The planning commission studied and discussed at length the physical, economic, and social conditions of Morris in projecting what the future of the City should be. As a result they developed a set of goals, objectives, and policies for: general development, land use, housing and residential development, historic preservation, commercial development, public utilities, community facilities, open space and recreation, and ongoing planning.To receive additional public input a public meeting was March 27, 2002, to discuss a draft of the goals, objectives, and policies. This was a participatory meeting in which the residents were asked to take an active role reviewing the goals, objectives, and policies. Citizens were also asked to offer any suggestions for how to improve the policies that would later be implemented. The residents were asked to try to foresee how the city will develop and/or how they want the city to develop in the future while reviewing the proposed future land use maps.

This Comprehensive Plan is a working document. The purpose of the plan is to help City officials in making day-to-day decisions. The plan will serve as a guide for many public decisions, especially land use changes and preparation of capital improvements programs. The Comprehensive Plan will be a guide on which zoning and subdivision decisions are based. The plan is very important because as elected and appointed officials change over the years, the plan will be there to guide the new officials towards the vision of the City of Morris.

The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year vision for the City of Morris. Although the Morris Comprehensive Plan is a complete and final document, the comprehensive planning process is never complete. In the future, changing conditions will require reassessment of various parts of the plan. The plan should be reviewed and updated periodically, either as a whole or by section, as needed.

The Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific railroad was constructed and opened for service in 1851. It was not until 1853 that passenger service on the Pacific railroad was opened to Morris.The speed and efficiency of train service surpassed the canal and quickly took over as the transportation of choice.Barge and freight traffic, however, continued to utilize the canal, which allowed for business growth in Chicago as well as Morris. Morris was the largest inland grain port and was said to ship sixteen million bushels a year.

Religious services in Morris date back to the 1840’s. Public buildings and homes were commonly utilized until permanent church buildings were made available. Over the century, these buildings have been built, some destroyed, expanded, rebuilt, and restored. In 1927, there were eight churches of the following denominations: Baptist, Federated (Congregational and Presbyterian), Methodist Episcopal, Free Methodist, Norwegian Lutheran, Christian Science, and Roman Catholic. Since then, a number of churches have been established. The following is a list of over twenty churches that serve the Morris community:

The Fire King Engine Company was the first fire department in Morris. The company was organized under a city ordinance in 1859 and was comprised of engineers, wardens, and firemen. Within a few years, there were two hand engine companies, the aforementioned Fire King and the Niagara. In 1868, the Eagle Hose Company, a volunteer department, was organized and replaced the existing companies. The hand engines were substituted with a steam engine. By 1927, there were twenty-five volunteers. Their equipment consisted of a one thousand-gallon metropolitan triple combination American LaFrance pumper, two double combination trucks with booster pumps, and one hook and ladder truck. In 1990, the Morris Fire Protection and Ambulance District was formed and taxes are collected to pay for fire protection and ambulance service. The district includes 140 square miles of service area. At present, there are forty volunteers in the fire department. They have their own building and modern equipment. Their emergency services include a rescue squad and ambulance service. Bi-annual pancake breakfasts and an annual carnival are their primary fund raising events.

Morris does not have a park district. There are six developed city parks having a combined area of over thirty acres. The city owns an additional forty acres of undeveloped open space designated for parks and recreation. The site management agency of these parks is the Department of Public Works. The Department of Natural Resources owns and manages 47 acres in the city, consisting of two state parks and the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. Morris also has additional youth activities organized by the City, District 101 Recreation Center, and private associations and organizations.

The city and residents of Morris take pride in their education system. It is estimated that the first school was opened in 1843. Lessons took place in a log cabin located southeast of the train depot, privately run by Ann Nagle. Private classes were also taught in the public courthouse when court was not in session as well as a room above the local saloon. Records of a school board date back to 1843 and the establishment of district schools took place in 1851. Old Center School House was a wooden building built in 1853 on East Jackson Street. The school serviced all grades through the eighth year. In 1876, a three-story stone building was erected, in a different location, to replace the old wooden school building. It was located where the gymnasium of the existing Center School is now.

By 1888, the school had ten classrooms, a library, and a large hall. Each room had sixty-three seats with desks and a blackboard. Four rooms in the basement were used for recreation during bad weather. It was torn down in 1923 to make room for the new Center School, which is now in the process of being torn down. Nearly eighty years later, public education took place in five brick and stone school buildings. Private schools at that time were St. Angela’s Catholic Academy and the Morris Normal and Scientific School.

Morris Community High School is a significant asset to the city. It is a one-school district with facilities that serve not only students but the community as well. MCHS’s attendance and graduation rate rank in the 90 th percentile, above the overall state statistics. In addition, MCHS students’ American College Testing Program composite scores fare slightly above the overall state composite score. District 101 allows residents access to its facilities for recreation, meetings, or a variety of other purposes.

Located in the heart of Grundy County, Morris High School was established in 1872 on the second floor of the old Center School building. In 1898, classes opened at the new site on Franklin Street. Two new wings were added to the building in 1914. In 1927, enrollment reached 265 and the building was becoming overcrowded. In 1944, the present designation of Morris Community High School, District 101, was founded. In the spring of 1949, a $1,200,000 bond referendum was passed for a new building. Northern Illinois Coal Corporation donated 25 acres of land for the site of the new building. In 1960, a new wing was completed and facilities for industrial arts and agriculture were added. From a tiny enrollment limited to two classrooms in 1872, Morris High School has grown to 1,003 students and 69 faculty members.

Morris is located within the seven-county district of Joliet Junior College (JJC). Morris Community High School and Grundy Area Vocational Center were previous off-campus instructional sites. JJC now offers satellite courses from their permanent off-campus instructional site located in Morris on Division Street. In addition to the JJC, there are two Catholic four-year Universities nearby. They are the University of St. Francis, located in Joliet, and Lewis University located in Romeoville with additional campuses in Oak Brook, Hickory Hills, and Schaumburg, Illinois.

The City of Morris is located in northern Grundy County in northeastern Illinois. Morris is the county seat. It is approximately 60 miles southwest of Chicago. Morris is within 75 miles of Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, Rockford, and 100 miles from Champaign-Urbana. It is within 250 miles of many metropolitan areas including Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. Morris is a growing community of nearly 12,000 residents. Most necessary services are provided, though some cultural and social activities can be found in Joliet or the Chicago metro area.

Many forms of transportation serve Morris, including highways, railroads, and waterways. These ensure that industrial development has the proper means with which to transport goods and services. The current transportation infrastructure continues to be enhanced to provide the needs of a growing population. The map to the right shows the existing transportation options within the 1½ mile planning area and proposed future improvements.

• Arterials

These are the major roadways that move vehicles in and out of the city. They act as connections to major points. Arterials are meant to carry more than 5,000 vehicles per day or 500 vehicles per hour. On-street parking is generally prohibited and driveways and curb cuts are kept to a minimum. Morris has three such roads. Morris is located just south of the heavily traveled Interstate 80, which connects New York and San Francisco. U.S. Route 6 runs east-west through the town, paralleling I-80. Seneca and Channahon are located about 10 miles to the west and east respectively on U.S. 6.

