OHM Advisors presented to the Oak Park City Council a concept to redesign the constrained 9 Mile and Coolidge intersection to extend the regional 9‑Line trail, improve walking and biking infrastructure, and spur private redevelopment.

Eric Dreyer, transportation planner and principal at OHM, said the firm used 2025 traffic data (which it noted is affected by current I‑696 closures) and found a 3‑lane cross‑section could function while preserving key right‑turn lanes. The preferred concept includes a 12‑foot shared use pathway on the north side of 9 Mile, enhanced landscaping, mid‑block pedestrian islands, consolidation of three bus stops into two higher‑amenity shelters, and internal neighborhood streets for connectivity.

The presentation included a proof‑of‑concept land‑use plan for three quadrants around the intersection with mixed‑use buildings, parking decks, townhouses and pocket parks. Dreyer described a high‑intensity scenario (not a commitment) that could yield roughly 730 residential units plus 70 townhouses and about 2,900 parking spaces across decks and garages; he called that an illustrative, code‑based maximum, not a final plan.

Council members asked detailed questions about how the concept would affect daytime parking, transit operations and safety. OHM said converting some angled to parallel parking would reduce on‑street spaces modestly (the presenter estimated the existing study area was 70–80% full at peak times) and that the design aimed to trade a small number of parking spots for wider sidewalks, patios and safe pedestrian space. The plan recommends working with property owners (Walgreens site identified as a phase‑1 opportunity), pursuing grant funding for detailed design, and considering zoning amendments to enable higher mixed‑use buildings.

Dreyer emphasized the concept is a proof of concept that must be refined with engineering design and community engagement; council did not take an action vote on the concept, but staff packaged the study into the city’s upcoming master plan update work.