1999-11-17 - Plan Commission - Minutes PUBLIC HEARING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
November 17, 1999
Village of Buffalo Grove,Buffalo Grove Golf Course, Proposed maintenance
facility and site improvements, 454 Old Checker Road,Amendment of a
Special Use and Preliminary Plan in the R-4 District
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. Samuels
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Ottenheimer
Mr. Feldgreber
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Panitch
Mr. Smith
Commissioners absent: Ms. Dunn
Also present: Mr. William Balling, Village Manager
Mr. Richard Vane, Groundwork, Ltd.
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Carmen Molinaro, Buffalo Grove Golf Course
Mr. Rick Reed, Buffalo Grove Golf Course
Mr. Todd Kingan,Groundwork, Ltd
Mr. Mark Biederwolf, Assistant Village Engineer
Mr. John Marienthal, Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
The following exhibits were presented by the petitioner at the public hearing:
Exhibit A: Preliminary Site Plan, revised dated November 10, 1999
Exhibit B: Preliminary Landscape Plan dated November 10, 1999
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 17, 1999-Page 1
Exhibit C: Concept Building Elevations dated November 10, 1999
Exhibit D: Staff Parking Option Concept Plan
Exhibit E: Preliminary Engineering Plan dated November 10, 1999
Exhibit F: Site and Zoning Information Data Sheet
Exhibit G: Preliminary Building Material Samples
Exhibit H: Preliminary Floor Plans dated August 29, 1999
Mr. William Balling stated they are requesting an amendment to an existing Special Use request
in the R-4 District. He reviewed the history of the Village's golf business noting the Village has
been in the golf business for the past 25 years, operating the Buffalo Grove Golf Club on a
contract basis starting in 1974 and as owner since 1977. The Arboretum course was opened in
1989. The Buffalo Grove Golf Course was purchased as an open space preservation project and
a recreational amenity in 1974 and was an existing and operating golf course at that time. The
building in question at 454 Old Checker Road was in place and was actually built as part of the
original Buffalo Grove Golf Course in 1966. At the time the Buffalo Grove Golf Course was
built Checker Road was a dirt road and that was basically the northern edge of the Village. The
maintenance shed was built by a private developer for the purpose of housing the lawn mowers
and golf equipment. This shed has outlived its usefulness and has some deficiencies.
Mr. Balling stated they are proposing a new facility, 6,600 square feet, properly spotted on the
site and properly planned and zoned to allow the appropriate and legal setbacks which do not
now exist for the property and spatially orienting the uses so that it is appropriate and sensitive to
the neighborhood. He noted they would like to reverse the building so that the part facing
Checker Road will be a front yard, properly landscaped and improved as necessary. He noted
they will also establish an entirely new bullpen area for the outside service that would be to the
south of the building on the interior of the golf course. This will allow them to properly buffer
the property to the north and give them a more functional layout.
Mr. Richard Vane of Groundwork stated the existing building is virtually in the same location as
the proposed building with the exception of the work yard which is right on Checker Road.
There is no setback to the existing work yard as the fence is right up to the right-of-way line.
The required setback in the R-4 district is 30 feet and the building will meet that 30 foot setback
`./ and the work activity will actually be behind the building so that they are essentially screened by
the building.
Mr. Vane noted the plan has been revised basically to eliminate a previously proposed crossing
of the bikepath. He noted there already is an existing crossing of the bikepath about 100 feet
farther up and the Village Engineer did not feel an extra crossing here was warranted. Therefore
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 17, 1999-Page 2
the crossing was eliminated based on the request by staff. He further noted there was also a
request to make the existing five foot sidewalk an eight foot bikepath in order to promote the
Village's bikepath program.
Mr. Vane reviewed the landscape plan showing additional foundation landscaping which had
been requested by the Plan Commission. These plantings will be in front of the building and
annual beds to provide some additional visual enhancement from Checker Road.
Mr. Vane noted the door and window adjacent to the door have now been put into scale by
placing an additional panel and enlarging the shutters so that they blend and are in keeping with
the full range of the front facade. The building will be a metal prefabricated building.
