1997-11-12 - Plan Commission - Minutes PUBLIC HEARING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
November 12, 1997
Proposed Revision of Village Comprehensive Plan
Chairman Goldspiel called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Chairman
Goldspiel read the Notice of Public Hearing as published in the Buffalo Grove Daily Herald,
explained the procedure to be followed for the public hearing, and swore in all persons who
wished to give testimony.
Commissioners present: Chairman Goldspiel
Mr. Krug
Mr. Berman
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Viehman
Commissioners absent: Ms. Howard
Mr. Samuels
Mr. Ottenheimer
Mr. Moons
Also present: Mr. William Raysa,Village Attorney
Mr. William Reid,Village Trustee
Mr. Richard Kuenider, Village Engineer
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
The following exhibits were presented by the petitioner at the public hearing:
Exhibit 1: Draft of 1997 Comprehensive Plan dated October 28, 1997
Exhibit 2: Village Transportation Plan
Exhibit 3: Map of Future Land Use
Exhibit 4: Map of Prairie View Sub-Area, Future Land Use
Mr. Robert Pfeil stated the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to guide growth in the
community. The current plan was approved in 1992 and the Village has attempted to update and
revise the Comprehensive Plan every five years or so.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 1
Mr. Pfeil stated the Board had a joint meeting with the Plan Commission in May of 1996
specifically to discuss the upcoming revision of the Comprehensive Plan. Some of the issues
identified at that meeting including issues such as:
1. Look at Village borders and analyzing areas that may be appropriate for annexation
2. Review types of housing needs in the community, particularly senior citizen housing
3. Look at some of the corridors in the community and try to get the best kind of
development for those corridors
4. Encourage mixed use development as appropriate for infill parcels and other types of
parcels still undeveloped
5. Open space needs
6. Impact of development on school districts
7. Transportation needs and issues
8. Economic development and the need to encourage industrial and commercial development
The remainder of the joint meeting focused on the planning process and the need to identify stake
holders who need to be part of anything the Village does in the way of planning and development,
specifically school districts, library districts, park district, Chamber of Commerce. All of these
entities were asked to provide representatives to work with the Plan Commission in revising the
Plan. The workshop process lasted from August, 1996 through September, 1997 where various
components of the Plan were reviewed and analyzed and discussed. The culmination of these
efforts was a draft plan which is organized into five chapters.
Mr. Pfeil stated the first chapter on goals and development identifies about fifteen basic goals.
Related to those are specific policies for going about implementing various community goals.
These goals covered areas such as government services, housing, economic development,
commercial, office and industrial development, environmental protection, recreation,
transportation, community facilities, public utilities and urban design. Some of the key themes in
these areas would be:
1. Emphasis on the quality of life in the community
2. Promote and enhance cultural, recreational and educational opportunities and to find ways
to use the Village's resources effectively to provide services as low cost and efficient as
possible
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 2
3. Cooperate with other taxing bodies and units of government to share resources and
cooperate on programs that benefit the entire community
4. Look for ways to achieve good and productive commercial, office and industrial
developments
5. To focus on infill parcels for attractive and well designed residential developments
Mr. Pfeil noted the Village's population as of the 1994 special census was about 40,273 residents
which is almost an 11 percent increase from the 1990 census. The population estimate for 1997 is
approximately 42, 200 residents. Within that increase in population,the increase in children has
gone from 4900 children to 8225 from 1980 to 1994 which has obvious implications for the
school districts. The population over 60 years of age has gone from 4.8 percent of the Village's
population in 1980 to over 9 percent by 1994, which again relates to various needs for housing
and related services. The Village's projected population is about 47,700. However, if every area
identified on the master plan were annexed, the population ultimately would be approximately
50,000.
Mr. Pfeil stated the Village's current land area is about 9 square miles and within that area about
34 percent of the land is single family residential. Single family attached residences is about 7
percent of the land area. Multi-family is about 3.3 percent and commercial area is about 3.2
percent. Office is at about 2 percent, industrial is about 7.7 percent, public and semi-public land is
about 4 percent, open space is 15 percent and right-of-way utilities is approximately 20 percent.
Vacant land is at about 4 percent of current area.
