Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

99 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 endeavor. Discussions about road widening are underway as our commercial hubs gain traction.” Denton discusses the city’s proactive approach to urban planning, emphasizing the ongoing ‘Great Streets’ study. This initiative targets Highway 50, a crucial route in O’Fallon, aiming to harmonize business growth with pedestrian accessibility. The city envisions a transportation system that caters to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers equally. O’Fallon’s strategic vision extends further, as evidenced by their recently finalized 20-year master plan. This comprehensive blueprint, stretching to 2040, outlines land utilization, future needs, and infrastructure development. Commercial Flourishing: Balancing Growth and Local Business O’Fallon’s commercial landscape is a blend of thriving local businesses and burgeoning industrial ventures. The city’s growth strategy is attracting new businesses and nurturing existing ones, ensuring a harmonious blend of the old and the new. Litteken paints a vivid picture of O’Fallon’s commercial success. “Our strong commercial base is a reflection of the growing number of households in O’Fallon. The retail, hospitality, and recreational sectors have been thriving for years,” he says. “Our Sports Park alone attracts over half a million visitors annually, and our hospitals see a similar footfall. This ecosystem of success benefits not just the big players like Sam’s Club, Menards, and Walmart Supercenter but also the smaller businesses, especially in the downtown district.” He continues, “We’re also setting our sights on warehousing and logistical development. The Mid-America Commerce Center, located next to Scott Air Force Base and the Mid- CI T Y OF O ’ FALLON, I LL INOIS