Mr. Balling noted one of the points the Commission asked the Village to consider was how
employee parking would be handled. He noted they would like to maintain a full and clear
access point through the wrought iron gates in the new cart path so that emergency equipment
can have a clear shot. He noted five employee cars would be parked at the southwest corner of
the site adjacent to the building. Given the nature of this use, this should pose no problem for the
operations and allows them to efficiently use the property without expanding the bullpen or
expanding the outside parking lot which will be kept for clients and sales representatives and
service people.
Mr. Carmen Molinaro stated they have a twofold need in this project. The first need is for space.
The existing building is over 35 years old and was probably minimally spaced even then. The
second need is for a modernization of the building. He noted they have had structural problems
throughout the years with the exterior walls which are becoming more serious every year. He
noted they have no specified lunch room, no training room, it is a non-sprinklered building, no
separation between work areas and eating areas,and fertilizing and chemical storage. There is no
employee locker area, no showers, and inadequate washroom facilities. He stated they need to
get a new building that will be in compliance with all the new and upcoming operational
regulations which are now in effect or will be in effect shortly.
Mr. Balling noted the special use criteria as follows:
1. The special use will serve the public convenience at the location of the subject
property and that the establishment, maintenance and operation of the special use
will not be detrimental or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort and
general welfare. He noted this building has been designed as a code compliant,
`./ zoning compliant, modern facility and have corrected the deficiencies on the site
from a zoning standpoint and now fully comply with the standards and codes of
the Village.
2. The location, size, nature and intensity of the operation involved in or to be
conducted in connection with the said special use, the size of the subject property
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 17, 1999-Page 3
in relation to the special use, and the location of the site with respect to the streets
giving access to it shall be such that it shall be in harmony with the appropriate
and orderly development of the district in which it is located. He noted this is an
R-4 District and they have honored the setbacks and eliminated the front yard
storage facilities and have generally improved the aesthetics and appearance of the
site, giving it a residential feel.
L./ 3. The special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in
the immediate vicinity of the subject property for the purpose already permitted in
such zoning district nor substantially diminish or impair the property valuations of
the neighborhood. He noted this is an amendment to an existing special use and
the design itself does fully satisfy these standards and will not diminish any
property values.
4. The nature, location and size of the buildings and structures involved with the
establishment of the special use will not impede, substantially hinder or
discourage the development and use of the adjacent land and buildings in
accordance with the zoning district within which they lie. He noted this is a full
developed district and this is merely a rehabilitation phase and will have a
negligible impact on any issue related to further development in the area.
5. That adequate utilities, access road, drainage or other necessary facilities have
been or will be provided. He noted they have provided the preliminary
engineering plan.
6. That the parking area shall be adequate in size for the particular special use which
area shall be properly located and suitably screened from adjoining residential
uses and the entrance and exit driveways to and from these parking areas shall be
designed so as to prevent traffic hazards,eliminate nuisances and minimize traffic
congestion on public streets. He noted that by shifting the employee lot to the
south of the building, providing the service access drive and by improving the
driveway and eliminating one of the crosswalks they have been responsive to this
condition.
i
Mr. Balling stated he believes they have provided a design that is consistent with the special use
criteria and with the best planning standards for golf facilities.
Commissioner Johnson asked how the new transom windows affect the mezzanine floor. 1
Mr. Kingan stated the transoms are not transparent windows so there is no effect to the
mezzanine.
Commissioner Johnson noted he would still like to see some plantings in front of the right hand
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 17, 1999-Page 4
side of the building.
Commissioner Trilling asked how many employees will be parking here.
Mr. Molinaro stated the maximum would be 8 and some car pool so there may not be 8 vehicles.
Commissioner Trilling noted the northeast corner parcel which has the new 6 foot wrought iron
�./ fence is connected to the 8 foot high wood fence.
Mr. Balling stated they are proposing an 8 foot interior fence to the golf course. Part of that is to
try to block off balls from the first green.
Commissioner Feldgreber asked why there is a stormsewer inlet so close to the fuel tank and if
that is a concern.
Mr. Vane stated there will be some kind of a concrete curb around the area so that any gas spilled
would be contained and will not get into the stormsewer.
Mr. Balling stated they will note that check it out.
Chairman Goldspiel asked how the engineering here relates to the problem of creek flooding.
Mr. Vane stated this has been designed to keep the same amount of impervious area that exists
and he does not anticipate any additional problems.
Ms. Robin Netter, 409 Claret Dr, stated her back yard does face the shed now and is glad to see
the proposed improvements. She further noted she would like to see some more landscaping
along Checker Road.
