Gino Bartucci Sr. has been trying to create a Little Italy on the Northwest Side for over four decades. With support from the city and the recent revitalization of a local business association, his dream might now be within reach.

Over the past year, the city’s Department of Planning and Development has worked with local business owners, residents and elected officials to draft the “Harlem Avenue Visioning Study,” a 96-page document filled with ideas on how to beautify the area and increase foot traffic. The study, presented during an April 18 meeting, focuses on the 2-mile stretch of Harlem Avenue between Grand Avenue and Irving Park Road.