Illinois Route 47 is one of the major north-south State Routes. It connects Morris with Yorkville to the north and Dwight to the south. According to 1999 Illinois Department of Transportation average daily traffic counts, 28,150 vehicles travel on I-80 past the Morris exit. There is an average of 11,933 vehicles daily on U.S. 6 west of Illinois 47 and 9,900 vehicles east of Illinois 47. More than 24,000 vehicles come through the city limits daily along Illinois 47.

• Collectors

The purpose of the collectors is to provide for the movement of traffic through the city on a more local basis. They act as the connection between arterials and smaller residential streets. Ideally, collectors transport vehicles quickly to arterials with the least amount of necessary intersections. Generally, a wide array of development occurs on collectors. It can range from heavy manufacturing industries to low density residential development. Collector roads typically carry between 1,000 and 8,000 vehicles per day and are two lanes wide. Such examples in Morris include Lisbon Road, Railroad Street, and Union Street.

• Local or Residential Streets

The third category of roads is intended only for the access to housing. They are not constructed for any other type of land use. Speed limits are intentionally kept at a minimum to ensure a safe environment for citizens and pedestrians in the area and to minimize the number of additional vehicles from using the roads. This is often done through the use of cul-de-sacs and loops. Residential streets generally flow into collectors. Many new subdivision developments have added to the number of residential streets in Morris.

Morris is served by the CSX freight line, which runs between Joliet and Henry. One round trip freight train runs on a typical day on the line. It connects with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), Iowa Interstate, and Union Pacific (UP) Railroads. As two of the largest railroads in the country, the BNSF and UP move a large percentage of the nation’s freight. Morris does lack industrial sites with freight railroad access. Passenger rail does not currently serve Morris. The nearest Amtrak rail stations are located in Dwight, Joliet, and Plano, 15-25 miles away.

Free parking facilities can be found at various locations around the downtown area as well as on most streets. On-street parking helps improve car access, slows traffic, and buffers walking areas from the travel lanes. Parking is generally available, though any new development should be considerate of parking demand that could be created. Parking facilities should blend in with the surrounding downtown through the use of landscaping and benches. Mixing of land uses is encouraged. Parking garages can be constructed as part of a development with ground level retail. If garages are considered, they must stay within the scale of the existing downtown and be no more than three stories.

Visitors need better recognition of the city when entering via automobile. Landscaped gateways offer a feeling of sense of place. They should ideally be located on well-traveled roads that funnel traffic through Morris. The gateways can include additional signage that points out important locations such as the downtown or museums and the mileages to each destination. For example, a potential sign could read “Morris: County Seat of Grundy County.” There are many locations where these would be found in Morris. They include:

• Illinois 47 North of Interstate 80

• Illinois 47 at Southmor Road

• U.S. 6 at Pioneer Road

• U.S. 6 at Ashley Road

• Commercial Cooridors

• Train Stations

• Downtown

• Parks

• Schools

• Subdivisions

Soils are responsible for producing our food, filtering our water supply, and supporting our buildings and development. Because there are hundreds of soil types and formations, certain types of soil are better than others for certain uses. Five general factors determine the type of soil that is formed in a certain location. These factors include the composition of the parent material, climate, plants and organisms, land relief, and time.

The disintegration and decomposition of rock form soil parent materials. Parent materials can be distributed by water, wind, or glaciers, resulting in varying mixes and densities. Climate and vegetation are active factors in the soil formation process by altering the accumulated parent material and developing its characteristics to a certain soil classification. The climate accomplishes this by its processes of weathering and erosion. Freezing and thawing help break down minerals and rock fragments. Dead plants and other organisms add to the formation process by contributing rich nutrients and organic matter to the soil through decay.

A soil association is a landscape or geographic area that has a distinctive proportional pattern of different soils. It represents an area containing one or more major soils and one or more minor soils. Normally the soil association is named for its major soil/soils or the most extensive land type. The Grundy County Soil Survey of 1976 identified major associations throughout the county. The following are general descriptions of soil associations identified by the survey that are found in the Morris vicinity. The Morris Area Soil Association map (left) shows where each association exists within the city boundary and planning area. The numbers in parentheses after the name of the soil association corresponds with the soil association map.

The Elliot-Ashkum-Drummer association (Figure 1) makes up about 28 percent of the country. It is about 34 percent Elliot soils, 26 percent Ashkum soils, 10 percent Drummer soils, and 30 percent soils of minor extent. The nearly level Elliott soils are on ridges at slightly higher elevations than Ashkum and Drummer soils and are somewhat poorly drained. Ashkum and Drummer soils are in poorly drained, broad depressional areas. All have a black surface layer more than 10 inches thick. The 10-inch or more surface layer in Elliot soils is silt loam. In Ashkum and Drummer soils it is silty clay loam that is sticky when wet.

The Reddick-Andres association (Figure 2) covers about 15 percent of the county. It is made up of about 65 percent Reddick soils, 22 percent Andres soils, and 13 percent minor soils. Reddick soils are in broad depression and are poorly drained. Andres soils are in nearly level areas at slightly higher elevations where surface drainage is better but is still somewhat poorly drained. The surface layer is at least 10 inches in Reddick soils, which is silty clay loam that is sticky when wet, and in Andres soils, which is silt loam. Both soils have a silty clay loam, clay loam, or sandy loam subsoil.

The Drummer-Selma-Brenton association makes up about 20 percent of the country. It is about 39 percent Drummer soils, 20 percent Selma soils, 18 percent Brenton soils, and 23 percent minor soils. Drummer and Selma soils are in broad depressions and are poorly drained. The nearly level Brenton soils are at slightly higher elevations where surface drainage is better but still are somewhat poorly drained. The 10-inch or more surface layer is silty clay loam that is sticky when wet in Drummer soils. In Selma soils it is loam, and in Brenton soils it is silt loam.

Minor in this association are the well drained Proctor and Jasper soils on ridges and side slopes, the somewhat poorly drained Starks and Darroch soils in level areas, and the poorly drained Sawmill and Comfrey soils along creek bottoms.

This association is used mostly for corn and soybeans. Wetness is the main limitation for farming and for most other uses. However, if adequately drained they would have good potential for cultivated crops. Small ponded areas are common early in spring. Blowing soil and drought are other management problems to be considered. The wetness of this association causes a severe limitation for residential uses.

Morris lies within the area of North America and Illinois that was covered by continental glaciers during the Ice Age, or Pleistocene. At least three of the four major glacial stages during the Ice Age covered the Morris area. As each glacier advanced through the Midwest during each stage, it picked up soil, pebbles, rocks, and large boulders that were released in this area when the glaciers melted and retreated. This material, called glacial drift, from the Kansan Stage, Illinoisan Stage, and finally the Wisconsonian Stage, blanketed most of Illinois when released. Drift material from the Wisconsonian Stage is what we now see as the land surface of Morris and all of Grundy County. The thickness of the glacial drift deposited during that period varies from 50 feet to over 500 feet. Loess, or windblown silt, was picked up from the dry valley floors and deposited in the hills above the glacial drift, occurring in thicknesses from four to six feet.

