1990-08-15 - Plan Commission - Minutes REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
August 15, 1990
Westchester Estates 2
New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church
Checker Road Subdivision
Chairman Sheldon called the Regular Meeting to order at 7 : 33 p.m. in
the Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners Present: Chairman Sheldon
Mr. Rhodes
Ms. Howard
Mr. Rubin
Mr. Rosenston
Commissioners Absent : Mr. Goldspiel
Mr. Krug
Mr. Braiman
Mr. Charlette
Also Present : Mr. John Green, Systems Design Group
Ms. Christine Zyzda, Marks, Marks & Kaplan
Mr. Edward Covici , Scarsdale Homes
Ms. Karen Larsen, Buffalo Grove Park
District
Mr. Tim Blatner, Architect
Mr. Robert Pfeil , Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Rhodes , seconded by Commissioner Rosenston, to
approve the minutes of the Public Hearing of July 18 , 1990. All
Commissioners were in favor, with Commissioner Howard abstaining, and
the motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Rhodes, seconded by Commissioner Rosenston, to
approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 18, 1990. All
Commissioners were in favor, with Commissioner Howard abstaining, and
the motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Rhodes, seconded by Commissioner Rosenston, to
approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of July 25 , 1990 , as
amended. All Commissioners were in favor, with Commissioner Howard
abstaining, and the motion carried.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-August 15 , 1990-Page 1
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Rubin reported on the presentation and discussion at the
Village Board meeting regarding the extension of Reservoir 7 . With
regard to the Village Board meeting of August 6, 1990, Commissioner
Rubin reported that the Santucci public hearing was held and the
following were also discussed:
1 . Lighted tennis courts
2 . The Fiore sidewalk
3 . The proposed post office at Town Center
WESTCHESTER ESTATES PHASE 2, Thompson Blvd./Buffalo Grove Road
Mr. Green stated they plan to annex a 13 . 2 acre site located directly
to the north of Westchester Estates. They intend to develop the
southern 11 .4 acre portion under R-3 zoning. Mr. Green noted they
have no plans for the remaining 1 . 88 acres to the north and planned
to annex that as R-1 . Staff, however, suggested RE zoning for that
parcel would be most appropriate since it would be most restricted
and Scarsdale has no objection to that.
Mr. Green stated their original plan called for 15 single family
sites in the R-3 zoning. Due to the nature of compensatory storage
requirements, however, they find they can only easily develop 13
sites. The average lot size will be 14 , 980 sq. ft . , 50% larger than
the 10, 000 sq. ft. minimum required. They plan to extend and thereby
complete Thompson Boulevard and develop a single cul-de-sac to the
east with seven lots off the cul-de-sac. The balance of six lots
would open onto Thompson.
Mr. Green stated the Old Farm Village R-4 homes would be separated
from the Westchester Phase 2 development by a continuation of the
existing neighborhood park. He noted that at the time of the
original Westchester development the Park District had indicated they
would be looking for the additional 2 . 5 acres to the north as an
extension and continuation for development of a 5-acre neighborhood
park site. Scarsdale will be allocating 3 .45 acres as park land so
the total park site will actually be around 6 acres. Mr. Green
stated that the park when completed will provide an accessway through
Old Farm Village and they will continue the bike path which now comes
up to the subject site.
Mr. Green reviewed the problems associated with extending the bike
path through to Buffalo Grove Road due to portions of land owned and
maintained by others, but outlined some alternatives.
`./ Mr. Green noted that due to requirements for compensatory storage and
the fact that the Creek runs through the site they had to develop
additional detention space. They will attempt to maintain the actual
Creek without altering its banks.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-August 15 , 1990-Page 2
He stated the Creek splits the park and in order to link the two
sections and allow the Park District the ability to maintain both
sides, they plan to build a 10-ft. wide bridge capable of handling
maintenance equipment.
Mr. Green presented an illustration showing the flood plain areas on
the site. He noted that final engineering plans had not been
completed but reviewed briefly proposals for use of the land for
storage that would maximize the amount of space for the park area.
He noted the Park District had issued a letter to Mr. Pfeil
concerning their needs.
Mr. Green stated they will be requesting two rear yard setback
variations on Lots 9 and 10 for a 35 ft. rear yard rather than the
required 40 ft. This would allow them to have a minimum 50 ft.
buildable depth and allow them the area needed to develop the
necessary floodway. He stated the varition is not inconsistent with
the original Westchester development where the same type of setbacks
were requested for three lots.
Mr. Green then reviewed the homes to be developed which are similar
to the original Westchester development but with more variety of
exteriors and one larger model.
In response to questions from Chairman Sheldon, Mr. Green stated the
plan had not yet been reviewed by the Army Corps of Engineers but
that they have identified there are no wetlands on the site, the
changes necessary for moving the compensatory storage can be
accomplished and the soil is conducive to development as planned.
Chairman Sheldon asked about the extension of Thompson Boulevard
which Mr. Pfeil stated is the completion of the collector street. He
also noted a signal is not anticipated.
Commissioner Rosenston inquired about the north leg of the property.
Mr. Green explained there is a loft. wide strip extending up where
they can' t get water, and reviewed the configuration and ownership of
parcels and the problems associated and indicated they intend to
leave that strip maintained as it stands with the possibility of some
future development if the parcel to the west becomes available.
Commissioner Rosenston also asked about price of homes and time for
development. Mr. Green stated the homes are comparable to
Parkchester where the homes run $249,000-$400,000, and they
anticipate the site can be developed quickly. They will not put
models up as the models still exist at Parkchester.
Commissioner Howard noted she feels a signal will be needed at
Thompson following development.
