1997-09-10 - Plan Commission - Minutes SPECIAL MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
September 10, 1997
Delacourte Condominiums,Final Plat of Subdivision
Insignia Point- Final Plat of Subdivision
Revision of Village Comprehensive Plan -Workshop #11
Chairman Goldspiel 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. Chairman
Goldspiel welcomed Mr. Viehman as the newest member of the Plan Commission.
Commissioners present: Chairman Goldspiel
Mr. Krug
Ms. Howard
Mr. Berman
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Moons
Mr. Viehman
Commissioners absent: Mr. Samuels
Mr. Ottenheimer
Also present: William Reid, Village Trustee
John Green, Groundwork, Ltd.
Michael Rylko, Buffalo Grove Park District
Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Krug, seconded by Commissioner Berman to approve the minutes of the
Regular Meeting of August 6, 1997. Chairman Goldspiel noted corrections that were needed on
pages 2, 4, 6 and 8. The motion was amended to include the corrections. All Commissioners were
in favor of the motion and the motion passed unanimously, with Commissioner Viehman
abstaining.
r 10 Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-Septembe 1997-Page 1
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Berman said that he attended the August 18 Village Board meeting, and two
projects were referred to the Plan Commission. One is a proposed senior citizen residential facility
by Sunrise Assisted Living on Route 22 west of the Condell Acute Care Center. Parking and
buffering were the main areas of concern noted by the Village Board. The other project is a
proposed Eagle food store proposed for the north end of the Town Center retail area. The Board
expressed concerns about buffering, parking and traffic circulation.
Trustee Reid noted that the back of the store would be visible from Route 83, and the Board
wants a design that screens this area.
Commissioner Trilling said he attended the September 2, 1997 Village Board meeting,but no
projects of interest to the Plan Commission were discussed.
Trustee Reid noted that Trustee Glover expressed concern about propane storage in front of retail
stores, and the Board directed staff to work with the Plan Commission to conduct a public
hearing pertaining to Zoning Ordinance text amendments.
Mr. Rylko commented that the Buffalo Grove Park District would have a dedication ceremony on
Sunday, October 5 for the improvements that have been completed in the northeast area of Busch
Grove Community Park.
DELACOURTE SUBDIVISION(FORMERLY WATERFIELD PLACE) -FINAL PLAT
Moved by Commission Berman, seconded by Commissioner Krug to recommend approval of the
final plat of subdivision.
Chairman Goldspiel inquired why there are separate lots for each of the four proposed
condominium buildings.
Mr. Green indicated that the developer wants to define building boxes for each building so that
there would be some flexibility to shift the building footprints within the boxes without
encroaching on areas that will be owned by the condominium association.
Mr. Pfeil indicated that the plat has been reviewed by the Village Engineer, and the plat meets the
requirements of the Development Ordinance.
Chairman Goldspiel called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Krug, Howard, Berman, Trilling,Moons, Viehman, Goldspiel
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 2
ABSENT: Samuels, Ottenheimer
The motion passed 7 to 0.
INSIGNIA POINT SUBDIVISION(FORMERLY ASPEN GROVE) -FINAL PLAT
Ms. Howard stated that she would recuse herself from discussion concerning the plat because she
has had discussions with the developer concerning possible purchase of a lot in the subdivision.
Ms. Howard h m in while this agenda item was beingconsidered.
left the meeting g
Moved by Commissioner Berman, seconded by Mr. Moons to recommend approval of the final
plat of subdivision.
Commissioner Vieham inquired if Farrington Court or Farrington Drive would connect to Route
83
Mr. Pfeil said that neither street would connect to Route 83. He noted that the right-of-way of
Farrington Drive does connect to Route 83, but the pavement will not be connected to Route 83.
Chairman Goldspiel noted that the Farrington Drive right-of way west of Crown Point Drive will
be part of the open space/stormwater management area approved for the subdivision, and it is
designed to have a park-like appearance.