Mr. Pfeil noted Chapter 3 is about the transportation plan. He noted the state routes within
Buffalo Groveare called strategic regional arterials. Examples of these would be Milwaukee ee
Avenue, Dundee Road, Route 22, and Route 83. He stated generally the Village supports the
state's plan to upgrade and widen those roads. In the case of Lake Cook Road the plan
specifically recommends widening the six lanes to Illinois Route 83 rather than going all the way
through the Village to the western limit. The Village strongly encourages widening and
improvements to Route 22 and the state is actively planning for same at this time. Specific road
improvements that are not in existence now but are recommended in the Comprehensive Plan
include a connection from Weiland going through the Pet Lane area over to Prairie Road.
Another specific improvement would be at Prairie and Port Clinton. The Plan recommends
Buffalo Grove Road merging via Port Clinton into Prairie Road where it would extend to Route
45. The eastern leg of Port Clinton would be redesigned to merge into the new S curve which
would be developed.
Mr. Pfeil further noted the specific future land use recommendations have been made for the area
somewhat south of Dundee Road, on the north to about Port Clinton Road, and a few
subdivisions west of Arlington Heights Road while Milwaukee Avenue is generally the eastern
boundary. Within that planning area a few changes have been made from the 1992 Plan.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 3
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Mr. Pfeil stated it has been recommended the property at the southeast corner of Prairie and Port
Clinton be annexed for single family development with anticipation of a park within such
development. The plan for the Prairie View proper area does contemplate ultimate annexation
based on many inquiries the Village has received relative to providing Village water and sewer.
However, the Village approach to that has always been a voluntary and cooperative approach. If
landowners are not interested in being in the Village, they would not be forced into the Village.
The idea is to look for opportunities for the Village to annex where it is appropriate and where it
serves the interests of both the Village and the property owners. The Plan recommends
commercial development for the north side of Route 22 extending along Main Street. This is
really an acknowledgment of current land use pattern. There are possibilities for redevelopment
of some commercial along Route 22, depending on developer interest in that area. The balance of
Prairie View is single family development on the master plan.
Mr. Pfeil noted the property at the southeast corner of Prairie and Route 22 shows
recommendations for commercial development from the area of Willow Parkway north to Route
22. The Village'sgoal would be to have a veryattractive and safe accesstype of development
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with strong design features. It would be necessary to show extreme care relative to traffic impact
and access. From the Willow Parkway area to Phase II of Mirielle, townhouse type of
development is recommended.
Mr. Pfeil noted the southeast corner at Buffalo Grove Road and Aptakisic now shows commercial
land use. There is no set type of commercial recommended. The Village is looking for strong
aesthetic appearance with traffic, access and safety playing key elements. The balance of the area
in the Aptakisic Road corridor is single family which is consistent with previous planning. Some
changes in the area would be in the Pet Lane area north of Aptakisic and west of the Wisconsin
Central line where the extension of Weiland and Prairie would go through. The Commission
thought commercial would be best for that area. The south part of Aptakisic and Weiland now
shows commercial. All these commercial developments would look at Planned Unit Development
type of zoning so the Village would know exactly what type of development is being proposed
and exactly what the buildings would look like.
Mr. Pfeil stated the implementation section of the proposed plan highlights the Village's intent to
use the goals and policies for development as a basis for land use decisions so that when
developments come in they can be evaluated and assured they achieve the goals set. He noted
they will look carefully at some of the sub-areas such as the Dunlo Highlands, some areas on the
Weiland Road side of the Village and Prairie View. If people in the Prairie View area are
interested in getting Village utilities,Buffalo Grove would work with residents to see if there is a
feasible way to accomplish this within an annexation process. He further noted the Village will
continue to look at various ordinances and standards to make sure that such things are parking
ratios, setbacks and other planning parameters are responsive to both the community's needs and
current development needs.
Mr. Scott Guzic, Superintendent of School District 103 stated they have been sent timely
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 4
information throughout the course of the development of the document which was greatly
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appreciated. He noted the most vulnerable piece of property in their district is the southeast
corner of Prairie and Port Clinton. It is a large piece of undeveloped property in the district and
they ask that they be considered in any discussion regarding future development of that parcel.
