1986-07-30 - Plan Commission - Minutes SPECIAL MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
Town Center
Plat of Dedication - Buffalo Grove Road
July 30, 1986
Chairman Sheldon called the special meeting to order at 7:31 P.M. in the
Buffalo Grove Youth Center behind the Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard,
Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners Present: Chairman Sheldon
Mr. Goldspiel
Mr. Davis
Mr. Krug
Mr. Musfeldt
Mr. Gal
Mr. Rhodes
Mr. Katz
Commissioners Absent: Ms. Kaszubowski
Also Present: Mr. Stanley Lieberman, Developer, Town Center
Mr. J. Brim, Architect, Town Center
Mr. P. Kupritz, Architect, Town Center
Mr. A. Haeger, Engineer, Town Center
Ms. T. W. Rion, Landscaper, Town Center
Mr. S. Taxman, Marketing Expert, Town Center
Mr. M. Schwartz, Attorney, Town Center
Mr. R. Sherman, Buffalo Grove Resident
Ms. M. Kowalski, Village Trustee
Mr. G. Glover, Village Trustee
Mr. R. Kuenkler, Village Engineer
Mr. J. Truesdell, Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1 Moved by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Goldspiel, to approve
the Public Hearing minutes of July 16, 1986. Approval was unanimous in favor
with Commissioners Davis, Krug and Gal abstaining and the motion passed.
Moved by Commissioner Goldspiel, seconded by Commissioner Rhodes, to approve
the Regular Meeting minutes of July 16, 1986. Approval was unanimous in
favor with Commissioners Davis, Krug and Gal abstaining and the motion
passed.
COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Musfeldt attended the July 21, 1986 Village Board meeting where
a subdivision south of Dundee Road on Buffalo Grove Road was referred to the
Commission. It is the old Martin and Marbry office site which is now
proposed to be retail.
Another site for an apartment complex, east of the golf course, was not
referred to the Commission.
TOWN CENTER WORKSHOP
Mr. Lieberman stated they have incorporated the suggestions from the Plan
Commission into their present plan.
Mr. Brim briefly reviewed the changes in the plan that were made
to incorporate the Commission's suggestions:
1. The road system and access points were studied with the traffic
engineer in order to alleviate the stacking problems and the in/out
movements with provisions for moving through the retail and
retail/office portion.
2. They have moved the access point on Buffalo Grove Road
approximately 483' south of the common way drive.
3. The retail has been somewhat redesigned in order to accommodate the
park and roadway system.
One of the most significant factors of the plan is the incorporation through
the integration of the engineering information received as well as input of
the landscaping architect that make for a series of pedestrian happenings
throughout the site. One of the purposes of the Town Center was to create
these pedestrian experiences.
The plan is substantially the same as the previous plan presented at the last
meeting. They have 2 additional court yards, the parking for the elderly
housing is considerably less than for other housing. There is 210 square
feet of retail/office, 9,000 square feet of combined office area, 484
apartments between the elderly and the residential units with a total of 22
units to the acre.
Mr. Kupritz noted:
1. They did an extensive study on the 7.5 acre parcel. They have
tried to incorporate the same character of those buildings through-
out the site.
2. They did a detailed material review of the 7.5 acre parcel and will
use the same materials throughout the site.
He reviewed renderings of the walkway system, office retail buildings,
multi-family buildings and noted the buildings will be no higher than 48' and
the residential would be a 4 story plus parking underneath the structure.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission
Special Meeting
July 30, 1986 - Page 2
The elderly housing would have a skylight over the center atrium that would
be over the 48' height. The building studies are preliminary in nature.
Ms. Rion stated the landscape program developed out of a blending of the
formal and informal architecture. It would be formal around the fountains
and in the elderly garden area. The informal landscaping would be around the
bike path and outline the site. They have tried to create a public space.
She then did a walk through of the plan depicting the formal and informal
areas. She presented renderings of various formal and informal landscaping
sites. The fountain court would have decorative pavement and setting. The
Lake/Cook Road entrance would have a bridge and decorative lighting.
