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Five years of hard work culminated in a Neighborhood Plan for the Elgin Historic District. On February 27, 2008 the Elgin City Council gave its blessings to the Plan developed by the Gifford Park Association. GPA has wanted a Neighborhood Plan for decades and had lobbied for one on more that one occasion. The lead article in the Spring 2000 Gazette, entitled "GPA: We Need a Plan!" traces GPA's historical interest in neighborhood planning. Thanks to a Neighborhood Improvement Grant from the City of Elgin, our planning consultant Paul Bednar and a diligent planning committee, GPA has made the first step towards this goal. Now the challenge is to instill the document with meaning; to flesh out, update and revise it as needed. Your ongoing involvement is essential. Comments and questions are welcomed. A final copy can be read by clicking here.

• To preserve the integrity of the Elgin Historic District (comprising Gifford Park, the City of Elgin's first neighborhood and park.).
• To undertake educational efforts, enhancing appreciation and development of pride in the architectural and design heritage of the City of Elgin.
• To provide public educational tours, workshops, materials and technical assistance on preservation and design and to assist other not-for-profit community agencies in their building restoration efforts, utilizing our members and volunteers from the community.
• To engage in projects involving preservation and beautification that enhance the visual appearance and heritage of the neighborhoods and the City of Elgin and helps build Elgins spirit of community.
• To support programs that serve children and youth and that contribute to the well being of the City and its neighborhoods.
• To encourage and support through contributed expertise and volunteer time:
• Quality community planning through the development of appropriate plans and codes, and their implementation and;
• Public capital and beautification projects to enhance the neighborhoods and the City of Elgin.
• Through programs, projects, and educational outreach, GPA will serve to showcase our neighborhoods and the city of Elgin to its citizens and to others within the Chicago metropolitan region, and the State of Illinois and Midwest.