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2003-07-02 - Plan Commission - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑ Plan Commission Document Type: 0 A e g nda 0 Minutes Meeting ate: 07/02/2003 Type of Meeting: ❑ Regular Meeting REGULAR MEETING BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION July 2, 2003 Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion, 1500 Abbott Court,Amendment of Special Use concerning coin-operated amusement devices In the Industrial District—Workshop #1 Twin Creeks Park, 401 Aptakisic Road,Approval of a Special Use and Preliminary Plan for a park facility in the R-1 District Workshop #1 Chairman Ottenheimer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers, Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Commissioners present: Chairman Ottenheimer Mr. Smith Ms. Kenski-Sroka Mr. Khan Mr. Teplinsky Mr. Stark Commissioners absent: Ms. Bocek Mr. Samuels Also present: Mr. Gary Kayne, Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion Mr. Michael Rylko, Director, Buffalo Grove Park District Mr. John Green, Groundwork, Ltd. Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner Mr. Greg Summers, Associate Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Commissioner Kenski-Sroka, seconded by Commissioner Khan to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 21, 2003. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion and the motion passed unanimously. COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS Commissioner Khan attended the Village Board meeting on June 16, 2003 where the following items were discussed: 1. Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion request for an amendment for coin operated amusement devices. TWIN RINKS ICE PAVILION, 1500 ABBOTT COURT, AMENDMENT OF SPECIAL USE CONCERNING COIN-OPERATED AMUSEMENT DEVICES IN THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT—WORKSHOP 91 Mr. Gary Kayne stated Twin Rinks was annexed with a special use in the Industrial District for the ice rink facility. He noted they are now petitioning for an amendment of the special use to allow coin operated amusement devices. These games would be for the friends and family of those people who are busy playing on the ice. It would give these people something to do while classes and practice occupies the time of those on the ice. Mr. Kayne noted he is aware of the trustee concerns regarding layout, number of games and site lines as well as creating a hangout for teenagers. However, he was quick to note that the location for the games is in an area now occupied by lockers, a number of which would be removed, and there is more than enough space available for their request. In addition he stated the facility has never been a local hangout for kids and is not about to become one just because of the games. He further noted that he is familiar with almost all of the kids in the facility at all times and will make sure nothing like that happens. Commissioner Kenski-Sroka asked if there was no public skating. Mr. Kayne stated they have only classes and practice times. Commissioner Kenski-Sroka asked how they would control or keep junior high students from coming into the facility to use the machines. Mr. Kayne stated he does not know why any junior high kid would come to this facility specifically instead of other places. He noted he is familiar with almost all of the people coming to the facility and if did not recognize anyone he would immediately check it out. He noted they do not necessarily want the junior high students hanging around. Commissioner Kenski-Sroka asked if anyone just hanging around would be asked to leave. Mr. Kayne stated they could do that, but did not see a problem if there were one, two or three kids around using the machines. Commissioner Teplinsky asked why they felt the need to go from 3 games to 36. Mr. Kayne stated they need some form of entertain for those waiting around and there are also some revenue issues. However, he noted this is a huge facility with plenty of room for the games. Commissioner Teplinsky asked why so many machines are necessary. Mr. Kayne stated they have the room for that many machines and it would provide more choices for the kids. Commissioner Teplinsky asked what sort of games are proposed. Mr. Kayne stated they have a list of games but have not as yet chosen anything specific. He noted they could pick anything the Village would approve. Commissioner Khan asked if there have been any junior high students coming in to use the existing 3 machines. Mr. Kayne stated no. Mr. Khan asked what would be done with the lockers on the north wall that would be removed to make room for the requested machines. Mr. Kayne stated they would only have to remove about one of the lockers out. Commissioner Stark asked what the hours of operation are for the facility. Mr. Kayne stated the hours are 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. regularly and 7:00 p.m. to midnight for hockey. Commissioner Stark asked if they had ever been asked for some sort of activities for siblings who come along with parents. Mr. Kayne stated no. Commissioner Stark noted his concern with he fact that a parent who is busy watching a child on the ice would not be able to watch a child playing games. Commissioner Smith asked if there would be any redeemable prize tickets for games. Mr. Kayne stated they would like to have that. Commissioner Smith asked if Building and Zoning or the Fire Department had looked at the proposal. Mr. Pfeil stated the Building Commissioner has reviewed the plan and commented that specific information needs to be provided to confirm that the required spacing between games and the required width for access aisles are provided. He said that Fire Department has not commented on the plan. Commissioner Smith stated he has no problem with the games for the kids and feels that the numbers should be left up to building and zoning and the fire department. Chairman Ottenheimer stated he sees no reason to afford the same opportunity to this facility as has been granted to other places. He noted that if kids do come in to use the games and are not destructive or disruptive there is no reason not to allow them to come. In any case, he feels that the rink will surely police its own facility. Chairman Ottenheimer noted that building and zoning might limit the number of games. He stated he would like to see the following for the next meeting. 