On Aug. 12, Mayor Daniel Bovey posted renderings of the proposed plaza on Facebook, asking residents to share ideas. While adults debated taxes, traffic and business impacts, local teens who spoke to the Chronicle focused on what the space could mean for their social lives and free time.

In the Facebook post, Bovey told residents the project would not raise property taxes and said the city hopes to attract private investors and donors to bring restaurants, businesses, gardens and activity centers into the plaza. The Daily Herald reported that early renderings sparked broad interest, with residents suggesting ideas such as public art, skating rinks, food trucks and spaces that highlight West Chicago’s railroad history.

The community has long voiced concerns about the lack of businesses and activities in West Chicago compared with surrounding towns such as Wheaton, Geneva, St. Charles and Naperville. For both teens and adults, the proposed plaza represents a chance to close that gap and create a destination for connection.

West Chicago Community High School students who spoke with the Chronicle emphasized social opportunities.

“They should do activities for the town, like movie nights. Having new activities will help the kids look forward to something and will reduce ditching in school,” freshman Angel Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez added that a central gathering place could give teens an outlet.

“Kids need to socialize way more,” Rodriguez said. “Having a space like this would actually help bring them together.”

Other students said the plaza could reflect the city’s cultural identity as well.

“[More] small businesses [would be good] so people could get more money with us, because we’re a smaller community,” senior Genesis Chavez said. “I think Hispanic restaurants would be good, since we’re more Hispanic here.”

West Chicago Community High School staff member Carolina Espino also supported the idea of expanding Hispanic dining options, though she pointed to the need for more variety.

“Maybe we could add other types of Hispanic food, like Colombian, Venezuelan or Cuban food,” Espino said.

Adults also leaned toward year-round amenities and recreation.

“Tennis courts, basketball courts, and somewhere to hang out and play sports with friends and family. I think having more of that would be a good idea,” Espino said.

Her suggestion echoed many of the online comments from local residents, which ranged from farmers markets and skating rinks to train-themed attractions and colorful murals.

Despite differences in emphasis, both groups agreed that the plaza should go beyond shops and become an active community hub.

“It will benefit the community, because there’s not really much to do in West Chicago except go to other cities,” senior Adal Celaya said.

Although no formal plans have been finalized, Bovey has said community engagement is key to shaping the project. The city will continue gathering feedback as it considers next steps.