An open space corridor for New Lenox will be added to the village’s comprehensive plan, officials said.
Consultant Chris Lannert is to develop a plan that will link a network of green spaces that will connect all areas of the community.
“We want to find a way to pull these elements together. It doesn’t matter if it takes 20 years,” Lannert said.
The plan also will pinpoint areas such as flood plains that should not be developed.
“That is a very real, practical benefit and an environmental benefit,” planning and development administrator Carrie Hansen said.
The Old Plank Road Trail, a recreational trail created on a former railroad right-of-way, is due to be extended into New Lenox this year and would be part of such a greenway.
The scope of the study includes collecting data about the kinds of open space, including wetlands and rivers as well as flood plains, parkland and subdivision open space.
A public hearing will be held in July to discuss the plan, officials said.