1976-12-08 - Plan Commission - Minutes SPECIAL MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
Zale Development, Prudential/White Hen
Evert/Welbel
December 8, 1976
Chairman Carl Genrich called the meeting to offer at 8:10 P.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
Also Present: Mr. Ed Zale, Developer
Mr. John Mays, Attorney, Zale Development
Mr. William Griffin, Hoffman
Mr. Bruce Johnston, Architect, Zale & Evert/Welbel
Mr. Tom Conrardy, Prudential
Mr. Joe Meyer, Prudential/White Hen
Mr. Ted Gaines, Attorney, Prudential/White Hen
Mr. Ed Fus, White Hen
Mr. Arvid Olson, Early Learning Center
Mr. Robert Brandwein, Evert/Welbel
Mr. Stan Crosland, Park District
Mr. John Marienthal, Trustee
Mr. Carl Rapp, Director of Community Development
Plan Commission Appointment
Commissioner Kandel made a motion that Mrs. Donna Force be appointed to
the Plan Commission. Commissioner Goldspiel seconded the motion and
upon vote it carried unanimously.
Zale Development
Mr. Johnston presented a plan dated November 18, 1976, which had been
distributed earlier to the Plan Commission. The only difference on this
plan was the relocation of two lots from the park in the south to the
south end of the detention area. This was at the Park District's request.
As requested, the developer presented the Plan Commission with a draft
of the revised annexation agreement dated December 1. At the December 1
meeting of the Plan Commission the developer was given a list of changes
to make in the agreement.
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Plan Commission
Page 2 December 8, 1976
Chairman Genrich asked Mr. Johnston to respond to the Plan Commission's
request to identify lots where they could not meet a 30' rear setback.
Mr. Johnston stated that there is no way to pinpoint this on a lot-by-lot
basis. There will be some units in the mix that will be deep enough to
require the 25' rear yard set back. At this time , they don't know what
that mix will be. Any lot of 100' might need a 25' rear setback. If
it is 105' or more, they will not have a problem. About 75% of the lots
are 100' deep.
Mr. Whited had been asked at the December 1 meeting to respond to three
points:
1. Missing terminology on page 15.
2. Clarify what "substantial conformance" means
3. Check the amenities and change, if necessary
He did this in his memo of December 8. After discussion, it was the
general feeling of the Commission to leave "substantial conformance"
as is and Mr. Zale agreed to this.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated that he felt the annexation agreement
dated December 1, plan dated November 18 (Exhibit #630-10) and the
statistical sheet (Exhibit #630-9) should be included in the motion.
Commissioner Keister moved that the Plan Commission recommend approval
of the development plan and the annexation agreement of the Zale Development.
Commissioner Kandel seconded the motion.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated that at the December 1 meeting Mr. Kiddle
had said that they were considering swapping asingle-family lot for
cash and he wondered what plans had been made in this regard. Mr. Crosland
stated that they were considering doing this and the additional lot
will go next to lot 1 in block 6. However, the Park Board at the present
time has taken no official action not having been presented with any
official documents with regard to the proposed changes that are being
discussed. Chairman Genrich asked if he was saying that while the Park
District wants to see this in written form, they are desirous of doing
this. Mr. Crosland replied that this is what he was saying and he added
that the Park District feels it is important to have something done so
when the potential buyers enter the premises to look at land they see a
finished park site.
Commissioner Kandel stated that if the Park District is going to make a
change on the plan, they should do it before the Plan Commission approves it.
Commissioner Keister 1
even with the lot addedi�may not be what the Park District wants because 61-il/
they have not acted on ,it.
Commissioner Harris was concerned about not including in the motion items
mentioned in a memo from Chairman Genrich as points that may be considered
in the recommendation.
Plan Commission
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Page 3 December 8, 1976
Commissioner Keister stated that he would retract his motion and
Commissioner Kandel agreed to retract his second of the motion.
Commissioner Harris moved that the Plan Commission recommend to the
Village Board the approval of the Zale Development Plan dated
November 18, 1976, (marked Exhibit #630-10) together with the
Annexation Agreement dated December 1, 1976, subject to the following
additions:
1. That the developer agree to specify the mix in the
multi-family housing with regard to the number of
bedrooms in each unit.
2. In the single-family area the maximum number of
bedrooms per house would be four.
3. That the developer be required to comply with
the current building codes. Specifically, that the
language in paragraph ]4 regarding use of PVC pipe
and trench footings be eliminated.
Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion.
There was a short discussion concerning the waiver of annexation fees
on Parcel E in exchange for donating this land to the Village. Mr. Whited
stated that he was under the impression that the Village is buying the
site. It has never been considered a donated site per se. Mr. Zale
added that this was something he specifically negotiated with the Village.
Commissioner Harris stated he would not include this in his motion because
he considers it a perogative of the Board.
Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Prudential/White Hen
Mr. Conrardy reviewed for the Plan Commission what has previously been
proposed for this site. It was originally purchased by Jewel in 1970.
