1999-12-01 - Plan Commission - Minutes REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
December 1, 1999
Aetna Development Corp., Proposed Walgreens store and site modifications, Approval of a
Special Use for a drive-through pharmacy facility and amendment of a Planned Unit
Development (P.U.D. In the B-3 Planned Business Center District,and approval of building
elevations and materials, landscape plan and outdoor lighting; Plaza Verde East shopping
center; southwest corner of Dundee Road/Arlington Heights Road
Village of Buffalo Grove, Arboretum Golf Course,Proposed maintenance facility and site
improvements, 401 Half Day Road,Amendment of a Special Use and Preliminary Plan in
the R-8 District-Workshop#2
River Oaks Subdivision (Prairie Road adjacent to Indian Creek) -Final Plat
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.
Commissioners present: Chairman Goldspiel
Mr. Samuels
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Ottenheimer
Ms. Dunn
Mr. Feldgreber
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Panitch
Mr. Smith
Commissioners absent: Ms. Dunn
Also present: Mr. Lawrence Freedman, Ash, Anos, Freedman& Logan
Mr. John Green, Groundwork, Ltd.
Mr. George Hanus, Aetna Development Corp.
`./ Mr. David Mangurten, KMA& Associates. Inc.
Mr. Dave Miller, Metro Traffic
Mr. William Brimm, Director of Finance
Mr. John Bosman, Sente & Rubel
Mr. Everett Lindberg, Sente & Rubel
Mr. Kenneth Lattanzi, MTI Construction Services
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 1
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Mr. Frank Childers, G& C Consulting Engineers
Mr. Mark Harrison
Mr. William Balling, Village Manager
Mr. Richard Kuenkler, Village Engineer
Ms. DeAnn Glover, Village Trustee
Mr. John Marienthal, Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES -None
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS -None
AETNA DEVELOPMENT CORP.. PROPOSED WALGREENS STORE AND SITE
MODIFICATIONS, APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL USE FOR A DRIVE-THROUGH
PHARMACY FACILITY AND AMENDMENT OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
(P.U.D.) IN THE B-3 PLANNED BUSINESS DISTRICT AND APPROVAL OF BUILDING
ELEVATIONS AND MATERIALS. LANDSCAPE PLAN AND OUTDOOR LIGHTING
PLAZA VERDE EAST SHOPPING CENTER, SOUTHWEST CORNER OF DUNDEE
RD/ARLINGTON HEIGHTS RD
Mr. John Green stated most of the issues that were a problem with this development centered
around circulation, particularly from the right-in,right-out along the driveway that runs
north/south. The plan has good circulation in front of the south building. The plan has good
parking and circulation between the Walgreens and the east building. It vastly improved the
south building conditions, the rentable opportunities in those buildings and the access to, around
and between those buildings. It fixed the public walks and the lot line landscape conditions that
had been lost several years ago when the state widened Dundee Road. This plan protected the
east building and the south building operations and tenants during the construction phase. The
drive through lanes and the two way circulation around Walgreens all made sense. He noted the
pork chop at the right-in, right-out driveway was extended as recommended.
Mr. Green stated Mr. Mangurten was able to change the Walgreens prototype and do a north
entrance only facility. This eliminates the need for 18 feet of parking on the immediate west side
of the Walgreens. This 18 feet is now available to go into the space that is being squeezed
between the restaurant parking and the right-in right-out. By taking that 18 feet and locating the
entrance to the front, they were able to isolate the driveway north/south as it runs from the right-
in, right-out and at the same time they were able to do a number of other things that brought
several elements into final focus. They were able, also, to create logical and reasonable access
points on and from that driveway, aligned with the driveway that exists further to the west, far
enough away from the Dundee Road access and egress points so that it does not stall traffic on
Dundee Road. They were also able to maintain and create two way circulation throughout the
site. They were able to insure that everything east of that access driveway could now be parallel
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 2
parked instead of angular parked. At the same time they were able to protect the 90 parking
spaces promised between the east side of the Walgreens building and the restaurant and east
building.
Mr. Green stated that with the new Walgreens prototype, the loading area was flipped so that it
now faces to the south. By doing this, they were able to create a landscaped area on part of the
east facade of the Walgreens opposite where the restaurant view is.
Mr. Green stated new lighting will be provided to meet Village standards through the parking lot.
Therefore the big box spaces can now also become more desirable spaces because the lighting
level, security and protection that will exist on the eastern portion will also exist on the western
portion of this development.
Mr. Green stated the south buildings are good buildings,just a little tired. He noted Mr.
Mangurten will enhance some of the existing massing and at the same time will tie into some of
the development features that are being included in the Walgreens. There will be a cornice added
to the top which will match the feel and design of the cornice seen on Walgreens. The green level
canopies will be added on the lower portion of the south buildings at several sections. In
addition, the signage paddles will now be raised up above the canopy area so that they now have
the appropriate visibility and a balanced placement in that element.