Mr. Balling explained the fencing and noted there will actually be less fencing on the frontage.
He noted the new building will be further out but there will be more green space. The bullpen
will actually be bigger but further south.
Ms. Netter noted she does get a lot of golf balls come into her yard and asked if there are any
plans for netting.
Mr. Balling stated they are not moving into a netting program at this point for aesthetic reasons
as well as functional and maintenance reasons. It would be excessively expensive to do all the
spots on the golf course and if they start netting they actually face additional liability exposure
for areas they do not net. He stated they have tried to configure this property so that it minimizes
the problem.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 17, 1999-Page 5
Commissioner Trilling stated he would ask that the appropriate steel gage be used to resist dings
on the building.
Mr. Kingan stated they have investigated same and the building they are specifying is suitable for
golf courses and is, in fact, a popular building comparable on several other area golf courses
already.
`./ There being no further comments or questions from anyone else present, Chairman Goldspiel
closed the public hearing at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
STEPHEN GOLDSPIEL, Chair
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-November 17, 1999-Page 6
REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
November 17, 1999
Village of Buffalo Grove, Buffalo Grove Golf Course, Proposed maintenance
facility and site improvements,454 Old Checker Road,Amendment of a
Special Use and Preliminary Plan in the R-4 District
Chabad Synagogue,Proposed synagogue and child care facility, northeast
corner of Buffalo Grove Road/Deerfield Parkway, Amendment of a
Special Use and Preliminary Plan in the R-3 District-- Workshop#1
Chairman Goldspiel called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard,Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners present: Chairman Goldspiel
Mr. Samuels
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Ottenheimer
Mr. Feldgreber
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Panitch
Mr. Smith
Commissioners absent: Ms. Dunn
Also present: Mr. William Balling, Village Manager
Mr. Richard Vane,Groundwork, Ltd.
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Carmen Molinaro, Buffalo Grove Golf Course
Mr. Rick Read, Buffalo Grove Golf Course
Mr. Todd Kingan, Groundwork, Ltd.
Mr. Lawrence Freedman,Ash, Anos, Freedman& Logan
Rabbi Shmuel Katz
Mr. Fred Bernheim, SAS Architects& Planners
Mr. Darek Zarnowsky, SAS Architects & Planners
Mr. Thomas McCabe, Seton Engineering
Mr. Nicholas Patera, Teska Associates, Inc.
Mr. Mark Biederwolf, Assistant Village Engineer
Mr. John Marienthal, Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner •
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 1
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Samuels, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes
of the public hearing and regular meeting of September 15, 1999. Commissioner Samuels noted
several typographical errors requiring correction on the public hearing. He further noted a
required addition of a word in paragraph 4 of page 5 in the regular meeting. Also he requested
modification of paragraph 8 on page 5 in the regular meeting.
All Commissioners were in favor of the amended motion and the motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Samuels attended the Village Board meeting on November 15, 1999 and stated
the Village Board and the Park District got together and agreed with regard to the language of the
ordinance that would be used to approve the Raupp Museum expansion and that language was
prepared and ready at the meeting and was, in fact,passed.
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, BUFFALO GROVE GOLF COURSE, PROPOSED
MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS, 454 OLD CHECKER ROAD,
AMENDMENT OF A SPECIAL USE AND PRELIMINARY PLAN IN THE R-4 DISTRICT
Moved by Commissioner Samuels, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to recommend approval
to the Village board of a petition for approval of an amendment of a Special Use in the R-4
District and approval of a Preliminary Plan for construction of a new maintenance facility of
approximately 6.600 square feet and related site improvements at the Buffalo Grove Golf
Course, pursuant to the testimony produced at the public hearing and the exhibits introduced and
subject to:
1. Any construction activity generating noise on the property shall be limited to the
hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day
Commissioner Samuels noted his support of the motion on the basis that it is a necessity. He
noted this is an appropriate change and it will make for a better neighbor in its new
configuration.
Chairman Goldspiel called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Samuels, Trilling, Ottenheimer, Feldgreber,Johnson, Panitch, Smith, Goldspiel
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Dunn
The motion passed 8 to 0.