Commissioner Kruginquired if the overallplan has taken into account alreadydeveloped
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properties such as Dunlo Highlands.
Mr. Pfeil noted the future land use map includes areas such as Dunlo in the area that would be in
the Village ultimately. It does not lay out a specific plan for how utilities would be extended as
far as costs. If properties owners are not interested in being in the Village, the plan has no
recommendation to force people into the Village. It does, however, contemplate annexation of
the Dunlo Highlands area eventually.
Commissioner Krug asked if the plan encourages annexation.
Mr. Pfeil stated he believes the plan does encourage such annexation.
Chairman Goldspiel asked for an explanation of the role the Village has in planning for areas that
are not incorporated in the Village and are not incorporated in other Villages but are within
Buffalo Grove's planning area.
Mr. Pfeil noted under state statute a municipality's planning area is 1 1/2 miles beyond its current
corporate limits. Buffalo Grove is already abutting a number of other municipalities so the 1 '/z
mile area is not all that meaningful. The Village does, under statute, have the ability to plan for
any unincorporated areas that are within that area. Therefore, every unincorporated area that is
around the Village does show up on the plan with some type of designated land use.
David DeVos of Prairie View asked if there has been any kind of environmental impact study
done relative to the infill of the pond at Easton and Route 22.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the plan is not detailed enough to say that any particular land feature
would be changed in any way. The plan is looking at areas and uses more so than designs.
Mr. Pfeil noted the Village would never advocate any kind of development that would not
properly take into consideration wetlands. There are also county and village standards as well as
federal standards that would come into play. In doing a Comprehensive Plan it is advisable to
allow for the possibility that these areas might be reconfigured. No violation of regulations or
practices would occur in stormwater or wetlands preservation.
Mr. DeVos further inquired if the Village would acquire a different federal category once a
population figure of 50,000 is reached. He asked if this would allow the Village access to
additional federal funds.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 5
Mr. Pfeil stated it could do so in some cases. Although it might have some positive funding
implications, it is not as strong as it has been historically. The 50,000 figure would be very
difficult as it assumes annexation of areas that will be a very long time in coming.
Mr. DeVos asked if 2nd Street would be paved and developed for through traffic as part of any
commercial development along Main Street in Prairie View.
Mr. Pfeil noted the plan does not mean to imply that. If and when any commercial development is
proposed that is something that would need to be carefully reviewed. The entire Prairie View
area would need to be thoroughly reviewed before any kind of annexation or development occurs.
Things like road extensions would need to be looked at in very great detail.
Mr. DeVos asked what the process is in the Village for a variance from single-family to multi-
' family zoning.
Mr. Raysa stated if the question is directed to changing the framework on the Comprehensive
Plan for the Prairie View area from commercial to residential it would mean the procedure at the
time of annexation would require the owner of the property coming to the Village with a
voluntary Section 718 petition to annex part of Prairie View to the Village of Buffalo Grove. At
that time the owner would also petition the Village for a land use. If that land use is residential, it
would be added to the petition. Pursuant to Village ordinance those petitions would come before
the Village Corporate Authorities, the President and Board of Trustees, at a pre-application
conference. At that time the plan would be reviewed and if it was satisfactory, it would be
referred to the Plan Commission for workshops and a final public hearing. The Village staff
would point out to the petitioner at that time if there is a difference between what is being
requested in the petition as opposed to what is being shown on the Comprehensive Plan.
Cynthia Hausinger, 22723 Prairie Road, Prairie View noted concern with the wetlands and stated
many of the current developments have been accomplished without regard to existing residents in
the area. She noted her property is now wetter than ever before and there has been an influx of
deer onto her property due to all of the development. She further noted adding more homes and
businesses has created greater traffic congestion.
Mr. Pfeil stated the Comprehensive Plan has various recommendations for road improvements.
The Village has periodically done an analysis of projected land use and what types of road
improvements will be needed if development occurs. The proposed plan does not dramatically
change the ratios used in the 1991 plan. Basically the proposed plan has a number of
recommendations for road improvements. When specific developments come before the Village,
the Village requires a developer traffic impact study which is reviewed by the Village. Whatever
`./ improvements that development creates a need for, the developer is obligated to construct. He
further noted Buffalo Grove is regionally located and a great deal of traffic passes through the
Village that is not necessarily resident traffic. That is the sort of thing the traffic consultant has
looked at.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 6
Ms. Hausinger asked what will occur if she does not wish to annex to Buffalo Grove and yet
neighbors on either side of her do wish to annex.