The main hydrological feature in the Morris area is the Illinois River. The Illinois River originates at the confluence of the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers in northeastern Grundy County. It then flows west to Hennepin and then south before joining the Mississippi River north of Alton. The river is 273 miles in length with a watershed that covers a sizeable portion of the state. The river and adjoining backwaters provide an aquatic resource of some 87,000 surface acres, while the floodplain consists of about 400,000 acres. The building of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal diverted Chicago’s untreated wastewaters from Lake Michigan into the river. Pollution and flooding have been problems since the canal’s inception.

Besides a dam on the Mississippi at Alton in which pool the lower 80 miles of the Illinois River is included, there are the LaGrange and Peoria dams on the lower 228 miles of sluggish river, and the Starved Rock, Marseilles, and Dresden Island dams on the upper 45 miles of faster flowing river. Many streams and rivers are tributaries. Water from Lake Michigan flows into the Chicago River, which flows into the Des Plaines River, and finally into the Illinois River. The Illinois Waterway project began in 1919 and helped create a continuous navigation route, nine feet deep and a minimum of 300 feet wide, from Joliet to the Mississippi River. Barges were then able to navigate the length of the river. Diverse aquatic habitats are the basis for the diversity of sport fish present, as each species favors certain habitats over others. The Lieutenant Governor’s office operates the Illinois River 2020 Program. Through various educational, environmental, and preservation groups, it is attempting to rehabilitate the river and its watershed to the original state. The state will continue restoring more than 200 acres of wetlands south of the Illinois River near the Route 47 Bridge.

Residents of Morris depend on three deep wells for their water supply. These wells are between 1,100 and 1,450 feet and obtain water from either Franconia (dolomite) or Galesville (sandstone) formations. At the bottom end of the Franconian, the material turns somewhat rapidly from dolomite to sandstone. The walls tap into groundwater supplied by aquifers lying below the water table. The aquifer is recharged (filled) as precipitation on the surface percolates through the soil layers, clay, silt, sand, and gravel into the aquifer. The water becomes purified and fortified with nutrients and minerals as it comes in contact with this glacial drift material and gases. The groundwater supply throughout Grundy County, including the Morris area, is pure and plentiful for all types of use.

Grundy County also saw a sharp increase in its median age. It went from 33.3 to 36.3 years of age. The state’s median age for 2000 of 34.7 was 2.2 years younger than the residents of Morris and 1.6 years younger than the median age of Grundy County. Both populations are becoming considerably older.

The age group for Grundy County that saw the largest percentage increase was also the 45-54 group at 2.8 percent. The 35-44 age group made up the largest percent of the county adult population in 1990 and 2000 at 15.0 percent and 17.1 percent. The age group that saw the largest percent decrease was the 25-34 group at a 3.4 percent decrease followed closely by the 55-64 group at 3.3 percent.

The population characteristics of Morris closely resembled those of Grundy County. Each has seen a decline in those between the ages of 0-10, followed by a rise between the ages of 15-19. Both have felt a drop in the percentage of people aged 20-34. However, as would be expected of an aging population, there is a sharp increase for the age group 35-54. This helps indicate the number of college-aged people and young professionals who are leaving Morris and Grundy County.

The percentage of the county population Morris accounted for decreased from 1980 to 1990. In 1980, Morris made up 40.7 percent of the county population, while in 1990, Morris only made up 31.8 percent of the county population. The town continues to account for 31.8 percent of the county population in 2000. These numbers show that while Morris and Grundy County populations grow, Morris is not the only area that is growing.

The City of Morris has grown at unprecedented levels the last two decades. The city has seen a 35 percent increase in population between 1980 and 2000. The table below projects future population levels based on three separate scenarios. The low estimate uses the average rate for Grundy County growth through 2020. This rate would be nearly half the rate of the last two decades for Morris. A low estimate would mean a strictly controlled pattern of growth by encouraging more infill development. New development would generally occur along existing corridors and where existing infrastructure is already sufficient. It encourages a greater awareness and preservation of agricultural and conservation land. This would also dictate a leveling of population levels in Grundy County and areas southwest of Chicago.

A medium rate assumes population growth at a rate equal to that of the last two decades in Morris. It is also based on the number of residential and commercial permits issued within the last six years. This would dictate residential development occurring primarily to the west and north of the current city limits. Some additional industrial and commercial development would result, particularly north of I-80. This rate takes into account the current patterns of growth while figuring that new development would occur north of the Illinois River.

A high rate dictates an unusually rapid surge in population growth. This assumes that an extended commuter rail line will pass through Morris, linking LaSalle and Joliet. It also figures that annexations along with residential and commercial development will follow shortly following the completion of the new Illinois 47 bridge across the Illinois River. The rate should be viewed as a probable overestimation. It is used as a benchmark for controlling growth and to understand what peripheral options could do to the size of the city. It also dictates policy that extends water and sewer service to previously undeveloped areas of the 1½ mile planning area and encourages population growth.

The table to the right (top) shows population projections for Grundy County and the State of Illinois and is provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA). The county population is projected to rise at a rate approximately twice that of Illinois. Growth would remain fairly consistent through the next two decades. DCCA projections are generally viewed as conservative. The actual population for Grundy County for 2000 was moderately higher than was projected.

A municipality’s community facilities are an important part of the overall development of the community and play a large part in the quality of life for residents. These facilities are often taken for granted but are important to the health, safety, and general welfare of the Morris residents. Rebuilding, maintaining and expanding these community facilities is an ongoing process. Periodic evaluation of the adequacy of these community facilities is needed as population or development growth occurs, whether or not annexations happen. This section describes the community facilities for Morris.

Education

The public schools serving the Morris area include four elementary schools, one junior high, one high school, and one trade and tech school. There are also two parochial schools in Morris.

School districts covering the Morris area include three elementary school and one high school districts. The elementary districts are the Morris Elementary School District 54, Nettle Creek School District 24c, and Saratoga School District 60c. The high school district is Morris Community High School District 101.

Nettle Creek School

Morris Christian School

In 1999, an independent group of individuals organized to start the Morris Christian School. The school is in its second year of operation. The school is housed in the education wing of Bethlehem Lutheran Church on the corner of Jefferson and Wauponsee Streets. The enrollment for the 2000-01 school year was 18. The school had students enrolled in each grade from Kindergarten to 6 th, with the exception of the 4 th grade. Enrollment increased this year to 45 students. This year classes include Pre-K through 4 th grade. Next year they are planning to add a 5 th grade class. In April 2002, the enrollment for the fall of 2002 is being estimated at 50 students.

areas that are taught by instructors with special training in those fields: physical education, music, art, computers, and library.instruction in basic skills. Subject matter, in addition to religion, includes math, language arts, social studies, science, and penmanship. Also, students have classes in the following curriculum areas that are taught by instructors with special training in those fields: physical education, music, art, computers, and library. Students in grades 5-8 may participate in band. The school also offers a summer school program. The offerings range from instruction in basic skills to enrichment activities. A Before School program is available on school days for families needing the service on a daily basis, or it may be used on an as-needed basis.