The site plan that Jewel contemplated building at that time showed a
building approximately 31,000 square feet. It faced Arlington Heights
Road and had two entrances coming from Route 83 and Arlington Heights
Road. The site proved to be too small for Jewel to put their type of
store on. The site was originally 4.9 acres but after widening the
intersection it has decreased in size to 4 acres. Jewel sold the
property to White Hen and they have asked Prudential to develop the
site with a White Hen and the balance in commercial.
Mr. Conrardy went on to state that they are asking for a zoning change
from B-3 to B-2. They are asking for subdivision whereby the parcel in
the rear can go to the Early Learning Center. They are also asking for
subdivision on the corner and would come back at a later date for the
use for that site. The most likely use would be a restaurant. They
are asking for approval of everything but the corner site.
Plan Commission
Page 4 December 8, 1976
Mr. Conrardy presented a site plan (Exhibit #407-5) stating that
because of the dimensions of the site, it does not lend itself to
ordinary commercial development. In the rear of the property is a
7,000 square foot building for the day care center. There is sufficient
room for a play area and parking. This will be landscaped.
They would like to have two free-standing buildings divided into stores.
One group would be along Arlington Heights Road and would be 11,900 square
feet. The other would be along Route 83 and would be a little deeper.
The total is 13,600 square feet. They have definite users for the
property. Some are small and some are bigger and that is why there is
a difference in depth.
There are 238 parking spaces which is more then enough according to the
zoning ordinance.
Mr. Conrardy stated that most of the merchants they have received
inquiries from are already located in the Village and know there is
a market in this section of the Village. He added that people that
live around the site have been asking when the site will be developed
and what the stores will be. There is a strong demand for stores at
that end of the Village.
A discussion followed regarding the zoning of the property. It was the
feeling of the Commission that the zoning should be left as B-3 and
Mr. Conrardy agreed to this.
In response to a question from Commissioner Goldspiel, Mr. Conrardy
stated that the restaurant would not be a drive-in type.
Commissioner Keister raised a question concerning the signage of the
day care center. Mr. Conrardy stated that they will have to tie this
into the sign ordinance and they will work this out.
Commissioner Jacobs stated that he would like to establish some precedent
regarding signage along Route 83. The Village should be seriously thinking
about keeping the signage down to an extreme minimum. Chairman Genrich
replied that the Plan Commission can make a statementAn this regard
at a future date.
Commissioner Kandel questioned White Hen facing Arlington Heights Road.
He thought at previous meetings the Plan Commission was opposed to this.
Commissioner Keister stated that this was because only White Hen was
facing Arlington Heights Road and that was all you could see. In the
present plan, there are other stores facing this direction also.
Commissioner Kandel asked if they had any thoughts about what the exterior
of the building; would be like. Mr. Meyer stated that they would probably
be colonial or slightly contemporary. They haven' t worked this out yet.
It was suggested by Commissioner Jacobs that they blend in with the
architecture of the commercial which is to go in across Arlington Heights
Road.
Plan Commission
Page 5 December 8, 1976
Commissioner Harris expressed his concern regarding curb cuts and
Mr. Whited replied that this can be worked out. Commissioner Keister
added that pedestrian traffic and internal flow should be looked into
also. Mr. Conrardy stated that they will discuss this with engineering.
Commissioner Goldspiel also was concerned about these points.
Mr. Whited stated that there may be an objection from the Police
Department regarding the fact that there is no access to the rear of
the day care center and it would be difficult to patrol. Mr. Olson
stated that they are in a similar situation where they are now located
in Buffalo Grove and it has worked out well.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked Mr. Olson about the age of the children
in the day care center. Mr. Olson stated that they would be f rom3 to 6.
They are licensed for 2i to 20. A short discussion followed regarding
the licensing of the day care center.
In response to Commissioner Goldspiel, Mr. Olson stated there is about
10,000 square feet of outdoor play area and this will be fenced.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated that he does not think the plan has a
very good traffic pattern and has the feeling it could create a lot
of problems.
Commissioner Shields asked if they had considered opening up the green
space between the restaurant and White Hen. Mr. Conrardy replied that
this depends on what the Village wants.
Commissioner Harris informed the developer that according to the ordinance
they have to have 50' from the property line to the building and the day
care center will have to be moved up a little.
Chairman Genrich summarized with the following points:
1. The developer should resolve with Mr. Whited whether or
not a Public Hearing is required. The Plan Commission will
meet again with them in mid-January. He suggested that the
developer sit down with the Staff and get their input before
drawing up anything further.
2. The developer should meet with the Staff and refine the
plan according to the points that have been identified:
(a) See if some pedestrian access can be included
(b) Curb cuts
(c) Internal traffic pattern
(d) Ordinance requirements
(e) The setbacks and buffers that are required
(f) Sidewalks
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Plan Commission
Page 6 December 8, 1976
Evert/Weibel
Mr. Brandwein stated that he is representing Mr. Alan Welbel and
Mr. Lee Sherwood who are now owners and developers of the property
located at the southeast corner of Route 83 and the proposed extension
of Pauline Avenue. The Zale Development is adjacent to this piece of
property. They propose to annex to the Village and are requesting
R-8 zoning. This would be consistent with the Master Plan and provide
multiple uses which would balance with the single-family now being
developed in the area. Legally, they will have continuity to the
Village through the Brunswick tract (Zale).
