New Year Means New Development Projects for Glen Ellyn, Wheaton

A new year is upon us. Here is a look at what big changes are in store for Glen Ellyn and Wheaton in 2016:

Downtown Wheaton Development

The village of Wheaton continues to map out its next steps for downtown development as public officials are ready to see some public improvements, according to the Naperville Sun. A village plan includes the addition of a central park and “festival streets,” which would allow for outdoor dining and use for public events. Residents have told the village they would like to see more retail shops and restaurants in the downtown area, according to the article.

Glenbard West Science Wing

A three-story $16.5 million science wing is expected to be completed for the 2016-17 school year and will include eight new science labs, a green roof and a chiller plant that will bring air conditioning tot he entire school, the Chicago Tribune reports.

New Glen Ellyn Police Station

Village officials are planning for a $13.5 million, 30,000-square foot police station near Panfish Park to be constructed in 2016 with plans to open the new police station in 2017, according to the Chicago Tribune. More information on the police department project can be found on the village of Glen Ellyn website.

Potential New Location for the Taste of Glen Ellyn

The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce plans to host its annual Taste of Glen Ellyn from May 19 through 22 and has proposed a new location for this special event. The chamber is hoping to have the event in the downtown commuter parking lot located south of the railroad tracks between Main Street and Park Boulevard. The western half of the parking lot would be closed during the event.

The chamber will be requesting official approval from the village board on Jan. 18 at the Civic Center, 535 Duane Street at 6:30 p.m.