Chairman Goldspiel called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Krug, Berman, Trilling, Moons, Viehman, Goldspiel
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: Howard
ABSENT: Samuels, Ottenheimer
The motion passed 6 to 0.
DISCUSSION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN-WORKSHOP #11
Ms. Howard returned to the meeting.
Chairman Goldspiel noted that a draft of the revised Plan was distributed for the meeting, and he
asked Mr. Pfeil to review the main elements.
Mr. Pfeil commented that the Goals and Policies chapter had been revised pursuant to discussion
at the July 23 meeting, and he asked if there were additional comments concerning the text.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 3
Commissioner Berman said that he thought Housing Policy#5 on page 3 was supposed to be
moved to Recreational Policies.
The Commission decided that Housing Policy#5 should remain the in Housing Policies section
rather than be moved to Recreational Policies.
Chairman Goldspiel said that Commissioner Samuels had called him to offer some comments.
The first item cited by Commissioner Samuels was item#15 on page 2 concerning Goals for
Development. Commissioner Samuels suggested that the reference to monotony be deleted, and
he had expressed the opinion that the Village monotony code does not work well.
Chairman Goldspiel said that the Village has seen some developments such as the Levitt
Strathmore area where homes of different sizes were built, and this diversity in house sizes
prevented monotony. He said that if the monotony code does not work well because it does not
require homes of different sizes in subdivisions, it should be changed. The goal, however, in the
Comprehensive Plan to avoid monotony in developments is appropriate, and should be retained.
Mr. Green said that he has designed 700 homes in the Village, and he has had problems with the
monotony code on only two occasions.
Commissioner Samuels also commented that on page 3, Village Government Policy#4 should be
corrected to read "merging pi and/or cooperation among various services... ." He also
commented that Housing Policy#9 on page 4 should be revised to include a reference to "empty
nesters."
Mr. Pfeil suggested that a term such as"mature households"might be another way to cover the
idea that housing serve the needs of senior citizens will be encouraged.
Commissioner Berman commented that Economic Policy#4 on page 4 should be revised to read
"Use of economic development task forces will be encouraged... ."
Chairman Goldspiel said that the language in Commercial Policy#6 is too mandatory because it
states that the Village"shall be" receptive to proposals... .
Commissioner Berman said that the language does not compel the Village to accept a
development proposal.
Commissioner Moons suggested that`will" or"is"instead of"shall"could be used concerning
Commercial Policy#6.
Commissioner Berman commented that the second sentence of Recreational Policy#2 should be
corrected to read: "This includes uses...." rather than"This includes sources.... ." He indicated
that the Recreational Policies should include some language that adequate parking will be
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 4
provided at park facilities, and this could be linked to concepts concerning pedestrian access.
Mr. Green suggested that the reference to parking for recreational facilities could be added in
policy#1 on page 6 where there is language concerning"effective use of facilities."
Mr. Rylko commented that the only park that has a problem concerning parking is at Parkchester
on Weiland Road at Newtown Drive.
`./ Commissioner Berman questioned why Recreational Policy#5 on page 7 states that Busch Grove
Community Park is the preferred location for a wellness and fitness center.
Trustee Reid noted that multi-use of facilities for cultural activities is the theme of this policy,
and the reference to a wellness and fitness center doesn't seem to tie in very well to the theme of
the paragraph.
Mr. Green suggested that following language: "Busch Grove Community Park is designated as a
location for a variety of development that may include: a wellness and fitness center, a multi-use
community facility,various outdoor active uses,and performing arts facilities."
Commissioner Berman noted that Transportation Policy#6 on page 8 uses the word"techniques"
in reference to landscaping, and this should be revised to be more clear.
Chairman Goldspiel suggested"other enhancements"as a better way than"techniques"to
describe screening and buffering that could be done along arterial streets.
Commissioner Berman said that the language in Transportation Policy#14 on page 8 should be
revised to read"The Village shall aggressively pursue... ."concerning expansion of service on
the Metra North Central commuter rail line.