Mr. Johnston presented an aerial photograph on which they placed the
subject property in red. It consists of 22.87 acres. As it exists, it
is not contiguous to the Village. The contiguity will be gained through
the Zale property in the north. This photograph also showed the boundary
lines of the Village. It indicated the M-1 parcel to the north of Route 83
which is very close but not contiguous.
An overlay to the above plan showed the surrounding zoning classifications
that are existing at the present time. It also showed the proposed Master
Plan business district to the west and south of the site.
Mr. Johnston presented a map showing all the natural features that now
exist. The majority of the property flows east. A small portion on
the west flows south and north and a portion on the north flows to the
north. There is a small area of trees on the east end of the site.
Mr. Johnston showed Discussion Plan A (Exhibit #128-1). This had been
previously distributed to the Plan Commission members. This plan showed
the potential development utilizing the access to the site by virtue
of Pauline Avenue. The concept is one of developing a flowing green
belt system with a simple loop road system that ties back into Pauline
Avenue.
Mr. Johnston stated that the units are generally two-bedroom with some
three-bedroom units. The building is one they have developed before but
have yet to complete. It is essentially a four-flat building. There is
a common entranceway with a secondary stairway in the back. There is an
occasional two-story townhouse. The units are all two-story and will
range in square footage from 1,000 to 1250. This will generate 282 units
which gives a gross density of 12.33 units per acre with a 2:1 parking ratio.
Mr. Johnston stated that they propose a continuation of the bike path
system and have shown the retention areas. He added that these will
probably be detention areas.
Mr. Johnston referred to Plan B which was essentially the same building
with a garage. There was also a 2:1 parking ratio in this plan. He
added that these plans are simply demonstrative.
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Plan Commission
Page 7 December 8, 1976
Commissioner Kandel stated that he does not like to offer zoning on a
parcel unless he sees what will actually be built there. He would like
to see what the developer has in mind and asked what type of building
would go in there. Mr. Johnston replied that they have no specific
building in mind. The simplest way to develop the road system is to
extend to the east Pauline Avenue. He added that the buildable areas
generally fall in the middle of the site and the development will have
to be planned with these facts in mind. At such time as a plan is
developed it would come through for plan approval. They would be
willing to put this in the annexation agreement.
Commissioner Keister stated that he would also like to tie the annexation
down to some sort of preliminary plan.
Commissioner Harris stated that they show ownership into Route 83 but
are now showing ownership into the proposed intersection. Mr. Johnston
replied that the intersection is owned by Zale. Commissioner Harris
asked who would build Pauline Avenue east to Weiland. Mr. Johnston
stated that they don' t know yet. The center of the roadway is on their
northerly property line. In response to Commissioner Harris, Mr. Brandwein
stated that they would be willing to consider developing their side of
the road.
Commissioner Harris stated that he does not care for straight zoning.
Commissioner Goldspiel stated that he has no objection to straight zoning
and asked if the developer would be able to delineate what areas would
be donated. Mr. Johnston replied that it is impossible to specify donations
without a plan. At such time they have a plan with the number of units,
they would know what the donations would be and those would be made at
that time according to the ordinance.
Commissioner Goldspiel asked if there was any possibility of convincing
the developer that there might be some taller units and thereby allow
more green area, particularly on the side near the proposed Village Center
site on Route 83. Mr. Johnston stated that they are amenable to this.
They showed two-story on the discussion plan just to show the greatest
coverage.
Chairman Genrich restated the developers' request for straight R-8
zoning and annexation and his agreement to plan approval in the annexation
agreement. He added that the Plan Commission would be more satisfied if
they had a plan that is a part of the request, recognizing that the land
may be sold or the owners may be developing this themselves. Mr. Brandwein
stated that there are advantages to the Village in having this property.
On the other hand, if the developers do the engineering and take another
step into the marketing now and finalize plans which later turn out to
be ones they don't want to proceed with, that is an enormous undertaking
and expense for a parcel of this size. Chairman Genrich stated that he
did not think it was necessary to go into a lot of market research and
engineering studies.
Plan Commission
Page 8 December 8, 1976
Commissioner Harris stated that he does not think it would be an
advantage to the Village to take in a piece of property that has no
plan for development. The Village loses control if this property is
annexed without a plan.
Mr. Marienthal stated that when the Board referred this to the Plan
Commission they expected a plan to come out of it. He added that he
would like to see a plan.
In summary, Chairman Genrich made the following points:
1. He asked the developer to consider what was said about
the desirability of a plan from the standpoint of the
Village Board and Plan Commission.
2. He asked the developer to put together a first draft of
an annexation agreement.
He added that the Plan Commission will meet with them early in January
and at that time the Public Hearing date would be set.
Adjournment
Commissioner Shields made a motion that the meeting be adjourned.
Commissioner Goldspiel seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
_ U2,Z)ef )4i-A-i-1
Linda Isonhart
Recording Secretary
APPROVED:
d4e 4
Carl Genrich, Chairman