The public open space would have a gazebo pavilion and the landscaping would
work to form an amphitheater surrounded by the bike path. There would be an
outdoor market area after you enter the site off of Lake/Cook Road that
would have decorative pavement, lighting, tables and chairs, benches,
planters and banners.
Mr. Haeger noted the site is 55 acres. He referred to a rendering of the
site's engineering stating there was no need for extensive grading. They
will not have to haul any dirt off or on the site. It is well balanced by
itself. There are 3 natural drainage areas. One intersects Route 83 and
Buffalo Grove Road and drains to the Amoco station or northwest. Another
near Checker Road drains west and the remainder of the site drains to
Lake/Cook Road to Buffalo Creek.
They propose to direct the water from the northwest to the culvert in Buffalo
Grove Road and remainder of the site will be drained southerly
to Buffalo Creek. They are providing wet and dry detention ponds. Sixteen acre
feet of detention is required and it will be provided.
They will extend the existing sewer on the south side of Route 83 south
directly out of the site and will provide adequate drainage. They do not
anticipate any problems with the sanitary sewer use.
There are existing water mains on the east side of Buffalo Grove Road, on the
east side of Route 83 and on the north side of Lake/Cook Road. They will
extend the water mains and use them throughout the site.
There are existing utilities on all the roads adjacent to the site for gas
and electric and they do not anticipate any problems with their use.
The left turn lanes and right turn deceleration lanes will be provided at the
entrance depending on the traffic problems.
Mr. Schwartz stated that the site first came before the Commission in
January, 1985 as a 7 acre parcel. In January, 1986 they were back before the
Commission with a new plan containing additional property. They feel they
have now brought back this plan answering all of the questions raised at the
May, 1986 meeting. The maximum height of the buildings is 48' , the landscape
plan has created a pedestrian environment. They feel they have addressed the
major concerns of the Commission and the Village. They would like to have a
public hearing for the entire site as soon as possible.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission
Special Meeting
July 30, 1986 - Page 3
In response to Mr. Truesdell, Mr. Schwartz noted the 2.7 acres on Route 83
and the 1.9 acre parcels on Buffalo Grove Road are both still under
negotiations. Both sites are noted on the plan.
Mr. Lieberman stated they are running out of time on this project. They have
put a substantial amount of money and planning into this site and made a very
sincere effort to bring in a plan that the Village proposed several years
ago.
Mr. Brim noted the zoning ordinance variations on the out lots.
The development ordinance variations are:
1. A 50' versus 54' ROW.
2. Engineering requirement of the invert elevations regarding the
storm system.
3. Side slope requirements.
4. Water against the building from the pond.
5. Parking for the elderly. One space per unit is required and they
propose .45 spaces per unit. It was noted that the formal garden
could be used for future parking if needed.
Chairman Sheldon suggested that possibly a public bus could be considered for
transportation throughout the site for the elderly.
In response to Commissioner Krug, Mr. Haeger noted the retention/reflecting
pond will have 3.5' depth, be 300' across and approximately 3 acre feet of
storage. Ms. Rion stated the pond would contain a hard edge on the side with
landscaping buffer and would serve a dual purpose of pond and detention area.
Mr. Brim stated the site for the Village Green will also serve as dry
detention. They will use paved inverts, which are an engineering variation,
to drain that site. The alternatives would be to increase the wet detention
areas, decrease the requirements or try to maintain the water in the green
area for a short period of time i.e. approximately for a 100 year storm it
would be wet for 4 or 5 hours. The gazebo would be set up high so that it
would not be damaged by the water.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated the plan is innovative and he appreciates the
developer trying to meet the concepts of the Village. He is concerned
with the circular paved area and the multi-family building being too close to
the street.
Mr. Brim noted there would be 15 to 20 feet between the edge of the pavement
and the detention. The street around the reflecting pond is an internal
private street as opposed to an internal public street.
Commissioner Goldspiel felt that cars traveling around the circle would
create noise and emission problems for the residents of the building.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission
Special Meeting
July 30, 1986 - Page 4
Mr. Lieberman noted the only reason someone would be on that street would be
for drop off and pick up. The distance from the exterior of the circle to the
road behind the parking lot would contain a 20' buffer.