Mr. Pfeil noted a subdivision could be built around those properties which do not wish to annex.
Historically the Village's policy has not been to forcibly annex single-family properties.
Chairman Goldspiel noted it is important to understand that the proposed plan does not
implement anything. This is a projection looking ahead in its planning but does not mean
implementation is imminent.
Gordon Kaspar of Buffalo Grove noted his taxes have gone up 50 percent in the first four years
he has lived in Buffalo. He noted his concern with proposed new housing contained in the
Comprehensive Plan, stating his school district is already overcrowded as is Stevenson High
School. He asked if there are any plans for new schools and how funding would be accomplished
for same.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the school districts use the master plan and its projections in
developing their plans for the future.
Mr. Pfeil noted the Village has worked with every school district that serves the Village in this
process. No school district has noted they must reserve a school site at any specific location. He
noted the school districts do not appear to be looking for land in the Village's plan area for new
school facilities. He further noted the school districts ask the Village for various information
about projected land use and housing on an annual basis which indicates they are knowledgeable
about what is expected. He further noted there are fees that the Village assesses to developers
which are then passed on to the school districts.
Mr. Kaspar noted that while he would welcome the addition of commercial sites in the Village to
help offset the tax base he would not want to see any more strip mall development as there
appears to be a sufficient number of these malls and a great many of them are empty.
Chairman Goldspiel noted there was feedback from some people who thought there was not
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enough local commercial opportunities at or near the Aptakisic/Buffalo Grove Road area.
Jeff Taub, 1462 Rolling Hills Ct., noted agreement with Mr. Kaspar and stated the corner of
Aptakisic and Buffalo Grove Road definitely does not require another strip mall. He noted a
small office development might be a good idea at that point.
Commissioner Berman noted a designation of commercial does not necessarily translate into strip
center. He stated there are a wide variety of commercial uses to be looked at.
Nancy Frillman of Prairie View noted concern with development of the Prairie View Road/Half
Day Road area. She stated her concern was for traffic congestion at that point, noting egress
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12 1997-Page 7
onto Half Day Road across railroad tracks would be a major concern.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the Village would not have anything exit right onto a major road
adjacent to a railroad crossing.
Mr. Pfeil stated Route 22 will ultimately be improved. However, any use of that property has a
traffic issue whether it be commercial or residential. Some landowners in that area think
commercial is a very logical choice. Many developers have come to the Village with various ideas
and traffic impact is always the first thing discussed. The Village would have to look at specific
proposals that come forth and evaluate and determine if it is a good land use for the property.
Ms. Frillman further noted she hoped any development at that point would incorporate the present
aesthetics of the area.
Mr. Pfeil stated the Village has always looked at the area as something that has historical value for
a number of reasons. He noted he believes any commercial developer will be asked to be
responsive to that desire and develop buildings and architecture that are compatible and have
some historic flair to them.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the plan calls for maintaining the appearance, scale and feeling of the
area.
Robin Weiss, 251 Thompson, stated if there is development of commercial areas in the Village,
the need for more restaurants seems apparent.
Ron Carlstrom of Prairie View asked if the Village of Buffalo will have jurisdiction of the
proposed road improvement of the Weiland Road/Prairie Road"S"turn. He further noted this
would assure that residents along that area are surrounded on all three sides by Buffalo Grove
developments which will lead to annexation.
Mr. Raysa stated the Comprehensive Plan is set forth by state statute. That plan is dictate by state
statute to go 1 1/2 miles outside the Village's jurisdiction. The Comprehensive Plan does not
dictate that the Village will annex these unincorporated lands. He stated 99 percent of the land
annexed to the Village of Buffalo Grove in the last 20 years has been voluntary annexations.
There has been one or two forced annexations. The Village likes to look to the land owner or
purchaser of that land to voluntarily annex to the Village. He further noted that just being
bounded on three sides does not allow a municipality to annex the property.