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 2
CHABAD SYNAGOGUE PROPOSED SYNAGOGUE AND CHILD DAY CARE FACILITY,
NORTHEAST CORNER OF BUFFALO GROVE ROAD/DEERFIELD PARKWAY,
AMENDMENT OF A SPECIAL USE AND PRELIMINARY PLAN IN THE R-3 DISTRICT --
WORKSHOP #1
agreement Freedman stated this property is the subject of an existing annexation which was
originally approved as part of the New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church petition. He noted the
Chabad has purchased the property and is now the owner and is seeking to modify the existing
plan to allow for the construction and operation of a synagogue which would include pre-school
activities.
Rabbi Katz stated he is the director of the Chabad house which is a synagogue but does not
require membership fees and is open to the community to participate in the services. People pay
for some services received but many services are basically lectures etc. which are free. He noted
a majority of the people participating in the Chabad are members of other synagogues. H noted
they have do not have daily services but only on Saturday morning and Friday evenings which
has about 60 people attending.
Rabbi Katz stated they do not have a Hebrew school now and do not plan to have one in the near
future. They do have Sunday school classes for about 40-50 children now and plan continue at
the new facility. This Sunday school is for Russian speaking individuals.
Rabbi Katz noted their pre-school hours now are 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. and will continue as such for children aged 2-5 years of age. There will be
approximately 90 children. These children are basically dropped off by parents. He noted this
creates about 20-25 cars for drop off and pick up as many people car pool. He noted the
philosophy of the school is to have the parents are involved as possible so they prefer to have
parents come in with the children and spend a little time.
Rabbi Katz stated they will have six classrooms in the new facility with two teachers in each
classroom. There will also be a director, secretary etc. for about 15-16 employees.
Mr. Bernheim stated that in terms of the parking arrangements for the Chabad they will be 35
cars beyond the limits of the code requirements. He introduced his design team and noted he was
available for questions at any time.
Mr. Zarnowsky stated the building is centrally located and consists of two wings. One wing on
the south side is the synagogue and the other wing is the educational wing. Between them is a
connecting link with the administration with two separate entrances. One would serve as an
entrance to the synagogue wing and the other would serve the school wing. The parking is to the
south of the building at the intersection of Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway. One
driveway has already been approved and recommended by IDOT and is far north from the
intersection on Buffalo Grove Road. After discussions with the Village, they have given a strong
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 3
recommendation for a second driveway which could possibly be right in, right out from
Deerfield Parkway. This is being shown as a potential driveway on the plan. There are drop off
lanes around the building to the south and west with the majority of the parking on the south side
of the building. On the north and east side of the building adjacent to the school wing is
playground areas with a fence and landscaped areas around the fence. To the east and north of
the site there is an existing detention pond which they will enlarge in order to provide adequate
volume.
Mr. McCabe stated the entrance on Deerfield Parkway will be right in only. The stormwater
would be discharged into the detention facility located to the east side of the site. The water is
located presently on Buffalo Grove Road and a connection will be made to the water located on
the west side of Buffalo Grove Road, extended across the street. There is currently a sanitary
manhole which was constructed at the time the residential subdivision was constructed to the
north of the site. He noted they will have to construct an ejector system on the proposed site to
pump sewage from the facility over to the manhole. This is the end of the system so there is no
reason to make it a public lift station.
Mr. McCabe noted they have already written to the County Highway Department regarding the
entrances and they have sent a letter stating that there policy would be to only have one entrance
on Buffalo Grove Road. There have been some discussions regarding the entrance on Deerfield
Parkway and the door may be slightly open to that suggestion as a right in only but it would
require some support from the Village.
Chairman Goldspiel asked whose request it was for the right in only.
Mr. Freedman stated the inference from Mr. Kuenkler's discussions with the County was that the
County would entertain a right in only possibly. If they convince them to do more than that, it
would be in their interest to do so.
Commissioner Samuels asked about the setback on Deerfield Parkway which is slated for future
improvements.
Mr. Freedman noted the County would not give a permit unless they made the appropriate
dedication and the plan would be adjusted.
Mr. McCabe stated they initially proposed to expand the detention facility which is currently
located at the east side of the site by expanding it along the north side of the site. However, the
`./ Village has indicated they would prefer to widen out the east side of the property to
accommodate the additional stormwater management. They have not yet made that change. but
they will widen out the detention pond, push the banks further to the west, add the additional
storage required to meet the Lake County Stormwater Management ordinance and leave the area
immediately north of the site as it currently is.