Mr. Brim stated that the gazebo/detention/amphitheater area is open to
Buffalo Grove Road and could be used for pedestrian access.
Commissioner Goldspiel felt that access from the parking area to the office
could be opened up so that you could see the gazebo area.
Mr. Brim noted the back of the buildings in the commercial area will be
finished in the same manner as the rest of the buildings. If the office area
goes better than the commercial in the expandable area, it would be office
and then the buildings would be finished on both sides with additional walk
space.
Commissioner Goldspiel was concerned with the traffic, how it will flow and how
it will go in and out in the largest part of the commercial and main drive.
Mr. Taxman explained that the free standing kiosks will be specialty shops
and need foot traffic to survive. If these kiosks impede the major merchants
in the development, they will be eliminated. The stores will be the major
focal point and not the kiosks. There is adequate parking for speciality
shops in the retail. One of the reasons that the plan works is the concept
of shared parking. There is 1 car space for every 220 square foot of parking
space or 1,000 cars roughly. The depths or physical construction of the
stores does not allow for a major or mass merchant. The bridge between the 2
elderly units will have transparent glass. The theater would have 4 to 6
screen buildings. If there is a problem in the gazebo site the developer
crews will take care of it. They will clean up that area. The developer
feels the Lake/Cook Road entrance is critical to the development. They would
be glad to adjust the entrance but not eliminate it.
Commissioner Gal is not convinced about the Lake/Cook entrance.
Mr. Taxman stated their first choice for a restaurant would be a
delicatessen. It would serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. He suggested
that the Village Green be expanded in the music store area and the land in
that area be condemned by the Village for that purpose. They are requesting
a 3 to 1 wet side slope and a 4 to 1 dry detention slope.
Commissioner Gal requested that the parking not be a detention area.
Mr. Brim stated the commercial office tower would be 55' and the skylight
would be 64' .
Commissioner Gal objected to the overall height of boththe commercial office
tower and the skylight on the elderly housing.
Commissioner Katz was concerned with the theater adjacent to the multi-family
housing and the noise created by it in the late evening.
Mr. Lieberman stated the retail would be closed at 10:00 P.M. and there
would be parking in that area for the theater. He noted the attendance at
the late performance would be small and would not create much noise.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission
Special Meeting
July 30, 1986 - Page 5
The buildings are high quality building that would not transmit noise easily.
The theaters would have staggered hours. This area is much more strongly
buffered from the residential to the theater entrance. If the theater
contract does not go through, the area could be retail or office.
Mr. Taxman stated the small building near the Lake/Cook entrance is probably
going to be a financial institution without a drive-up facility.
Commissioner Musfeldt would not like to see more traffic lights on Route 83.
He would like more input on pedestrian safety at the next presentation.
Mr. Lieberman noted the elderly housing would be for well care.
Commissioner Musfeldt would like to see one of the gardens become parking and
would like to see the parking ordinance met there.
Mr. Schwartz noted the developer intends to indicate all the roadways and will
come back with a more clear definition of private versus dedicated streets.
Mr. Lieberman stated they will require a 4 to 1 slope on the dry detention.
Ms. Rion stated the slopes that they are requesting are not unduly difficult
to mow by machine.
Commissioner Davis feels this not a Town Center. The municipal area is the
Town Center. He did not agree with the Village Green in the middle of a
detention area. The sidewalk vendors create a lot of debris. He is not sure
more shopping areas are necessary with all the shopping centers that are in
the Village.
Mr. Lieberman feels that they have tried to listen to what the Commission and
the Village had to say and they have put a lot of money into the project. They
want to build a quality oriented property that the Village wants.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated he is against any plan that goes over the 48'
height.
Commissioner Davis suggested the Village Green area be moved to the formal
gardens.
Ms. Rion noted that this was also a detention area.
Mr. Haeger stated a variation will be required for the paved inverts which
are used to back up drainage to carry the low flow into the pond and into the
sewer. It does tend to keep the detention pond dry. It takes the place of
subdrains. This would keep the water from saturating the ground. They are
requesting a variation so that if there is no other way to dry out that area
they will use the inverts. They will try subdrains first.
