Hinsdale maps multi-zone pedestrian study; commissioners ask consultant to capture school walking corridors

Matthew Lou, the Village Engineer, presented draft neighborhood zones for the village's multi-year pedestrian and traffic safety plan being produced with consultant KLOA. The plan divides Hinsdale into prioritized study areas; zone 1 (the downtown central business district) is nearing completion, and subsequent zones are intended to focus on neighborhoods around public elementary schools and other high-priority pedestrian corridors.

Commissioners and residents asked staff to refine zone boundaries so the study captures actual walking routes used by students and residents rather than relying solely on rectangular map boundaries. Several speakers noted that routes to Hinsdale Middle School and pedestrian corridors such as Washington Street, the Third Street approach near HMS and the Ogden/Madison crossing are either partially included or excluded by the current draft boundaries and should be added or adjusted. President Greg Hart and staff said the zone map is flexible and that staff will gather suggested block-level adjustments before finalizing zone 2. Lou said the project is expected to proceed roughly one zone per year as budget allows and that staff will coordinate with KLOA to incorporate commissioner feedback.

The commission asked staff to collect written suggestions from members and the public on specific blocks to add to zone 2 and to return to the commission with updated boundaries and a community-engagement plan.