Commissioner Rhodes asked if the homes are all 4 and 5 bedrooms, and
if any would provide three car garages. Mr. Green stated the lot
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-August 15 , 1990-Page 3
widths and product design do allow for three car garages.
Commissioner Rhodes asked about the problems with grading at
Westchester I . Mr. Green stated the site was redone and those
problems were resolved.
Commissioner Rhodes then asked about the existing trees on the
property. Mr. Green stated that most of the existing natural trees
are along the Creek and they will try to leave them undisturbed. The
other trees are part of a tree farm.
Commissioner Rubin asked about responsibility for street lights on
Buffalo Grove Road in this development as well as the previous phase,
noting it is a very dark area. Mr. Pfeil explained that this
development will be responsible to install required lights, and said
in the original development the Village collected funds for future
installation of lights.
Commissioner Rubin stated he would prefer something ifferent than a
solid fence along Buffalo Grove Road to avoid the tunnel effect, such
as a staggering of planting.
Karen Larsen of the Park District clarified Mr. Rylko' s letter dated
August 14 , 1990 regarding their desire that the detention lake be
moved if possible to create more usable park land. She also
explained the neighborhood park on Parcels Bi and B2 would include
possible picnic groves, playgrounds, mini ball diamonds or soccer
fields. Discussion followed regarding the viability of use of the
additional parcel for park use if the detention lake is moved.
In comments from the audience, it was asked if the development would
disturb any existing properties. Mr. Green said it would have no
impact on the surrounding area, and certainly
grading would not
create hazards to surrounding properties.
Chairman Sheldon asked that the Police and Fire Department reviews be
done with a view to the cul-de-sac.
New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church
Mr. Blatner outlined changes to their plan including a redistricting
under R-3 wherein they meet all R-3 setback requirements except at
the northern border where there is an 8-ft. side yard. This would be
the only variation requested. He noted the pedestrian parkway had
\.1 been developed with the sidewalk extended north to connect to the
bike path system, and the trees and parkway lighting as required
would be installed.
Mr. Blatner indicated the first phase of development would be a
rectory at the north end of the site, and the second phase a church
at the south end with a parking area. A third phase will be adding
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-August 15 , 1990-Page 4
to the church building and parking area. The green space between the
rectory and the parking lot is a possible school site.
Commissioner Rubin reminded that the sign should be spotted in the
annexation agreement .
Commissioner Rubin also asked if the planned row of parkway trees
along the road should be staggered.
At Commissioner Rubin' s request, Mr. Blatner reviewed the interior
side lot variation request. Mr. Blatner indicated that the green
spaces will be maintained between phases. Commissioner Rubin
expressed concern that the parking lot lights not remain continually
lit. Mr. Blatner stated a timing device could be used.
Commissioner Rhodes asked about the temporary drive for the parsonage
and noted it should be stated in the annexation agreement that as
soon as phase 2 is developed that driveway will be closed. The
Church representatve indicated the curb cut would be closed and
planted.
Commissioner Rhodes inquired about the location of the dumpster
noting it appears to be far from the church. Mr. Blatner stated they
did not want it by the back door because it faces Busch Road.
With regard to timing, the Church representative stated phase 1
development will commence immediately after annexation. Phase 2 will
follow two years later, and phase 3 within five years.
Commissioner Rubin asked about removal of the on-site rubbish which
it was indicated was in the process of being removed.
Commissioner Howard asked about timing for development of the school .
The Church representative said it is not a definite project but they
did want to provide for the possibility.
Commissioner Rosenston in
quired about screening for the dumpster.
Mr. Blatner stated it would be screened by trees and shrubbery. Mr.
Pfeil stated the dumpster must be fenced and enclosed.
Commissioner Rosenston asked that traffic consultants review the
entrances and stated he feels they need a porkchop for right-in/
right-out at Busch. Chairman Sheldon noted it needs to be integrated
into future plans for Busch. Commissioner Rubin suggested a right
turn lane on Busch onto Buffalo Grove Road be reviewed. Mr. Pfeil
stated he would get the traffic consultant' s comments for the public
hearing.
CHECKER ROAD SUBDIVISION, Final Plat
Moved by Commissioner Rubin, seconded by Commissioner Rhodes, to
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-August 15 , 1990-Page 5
recommend to the Village Board approval of the Checker Road
Subdivision Final Plat , Surveyor' s date 6/28/90 .
Mr. Pfeil confirmed that the Village Engineer had indicated the plat
does comply with plat requirements and noted that because the parcel
is undeveloped and is to be developed as a single family home it does
not require preliminary plan approval .
Chairman Sheldon asked if a sidewalk would be required in order to
provide access from the west to Town Center along Checker Road. Mr.
Pfeil stated that this parcel fills in only a portion of a gap but
that the Village Engineer had indicated some of those gaps could be
filled as part of the Village sidewalk improvement plan.
All Commissioners were in favor, with Commissioners Goldspiel , Krug,
Braiman and Charlette absent , and the motion carried.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - None
FUURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil said the August 29, 1990 meeting would be a public hearing
for the Mormon R-4 development . The meeting dates for September were
reviewed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
Commissioner Rubin inquired about the Deerfield Bakery development.
STAFF REPORT - None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Rosenston, seconded by Commissioner Howard, and
unanimously carried, to adjourn. Chairman Sheldon adjourned the
meeting at 9: 25 P.M.
Resp fully Submitted,
ROSEMARY ALL , Recording Secretary
Approved by:
oia<etliea— c ;e.e/a- —
BARBARA SHELDON, Chairman
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-August 15 , 1990-Page 6