Chairman Sheldon stated that the Commission was:
1. Concerned with the detention in the green area. She would like to
see them as dry as possible.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission
Special Meeting
July 30, 1986 - Page 6
2. Building setbacks meet the ordinance and identified on the plan.
3. Research done by the staff on the traffic issue leading to Lake/Cook
Road and parking for the elderly. In addition, looking at the
parking on the site in general.
4. Concern with the 4 to 1 slope.
5. In general the sidewalks throughout the area.
6. Dedicated roads, which are dedicated and which are not.
7. Traffic pattern around the fountain area in the commercial.
8. Building heights.
9. List of requested variations.
10. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns.
Mr. Schwartz feels these points can be dealt with staff and would like to
proceed as quickly as possible.
Mr. Sherman felt the Lake Cook entrance was an asset. Would like to see the
parking compartmentalized. Would like to see staff and employee parking in
its own section. Asked how much parking will be staff and employee parking.
Would like to see the elderly parking reserve parking.
PLAT OF DEDICATION - BUFFALO GROVE ROAD
Moved by Commissioner Musfeldt, seconded by Commissioner Rhodes that the Plan
Commission recommend to the Village Board approval of the Plat of Dedication
- Buffalo Grove Road dated May 21, 1986 subject to:
1. The addition of graphic scale.
2. Addition of the amount of acreage dedicated.
Discussion:
Mr. Kuenkler stated the plan was in order.
The motion was amended by Commissioner Goldspiel with Commissioners Musfeldt
and Rhodes concurring to read the title Plat of Dedication for Buffalo Grove
Road added.
AYES: Goldspiel, Davis, Musfeldt, Krug, Gal, Rhodes and Katz
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Kaszubowski
The motion unanimously passed.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission
Special Meeting
July 30, 1986 - Page 7
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Musfeldt, seconded by Commissioner Goldspiel, and
unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Sheldon adjourned the
meeting at 10:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
/,.t1/00-4/
Kathleen Comer
Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
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Barbara Sheldon
Chairman
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission
Special Meeting
July 30, 1986 - Page 8
SUMMARY MINUTES OF
PLAN COMMISSION STRATEGIC WORKSHOP
July 23, 1986
The following list represents items of discussion at the subject meeting held
at 911 Twist Oak Lane, Buffalo Grove which was attended by:
Verna Clayton Michael Katz
Gary Glover John Gal
Barbara Sheldon Rosalie Kaszubowski
Stephen Goldspiel Dusty Rhodes
George Krug William Balling
Lauron Musfeldt James Truesdell
1. The use of the Comprehensive Plan was discussed. It was concluded that
developments need to conform with the spirit and intent of the plan
although the land use plan itself should be viewed as having some
flexibility.
2. At the time of the meeting, if the Plan Commission feels that the
petitioner has not submitted adequate information, the item should be
tabled to a future date.
3. A concern was expressed that too many of the same questions raised at a
public hearing are raised again prior to making the motion during the
regular meeting. Several Commissioners felt that questions should be
limited to the public hearing.
4. General ideas were discussed concerning streamlining the review process:
a. Prepare a discussion outline/checklist and review the development
on a subject by subject basis.
b. Summarize the findings and conclusions at the end of each meeting
and reflect same in the minutes.
c. Staff should resume video tape presentations.
d. Staff should bring to the Plan Commission's attention any special
conditions contained the annexation agreement (if applicable) .
5. When reviewing variations, staff should identify which are at the
request of the developer and which are at the request of staff. If
staff supports a variation, specific reasons should be given. In
general it was concluded that variations should be reviewed on an
individual basis and that variations do not always mean lower
quality.
6. In the first workshop packet, the Staff should include all Village Board
comments on the proposal.
7. A workshop should be scheduled in order to discuss "wetlands" and their
value.
Re pectfully submi ted,
Ir
=mes E. Truesdell, AICP
Village Planner
APPROVED BY:
(4;
Barbara Sheldon
Chairman
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