1973-10-31 - Plan Commission - Minutes WORKSHOP SESSION
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
Centex Development - Winston Square
OCTOBER 31, 1973
Chairman, Carl Genrich, called the meeting to order at 8 :40 P.M. ,
October 31, in the Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard.
Commissioners Present : Mr. Genrich, Chairman
Mr. Harris
Mr. Keister
`./ Mr. Mendenhall
Mr. Shields
Mr. VanEngen
Commissioners Absent : Mr. Gamm
Mr. Haarr
Also Present: Mr. Armstrong, Village President
Mr. Balling, Administrative Asst.
Mr. Kittle (Buffalo Grove Park District)
Mr. Osman, Trustee
Mr. Shirley, Trustee
Mrs.Rech, Trustee
Centex -
Those present in this regard were :
Mr. Charles F. DeBruler
Mr. Mort Kaplan, House Counsel - Centex
Mr. Robert B. Rosen, Bennet&Kahnweiler Assoc.
Mr. Phil Sheridan,Marketing Dir. -Richards Group
Mr. David Wheatly, Staff Planner - Centex
Mr. Mort Kaplan introduced Mr. Rosen, who is an employee of Bennet
& Kahnweiler Associates. Mr. Rosen stated that he is an industrial
broker and that currently he is involved with a number of industrial
projects. He then gave a brief history of Centex indicating that
the Centex Industrial Park started in 1957, when Centex in Texas
acquired land just west of O 'Hare. Since Centex required the service
of a Chicago real estate firm, they brought in Bennet & Kahnweiler
as their marketing agents. The Industrial Park in Elk Grove Village
consists of approximately 2, 200 acres and is the largest industrial
center in the country.
Mr. Rosen stated that he could give indications of what could happen
in this area with an industrial center, but indicated that he did
{ not want to make statements. He also stated that he had reviewed
the master plan this evening.
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Plan Commission
Page 2 10/31/73
Mr. Rosen stated that about a year ago, through his involvement
in Mundeline, he did some research and looked into the Buffalo
Grove area. He has made a study and feels that there is a market
for industrial property in this area. He gave his opinion that
he felt very strongly about an industrial market in Buffalo Grove.
He brought out three good points for a successful industrial site
in Buffalo Grove : 1) rail 2) power lines 3) availability of
sanitary and strom sewers. He felt that the only bad point was
the lack of exposure to main highways and roads in Southern Lake
County.
Mr. Kaplan stated that one aspect of their presentation here tonight
is for a portion of that property for multiple dwelling.
Commissioner Van Engen stated that he felt that it would be inter-
esting to explore the availability of the labor market in this
area. He also questioned why Wheeling did not succeed with the
LeHigh property.
Mr. Rosen stated that one of the requisites for a successful
industrial site, includes good management, good timing and enough
capital.
Trustee Shirley asked what types of industry Mr. Rosen thought
would be interested in this area. Mr. Rosen indicated that his
guess at this time would be that we would get a large number of
manufacturers.
President Armstrong asked Mr. Rosen what role can Village
government play to try and make this dream a reality. Mr. Rosen
stated that there would need to be a general cooperation with
developers. He does not see that as a problem with this village.
Trustee Shirley asked if the reason private property owners
were hesitant in selling was the competition of residential to
industrial. Mr. Rosen indicated that this was not the reason,
and that it seemed private owners were just holding out for a
substantial profit on their property.
Mr. Balling asked how does suburban industrial development relate
to municipal fire protection services. A good fire department
is most essential stated Mr. Rosen, but he would be more concerned
about inadequate water pressure and inadequate water lines for
sprinkler systems.
Chairman Genrich asked Mr. Rosen that assuming that within the
next couple of years of piece of land that was fairly close to
a good east-west road, how big would a parcel be before they
would be interested in developing it. Mr. Rosen stated that the
smallest parcels that his firm has developed have been in the range
of 50 to 60 acres.
Plan Commission
Page 3 10/31/73
Centex - Winston Square
This piece of property is the 58 acres that Centex wants to
secure from Richards Teckton.
Mr. Kaplan introduced Mr. Wheatly, Staff Planner for Centex, who
then gave a presentation.