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 4
Commissioner Samuels asked if there are wetlands on the property now.
Mr. McCabe stated no. He noted they have had the site reviewed and it has been determined that
II
the property that is wet is not a wetland.
Chairman Goldspiel noted there is a bikepath just to the north and there needs to be an aesthetic
and safety margin for that main branch of the bikepath.
Mr. McCabe noted they are aware of that and it is the one issue that really drove them off the
north site. He noted they will be meeting with Mr. Kuenkler on that issue.
Commissioner Trilling asked if a 2 inch force main is up to Village standards.
Mr. McCabe stated this is a private sewer and it is the size that will not bring them under the
minimum velocity of 2-3 feet second. The proposed ejector system is a grinder ejector so that all
of the material will be ground up. If this was a public sewer it would need to be 4 inches
minimum.
Commissioner Trilling asked if there is any foreseeable need for tributary needs to the sanitary
line.
Mr. McCabe stated he does not think there are any other tributary areas that have ever been
planned to be picked up on this site.
Mr. Pfeil noted the lift station for the New Life propertywas on the north side of theproperty.
Commissioner Ottenheimer noted it is critical to know what the County will decide regarding the
right in only access due to the hardships of the traffic in the area.
Mr. Freedman stated they hope to have some comments from the County as soon as possible.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if this congregation would be driving to services on the Sabbath.
Rabbi Katz stated a big part of their members walk to services but there are some who do drive.
Chairman Goldspiel asked where the majority of the members live relative to this location and
where they will be coming from.
Rabbi Katz stated he cannot really tell.
Chairman Goldspiel noted there has been previous discussion relative to additional pavement on
Buffalo Grove Road and changing of the turn bays in order to facilitate the flow of traffic. He
asked if it would be advisable to submit this to the Village traffic consultant.
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 5
Mr. Pfeil stated it would be appropriate in preparation for the next meeting to have the traffic
study reviewed by the Village's traffic consultant. He noted that the Lake County Division of
Transportation controls permitting for both Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway, the
County's requirements for right-of-way and any other improvements should be shown on the
plan, in addition to the existing conditions.
Chairman Goldspiel noted more information in that regard will be necessary for the next
`./ meeting.
Mr. Freedman suggesting working on the second access issue a little further and then they would
like to work with the Village traffic consultant. They would rather not go to the expense of their
own traffic consultant if the Village's consultant can provide sufficient information.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if there are any gaps in the sidewalk system that the Village needs to
look at completing in order to facilitate foot traffic to this location.
Rabbi Katz noted quite a few people do walk to this location and people who are highly
concerned with this issue tend to buy homes close by and there are sidewalks in most of these
locations.
Chairman Goldspiel noted concern with the drop off area on the west side as all the traffic will be
going right there and there are also right angled parking spaces there. He noted he would prefer
that this area be made grass.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if the Fire Department has looked at the plan.
Mr. Pfeil stated the Fire Department has not yet commented on the plan. He noted that the Fire
Department won't necessarily require paved access on all sides of the building.
Commissioner Panitch noted turning south on Buffalo Grove Road and making a left turn into
the facility will be problems. The main exit and entrance appears to be a problem in itself
because of this.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the entrance needs to be as far north as possible.
Mr. Freedman stated they will look at the access.
Commissioner Panitch asked why there is so much concentration on drop off areas when the
Rabbi has said most parents come into the center.
Mr. Zarnowsky noted it is more like short term parking.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the Fire Department should be informed that this is intended to be
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 6
short term parking instead of a fire lane situation.
Commissioner Feldgreber noted it would be better to make the parking to the west five, ten or
twenty minutes parking spaces instead of short term parking at the drop off.
Mr. Zarnowsky stated they will look at that.
Commissioner Johnson noted the right-in,right-out is critical on Deerfield Parkway and any left
turn on Buffalo Grove Road is almost impossible at any time. Further he noted the drop off on
the south side of the property will be dangerous when people turn left and cut across the two way
driveway for a quick drop off.
Mr. Zarnowsky noted some form of signage is perhaps in order.
Chairman Goldspiel noted it is really necessary to pin down fire lanes and emergency access to
the building in order to determine drop offs and traffic configuration.
