Residents Sound Off on Wish List for Grayslake Improvements

Grayslake has a lot to offer its residents.

But, as we know, no city is perfect. And there is still room for improvement, even in Grayslake.

We recently took to the Grayslake Patch Facebook page to learn what needs to be changed or improved in Grayslake. The responses were well-thought and diverse.

Finding a way to deal with train traffic woes in the village was a popular response. Some suggested more overpasses could help with that issue.

“I agree about the trains. Can’t we charge Canadian National when they stop?” Cindy Gwozdz Mittlestaedt said.

Several wanted to see Route 83 in downtown Grayslake widened.

“Expand 83 in downtown Grayslake, and do something to improve the way that area looks,” Rachael Rezek suggested as an improvement option.

Many also wanted to see improved bike paths and sidewalks to allow for children and adults to bike safely through the village.

“A walking and bike path that runs from Atkinson to Lancer on Washington would be excellent,” said Kate Getka. “I see too many people trying to ride their bikes or walk to campus & to the savannah. It’s too dangerous.”

“....we definitely need sidewalks or bike paths all through our town,” Kate Getka added. “They spent the money to print a bike map years ago, but we can’t even ride our bike to the new park on Allegheny.”

Several others would like to see more businesses downtown.

“ Downtown Grayslake is not really a destination. Competition creates more opportunity,” Jackie Magidson Nayyer said.

As for specific businesses, residents would like to see the following additions to Grayslake: a Trader Joe’s, a Panera Bread located at the former Hardee’s on Route 83 and Center, a bowling alley, a banquet hall and another grocery store ”with great prices.”

You can see all the comments on the Grayslake Patch Facebook page.