Mr. Green noted the landscaping has not changed but they have added the landscaping on part of
the east side of the Walgreens building. He noted they are still creating the buffer strip which was
taken away when Dundee Road was enhanced. He also noted that planting as recommended can
and will be done.
Commissioner Smith asked where the developer is at with negotiations and phasing.
Mr. Freedman stated they have not completed anything more than last time but they have been
negotiating extensively with two of the three tenants in the building. At this point they are having
continuing dialogue with two of the three tenants and are hopeful of working something out.
Commissioner Smith asked for a review of the entrance on Arlington Heights Road.
Mr. Green stated one of the elements which had been requested during the workshops was that as
part of Phase II, the inbound driveway has always been felt as tight and narrow. That will now be
expanded as part of Phase 1. The inbound and outbound will remain as is but the inbound lane
will be made wider.
Commissioner Smith asked if that will accommodate southbound trucks that will be taking a
right hand turn there.
Mr. Green stated they will accomplish the radius question with softening.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 3
Commissioner Ottenheimer asked what kind of time frame the developer now has.
Mr. Freedman stated they have negotiated an extension through the end of the year.
Commissioner Ottenheimer asked if the truck circulation has been entirely addressed as per staff
memo.
Mr. Green stated the new sketches for the revised layout have not been submitted as yet but they
already know that they will meet the needs and they will be submitted.
Commissioner Ottenheimer asked if a minimum 24 foot width will be maintained along the
entire length of the aisle on Dundee Road as requested in the memo.
Mr. Green stated yes.
Commissioner Feldgreber asked if the phasing order has changed at all.
Mr. Green stated the phasing order has not changed. The only modification to it is the widening
of the inbound lane on Arlington Heights Road. He further noted that all of the work, with the
exception of the demolition of the east building south of the restaurant pad is Phase I. Phase 2 is
only the demolition of the remainder of the east building and the creation of the 52 parking
spaces.
Commissioner Feldgreber noted the northeast comer of the parking lot is packed even when the
restaurant is closed because it seems the high school parks there.
Mr. Green stated during construction itself it will be controlled because there will be people
working there and security. The goal of the project is to actually fill the spaces with tenants and
this influx of business should control that parking issue.
Commissioner Samuels asked why the west elevation of the building needs to change with the
elimination of the parking spaces along the building itself
Mr. Green stated they have gone to a 5 foot walk along that side and they do not want to
encourage people to move carts and other things in and out along that. Therefore. it is better to
have the entrance on the north side.
Commissioner Samuels stated he would like to have that rethought as the would look
g building
better with a corner entrance. He asked if the architectural elements can still be done while
eliminating just the doors.
Mr. Green stated you can do that but then people are encouraged to be there.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 4
Mr. Mangurten stated usually when there is a focus of a field of parking, the entry should be
focused to the field of parking. Because the parking along the west side was eliminated, the
feeling was that the entrance should be focused to the north. He stated they could review this
with Walgreens.
Commissioner Johnson asked about the ability of trucks to enter at Arlington Heights Road from
a southbound direction.
Mr. Green stated they will be able to widen it to meet the radii.
Commissioner Trilling asked for a review of Mr. Rigsby's landscaping memo.
Mr. Green commented that an evergreen shrub screen along the parking lot perimeter adjacent to
Dundee Road and Arlington Heights Road will be added to the landscaping plan.
Commissioner Trilling noted this material will then be placed between the sidewalk and the
parking lot.
Mr. Green stated that is correct. He said that they will also evaluate the possibility of a planted
green space between the Dundee Road entrance drive and the proposed east parking lot with Mr.
Rigsby. He said the plan will provide a planted green space parallel to the drive up window, but
they will plant grass as they do not feel anything else there would survive.
Commissioner Panitch asked if there will be a right turn will be allowed coming out of the drive
through lanes.
Mr. Green stated yes. He noted that is why they were asked not to have any parking spaces east
of that area.
Commissioner Panitch asked if the demolition of the east building is still projected as a
maximum of four years.
Mr. Freedman stated at the present time that is assumed as the maximum. One of the things
agreed to is that there will be no new tenants in that building.
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Commissioner Panitch stated his concern is that there have been no new negotiations.
Mr. Freedman noted there have been constant discussions but there has been no new resolution.
He noted he feels there will not be any new resolution as long as the ultimate approval is still
pending. He stated he feels it creates an atmosphere that is not conducive to realistic negotiation.
Commissioner Feldgreber noted that in delaying the demolition of the east building and if a
tenant was found for the Chernin space, parking would be short by 111 spaces.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 5
Mr. Green stated if the Chernin space were filled they would still be able to lease out an
additional 33,000-34,000 square feet before they would even meet the 1:220 ratio based on the
amount of vacancy that exists in the center and the amount of parking spaces that will still
remain after Phase I is completed.
