Itasca board directs designers to pursue one‑way Orchard and wider sidewalk as preferred streetscape

The Village of Itasca on June 3 directed designers to move forward in the next phase of design with a streetscape plan for Orchard and Maple streets that favors option 3 — a one‑way eastbound circulation on Orchard combined with a wider sidewalk and an amenity zone — while preserving the option to convert back to two‑way traffic later.

Consultants from Hitchcock Design Group presented three preliminary options for the blocks adjacent to the Itasca Station development. Tim King of Hitchcock Design Group said the firm was asked to “take a look at the streetscape” and presented an "optimized" rebuild (option 1), a parallel‑parking scenario that prioritizes space for trees and outdoor dining (option 2) and a one‑way system that preserves parking while maximizing sidewalk width (option 3). He said, in option 1, the design would provide "a clear walking zone of about 6 feet 6 inches," option 2 would deliver an 11‑foot clear walk plus an 8‑foot amenity zone for trees and furnishings, and option 3 would provide about a 12 foot 6 inch clear walk with the same 8‑foot amenity zone.

Why it matters: board members said they want a more pedestrian‑friendly downtown…