1977-02-16 - Plan Commission - Minutes REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
Falcon Development, Friedman Development
February 16, 1977
Chairman Carl Genrich called the meeting to order at 8:10 F.M. in the
Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard.
Commissioners Present: Chairman Genrich
Mr. Harris
Mr. Keister
Mr. Shields
Mr. Goldspiel
Mr. Jacobs
Mr. Kandel
Commissioners Absent: Mr. Mendenhall
Mrs. Force
Also Present: Mr. Jerry Falcon, Developer
Mr. John Kinley, Toups Corporation, Falcon Development
Mr. Alan Uman, Toups Corporation, Falcon Development
Mr. James Otis, Otis & Associates, Friedman Dev.
Mr. Ronald S. Cope , Attorney, Friedman Development
Mr. John Hooper, Engineer, Friedman Development
Mr. Stan Crosland, Park District
Mr. William Kiddie, Park Board
Mr. William Hitzeman, School District 96
Mr. Bart Delaney, Engineering Aide
Mr. Carl Rapp, Village Engineer
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Kandel made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of February 2. Commissioner Keister seconded the motion. The
motion carried. There were no changes or corrections.
Commissioner Shields moved to approve the minutes of the Public Hearing
of February 2. Commissioner Kandel seconded the motion. The motion
carried. There were no changes or corrections.
Falcon Development
Mr. Jerry Falcon, President of Falcon Development Company, stated that
he and his brother are contract purchasers of the subject property which
is located on Arlington Heights Road about 1600 feet north of Dundee Road
at Nichols Road. It consists of approximately 49 acres. They are requesting
approval for annexation under R-6 zoning. The plan is for 180 single-family
lots taking into consideration ground conditions, drainage , etc.
Mr. Rapp stated that he has gone through the entire plan with the developer
several times. There are no engineering problems that are insurmountable.
Plan Commission
Page 2 February 16, 1977
The developer is meeting Village standards and conforms to R-6 zoning
with no variations. They are .3 of an acre short on their park dedication
but have a proposal for a cash donation on this.
Commissioner Kandel asked if they were planning on sidewalks. Mr. Rapp
replied that there will be sidewalks on both sides of the street.
Commissioner Harris asked what is on lot 20. Mr. Falcon replied that
there is an existing home on this property. He added that in his purchase
agreement he will own this also.
Commissioner Harris stated that he is concerned about the traffic generated
onto Arlington Heights Road from the development. He asked where the
street lined up in connection with the driveway for the school across
Arlington Heights Road. Mr. Falcon replied that it is directly across
from the north driveway of the school. Commissioner Harris asked if
the developer had done any traffic studies. Mr. Kinley stated that they
had purposely lined their street up with this driveway because upon improve-
ment of Arlington Heights Road, there will be a median cut for the school.
Also, with the signalization of Bernard and Nichols at Arlington Heights
Road there would be traffic control to alleviate this area.
In reponse to Commissioner Harris, Mr. Kinley stated that they have a 27'
pavement on the main street. They do not feel this is a collector street.
They do not want this to be a collector in the event that Kennicott should
be expanded.
Regarding the turn movements on Arlington Heights Road, Mr. Rapp stated
that there would be four lanes of pavement with a median strip. It will
have left and right turn movements. They have requested signalization
for Bernard but don' t have enough traffic to warrant it so this inter-
section will not be signalized.
Mr. Uman reviewed the engineering of the property. The ridge line runs
north to south. The majority of the property drains to the southeast
corner and a small portion drains to the northwest. The sanitary sewer
lines in the existing subdivisions to the east are overloaded so the
decision was made to run a line from the south, up Arlington Heights
Road and bring it into the site. Regarding the water, there is a line
existing in front of the school site and they will tap onto this in
two locations.
Commis
sioner Harris asked if there wa
s some waytoget more pedestrian an
p
access through the development. He was referring mainly to the loop
street on the west. Mr. Kinley stated that they did not feel it would
be successful to start promoting rear-yard walkways in a project of this
size. Mr. Falcon added that this is a straight subdivision and they
are intentionally trying not to get involved with a PUD.
Commissioner Harris asked if they meet all the requirements of the zoning
ordinance. Mr. Kinley replied that there are no exceptions. They have
a minimum lot size of 6600 square feet and an average lot size of 7720
square feet. Forty percent of the lots exceed the minimum requirements.