Mr. Kuenkler stated Prairie Road is a county road that is maintained by the Village. He noted
there is a master agreement that it can become a Village road at some point.
Mr. Carlstrom noted that because of the amount of taxes paid by Buffalo Grove residents, he
would have no interest in becoming part of Buffalo Grove.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 8
Chairman Goldspiel stated the Village municipal tax bill is a very small percentage of the entire
tax bill. A large component of such a bill is school taxes. That school tax applies whether you are
in the Village or not. The actual municipal real estate tax has been a smaller and smaller
percentage of the total bill.
Commissioner Krug noted the small turnouts for school board elections, stating this is part of the
problem of increasing taxes.
Trustee Reid stated the Village portion of a tax bill will be about 9 percent of your tax bill and
that the Village tax rate has been going down for the last seven years.
Mr. Carlstrom inquired why Buffalo Grove is so interested in making all of the proposed changes.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the basic reason was to promote a better quality of life.
William Balzer, 16637 Easton, Prairie View, asked if the Village has considered or would
consider providing sewer and water to the downtown Prairie View area without annexation.
Mr. Raysa stated it is Village philosophy not to provide extra territorial water and sewer service.
Mr. Balzer noted Lincolnshire did provide same for an area east of the tracks allowing the area to
remain unincorporated. He noted this is something that could be a benefit to the area whereas
annexation is not very popular with the residents at this time. He further inquired if he would be
notified of any annexation in an area adjacent to his property.
Mr. Raysa stated the Village must by statute publish before any public hearing on any annexation
agreement. He further stated it is the Village's position that they almost always do an annexation
agreement to cover annexed land. There would be a notice in the paper of general circulation of
any annexation hearing. In addition, the Village by its own ordinances and by state statute must
hold a public hearing for zoning of that new land. Pursuant to Village ordinances, the Village is
bound to notify all property owners within 250 feet by mail.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the ordinance also requires the posting of signs.
Ed Walters, 23171 N. Prairie Lane, noted they have Lincolnshire water and sewer and asked if
Buffalo Grove would ever try to annex an area that already has another municipality's utilities.
Mr. Pfeil asked if the residents had to execute a pre-annexation agreement.
Mr. Walters stated yes. However, they are only good for a certain length of time after which the
process must be gone through again for renewal.
Mr. Pfeil stated they have not included that area in the Comprehensive Plan because Buffalo
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 9
Grove believes Lincolnshire will ultimately annex that area.
George Sperber Jr., 22539 Prairie Road asked if there is anything in writing that states annexation
will only be voluntary.
Mr. Raysa stated no. Nine times out of ten the Village looks for voluntary annexation.
Mr. Sperber asked where the property for the widening of Prairie Road would come from.
Mr. Kuenkler stated there might be some property that would need to be acquired.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the right-of-way of a road is wider than the pavement. In order to
determine what might have to be added or if anything would need to be added at all, it would be
necessary which specific part of the road was under discussion. Some areas may already have
sufficient right-of-way and others might need additional right-of-way.
There being no further comments or questions from anyone else present, Chairman Goldspiel
closed the public hearing at 9:00 p.m.
Res lly sub 'tted,
Fa Rub' , ecording Secretary
APP OVED BY:
j
S P N GOL S IEL Ch 'rman
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 12, 1997-Page 10
SPECIAL MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
November 12, 1997
Proposed Revision of Village Comprehensive Plan
Chairman Goldspiel called the meeting to order at 9:10 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners present: Chairman Goldspiel
Mr. Krug
Mr. Berman
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Viehman
Commissioners absent: Ms. Howard
Mr. Samuels
Mr. Ottenheimer
Mr. Moons
Also present: Mr. William Reid,Village Trustee
Mr. William Raysa,Village Attorney
Mr. Richard Kuenlder, Village Engineer
Mr. Robert Pfeil,Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES -None
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS -None
PROPOSED REVISION OF VILLAGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Moved by Commissioner Berman, seconded by Commissioner Krug to recommend to the
Village Board approval of the draft plan of the Comprehensive Plan dated October 28, 1997.
Chairman Goldspiel stated he would like to discuss the possibility of changes to the plan at
Aptakisic and Buffalo Grove Road as well as changes at Prairie Road and Route 22. He noted a
suggestion that the parcel at Aptakisic and Buffalo Grove Road ought to be considered for
professional offices rather than a strip mall. He asked if that would require a different
designation on the plan.
