Governor Ryan Announces 2002 Illinois Tomorrow Award Winners for Outstanding Balanced Growth Efforts

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. --- Governor George H. Ryan today presented the second annual "Illinois Tomorrow Awards," recognizing outstanding examples of balanced growth initiatives by ten government and community organizations.

"The communities and organizations recognized today are being honored for demonstrating leadership in revitalizing older areas, providing open space, and planning for sensible growth that respects quality of life," said Governor Ryan.

Those honored include:

• Bethel New Life, Inc. for redevelopment of St. Anne's Hospital on the west side of Chicago;

• The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development for the Calumet Area Land Use Plan;

• Naperville Park District, for its Open Space and Recreation Master Plan;

• Neighborspace, for acquisition of open space in Chicago;

• Renaissance Initiative, Inc. for its Urban Neighborhood Redevelopment Project in Danville;

• Town of Normal for its Downtown Renewal Plan;

• Urbana Park District for its Site Master Plan to Acquire Open Spaces;

• City of Champaign for its Campustown Infrastructure Reconstruction and Streetscape;

• City of Washington and CH2M Hill for the city's Comprehensive Plan; and

• Village of Orland Park for its Open Lands Park Commission and Open Lands of Orland Park Fund.

Governor Ryan launched his Illinois Tomorrow initiative more than two years ago to coordinate state, local and private sector partnerships for growth and regeneration that improves the environment and quality of life for Illinois citizens.

"The award winners are true role models for the Illinois Tomorrow principles," said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano.

The Illinois Tomorrow principles include reduction of traffic congestion; preservation of open space; reinvestment and redevelopment; quality of life; and local government partnership.

A review panel composed of representatives of various public and private agencies and organizations evaluated the award applications. The awards are in four categories: development or redevelopment project; policy or planning initiative; natural resource conservation; and state-of-the-art advancements.