1
Plan Commission
Page 3 February 16, 1977
Commissioner Harris asked what type of houses they planned to build.
Mr. Falcon stated that 50% would be three-bedroom and 50% four-bedroom.
They will be basically two-story with the garages tucked into the
living area. There will be an overlap into the garage area of living
space. All will have basements, two-car garages and two or two and one-
half baths. The living area exclusive of basement and garage will be
in the range of 1600 to 2200 square feet. They estimate the homes
will be in the $70,000 - $80,000 price range.
Commissioner Harris asked who would pay to run the sanitary sewer from
down near the mall. Mr. Falcon replied that he would pay for it but
would like a recapture agreement in the event someone else should want
to tie in with it.
Referring to the detention areas, Mr. Falcon stated that one is 1 acre
(the one in the northwest corner) and the other is 2.4 acres.
Commissioner Keister inquired about the depth of the water in a 100-year
rain. Mr. Uman stated that they are aiming for a maximum depth of 5' .
There is a maximum slope of 3 to 1 and they will landscape around them.
With regard to the right-of-way along Arlington Heights Road, Mr. Rapp
stated that there will be a 100' right-of-way, 50' off the center line.
He added that they have also indicated a 40' dedication at the west end l
of their collector street in the event Arlington Heights should -axpaidt Ende i
Kennicott.
Commissioner Keister asked if the developer felt this could be economically
feasible under R-5. Mr. Falcon replied that it would not be. He would
lose too many lots in order to make it a worthwhile venture.
Commissioner Jacobs stated that he is concerned about the school and
park requirements.
Mr. Kiddle asked the developer to explain in more detail why he felt it was
not possible to have the parks placed on interior streets. Mr. Uman replied
that if the parks were placed in the interior, they would not serve as
detention areas and they could not get a dual use out of the facility.
He added that they cannot legally take the drainage out of the basin and
put it in another direction.
Mr. Kiddie asked if the developer felt that the two detention areas would
be free of water after a period of 72 hours. Mr. Kinley replied that they
would be provided there is no more rain in that period.
Commissioner Keister inquired if the Park District had a Master Plan for
this area. He also wondered if they felt there is a need for a neighbor-
hood park in this area with the school park across the street.Mr. Crosland
stated that at the time of the Master Plan they did not know this would
go into residential. Regarding the school park, Longfellow is across a
four-lane highway (eventually) and it needs further development as a
recreational facility.
In response to a question from^'Chairman Genrich, Mr. Kiddie stated that
the required donation is 3.7015 acres and the developer shows a donation
of 3.4, so this does not meet the requirements.
Plan Commission
Page 4 February 16, 1977
Commissioner Goldspiel asked if the developer knows what Arlington
Heights plan to do with the area to the north of this development.
Mr. Falcon said that he is not aware of anything in this area. Mr. Rapp
stated that he would check on this.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked what is west of the possible Kennicott
extension. Mr. Kinley stated that he thinks Arlington Heights plans
for some type of park facility. Mr. Kiddle stated that the Park Board
had received some communication on this and they were talking about some
�./
type of multi-purpose in the park framework.
facility
Commissioner Goldspiel asked if the Village Staff could find out the
timetable for when the sanitary,operation will cease. Also, whether it
is likely to be reopened. 4;:afa9,(,j))3),119
Chairman Genrich asked Mr. Rapp to check the status of the Stavros
property, the plans and boundaries for the landfill ,area, the plans
for the triangular piece of property, and plans for Nichols Road.
Commissioner Goldspiel inquired about the projection in terms of children
that will be generated by the project. Mr. Falcon stated that based on
the 1977 figures there will be a total of 673.02 children. There would
be 232.2 school age children which is broken down to 109.8 elementary,
57,6 junior high and 64.8 high school.
Commissioner Goldspiel was concerned about the width of the street and
the exit onto Arlington Heights Road. He suggested running a street
north to Nichols and funnel the traffic out onto Nichols and Bernard
rather then across from the school. He added that possibly then they
would have enough traffic to warrant the signal at Bernard. Mr. Rapp
stated that the impact of this development on Nichols and Bernard would
be minor. It would not make much of a change in terms of the signal.
Signalization is in the future but it will come eventually.
Commissioner Keister stated that the Village should think about getting
some school walk signs at this point.