Mr. Pfeil stated that office is specifically mapped separately from commercial on the
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-November 12, 1997-Page 1
Comprehensive Plan and there would need to be a change of designation on the plan map.
Commissioner Berman noted the preliminary plan which was approved for the adjacent parcel
was a hybrid office/commercial for the Scarsdale Center. Therefore he feels comfortable with
the way it is designated on the Comprehensive Plan. There is obviously a preliminary plan for
the majority of that parcel which if anything other than that would need to come back to the Plan
Commission for reevaluation. He noted the notion of a strip mall may be inappropriate for that
parcel,the market will dictate what is developed in the area and he would not rule out some other
retail establishment as an appropriate use for that corner. He noted one of the needs that came up
during the workshop meetings was the need for a service station in that area. He stated it is his
feeling that commercial is the appropriate designation for that corner.
Commissioner Viehman stated it is impossible to guess what might fit the area in the future and
he would not want to put too many designations there. He further stated the Village has shown
its receptivity to use good judgment and look at a developer's specific requests to determine
whether it fits within the zoning there or even to be supportive of changes in zoning
recommendations if same fit the environment.
Commissioner Krug noted agreement with Commissioner Berman to leave the designation as is.
Mr. Pfeil noted the Scarsdale Center development is zoned B-3 and the intent is for office with
some commercial.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the intent is something other than a high density traffic generator use.
Commissioner Berman stated the Village will always retain the discretion to evaluate a particular
proposal in terms of its impact and appropriate nature.
Commissioner Trilling stated that leaving the parcel as commercial zoning will allow the
flexibility to determine what ultimately is appropriate for the area. However, if you leave that
much latitude it may give the wrong inference as to what might be receptive to the Village.
Commissioner Berman asked if there is any place in the Plan to place some kind of note that
would appropriately capture the spirit of what has been discussed.
Mr. Pfeil noted that pages 24-25 identify the Prairie View and Aptakisic Road sub-areas and
have some text relative to intent that is perhaps not strong enough or specific enough for this
corner.
Commissioner Berman suggested some sentences at the end of the section that specifically
discusses this corner and points out that the commercial designation is not intended to invite high
density or high traffic retail development at that location.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-November 12, 1997-Page 2
All Commissioners were in favor of such a change in the Plan.
Chairman Goldspiel noted there had been some concern for the Prairie View area.
Commissioner Berman noted the predominant comment from the Prairie View area was a fear
that the Village would come in and gobble up the area. That is not, of course, what this plan is
all about. Comments on traffic issues were intensively discussed at workshops and were
resolved on a preliminary basis. The designations that appear on the map at this time are
`./ appropriate and compatible with the view of what the transportation system should be able to
accommodate in the future. He noted he has heard nothing that would change his mind about the
way the area has been set up on the map.
Chairman Goldspiel asked for a discussion on the memo dated November 12, 1997 regarding
suggested revisions to the language in the Comprehensive Plan by Trustee Marienthal.
Chairman Goldspiel noted Trustee Marienthal would like to see the words "diversified business"
in substituted in Commercial Policy#1.
Commissioner Berman noted this was a very acceptable suggestion. All Commissioners were in
favor and the wording should be as follows: "Encourage the full development of Town Center as
a diversified business district of Buffalo Grove.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the changes suggested for Commercial Policy #4 is to add the words
"low-key" signage.
Commissioner Viehman stated that phraseology adds no necessary comment to the way the
signage issue is handled in the Village. He noted it may be misconstrued more than it can be
positive.
Commissioner Berman concurred fully with Commissioner Viehman.
Commissioner Trilling noted the Village has a current sign ordinance which specifies all the
requirements and it is quite sufficient.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the words "low-key"will not be added to the Commercial Policy#4.
Chairman Goldspiel noted Trustee Marienthal's suggestion for the addition of the words "within
the next six months, including the addition of two to three trains each day in both directions and
the implementation of service on Saturdays"to the Transportation Policy#14.