Mr. Wheatly stated that they had developed a combination use far
this piece of property which they feel is reasonably profitable
for the village. Principally they have mixed townhouses with a
density of 9.2 with a single family cluster using a building sites
of 36 x 100 ' . The single family dwellings range from 1, 000 sq.ft.
to 2,000 sq. ft. Some are one story and others 2 story. The
cluster homes have a density of 6.4 or 6.5. (See the attached
Plan Data Sheet) Mr. Wheatly states that this plan would not
only be profitable to the developers but would also be a charming
asset to the village. They have carefully met all the accessability
and set-back requirements. They have a recreation area in the
center of the development. There is also a 60 ' wide access and
a green belt between the walkways so that the children need not
cross the streets to get to the recreation center.
Mr. Wheatly stated that they 'have an entrance to the townhouses
and that they have tried to arrange them to create a neighborhood
feeling. He stated that the lots for the townhouses are 22x85 ' .
The lots are arranged linerally for the most part. They have
allowed for wider green belts where there are a series of single
family homes against townhouses. He indicated that there are also
a number of tot lots.
Mr. Balling questioned the size of the garages of the units.
Mr. Wheatly stated that the cluster homes have two car garages.
Mr. Wheatly also described the building types. (See attached
Plan Data Sheet) .
Trustee Osman asked what the proposed price range for the various
types of buildings. Mr. Kaplan stated that price ranges would
be available at a later date.
Mr. Wheatly went on with the presentation stated that the town-
houses have a 12 to 20 ' yard in the back and a 25 to 30 ' freen
belt passageway far bicycles.
Trustee Rech asked if there would be a kitchen window in the
townhouses. Mr. Wheatly stated that there would not. Trustee
Rech brought out the fact that kitchens without windows are
definitely dreary and she sympathized with the housewife who
is in the house all day long, and who would be faced with that
type of a kitchen.
Plan Commission
Page 4
Commissioner Van Engen asked why they went to Zero lot line
single family. Mr. Kaplan stated that this is an attempt to
present a mixture of uses. Mr. Wheatly indicated that they
have tried to get away from the block barricks look. They
will try to get windows in the kitchens.
Trustee Rech asked about the bike and pedestrian paths.
Mr. Wheatly stated that they would probably be 6 to 8 or 10 '
wide. Trustee Rech then asked how the children would be routed
to school. Mr. Wheatly replied that the quickest route would
be to cross the streets and that these are not really dedicated
streets of traffic.
Trustee Osman asked if there were any sidewalks. Mr. Wheatly
stated that they did not put in sidewalks because there are
many green areas through the development. Trustee Osman then
asked if they would plow the green belt areas and exactly who
would do it. Mr. Wheatly stated that the Home Owners Association
would handle this.
Commissioner Mendenhall reminded the group that the Commission
had shot down the plan before because there was no access to
the school. He stated that the plan now shows several areas
where the children can get to the school without any trouble at
all. Mr. Mendenhall then asked if they were coming in under the
R9 zoning as before, and are you coming in on the PUD as it stands
today? Mr. Kaplan stated that they are coming in under the terms
of the annexation agreement, and yes it would be R9 zoning.
Mr. Kaplan had discussed this matter with Commissioner Haarr and
it was agreed that the PUD ordinance permits the Zero lot line.
Commissioner Mendenhall suggested that before their public
hearing that the plan should be improved to 1) get the children
away from the streets - make them cross as few streets as possible,
and 2) create access to the west. Commissioner Mendenhall asked
if at a latter time the Commission could receive the elevations.
Mr. Wheatly replied that they would provide these.
Commissioner Keister asked the number of tot lots. Mr. Wheatly
indicated that there are about 10 tot lot playgrounds.
Mr. Kittle asked about the size of these tot lots. Mr. Wheatly
stated that they were about 450 square feet.
Commissioner Keister asked how many different elevations they
were planning. Mr. Wheatly indicated that they planned about 5
different elevations.
Commissioner Van Engen asked if they still planned on using
the other part of Hawthorne for water retention.
Plan Commission
Page 5 10/31/73
Mr. Kaplan stated that if they proceed with this parcel their
agreement provides that they they have the option to use the
retention on the Hawthorne property. They are also looking
at the possiblity of providing their own water retention.
Commissioner Van Engen asked if the property would be swailed.