Commissioner Harris stated that he feels the developer could work out
a roadway onto Nichols and closing up the other without losing any lots.
This would also eliminate any possibility of through traffic if Kennicott
is ever expanded. Mr. Falcon stated that they could possibly extend the
street through lot 37. Mr. Rapp felt that with the traffic on Bernard
it would be more restrictive to get into that intersection. He will
give the Plan Commission a memo regarding this.
Commissioner Goldspiel suggested exiting across from Beechwood.
Mr. Joseph_ Wachtel, 404 Weidner, stated that even if the access is
onto Nichols and the Arlington Heights Road access is closed, children
will still use the park. They will go two ways, down Nichols and through
the park.
Plan Commission
Page 5 February 16, 1977
Commissioner Shields asked if the developer had made any provisions for
connecting to the property on the south, if and when it is developed.
Mr. Falcon replied that this property is unincorporated Cook County.
They have nothing to work with in terms of planning.
Regarding putting a sidewalk along Arlington Heights Road, Mr. Falcon
stated that according to the ordinance they have to do this.
At Mr. Crosland' s request , Mr. Uman showed the low areas on the plan
and stated that basically the entire site of both detention areas
would be able to be used for active recreation. Mr. Falcon added
that according to their figures the cash donation would be $7500.
Chairman Genrich asked that the following be done before the next
workshop meeting with this developer:
1. The developer should meet with the Staff and Park District.
2. The developer should meet with the Park Board.
3. Look into the land immediately to the south and determine
what the logical retention area is for it.
4. The Staff should meet with the Police Department regarding
the traffic problem and work out a better plan with the
developer.
5. The developer should provide the Plan Commission with a
draft of an annexation agreement. (The developer stated that
he has already given this to the Staff. )
6. The developer should meet with the Superintendent' s Office
of District 21.
7. Chairman Genrich asked the developer to prepare a document
summarizing what they are requesting.
8. Chairman Genrich asked the developer to give more consideration
to going to R-5 instead of R-6.
9. Review with the Staff whether there would be bike path possibilities.
10. Chairman Genrich asked that when the developer revises his plan
he visualize Arlington Heights Road as it will be improved.
11. On the revised plan the exact acreages of the detention basins
should be shown.
12. Show the sidewalks on the revised plan.
13. The Staff should check with the Appearance Commission and see if
there are any trees worth saving. (Mr. Genrich would like a
letter regarding this from the Appearance Commission. )
14. The Staff should check on the proximity of the reclamation area
to this project.
Plan Commission
Page 6 February 16, 1977
Friedman Development
Mr. James Otis, Otis and Associates, stated that the property in question
is a 32+ acre parcel located west of the intersection o.f Route 83 and
Buffalo Grove Road and immediately around the old service station which
is being converted to an animal hospital. Immediately to the west is
an existing park and the R-4 district of Levitt. Immediately to the
south is a piece of property that is presently in the county and on the
Master Plan is intended to be B-3 and residential PUD to the west of the
creek. Immediately to the west is the section which on the Master Plan
was scheduled for commercial.
Mr. Otis showed an overlay with the existing zoning in various areas.
East of the Levitt parcel is the sewage disposal plant and existing Park
District land. The property proposed for this development is presently
zoned B-3. The golf course to the south is R-4 and there is a M-1
area to the north with Zale immediately to the west of this.
Their proposal is for a PUD with a density of just over 4 units per
acre and an equivalent to R-4. They have laid it out as an R-4 subdivision.
Their basic concern is Route 83 which is a fairly heavy traffic road.
They would like to have a buffer of 20 multiple-family units on Route 83
in the northeast corner and then create a single-family detached PUD with
a lot of open space primarily in park. The park shown in the western
portion is adjacent to an existing park.
A concept they have tried and feel works is going back to the old common
neighborhood square. A common is provided in front of the homes so there
is open land in front of the house. This is the basic concept of the plan.
The lots are smaller than what R-4 would be but they have 7+ acres of
common open area on the plan.
There is a pathway that connects to the main park so everyone would have
access to the park. It goes through the park and through the entire
subdivision. There is also access to the tot lot.
The lots are closer to an R-6. Another aspect they would like to consider
is a zero lot line concept. Their setback' lines whether standard or
zero lot line would conform to basic R-4 setback standards. The rear
yard is 30' , front yard is 25' and a minimum of 15' between the homes.
