Plan commission hears updates on downtown master plan, Star Innovation District RFQ and upcoming commissioner appointments
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Summary
Staff told the Plan and Zoning Commission the downtown master plan consultant selection is pending Regional Transportation Authority sign‑off, the Star Innovation District RFQ was issued and due May 2, and two long‑serving commissioners — Bill Maloney and Janine Wheeler — will be replaced after May 7 appointments.
LOCKPORT, Ill. — At its April 8 meeting, the City of Lockport Plan and Zoning Commission received staff updates on a pending downtown master‑plan consulting selection, the Star Innovation District request for qualifications (RFQ) and an upcoming change in commission membership.
Planning staff said final negotiations are complete for the downtown master plan consultant selected through the Regional Transportation Authority and that the city will announce the selected finalist once the RTA director reviews and signs the agreement. "We'll be able to announce that selected finalist once the director of the RTA has reviewed the proposal and approved it," staff said.
Staff also reported that the Star Innovation District RFQ was issued to a select group of pre‑vetted companies engaged in the data center industry; questions are open for two weeks and the RFQ responses are due back May 2. Staff expected to narrow proposals to two or three teams and then move to a request for proposals to examine detailed project plans. "We should know by later in June who will ultimately get selected," staff said.
The commission also heard announcements about membership. Mayor Street and the chairman recognized Commissioners Bill Maloney and Janine Wheeler for their years of service; both will leave the commission and two new commissioners will be appointed by the City Council on May 7. Staff said sessions are scheduled later in April to onboard the new appointees and to offer a Plan and Zoning Commission orientation so the new commissioners can review packets and be prepared for the May 13 commission meeting.
Mayor Street thanked both commissioners and noted the experience they brought to the commission. The chairman and others also noted the commission's role in shaping local development and thanked Maloney and Wheeler for long service.
No formal action on the RFQ or the downtown master plan occurred at the meeting; both items were presented as informational updates and will return for later action as procurement steps progress.