Mr. Kaplan stated that whatever good engineering dictates, they
would do. Commissioner VanEngen asked if Pauline Avenue would
run all the way through to Weiland. Mr. Kaplan stated that he
had spoken with Mr. Seaberg and that this was a possibility.
Commissioner VanEngen then asked if there were any population
estimates as yet. Mr. Kaplan ttated that these would be relatively
easy to obtain and would be forthcoming. Commissioner VanEngen
asked if there was enough room for a fire truck to turn around
on the streets by the cluster houses. Mr. Wheatly stated that
theses areas would be 60 ' and a firetruck could turn around in
40 ' .
Mr. Kittle indicated that Hawthorne had made certain representations
with regard to the school acerage. He asked Mr. Wheatly if he
could assume that the 10 acres for the school would still be
available. Mr. Kaplan stated that there would still be 10 acres
available for the school. Mr. Kittle stated that that point in
time Hawthorne stated that this area would be landscaped.
Mr. Balling asked how the parking spaces were in relation to the
townhouses. Mr. Wheatly indicated there would be 2 car garages.
Trustee Rech suggested that the retention be provided for. She
wondered if the Fire Chief had yet seen the plans. Mr. Wheatly
and Mr. Balling will review the plans with the Fire Chief.
Trustee Rech asked if there was a 25 ' distance between the lots.
Mr. Wheatly indicated that there is a 25 ' distance between the
lots and much more between the buildings.
Mr. Balling asked if the townhouses have basements. Mr. Kaplan
stated that this information would be forthcoming.
Mr. Phil Sheridan spoke to the Commission about the reasons why
The Richards Group decided not to develop this particular piece
of land. He stated that 1) the cost of the project that they
were planning to develop was in excess of what they had anti-
cipated, 2) the market fell down, 3) they are a new company
and they needed money this year. This was a business decision.
Mr. Sheridan stated that the above about summarized the reasons
why they would no longer be developing this project.
Chairman Genrich inquired as to whether or not the Richards Group
would still honor their agreement about the school and park
property. Mr. Sheridan informed the Commission that he is sure
the Richards Group would work-out what they had originally
agreed to.
Plan Commission
Page 6 10/31/73 •
The workshop session was adjourned at 11 :15 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING
Chairman Genrich reported on the Blue Ribbon Committee. He
informed the commission that we would possibly be adding on
another 2 or 3 members from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Regarding the landfill situation, Chairman Genrich reported
that President Armstrong will appoint a Blue Ribbon Committee.
The regular meeting adjourned at approximately 11 :30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
A. Heneghan, cording Sect 'y.
Approved:
Carl Genrich, Chairman
{
PRELIMINARY MINUTES - NOT APPROVED
V)rI\1 t:CUn1 A(LC
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PLAN DATA
TOTAL AREA 55.06 Acres
BUILDING UNITS
)1.0. Townhouses
No. Single Family Attached Townhouses 256 Units
Gross No. Townhouses Per Acre 9.2
Zero Lot Line Houses
No. Single Family Detached Houses 176 Units
Gross No. Houses Per Acre 6.4
Average No. Units Per Acre (Townhouses & 0 Lot Line Houses) 7.S
RECREATIONAL AREA
Club House 1800 SF/Floor
3600 SF
Swimming Pool; Kiddie Pool
Two Tennis Courts
PARKING 3.17 Per Unit
Plus
Guest Parking 112 . •
Club Parking 40
152 .33 Per Unit
LAND COVERAGE AND OPEN SPACE
U,UaLDING COVERAGE
Townhouses 7.26 Acres 13.18%
Zero Lot Line Houses 8.38 Acres 15,21,E
STREETS
24 Foot 7.51 Acres
36 Foot 1.99 Acres Total 17,25
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RECREATION AREA 1. 1 Acres 1.99%
GUEST PARKING .51 Acres .92%
COMMON OPEN AREA 28. 31 Acres 51.417
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BUILDING TYPES
Townhouses
4 Unit Building 13
6 Unit Building 15
8 Unit Building 15
Bedroom Mix
2 BR 20J
J %BR 60%
4 BR 20%
Zero Lot Line Houses 176 Units
Bedroom Mix
2 BR 20%
3 BR 60J
4 BR 20%
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