Mr. Zarnowsky reviewed the building elevations,noting the building has a prairie style look. He
noted there is a courtyard between the school building and the synagogue where there will be
nice landscaping and walkways. He then presented the building materials and reviewed same.
Commissioner Feldgreber noted the existence of a staircase and asked if there will be a
basement.
Mr. Zarnowski stated they are showing an optional 5,000 square feet of basement on the plan.
Commissioner Feldgreber asked if the mechanicals would be housed in the basement.
Mr. Zarnowski stated the mechanicals will all be on the roof. Some equipment will be on top of
the school wing and some on top of the flat roof of the synagogue which will be all screened with
a parapet wall of a sufficient height.
Chairman Goldspiel asked what kind of glass would be used.
Mr. Zarnowski stated they have not decided as yet, although the bottom sections of glass have to
be tempered.
Commissioner Johnson noted this is a very big building and wondered if there will be any
expansion.
Rabbi Katz stated they go way beyond the minimum requirements and their ratio for students is
one teacher for six children. There will be no more than 12 kids per classroom. It is big but
there really is no room for expansion due to their ratios.
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 7
Mr. Patera reviewed the landscape plan. He noted the character surrounding Deerfield Parkway
and Buffalo Grove Road is somewhat less formal in its surroundings and they want to reflect that
in the landscape plantings. He noted he is seeking to provide an informal arrangement of screen
planting combining canopy trees backed up by shrub plantings to help screen the views from the
streets. Intermittent evergreens occur at darker locations at the sides. As you get closer to the
building there are some nice islands in the parking lot with canopy trees and shrub plantings in a
center median. The plantings around the perimeter continue down the east side and as you
`./ approach the building you have a kind of arrival plaza. The idea would be to intersperse
plantings in smaller scale to give some softening to the foreground of the building. Around the
play areas will be soft surfaces with apparatus fit for specific ages. The courtyards have an
opportunity for more detail planting, walkways and seating elements.
Chairman Goldspiel asked what the capacity for children is in the building and the capacity for
the synagogue.
Rabbi Katz noted the capacity for children is about 85 maximum. The synagogue will hold
about 400 maximum. For educational purposes the classrooms can hold about 20 kids per
classroom for a maximum total of 120.
Commissioner Trilling stated the petitioner has done a great job in putting together a plan. He
asked how this development is being funded and how the center operates.
Rabbi Katz stated they do charge tuition for the pre-school services. However, the development
is being funded by a private individual so there will be no mortgage. He noted their goal is not to
make money but to provide the highest level of education for the children.
Commissioner Trilling asked if the left turn lane into the site on southbound Buffalo Grove Road
can be extended so there is no backup on Buffalo Grove Road. He further asked if there is any
consideration to widening the pavement on northbound Buffalo Grove Road to accept a right
hand turn lane into the site.
Mr. McCabe stated it is in the hands of Lake County Highway Department and whatever they
want is what the development will have to provide.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if there is sufficient setback on the Buffalo Grove Road side.
Mr. Pfeil noted the building setback is a 30 foot minimum in this district. He noted there is
really no landscaped yard requirement per se. This is a special use and we can try to maximize
the setback but there is really no requirement per se.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if there any special events or high holy day services that would attract
more than the 200 capacity.
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 8
Rabbi Katz stated yes, but they rent outside in the community.
Chairman Goldspiel noted there is no objection to the use. However, there are some concerns
about fire lanes and fire access, parking lot reconfiguration and losing the drop off area, making
sure there is enough green space and primarily getting a better fix on what the County will allow
in terms of entrances and exits.
Commissioner Samuels noted that as a special use here the low intensity and hours of operation
here make this a palatable development.
Commissioner Johnson noted that the building itself and the landscaping are beautiful. However,
the traffic pattern needs to be looked at very seriously.
Commissioner Smith asked if there will be any signage.
Rabbi Katz stated there will be some sort of sign probably on Buffalo Grove Road.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT-None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil stated the next meeting will be on December 1, 1999.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS -None
STAFF REPORT-None
NEW BUSINESS -None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Trilling, seconded by Commissioner Ottenheimer and carried
unanimously to adjourn. Chairman Goldspiel adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
STEPHEN GOLDSPIEL, Chair
Buffalo Grove Planning Commission-Regular Meeting-November 17, 1999-Page 9