If you provide a 5' easement on each lot line you maintain accessibility
of one lot onto the other for maintenance. When you have a 30' rear
yard and minimum of 15' between the houses it enables you to develop
land on the side yard as well as rear so you can open up to the side
as well as to the rear. This creates a very attractive atmosphere.
Mr. Otis continued, stating that they are not limiting themselves to the
zero lot line plan. They like the idea and feel it will work. The
Village can decide if they are right. This type of development would be
important in terms of designs of individual homes and how they are
situated to each other.
Mr. John Hooper described the engineering aspects of the plan. The
1 sanitary sewer layout is quite simple because the main interceptor is
Plan Commission
Page 7 February 16, 1977
along Route 83. It has more than adequate slope and depth. Regarding
the storm drainage, according to the ordinance they have developed two
separate detention areas. One is near the multiple-family and the
other is in the southwest corner. The one in the southwest corner would
be just a depressed area and would pond to a maximum of li' and drain
off in three to four hours. It is almost a natural basin. The other
retention area is very small. There is a Water main at Lake-Cook Road
and Buffalo Grove Road and one along Farrington. They would tie in
with these.
The streets are standard width. Around the park areas the streets are
20' single-lane and one-way. They have standard curb and gutter and
paving.
4-)Mr. Rapp stated that on the entrance off Buffalo Grove Road, someone has
to go around the common area to get to his house. Mr. McCoy has requested
911'0' pavement around the common areas.
Regarding sidewalks, Mr. Hooper stated that there would not be sidewalks
in front of the homes near the common areas but there would be sidewalks
within the common areas.
Mr. Rapp stated that he felt the traffic pattern was the major issue
of this plan.
Mr. Hitzeman stated that he has not met with the developer on this plan.
Regarding the 20' streets, he did not know how this would allow a school
bus if there is parking on both sides of the street. Mr. Otis replied
that there is parking on only one side of the street.
In response to a question from Mr. Hitzeman, Mr. Otis stated that there
are 116 single-family units and 20 multiple-family. There are two and
three bedrooms in the single-family. The townhouses would also be two
and three bedrooms. He will mail plans of the development to Mr. Hitzeman.
Mr. Rapp asked what the plans were for maintenance_.in the common areas.
Mr. Otis replied that they would like to complete them according to Park
District standards and then dedicate them to the Park District, not the
cul-de-sacs but the common areas and the park itself.
Mr. Kiddle asked if they planned to have any sidewalks on Farrington.
Mr. Otis replied that they did plan on this.
Commissioner Keister asked if the pathways would be paved and Mr. Hooper
replied that they would be.
Regarding the walkways, Commissioner Keister asked if they could designate
some of them to be regular 8' wide bike paths in addition to walkways.
Especially the main one from the southeast corner linking over to the park.
Mr. Otis replied that they could do this.
Mr. Otis stated that these homes will be priced in the 70's and 80's and
will be approximately 1800 to 2200 square feet. In terms of design, the
Plan Commission
page 8 February 16, 1977
concept would be the same in terms of the house itself as Ancient Tree.
Chairman Genrich asked who the petitioner is and also who the developer
will be. Mr. Otis stated that the owner of the property is Harold Friedman.
He has retained Otis and Associates to design and plan this area to what
he feels would be in the best interest of the Village from a residential
standpoint. The plan could be accepted by the Village subject to the
condition of selecting a particular developer. There is not a developer
l at this time.
Mr. Cope stated that Mr. Friedman is trying to get a concept created for
this land. He will try not to find a developer who is not acceptable to
the Village. The plan itself will limit the type of home that is built
there. Before they can reach the point of getting a developer they have
to go from B-3 zoning to R-4 and find out if the concept is acceptable
and then they will sit down with a developer. He added that they cannot
build what isn' t the approved plan.
Commissioner Jacobs stated that
t Buffalo Grove's feeling abo
ut this tYpo
of plan is influenced by who is going to develop it because if a plan
is laid out and you put a low-grade developer in, he will build low-grade
homes. He can be in conformity with the plan and still build this type
of home.
In response to Commissioner Kandel, Mr. Cope stated that Mr. Friedman is
looking for a quality development that will attract older people.