Commissioner Berman said that Community Facilities Policy#5 on page 9 should include a
reference to "new technologies."
Mr. Green indicated that Carter Burns of Buffalo Grove High School had given him the
following suggested language for Community Facilities Policy#5: "New municipal services and
facilities shall be planned to ensure adequate levels of service in existing and future
developments and shall consider needs relative to new demands resulting from changes in
technology. He said that Mr. Burns suggested the following language for a new# 6, Public
Utility Polices, on page 9: "New service distribution routes shall be planned to accommodate
identified changes in service technology.
Concerning the Current Conditions chapter of the draft Plan, Commissioner Moons inquired if
the Village had a recent population estimate from a Special Census.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 5
Mr. Pfeil indicated that the most recent Special Census was done in 1994, but a new Special
Census is scheduled for this Fall. The population count, however, would not be available until
several months after the census field work is completed.
Trustee Reid suggested that the text make reference to the upcoming Special Census.
Commissioner Moons inquired if the reference to St. Mary's School should indicate that it is a
Catholic school. He noted that the text does not make any references to churches in the Village.
Ms. Howard said that"Catholic" should be added to the description of St. Mary's School.
Trustee Reid noted that Map 6 uses the parenthetical label of"Parochial"for St. Mary's, so for
consistency this label could be used in the Plan at this time.
Commissioner Berman asked if there are other private schools that should be mentioned such as
the school proposed by Congregation B'Nai Shalom.
Trustee Reid noted that the B'Nai school is still in the planning stages, so it would probably be
pre-mature to include it in the Plan at this time.
Commissioner Krug pointed out that there are private recreational facilities such as the Twin
Rinks Ice Pavilion and Buffalo Grove Gymnastics that should be mentioned.
Mr. Rylko noted that the Buffalo Grove Park District now has 45 facilities in its jurisdiction rather
than 44.
Commissioner Trilling noted a correction that should be made to the first sentence in Section 2.
Parks on page 13.
Commissioner Berman inquired if the statement on page 13 indicating that neither library district
serving Buffalo Grove plans to establish a branch library is correct.
Mr. Rylko said that School District 96 has discussed making Willow Grove school available for
use by other governmental units, and a branch library is one of the possible uses that has been
considered.
Commissioner Trilling suggested that the text stating"that no branch library is being planned"be
deleted from the draft.
Chairman Goldspiel noted that text on page 15 concerning strip commercial development has
been indicated for deletion. He said that he prefers that this language be kept in the document.
Mr. Pfeil commented that the intent of this statement is covered in the Commercial Policies
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 6
section of the plan concerning access control for commercial developments, and it is somewhat
out of place in the section concerning current commercial land use.
Chairman Goldspiel suggested that Map 11, General Flood Areas, should include references to
the maps and data that were used as source information.
Commissioner Berman commented that a reference to the fact that the Army Corps of Engineers
is studying flood elevations in the Des Plaines River watershed should also be included on Map
11.
Chairman Goldspiel commented that Map 7 be labeled to specify that the map is depicting public
open space.
Commissioner Berman noted a correction that needs to be made to the text on page 16
concerning Lake Cook Road improvements.
Commissioner Trilling said that reference to "Village" streets in the Transportation chapter should
be clarified, since the streets being described are actually State or County roads.
Chairman Goldspiel concurred, and suggested that the specific agency controlling each road be
noted in the text.
Trustee Reid commented that the official federal designation (FAP 342) for the Route 53
extension north of Lake Cook Road be included in the text.
Mr. Green suggested that the last word in Section D on page 17 be changed from"feasible"to
"attainable"concerning linkages to close gaps in the Village bikepath system.
Mr. Pfeil commented that the public hearings are in progress concerning the Destination 2020
regional transportation plan, and the plan as drafted includes many of the projects that Buffalo
Grove supports. These projects include improvements to Regional Strategic Arterials(SRA's)
such as Route 22, the Route 53 extension and expansion of service on the Metra North Central
commuter rail line.
