platform for re-election.

The Action Party, a grassroots Morton Grove-based political party, prides itself in the fact that its members are non-partisan – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – who are dedicated to providing the Village of Morton Grove with experienced, independent, and dedicated leadership.

Look for more information about the Action Party of Morton Grove, its candidates and accomplishments, and the upcoming April 5 election on: www.actionparty.org. Follow the Action Party’s Facebook page (Action Party of Morton Grove). Email the Action Party at contact@actionparty.org.

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