Commissioner Harris asked why they are not providing a buffer zone along
Buffalo Grove Road like the one along Route 83. Mr. Otis stated that
it is primarily a traffic consideration. They do not feel the traffic
along Buffalo Grove Road will be what it is along Route 83. They have
never been successful with multiple-family facing single-family. This
is what they would have to do if they used multiple-family along
Buffalo Grove Road as a buffer. They have no problem with backing
single-family up to multiple-family.
In response to Mr. Rapp, Mr. Otis stated that they will have to buffer
around the animal hospital or even possibly put in a solid fence.
Commissioner Harris stated that in terms of the unit types, he does not
like all the garages sticking out in the Crossings. The design of the
homes in this development prevents the residents from seeing out onto
the commons. Mr. Otis stated that the design of the homes can be changed.
The commons is an area to walk out into or drive by.
Commissioner Harris stated that he liked the plan.
Mr. Kiddie inquired about the soil composition in the park areas. Mr. Hooper
stated that it is clay and is 100% buildable.
Commissioner Keister stated that he basically likes the plan and the
concept behind it. He does have a problem, however, of approving a
plan without knowing who the developer is. With regard to the acreage
Plan Commission
Page 9 February 16, 1977
they would be giving to the Village , how much in excess of the resolution
are they? He also asked them to identify the amenities which would lead
to a PUD, Mr. Otis stated that they would supply all these figures to
the Plan Commission but could not do this now.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated that his reaction towards this plan is
unfavorable. He would rather see a standard R-4 or even multiple-family.
He thinks the zero lot line is a bad idea and doesn' t see any advantage
to it in this case. He feels there is an access problem regarding the
park in the left hand corner of the plan. The idea of having the Park
District maintain the common areas which would not be of Village-wide
interest is not good activity for the Park District. He doesn' t see the
point of crowding units together to create square areas. He added that
there is a bad traffic pattern and is also disturbed by the proximity of
the animal hospital.
Commissioner Shields stated that he feels it is a very creative plan. He
asked if the cul-de-sacs as drawn are permissible to the Village. He asked
that this be checked on.
In response to Commissioner Shields, Mr. Otis stated that there are three
lots in the plan they may omit.
Commissioner Shields stated that he is also concerned about knowing who
the developer will be.
There was a discussion regarding whether the streets around the common areas
should be one-way or two-way. With the exception of Commissioner Goldspiel
the commissioners voted for one-way. (One-way and 20' )
Chairman Genrich summarized the points of the meeting as follows:
1. The developer should meet with School District 96
l 2. Review with the Staff the traffic plan relative to school buses,
police, fire, etc. Are there any implications relative to
Farrington Road improvement. Does the improvement of Buffalo
Grove Road have any effect on this.
3. Mr. Genrich would be interested in knowing the treatment for
the houses that back up onto Buffalo Grove Road.
4. The developer should supply the Plan Commission with a more
detailed summary in terms of what they are asking for
(school impact, economic impact, etc.)
5. It would be a plus if they could have the name of a developer.
6. Show the sidewalks on the plan and make them more apparont.
7. Mr. Otis should meet with the Staff and Park District Staff
and review the plan in terms of the agreement between the
Village and Park District.
Plan Commission
Page 10 February 16,1977
8. The Staff should address themselves to the problem of
public ownership and maintenance of the squares, also
the widths, improvements and maintenance of the green
ways. Also, how will the park connect with the public
land that is there?
Commissioner Goldspiel questioned the location of the driveways around
the corners of the commons. He wat also concerned about how the entry
to the project would line up with what is on the other side of Buffalo
Grove Road.
Chairman Genrich asked Mr. Rapp and Mr. Delaney to identify to Mr. Cope
the type of information the Plan Commission is asking for in the summary.
Zale
Mr. Rapp explained to the Plan Commission the changes made in the Zale
plan for Village Board approval. He stated that the developer adhered
strictly to R-6 zoning. He redid the plan completely in order to conform
to R-6 zoning.There were no major changes in the traffic pattern. The
revised plan was given to the Recording Secretary for the Plan Commission
files.
Ridgewood
Chairman Genrich and Commissioner Kandel, Acting Secretary, signed the
Plat of Survey for Ridgewood Development as approved at the Plan Commission
meeting of October 10, 1976, and marked Exhibit #103-36
Adjournment
Commissioner Kandel made a motion to adjourn and Commissioner Shields
seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
• L' da Isonhart
Recording Secretary
APPROVED: '�
Carl Genrich, Chairman