Mr. Pfeil reviewed the maps in Chapter 4 concerning future land use recommendations. He noted
that commercial development is recommended for the southeast corner of Buffalo Grove Road
and Atpakisic Road, for the southeast corner of Prairie Road and Route 22, for the east side of
Weiland Road between Abbott Court and Old Weiland Road and for the southeast corner of
Weiland Road and Busch Road.
Commissioner Trilling noted that the Commission had discussed multi-family use for the southeast
corner of Busch and Weiland.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 7
Mr. Green commented that multi-family development would be more feasible than single-family
use on the north side of Aptakisic Road where the future re-alignment of Weiland Road will result
in parcels having very limited access to the new road extension.
Commissioner Trilling suggested that commercial development may be a better choice than
residential for this area.
Chairman Goldspiel commented that the access constraints would be a bigger problem for
commercial uses than for residential development.
Commissioner Trilling suggested that industrial development be considered for this area. He said
residential use does not seem to be the best choice based on the proximity to the Wisconsin
Central line and two major roads.
Mr. Green said that land assembly needs to be encouraged in this area to achieve an area large
enough to make development feasible.
Commissioner Berman noted that commercial land use would be more acceptable to the school
districts than changing the designation to multi-family.
Chairman Goldspiel said that the configuration of the property is unattractive for commercial
development, and residential use seems more feasible. He suggested that industrial be considered
as the Plan designation.
The Commission members and Trustee Reid were polled concerning the preferred land use for
this area, with the following results:
Industrial Commercial Residential
Goldspiel Berman
Trilling Moons
Krug
Howard
Viehman
Reid
The Commission noted that planning for the Weiland Road extension north of Aptakisic Road,
including right-of-way dedication and access restrictions, has to be part of any plans approved for
commercial development in this area.
Chairman Goldspiel commented that the Old Weiland Road area south of the Grand Prix car wash
on Aptakisic Road is in need of redevelopment, and he noted that the Plan recommends
commercial development in this area. He also noted that the Plan addresses the Prairie View area.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 8
He said that although the Plan offers only general guidelines concerning redevelopment in Prairie
View, the intent is that new development will incorporate design elements that tie to the
architectural style of buildings in the area.
Chairman Goldspiel asked for comments concerning how the draft Plan should be presented for
public comment. He noted that Commissioner Samuels had suggested an article in the newsletter
describing the draft Plan and indicating when the public hearing would be scheduled for public
review and comment. Commissioner Samuels also suggested a two-part process; the first meeting
would be to hear comments concerning the plan, and the second meeting would be to consider a
recommendation to approve the Plan after all public comments were reviewed.
Commissioner Berman noted that some press coverage should also be requested prior to the
public hearing.
Chairman Goldspiel said that the newsletter article should include specific points concerning the
main recommendations of the Plan.
Trustee Reid noted that the Village Board wants to review the draft Plan prior to the public
hearing at the Plan Commission.
Commissioner Viehman said that if the public hearing is properly publicized, the public will have
an adequate opportunity to learn about the Plan and to offer comments at the hearing.
Commissioner Moons noted that comments from the Village Board should be reviewed before the
public hearing is held.
Commissioner Trilling said that response from the business community should also be requested.
Trustee Reid agreed, and said that the Chamber of Commerce should be notified of the schedule
for the hearing and recommendation process.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT -None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil indicated that there will be a meeting on September 17 to discuss the proposed Sunrise
Assisted Living project at Woodland Commons and the proposed Eagle food store at Town
Center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS -None
STAFF REPORT -None
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 9
NEW BUSINESS -None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Moons, seconded by Commissioner Trilling and carried unanimously to
adjourn. Chairman Goldspiel adjourned the meeting at 9:45p.m.
1
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Respectfully submitted,
-0,--(eA.)e- 6 4 ,,t,
Robert E. Pfeil, Village Planner 1APP OVED BY:
G
.JS P N DSPIEL, hairman
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-September 10, 1997-Page 10