EAST CHICAGO | A blueprint for citywide development over the next five years is expected to be approved by the end of the month.

Two years in the making, the so-called "comprehensive plan" -- a coordinated framework for future land use, housing, infrastructure and transportation improvements -- was unanimously adopted by the Plan Commission on Monday afternoon.

Using economic and real estate market data, environmental analyses and comments from numerous workshops with residents, a five-company team of specialists drafted the comprehensive plan to address the city's weaknesses and build on its strengths.

Developer The Lakota Group, architect BauerLatoza Studio and financing expert S.B. Friedman & Co., all of Chicago, transportation specialist RQAW, of Indianapolis, and civil engineer Huff & Huff, of Oak Brook, Ill., all contributed to the plan.

Approval by the City Council is the final step toward its implementation, and City Planner Dwayne Williams said his office would be drafting the measure in ordinance form for the consideration by the council this month.