Commissioner Krug stated he did not see how anything like this could be completed within the
next six months as you are dealing with a great many entities.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-November 12, 1997-Page 3
Commissioner Berman noted Trustee Marienthal's sentiment is good and he hopes this does
happen. However, he does not know if the text to the Comprehensive Plan should be changed.
He further did not feel it appropriate to limit train service as he would prefer to see full service on
that line. By inserting this text it could possibly limit what is actually being asked for.
All Commissioners agreed with Commissioner Berman and therefore there will not be any
change to the text in Transportation Policy#14.
Chairman Goldspiel noted Trustee Marienthal's suggestion of adding the words "and additional
accredited college courses"to the Community Facilities and Service Policy#2.
Commissioner Viehman stated the phraseology"continuing education"covers a broad base of
activity not exclusive of additional college courses but also many other things. He stated just
using the terminology"continuing education"in its broadest sense is sufficient.
Trustee Reid noted"continuing education"has a specific definition within the educational
community. He stated the fact is that both Harper and College of Lake County are both being
used to their fullest potential and Trustee Marienthal's additional verbiage is not really adding
anything new. In fact, it may denote an implication that either Harper or College of Lake County
are not doing what they are charged to do.
All Commissioners were in favor of no change for Community Facilities and Service Policy#2.
Chairman Goldspiel noted Trustee Marienthal's suggestion for a change in wording for
Community Facilities and Service Policy#6 from"encourage efforts"to "continue to work"to
secure a full service or branch library in Buffalo Grove.
Trustee Reid stated the Village does not have the ability to create a branch or full service library.
He noted the state law is very specific and needs approval of existing library districts. In order to
get library service within the Village of Buffalo Grove it will be necessary to encourage the
efforts to secure this.
All Commissioners agreed to no change for Community Facilities and Service Policy#6.
Commissioner Krug noted his name should be shown on the Plan as secretary. He noted the
necessity for adding the word"continue"to paragraph#1 under Policies for Development. He
further noted the need for the addition of language to say sidewalks will be required under
paragraph#11 under Transportation Policies.
Trustee Reid noted the need to add"in conjunction with the Park District and Lake County
Forest Preserve District at the end of paragraph#9 under Recreational Policies.
Commissioner Krug noted the Police Department accreditation should be added under paragraph
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-November 12, 1997-Page 4
#4,page 15. In addition,he noted it should be stated the Village participates in the Lake County
Major Crimes Task Force as well as encourage participation in the task force forming in Cook
County.
Commissioner Viehman noted paragraph#5 under Recreational Policies is not clearly defined.
The paragraph needs to be reworked and split between paragraph#5 and#6 so that the different
activities and plans are clearly defined.
Commissioner Berman noted paragraph#1 under Community Facilities needs to be broken up
into two separate paragraphs. Also the word"school"needs to be added at the end of the first
sentence.
Trustee Reid noted the sentence standing along on page ag e 14 which states "Meridian Middle
School was constructed in 1994" is superfluous.
Commissioner Trilling noted the need to delete the word"but" in paragraph#2 under Parks and
recreation on page 14.
Commissioner Berman noted the motion is subject to the various corrections and clean up of
typographical errors at the discretion and responsibility of staff. He commented that extensive
work has been done by Mr. Pfeil and staff and significant input from various public agencies and
members of the public. He noted the Plan Commission owes a great debt of gratitude to all the
people who spent endless hours working on the Plan and producing a document which is a great
reflection on the Village and a good plan for the future.
Commissioner Krug noted the end result of all this work is one of the finest plans yet.
Chairman Goldspiel called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Krug, Berman, Trilling, Viehman, Goldspiel
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Howard, Samuels, Ottenheimer, Moons
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed unanimous) 5 to 0.
Y�
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT-None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil noted there will be a meeting on November 17, 1997 concerning the Busch Community
Park Wellness/Fitness Center and Eagle Food Store at Town Center.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-November 12, 1997-Page 5
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PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS -None
STAFF REPORT-None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Berman, seconded by Commissioner Krug and carried unanimously to
adjourn. Chairman Goldspiel adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
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Respec lly submi d,
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Fay ubin, e ording Secretary
APP OVED BY:
T HE GOL SPIEL, Ch an
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Special Meeting-November 12, 1997-Page 6