Saratoga School is a K-8 one school district and is planning an addition to their building this year. The southern half of the school is the old building, which was constructed in 1959 on a 24- acre site and was added onto in the 60’s. This area houses the junior high students. Ten new classrooms were added on before the 1995-96 school year started. The school will be adding an art room that will be built on an open courtyard area near the center of the school. The old art room will then be used as a classroom. The Saratoga School District 60c was formed in 1956 from the consolidation of eight “one-room” schools. The district covers 45 square miles that includes the farm community that surrounds the school and subdivisions located close to Interstate 80 and Route 6. These subdivisions are within the city limits of Morris.

Shabbona School

Shabbona Middle School is located just north of the high school and has students in grades 6-8. In 1968, the citizens of Morris passed a bond issue for the construction of Shabbona Middle School. Last year the school added on five classrooms, a new gymnasium and expanded the cafeteria. This construction project opened up space for an additional 150 students. Enrollment at Shabbona has slowly declined by four percent over the last three years from 461 to 442.

Located in the heart of Grundy County, Morris High School was established in 1872 on the second floor of the old Center School building. In 1898, classes opened at the new site on Franklin Street. Two new wings were added to the building in 1914. In 1927, enrollment reached 265 and the building was becoming overcrowded. In 1944, the present designation of Morris Community High School, District 101 was founded. In the spring of 1949, a $1,200,000 bond referendum was passed for a new building. In 1960, a new wing was completed and facilities for industrial arts and agriculture were added. From a tiny enrollment limited to two classrooms in 1872, Morris High School has grown to 1,003 students and 69 faculty members.

Library

Parks and Recreation

City Owned Parks

Chapin Park is located on 1.48 acres, on Chapin Street, west of Route 47. It is the oldest park in Morris, enclosed in 1854. Facilities consist of a large gazebo, picnic tables, playground equipment, and restrooms.

Goodwill Park is located on 1.62 acres on the east side of Morris on Illinois 47 between North and Chapin Streets. Facilities include two ballfields, playground equipment, bleachers, concession stand, and restrooms.

Goold Park was purchased in 1916. It is located on 13.77 acres, referred to as Upper Goold and Lower Gould. The park is situated about one block west of Chapin Park. Nettle Creek runs through the park. Facilities at Upper Goold include one dance pavilion (constructed in 1928), two tennis courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, and grills. Facilities at Lower Goold include two sand volleyball courts, playground equipment, one shelter, outdoor seasonal pool (1921), concession stand, and restrooms.

Lions Park is located on 3.85 acres, north of Hickory Lake. Facilities include playground equipment, a picnic shelter, restrooms, and a quarter-mile gravel multi-purpose trail.

Other Parks and Recreation Resources

Gebhard Woods State Park is 29 acres of parkland owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The park was purchased in 1933. Facilities include one picnic shelter, restrooms, a small lake, and a bridge to the I & M Canal, known as the towpath, on the other side of the canal. Typical recreation opportunities are camping, fishing, hiking, biking, or walking.

The I & M Canal runs through the City of Morris. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages three acres of trail-way and open space along the canal.

The Morris Country Club is an 18-hole private club. The course opened in 1925 and the clubhouse in 1927.

The Nettle Creek Golf Club is a public golf course, located in the residential subdivision of Nettle Creek, on the west side of Saratoga Road. It is an 18-hole course with a clubhouse.

John Roth Lighted Ballpark is part of Shabbona Middle School, District #54. Facilities include a lighted ballfield, concessions, and restrooms.

Stratton State Park is 15 acres of land bought and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources since 1960. Facilities includeboat launches, picnic tables, grills, multi-purpose paths/trails, a newly renovated river bridge, and restrooms. Typical recreation opportunities are boating, fishing, canoeing, biking, walking, snowmobiling, and running.

Undeveloped City Parks

Currently partially in-use as an informal soccer field, topography does lend itself to more then passive use. One playground set to be installed. Adjacent to a wetland, the park could function as an educational tool.

The park is proposed to function as a neighborhood park with play stations and recreation uses. It will eventually contain a picnic shelter and, if needed expanded recreational facilities.

Primary use will be as a neighborhood park with play structures, picnic and limited recreational activity areas. Some pedestrian paths may be included.

Park use has been determined to be passive with an interpretive pod describing the "working" river. Walks, pathways, and eventually a river wall-overlook would complete the area.

Development of this park will include a small covered picnic pavilion, shelter, benches along the creek and playground equipment, which was at the former Center School. The equipment purchased by the City and will be placed in the park. Majority of property is in the flood plain which limits uses. However, after selective clearing some pedestrian paths will be established. The clearing is to be done after a tree inventory is completed of this mostly wooded property.

This park is located across the street to the north from the new White Oaks Elementary School. The City purchased the property last year and is planning to develop this park. There are no parks in this area of the city. Plans for the park include: softball and baseball fields, pods of playground equipment, a walking path, a portable ice skating rink and natural prairie grass plantings.

Primary use will be interpretive-passive. No playground equipment or athletic uses planned; may eventually be the site of a multi- purpose, countywide, senior citizens center. The site will focus on the attributes of the I & M Canal.

County Courthouse and Administration

The City of Morris is the County Seat for Grundy County. County offices are at two locations in Morris. The courthouse is downtown on the corner of Liberty an Washington and has the offices of the County Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, Probation, Public Defender, State’s Attorney,  Circuit Clerk, and the County Jail.  The courthouse houses the 13th Judicial Court.  The County Administration Building on U.S. 6 has the County Board room, County Board administration office, solid waste management office, and planning and zoning office.

City Hall

City Hall is located on the corner of Wauponsee and Jefferson Streets. City Hall houses the office of the mayor, building and zoning, and city clerk. The police department is also located in the same building. The city council chambers are located in the basement of City Hall.

Police Protection

Fire and Ambulance Protection

Water System

Sanitary Sewer System

Storm Sewer System

Some of the City’s storm sewer system is connected to the sanitary sewer system. However, the city is currently working on making these two separate systems.

Refuse Collection and Disposal

The purpose of this section is to identify the different types of land use within the Morris corporate limits and 1½ mile planning area. A study of existing land use was conducted in 2001. The information gathered during this study was obtained from a site check of properties, aerial photographs, city staff, and plan commission knowledge of land use within the area. Categories of land use identified by this study are defined below. Approximate amounts of land area in acres for each category are also described and shown on the Existing Land Use Map. The acreages identified for each land use category are estimates, and are intended only to provide a basic representation for the identification of future planning goals and objectives. The Existing Land Use Map does not show a parcel-by-parcel use of land; however, it shows a general approximation of land use within the community according to each category, as described below.

Identifies areas that are presently vacant, undeveloped, sparsely developed, or primarily used for farm-related activities.

Identifies land that is in its original state and not liable for development. Such land includes wetlands or low-lying areas that are not usable recreational areas.

Includes primarily undeveloped or preserved land used for parks, recreation, and other outdoor or nature-related activities.

Includes land used for schools and associated school grounds, municipal buildings, churches, cemeteries, City-operated parking lots, and other government-owned land and facilities.

Includes areas where manufacturing, mining, research facilities, production plants, warehousing, and wholesale businesses are located.

Includes all types of retail, office, and service-related facilities where commercial and customer activity is the primary use.