1. A detailed, scalable drawing of the area for the machines, depicting the specific location of each machine, confirming the total number of machines, and confirming that required spacing and related dimensions are provided 2. A general description types of games that would be installed 3. The layout and location of the games that will offer prizes He noted this is an accessory use and sees no problems. Mr. Pfeil suggested that the petition could probably proceed to a public hearing provided that the detailed floor plan is submitted. The Plan Commission agreed that the project could be scheduled for a public hearing provided that proper documentation is submitted. TWIN CREEKS PARK, 401 APTAKISIC ROAD, APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL USE AND PRELIMINIARY PLAN FOR A PARK FACILITY IN THE R-1 DISTRICT—WORKSHOP 91 Mr. Green stated the site is at the southwest corner of Buffalo Grove Road and Aptakisic. He stated grading would be required for the area and small trees would be added as well as a bikepath. He stated the east side contains a creek bed. This is the area the park district is looking at for a permanent site for their Safety Town program. Mr. Green stated that by planning an entire park in the area means the park district might be able to get funding for the project. He stated the objectives are to make a park for children ages 3-15 and a permanent site for Safety Town. In addition this would be a good place for storage space always sorely needed. Therefore, they are also proposing a maintenance building for the site to be similar in size to the one created for the Buffalo Grove golf course. Mr. Green stated the site has a flood plain area so they will build 2 to 3 feet above that elevation. He further stated this might help them create an area for Frisbee golf All other organized uses will be for ages 3 to 15. He stated the north side of the site is proposed to be a children's playground and they hope to work with adjacent residents and get feedback from them as to what kinds of equipment are desired. Mr. Green noted the Safety Town area would include a section of rural/suburban and urban areas. This new area can be used for learning to ride bikes and such other related activities and will remain an open area. However, the urban area will be fenced in to preserve the integrity of the equipment used in the classes in conjunction with the police and fire departments. Mr. Green further noted the game area will include, a)funnel ball, b)two courts of four square which is a precursor to volleyball, and c) two hopscotch courts. Mr. Green noted the access point for the park will be as far west as possible. He noted there is a parcel owned by the Village west of the park and the driveway to Aptakisic Road is aligned to serve both properties. Parking for the park facility will be along the west side of the site with 40 spaces provided. He further noted that all the turning radii requested by the Fire Department would be met. Mr. Green stated this site is the crossroads for a number of bikepaths. He stated he would like to build a good working bikepath road here so that the entire site will have desirable access for bikes and rollerblades. Commissioner Teplinsky noted that the Safety Town program is great and that this location is a very good one for this proposal. He asked if the urban Safety Town buildings are permanent Mr. Green stated they are permanent and will therefore be fenced. He stated they would be asked for an 8-foot fence, which will require a variation. Commissioner Teplinsky asked if the facility is designed for night use. Mr. Green stated no. He noted they intend to put in only three lights. Commissioner Stark asked if both Buffalo Grove Road and Aptakisic Road are to be expanded in the future. Mr. Pfeil stated both roads are to be expanded to four lanes in the future. Commissioner Stark asked if there are any safety issues concerning the proposed access on Aptakisic Road. Mr. Green stated that the proposed driveway has an adequate separation from the intersection of Aptakisic Road and Buffalo Grove Road to provide safe turning movements in and out of the site. Commissioner Stark asked if the washrooms are accessible once Safety Town closes. Mr. Green stated yes. Commissioner Stark asked if flying frisbees might be a hazard if they go unto Buffalo Grove Road. Mr. Green stated no as that area would be 80 feet from the lot line. Commissioner Khan noted concern about a left turn lane if both Buffalo Grove Road and Aptakisic are to be expanded in the future. Mr. Green stated they have provided a left turn lane on Aptakisic Road on the site plan. He noted that the Lake County Division of Transportation has review and permitting authority concerning the driveway and related turn lanes on Aptakisic Road. Commissioner Khan noted there is a grass center in the turnaround area and he asked who would maintain that area. Mr. Green noted the park district would maintain the area. Commissioner Khan asked how many cars could fit into the drop off area at one time. He further noted that it appears that cars pulling out from the north parking area could become a safety issue to the drop off cars. Mr. Green stated the drop off area could hold three cars. He said he would make adjustments to the parking area on the north. Commissioner Khan commented the traffic circulation looks somewhat congested with the through movements and parking maneuvers that will need to be accommodated. Mr. Green said that overall the site will not have a high volume of traffic, and the conflicts with through movements and parking maneuvers will be minimal. He noted that the access aisle is designed for two-way traffic to minimize problems for motorists entering and exiting parking spaces. Chairman Ottenheimer asked if there would be any lights in the parking lot or the park itself. Mr. Green stated there would be no lights in the recreation areas, but the parking lot will have lights with timers so that the facility will not be illuminated all night. Chairman Ottenheimer noted his concern with the conflict of the drop off area and the parking spaces on the north side. He further noted that this was a very crowded area with a potential for many problems. Mr. Green stated he would look into possible modifications, but the parking areas and circulation aisles have been laid out to accommodate the different uses and to minimize traffic problems. Chairman Ottenheimer noted that since this would be a bikepath crossroads, it would be a good idea to provide plenty of bike racks at various points. Commissioner Khan asked if the bikepath would cross the creek. Mr. Green noted the existing system now crosses the creek. He stated the current plan tries to curve the path to link with the existing system while also separating the bikepath from parking areas. He noted that some of the trees located in areas that would be paved for parking will be relocated on the site. Chairman Ottenheimer asked about the appearance of the Safety Town buildings and if there would be new buildings or equipment in addition to what is used at the current facility. Mr. Green stated they are programming for new permanent buildings and equipment. The buildings will be designed as scaled-down versions of the actual buildings used by various sponsors in the community such as banks. Chairman Ottenheimer stated he would like to see the proposed design and appearance for the Safety Town buildings. Commissioner Smith requested additional information concerning the landscaping plan and appearance of the facility. The Plan Commission agreed that another workshop was necessary. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT—None FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE Mr. Pfeil stated the next regular meeting would be held on July 16, 2003. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Mr. Briskin of 515 St. Mary's Parkway noted the BP Amoco station on the corner of Lake Cook Road and Buffalo Grove Road is becoming an eyesore. He stated that it appears someone is scavenging the building and stealing some of the shrubbery. NEW BUSINESS—None ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Kenski-Sroka, seconded by Commissioner Smith and carried unanimously to adjourn. Chairman Ottenheimer adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary APPROVED BY: LESTER OTTENHEIMER, Chair