The third largest category is industrial with 2,386 acres. The bulk of this is located in two areas. A large landfill can be found on the east side of Ashley Road. The City landfill on the west side of Ashley currently only accepts construction and demolition waste. This area consists of over 1,000 acres. The second large industrial area is a mining area south of the Illinois River and west of Illinois 47. Much of the industry in Morris would be classified as heavy manufacturing. Morris’ location along a major river and heavily traveled I-80 makes it a prime spot for industries that need a transportation system that can move goods quickly.

Conservation land is located outside of the Morris City limits along the Illinois and Mazon Rivers. The low-lying area south of the Illinois River surrounding the meandering Mazon River is entirely in the 100-year floodplain and is not a developable location. Conservation districts are in their original state and generally are not considered usable recreation areas. Map 4 shows floodplain boundaries in the planning area.

Morris is fortunate to have a considerable amount of usable open space and recreation areas. Its location along the I&M Canal offers a terrific bike/walk path. Two golf courses and Gebhard Woods State Park are found within the 1½ mile planning area. There are many city- or privately-owned parks in Morris. Residents have a multitude of recreation opportunities, though there is no organized park district.

The sixth largest category is institutional land. Many churches can be found in Morris. This category also includes a sewage treatment plant, cemeteries, and the Grundy County Administrative Building. The new White Oak School is one of the largest in Illinois and has the latest in technology. The Morris Hospital is undergoing an expansion along Lisbon and Edwards Streets. The City operates four parking lots in walking distance to the downtown.

Commercial property consumes 445 acres of land. Illinois 47 is the main chain retail strip. Some additional commercial franchises can be found on West U.S. 6. Floor area ratios (FAR) are typically between 0.1 and 0.5. The floor area ratio is the total floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the area of the lot. The central business district is primarily contained to a 15-square block area. Many older family-owned businesses are found downtown. FAR is higher downtown, as development is more dense. The Morris Downtown Development Partnership has helped make the downtown more inviting. Recent aesthetic improvements have included the addition of benches and planters. The Grundy County Economic Development Corporation and the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce

Table 19 (right) illustrates the population and the number of housing units in Morris and Grundy County when compared to the amount of land within its boundaries. Other nearby towns and counties are used as comparisons. Oswego and Plainfield are similarly sized towns that have both begun to experience the effects of suburbia and are in further stages of land development. Channahon borders Morris to the east and has undergone a change in its land use patterns. Kendall County is similar to Grundy County because of its rural character but rapidly changing built environment. Kane County is the fifth largest county in Illinois but most of its population is located along the eastern one-third of the county. Grundy County has not experienced nearly as much growth but should follow the patterns that Kane and Kendall Counties are currently and will encounter in the future.

Agriculture

Conservation

Open Space and Recreation

Industrial

Commercial

Downtown Commercial

Downtown Morris acts as the cultural and retail center for residents. It should be an identifiable area to both residents and visitors and create a “sense of place.” Pedestrians should be able to walk without concern for large industrial trucks passing through the downtown. Aesthetically-pleasing signs are currently directing people to the downtown and other important places. It houses traditional retail services along Liberty Street and is also the home of the Grundy County Courthouse. This plan does not suggest a growing downtown area but rather a strengthening district. A solid downtown should have activity 24 hours per day. Click here to view the future land use map for the downtown area. Many functions are necessary to maintain a lively area. These include:

Residential

Entertainment

Financial

Bed & Breakfast

Governmental

Mixed Use (single or multi-family housing or offices, & commercial uses)

Cultural

Public Spaces

Residential uses can be included as mixed-use developments, which encourages greater density and brings additional foot traffic at most hours of the day. Entertainment and cultural activities are needed as alternative means to bring people to the area. Acceptable entertainment uses include the following:

Thoroughfare Commercial

The bulk of the thoroughfare commercial is located along Illinois 47. This designation differs from downtown in many ways. Buildings are typically designed more uniquely, often because chain retailers have set architectural patterns that are followed. The density is less because of the many free-standing buildings. Building square-footage is much higher. The corridors are primarily intended to be serviced by automobiles. Curb cutouts are more abundant because of the prevalence of these uses. Parking is generally found in the front of the buildings. Many functions can be found along Illinois 47 and U.S. 6. These include, but are not limited to:

Big Box retail stores

Automobile dealers

Fast-food franchises

Gas stations

Residential

The extension of the Metra passenger rail service would pass through the downtown area on the current CSX tracks. The City could utilize the existing train station near Benton and Liberty Streets. It was rehabilitated recently and is being used by the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce. Keeping the Chamber at the station would allow for even greater advertising of Morris to the train passengers.

Depending on the number of daily trains, parking will need to be added. The current lot can hold approximately 25 vehicles. Vacant land is available east of the existing lot and would be suitable for parking. On-street parking is also available nearby. Morris should urge people to use mass transit by pushing for higher density developments within a quarter-mile of the station. Uses should be mixed with ground level commercial and either residential or office space on the upper floors. Having the station near the downtown shopping district also would create additional pedestrian traffic for extended hours of the day during the entire week.

Objective 1:

Seek to annex areas within the Compatible Planning Area so that they are developed in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.

Policy 1:
Annex areas through the use of annexation agreements.

Policy 2:
Annex property into the city, especially north and east along Route 47 and Interstate 80. The airport should be given particulat priority.

Policy 3:
Consider annexation south of Illinois River; the Illinois Department of Natural Resources owns adjacent property to city limits.

Policy 4:
Provide incentives/abatements for land owners to annex into Morris.

Policy 5:
Forcilbly annex properties only when a reasonable agreement cannot be reached and there are significant risks in not doing so.

Policy 6:
Where property is contiguous to the City and cannot be annexed to or developed within another jurisdiction, annex it in conjunction with proposed development of the property, with an annexation agreement.

Policy 7:
Where property could be annexed to or developed within another jurisdiction, consider negotiating an annexation agreement with the property owner prior to preposed development, where necessary to preserve the City's position with respect to controlling development.

Policy 8:
Where developed property requests annexation, carefully evaluate the potential costs and liabilities to the City.

Policy 1:
Participate in and promote joint planning efforts between Morris and Grundy County.

Policy 2:
Renew or establish municipal boundary agreements with neighboring communities based upon accepted land use principles and efficient municipal service areas. Where such agreements cannot be successfully negotiated, it would then be appropriate to adopt a more aggressive annexation policy for the affected area.

Policy 1:
Work with Grundy County and other municipalities to implement joint planning agreements under the Local Land Resource Management Planning Act or similar enabling legislation.

Policy 2:
Review, update, and continue enforcement of the City’s subdivision regulations within the 1½ mile jurisdiction area.

Policy 3:
Maintain high development standards with added emphasis on open space.

Policy 1:
Encourage historical and architectural preservation including regulatory changes.

Policy 2:
Update guidelines to ensure architectural harmony between existing, remodeled, and new structures within the City.

Policy 3:
Initiate community projects relating to community heritage involving local clubs, organizations, and residents.

Policy 4:
Through continued economic and cultural development, maintain Morris as an activity hub in the Grundy County area.

Policy 1:
Continue to enforce the City’s flood damage prevention ordinances, which restrict development within the flood plain and floodway areas.

Policy 2:
Enact a grading and fill permit system and other related regulations to minimize the impact of geological modifications.

Policy 3:
Enforce site development to respect existing site topography.

Policy 1:
Consider the findings from the Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Natural Resource Inventory Reports when evaluating development proposals.

Policy 2:
Enact regulatory controls over construction to limit the mixing of natural soil layers, wind and water erosion, and compactions to the minimum necessary for development.

Policy 3:
Carefully review development proposed in areas with hydric soils and soils having severe limitations due to slopes in excess of 10 to 15 percent, and locate development so as to avoid construction in these areas wherever possible.

Policy 1:
Retain and preserve all actual and visual riverfront and canal open space.

Policy 2:
Wherever possible secure additional public space and river and canal frontage, through dedication of land, monetary contribution, and other means.

Policy 3:
Aggressively enforce, strengthen, or implement regulations regarding setbacks, sign controls, landscaping, open space, etc.

Policy 4:
As part of the project review process, ensure that private and public open spaces fit the context of the area.

Policy 1:
Maintain the city’s current balance of commercial, residential, and industrial development.

Policy 2:
As part of the project review process, ensure that new projects are within a reasonable scale for the area.

Policy 3:
Allow only new development or redevelopment that is compatible with existing or proposed neighboring uses.

Policy 4:
Support a diversified local economy with multiple zoning classifications and encourage mixed-use projects.

Policy 5:
Develop a greenway system for and around Morris, interconnecting large public open spaces and smaller private open/green spaces.

Policy 6:
Promote the image of Morris through wise land management, and the development of unique amenities involving signage, walkways, lighting, visual green spaces, definable business and residential boundaries, courtyards, public art, and landscaping.

Policy 7:
Develop design standards or appearance codes for the City of Morris.

Policy 8:
Develop a sign ordinance for the City of Morris.

Policy 1:
Follow a logical pattern of land use for Morris as presented in the Future Land Use Map.

Policy 2:
Areas annexed to Morris should adhere to the Future Land Use Map.

Policy 3:
Continue to exercise jurisdiction over the 1½ mile area.

Policy 4:
Closely monitor future land use changes in terms of community balance.

Policy 5:
Make land use planning decisions based on logical land use components and not just individual parcels.

To provide the best possible living conditions for the residents of Morris, programs should be developed and implemented that promote the construction of sound new housing, the protection of existing sound housing, the rehabilitation of deteriorating housing, and the replacement of dilapidated and unsound housing.

Policy 1:
Encourage the continued high quality of residential construction with the continued implementation of BOCA building codes.

Policy 2:
Improve the quality of housing that becomes deteriorated or dilapidated by enforcing the City’s BOCA maintenance code.

Policy 3:
Encourage the continued enforcement of the City’s tree ordinance.

Policy 4:
Strengthen zoning and subdivision regulations to: (a) encourage quality multiplex development, (b) deal with residential conversions, (c) encourage residential development in downtown (only on second level or higher) and, (d) properly regulate factory or pre-built housing.

Policy 5:
Establish performance standards for the conversion of residential structures to more intense residential areas that are sensitive to the architectural integrity of the structure, as well as the character of the neighborhood.

Policy 1:
Cooperate with organizations and and agencies that are studying the issue of attainable housing and consider recommendations that might meet this need in Morris.

Policy 2:
The City needs to be receptive to non-traditional development, thus encouraging a more balanced and attainable housing market that conserves land.

Policy 3:
Encourage the continued enforcement of the City's tree ordinance.

Policy 4:
Provide the transitions between different housing types by providing open space and landscape buffers or requiring compatible lot sizes and housing style immediately adjacent to existing neighborhoods.

Policy 1:
Protect residential areas from the intrusion of inappropriate land uses.

Policy 2:
While maintaining individual neighborhood identity, provide for the interconnection of neighborhoods through street, pedestrian/bicycle path, and/or open space/greenway connections.

Policy 3:
Work with neighborhoods in establishing neighborhood themes and physically promoting such themes.

Policy 1:
Expand the development review process to include areas of architectural style, unit variety, and other items related to neighborhood uniformity.

Policy 2:
Provide diversity and variety within housing styles in a subtle manner with the use of form colors and materials.

A safe, convenient, and efficient transportation system is vital to the future growth and development of Morris. A good street and highway system should not only be capable of accommodating present and future traffic volumes, but should serve the people by connecting living areas with employment, shopping, and recreational areas. In the same sense, the total transportation system, including railroads, should link business and industries with essential services, suppliers, terminals, and markets within and beyond Morris and environs.

Policy 1:
Provide and maintain a street system that is coordinated with county, state, and other transportation plans.

Policy 2:
Provide and maintain a street system that is compatible with residential, public, and other land uses.

Policy 3:
Minimize the impact of truck traffic through Morris.

Policy 4:
Provide and maintain adequate off-street parking for residents and shoppers.

Policy 1:
Closely monitor any proposed Morris Airport expansions or changes in operating procedures for an affect land uses.

Policy 2:
Promote and participate in the extension of the runway according to the Airport Development Plan.

Policy 1:
Maintain and update strategic traffic counts of non-IDOT controlled roads throughout Morris.

Policy 2:
Monitor the traffic impact of growth in the west and north regions in Morris.

Policy 1:
Develop a pedestrian/bicycle plan for Morris.

Policy 2:
Continue to require subdivisions to have sidewalks/pedestrian ways and connect to parks within the subdivision and to adjacent developments.

Policy 3:
Develop a linkage network connecting pedestrian and bicycle paths, and tying commercial, residential, and open space areas together.

Policy 4:
Continue to participate in the possible development of a passenger train that would run between LaSalle and Joliet.

Carefully designed and located commercial facilities are important to the convenience of City residents, and, by providing a wide variety of goods and services, these establishments can contribute to the overall livability and amenity of Morris.

Policy 1:
Encourage desirable commercial development on designated sites.

Policy 2:
Provide convenient and safe access and adequate off-street parking for all shopping and commercial facilities.

Policy 3:
Develop a landscaping ordinance for the city.

Policy 4:
Develop a sign ordinance for the city.

Policy 1:
Continue to be part of and promote a public/private partnership for planning and implementing the revitalization of downtown.

Policy 2:
Provide the opportunity and incentive for business and property owners to enhance the physical appearance of their grounds and buildings.

Policy 3:
Develop a safe and convenient system and parking facilities for bicycle traffic.

Policy 4:
Develop a plan to provide additional parking areas to serve the downtown and to maximize the use and attractiveness of existing facilities.

Policy 5:
Consider, when possible, the creation of more open spaces within downtown.

Policy 6:
Develop additional parking for the downtown area.

Policy 1:
Within the four commercial areas, encourage growth and improvement of existing commercial development.

Policy 2:
The City should annex land for commercial development.

Policy 3:
Encourage a wider range and balance of retail stores and services.

Policy 1:
Develop a coordinated comprehensive signage program for the Liberty Street Corridor.

Policy 2:
Preserve the integrity of existing residential land uses along the Liberty Street Corridor.

Policy 3:
Develop a landscaping ordinance for the city.

Policy 4:
Review and update a sign ordinance for the city.

It must be rememberd that Morris is in competition with other cities for industry; therefore, it must be accepted that if the city is to share in the industrial expansion of the region it must make things happen itself and not just wait for industry to "come knockin' at the door." In addition, the City must establish a climate which will give confidence to private investors because only through private dollars can Morris expect to improve its competitive economic position.

Carefully designed and located industrial facilities are important to the employment of City residents. The compatibility of industrial sites with surrounding land uses should be a major factor in locating development. The availability of existing Class 3 roads should also play an important role in locating industrial businesses.

Policy 1:
Industrial establishments will be expected to achieve a high standard of maintenance and repair. The quality of building and landscape design, the proper storage of trash, the maintenance of the yard, the control of noise, light, and odors, and many other factors will be considered important to the acceptance of proposed industrial developments.

Policy 2:
Encourage clean industrial establishments.

Policy 3:
Concentrate industrial areas and buffer them from residential areas.

Policy 4:
Encourage the development of an industrial base for jobs that can adequately meet the needs of the Morris employment community.

Policy 5:
Encourage the use of empty industrial buildings and construction in the industrial areas. Buildings that are not in conformance in non-industrial areas should be eliminated.

Policy 6:
Promote the use of current industrial facilities and the development of industrial areas that will help concentrate industrial land use and promote economic development within the City.

Policy 7:
Develop a landscaping ordinance for the city.

Policy 8:
Develop a sign ordinance for the city.

Policy 1:
Encourage owner-managed or locally responsive industries that require protection of natural resources.

Policy 2:
Locate industrial use along pre-existing transportation links.

Policy 3:
The City should consider playing the role of the developer in providing industrial sites for development.

Policy 4:
Continue to support and work closely with the Grundy County Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

There should be established a long-range program for the purpose of providing essential facilities - including land acquisition for schools, playgrounds, parks, community buildings, and governmental services - well in advance of need. High quality community facilities are a prime asset of attracting new high quality residential, commercial, and industrial developments to the City.

Policy 1:
Extend water service to the Morris Airport.

Policy 2:
Assure availability of adequate water storage by constructing reservoirs in the vicinity of a new well.

Policy 3:
Adopt and maintain a viable program of cross connection control and prevention through a plumbing code.

Policy 4:
Prepare and adopt a groundwater protection plan.

Policy 5:
Develop a Capital Improvement Plan for water system improvements including significant replacement projects where roadway or bridge construction is planned.

Policy 1:
Provide expanded capacity for wastewater treatment north of Interstate 80.

Policy 2:
Consider developing a sewage disposal district that covers an area beyond the city limits on the north end.

Policy 3:
Construct new relief replacement sewers to meet the needs of the established service areas.

Policy 4:
Maintain an ongoing sanitary sewer evaluation program to identify and eliminate extraneous inflow or recommend relief sewer projects.

Policy 5:
Develop a Capital Improvement Plan for sanitary sewer improvements including an annual replacement and repair programs.

Policy 1:
Preserve the natural characteristics of flood plains and their associated stream, wetland, and shoreline areas wherever possible.

Policy 2:
Continue the enforcement of the City's storm water management ordinances.

Policy 3:
Develop and adopt a regional approach to storm water management ordinances.

Policy 4:
Develop and implement design standards to promote enhanced water quality from stormwater runoff through detention basin design and other methods.

Policy 5:
Implement the annual review of the City ordinances to keep pace with changing regulations particularly with respect to storm water quality.

Policy 6:
Develop a Capital Improvement Plan for storm sewer improvements.

Policy 1:
Within the bounds of statutory authority, develop and adopt a wetland protection ordinance.

Policy 1:
Work with telephone companies and internet providers to upgrade infrastructure and services for internet access for residents and businesses in the Morris area.

Policy 2:
Work closely with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs to encourage the State to push for upgrading telecommunications.

Public services, including police protection, fire protection, and garbage pick-up, support the majority of land uses within Morris. Community Opinion Survey results indicate a generally favorable opinion of public services within Morris. Public services are somewhat unique, however, in that they receive little attention when functioning properly but become important community issues when they do not.

Education, fire protection, law enforcement, and health care are the main facilities in this category. The provision of high-quality facilities and services is essential to the full development of the community and to the protection of the public health safety and general welfare.

Policy 1:
Expand the Police Department's manpower as the City grows, based on accepted standards in proportion to resident population and nonresidential development.

Policy 2:
Expand the Police Department's facilities as needed, to accommodate the necessary increases in manpower and programs.

Policy 3:
Continue to improve the Police Department's effectiveness by acquiring and using up-to-date communications and supoprt equipment.

Policy 4:
Continue and expand community participation and education programs, especially those oriented toward children.

Policy 5:
Design land uses and transportation systems to enhance access for police emergency and patrol activity, and management of disaster situations.

Policy 1:
Expand the Fire Department's manpower as the City grows, based on accepted standards in proportion to resident population and nonresidential development.

Policy 2:
Expand the Fire Department's facilities as needed, to accommodate the necessary increases in manpower and programs.

Policy 3:
Widen the scope of participation in the Fire Department's educational programs to help prevent fires and save lives and property.

Policy 4:
Update codes and standards for building construction and fire safety to anticipate changing technologies as they evolve.

Policy 5:
Deliver all services at a cost substantially below natural or state averages while maintaining quality.

Policy 6:
Continue employee education and training to assure the delivery of services in a professional manner.

Policy 7:
Design land uses and transportation systems to enhance access for emergency medical services, fire fighting, and management of disaster situations.

Policy 1:
Encourage health care services to be provided locally.

Policy 2:
Encourage expansion of the Morris Hospital at the current location while requiring it to be compatible with the neighborhood.

Policy 1:
Support the Morris Public Library District in its goal of providing services to a growing community.

Policy 2:
Recognize the library facilities as an asset to the downtown area of Morris.

Policy 1:
Support Strategic Plans adopted by school districts servicing students in the planning area.

Policy 2:
Have school districts analyze the capital and operational impact of new developments on the school systems.

Policy 3:
Work cooperatively with the School Districts, Townships, County, and State of Illinios so that adequate roads and utilities are provided for school facilities.

Policy 1:
Coordinate the City's planning process with educational requirements, including projected enrollments, provision of municipal services, and site selection of educational facilities.

Policy 2:
Monitor and control the rate and type of residential development within Morris' jurisdiction to avoid sudden student enrollment peaks.

Policy 3:
Promote a balance of land uses to ensure that nonresidential property maintains its proportionate share of real estate tax base.

Policy 4:
When leagally feasible, require residential developments to make a significant contribution to funding capital facilities needed to meet the needs of the new residents generated by the development.

Policy 1:
Work closely with the school districts to maintain good communications between elected and appointed officials for these entities.

Policy 2:
Include the school districts as part of the development review process at the staff level and Plan Commission review level.

Policy 3:
Develop and maintain partnerships with the school districts to foster community involvement and to share facilities.

Policy 4:
When appropriate, provide input to the school districts regarding the siting of educational facilities.

Policy 5:
When appropriate, solicit input from the school districts regarding the impact of development and related matters.

Policy 6:
Advocate and support state legislative efforts to help ensure adequate funding of school districts, for both operational and capital needs.

A growing regional population, increased mobility, more leisure time, and a growing interest in outdoor recreation will have the effect of placing tremendous demands for recreational facilities on the community. The challenge to Morris will be to provide open space and recreational facilities to serve the needs of its population.

Policy 1:
Develop a Park District for the residents of Morris.

Policy 2:
Provide adequate amounts of open space for Morris residents in accordance with accepted open space standards. Require the donation of land or money, in lieu of land, for new subdivisions.

Policy 3:
Encourage a wide range of active and passive activities available in the parks and open space.

Policy 4:
Promote cooperation of a Park District and School Districts for cross-utilization of public schools' plagrounds and open space. This coud possibly occur at the Dupont St. fields.

Policy 5:
Coordinate open space plans with state and federal open space plans and programs.

Policy 1:
Provide and develop mini-parks, neighborhood parks, and community parks throughout the community.

Policy 2:
Provide for the local developed open space needs of new development by requiring dedication of 10.5 acres per 1,000 population.

Policy 3:
Prohibit urbanization on flood plains by encouraging the purchase of flood-prone land for public open space.

Policy 1:
Discourage the rezoning of natural areas requiring protection form disturbance and development.

Policy 2:
Strive to maintain floodplains and wetlands in their natural conditions and encourage the restortation of altered stream cooridors and wetland wherever possible.

Policy 3:
Require tree surveys as part of the City's project review process through covenants.

Policy 4:
Develop a tree replacement ordinance.

Policy 5:
Develop woodland development regulations.

Policy 6:
Encourage the provision and retention of private open space.

Policy 1:
Continue expanding open space along the I & M Canal by removal of older housing adjacent to canal on Illinois Avenue.

Policy 2:
Encourage and assist in the acquisition of as much riverfront property as possible.

Policy 3:
Encourage and participate in the development of open space and recreational facilities and activities along the canal's and river's edge, particularly in the downtown area. As development continues south of the river, the development of recreational land should also be done.

Policy 1:
Support the system of planned regional greenway corridors through the use of zoning, subdivision regulation, land/cash donations, public and private easements, and acquisitions.

Policy 2:
Require new developments to provide local open space corridors and linkages to connect neighborhoods and recreational facilities through the land use map.

Policy 3:
Provide convenient access between open space and residential areas.

Policy 1:
Develop a City landscaping strategy designating green space and open space areas throughout the community and along major roadways and gateways.

Policy 2:
Encourage the development of more mini-parks or neighborhood parks.

Policy 3:
Require parkland to be set aside in new subdivisions.

The area around Morris was settle in the first half of the 19th century. The Illinois and Michigan Canal is just one of the many important factors in the Morris' history. Morris is rich in history and preserving some of this history is important to the character of the City of Morris.

Policy 1:
Develop and promote a historic preservation district within Morris.

Policy 2:
Provide a local policy for the identification and protection of historic properties.

Policy 3:
Develop design guidelines for new development within a historic district to ensure that it is compatible to the area's historic character.

Policy 4:
Protect the integrity of designated historic properties with a design review requirement.

Policy 5:
Respect, protect, and maintain existing cultural and architectural landmarks of historic significance, including their environs and approach routes.

Policy 6:
The City should develop funding opportunities to assist in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and areas in Morris.

Policy 1:
Update the Comprehensive Plan map as new data becomes available.

Policy 2:
As technology and budget restraints allow, convert manual physical data base to a computer data base and place the information on the City website.

Policy 1:
Through the continued use of composite maps, identify adverse impact areas based in natural and man-made development factors.

Policy 2:
Utilize the Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District in supplying city officials with Natural Resource Inventory Reports for future developments.

Policy 1:
Encourage the concept of planning and development at the community level in Morris to enhance the overall character and sense of a small community.

Policy 2:
Encourage the formation of citizen groups interested in the future of the City and its residents.

Policy 3:
Encourage the attendance of individuals and citizen groups at Planning Commission and all other governmental meetings.

Policy 4:
Maintain a means whereby activities of the Planning Commission are reported to Morris residents, businessmen, and other public agencies, such as the local news media.

Policy 5:
Focus on Morris as a unified "community."

Policy 1:
Develop policies and standards that will encourage orderly growth by sequencing and timing with the availability of community services.

Policy 2:
Meet with planning officals from counties, townships, and other area units of government to coordinate future land use plans.

Policy 1:
Provide all present and future elected and appointed officials with a copy of the Comprehensive Plan for Morris.

Policy 2:
Place a copy of the Comprehensive Plan for Morris on file with the library and make copies available for purchase at a low cost.

Policy 3:
Review rezonings, variances, etc. on an annual basis to provide an overview of current and future development trends and the consistency in which decisions were made.

Policy 4:
Provide development information in handout form for use by the general public and developers regarding the procedures for zoning, rezoning, variances, special uses, building permits, etc.

The Morris Plan Commission consists of a chairman and six other members, which are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The commission is established to advise elected officials on direct planning matters, while representing the overall views of the community. The plan commission shall have the power to prepare and recommend to the City Council a comprehensive plan for present and future development or redevelopment of the City. The plan may be made applicable to land within the corporate limits of the City and contiguous territory not more than 1.5 miles beyond the corporate limits and not included in any other municipality. The plan may be implemented by ordinances as designated by the City Council.

Additional powers of the plan commission include: to recommend changes from time to time in the official comprehensive plan; to prepare and recommend to the City Council from time to time, plans for specific improvements in pursuance of the official plan; to give aid to the City officials charged with the direction of projects for improvements suggested in the official plan; and to promote the realization of the official plan.

The plan commission's most important responsibility is to ensure that the Council is aware of the community's viewpoints and direct planning issues. The commission acts as the mediator between the public and elected officials, spending time researching, studying, and listening to public opinion and comment, and making recommendations to the Council to reflect the community's views.

The current City of Morris Zoning Ordinance was adopted in June 1987. There have been several changes to the ordinance over the years. In accordance with Illinois State Law, the ordinance regulates structures and land uses in order to preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare through implementation of Morris's comprehensive plan.

The zoning ordinance will help to guide the City in regulating land use as the community grows. The City Council realizes that a good environment and a good community do not just happen. Zoning is the primary implementation tool of the planning process as it relates to private land and development.

The current City of Morris Subdivision Regulations Ordinance was adopted in 1976. There have been several revisions to this ordinance over the years. While zoning controls land use, subdivision regulations control and direct the division and development of land - the separation of one or more parcels of undeveloped land from a larger parcel. The ordinance spells out standards for improvements and services, such as streets, sidewalks, sewage, and water lines, among others. A subdivider is usually required to install some, if not all, of the improvements before any lots can be sold or construction can begin.

The subdivision ordinance serves to ensure orderly growth that will be physically attractive and not a heavy burden on city finances. There should be consistency between the comprehensive plan, the zoning ordinance, capital improvements plan, and the subdivision ordinance. Subdivision regulations should also be administered in keeping with the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and capital improvements program.