Commissioner Feldgreber noted that if a 3 to 4 year wait is necessary,the developer could easily
�./ fill that space up.
Mr. Green noted that certainly you could begin to fill up the south spaces. However, they have
agreed that they would not lease any more space in the existing east building and that building is
about an 11,000 square foot footprint. Therefore, even if they were to lease up the other spaces,
while technically they could achieve a shortness of parking on the ordinance level, they would
not ever achieve the amount that is listed because there is 11,000 square feet they cannot lease.
Commissioner Samuels asked if a sidewalk from the future parking area to the restaurant will be
constructed.
Mr. Green stated yes.
President Hartstein asked if there has been any offer or anything done with regard to exploring
the acquisition of the western portion of the property which would help to make this a unified
development.
Mr. Freedman noted there were conversations but they were unable to negotiate a contract for the
purchase of that portion of the property. There was some speculation on the part of the owner as
to whether or not they would be successful in this process. He noted his client got the impression
that they would not necessarily be considered for that spot unless they were successful in getting
approval on this half. He noted they would like to ultimately do that if at all possible.
Commissioner Smith asked if there any other negotiations taking place as far as other tenants for
this center.
Mr. Hanus stated they have been working to try to create a tenancy of synergy. They are very
close to a final deal for half the Chernin space with a 50 year old chain of shoe stores that has 27
units out of Milwaukee. It would be a proud addition to the community as well as having a
substantial athletic footwear department. They have also had substantial dialog with a women's
discount operation and they have had preliminary discussions with a national men's store
operation.
Commissioner Smith noted concern with the parking shortage as was pointed out by
Commissioner Feldgreber
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 6
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Mr. Green stated the center is now over 60 percent vacant. At the end of Phase I there will be
approximately 125,000 square feet of space which requires about 570 parking spaces. But with
the center 60 percent vacant, it means that 60 percent of that parking is not needed. If they were
to lease all of the spaces that exists in the revised south buildings, while they are reducing the
total number of parking spaces down to 459 spaces, it means they could lease up to about 70
percent of the entire building, including the Walgreens, and still meet the requirement. While the
gross building area would not meet the standards, the leased space would. One of the elements
`./ they have agreed to is that Village staff will reviewing their leasing program so they can
determine if those numbers are being compromised.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if the center were occupied with the exception of the portion of the
east building, what would be the available parking as compared to the required parking for that
amount of square feet.
Mr. Green stated they would then technically be short about 50-60 spaces.
Mr. Freedman stated they are willing to take the risk, based on who the tenants are and where
they will go and what their uses are, that if the Village feels they should not enter into a
particular lease because they will not have sufficient parking,they are prepared to do that. They
feel, however, that is a tremendous economic incentive and tips the scale in favor of the tenants
and negotiations with them in advance of the maximum 4 years.
Chairman Goldspiel noted they just want to make sure there is not an under parked situation.
Mr. Freedman noted they cannot be under parked because the Village will not allow that, but the
result of a situation where they would have to forego a tenant to avoid that consequence is such
that they probably would be in a situation where they would be more likely to get rid of the east
building.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if there is any problem meeting the accessibility to the handicapped
parking.
Mr. Green stated no. He understands the Village is interested in talking about moving some of
the spaces around and they have provided enough parking spaces and if they want them located
elsewhere, it can be accomplished.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if there is a need for any traffic control at the northwest comer of the
proposed Walgreens as the drive heading north crosses the walk in front of the building.
Mr. Miller of Metro Traffic stated no. He noted that the likelihood of all of the handicapped
spaces being occupied at one time is unlikely and there will be adequate sight distance. At any
one time the volume of traffic that may be crossing that point in conjunction with pedestrians
crossing will be very minimal and he therefore does not see a need to do anything.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 7
Chairman Goldspiel asked if any consideration has been given to dressing the windows of the
space in the east building that will not be leased so that it does not present a vacant appearance.
Mr. Freedman stated they are not averse to the concept.
Mr. Adam Keno, 1219 Dundee Road, stated he is in the east building and has had one meeting
with MT. Mr. Hanus who gave his best offer. He noted it will cost him considerably to move and
he turned down the offer to move. He asked if the east building will get new facade for the
remainder of his lease which is about 4 years.
Mr. Freedman stated they will certainly maintain the building in good condition and dress it up
to the extent they can but they do not intend to put a new facade on a building they intend to raze
within 4 years.
Mr. Keno asked how the Walgreens trucks will be entering and leaving the mall.
Mr. Mangurten stated there are usually two deliveries per week of Walgreens semis and an
assorted UPS size trucks that come in. He stated they can come in off of Arlington Heights Road
and then back in or off of Dundee Road and back in.
Mr. Iry Emery of The Melting Pot, asked where the staging materials for construction will be
placed.
Mr. Green stated they have previously indicated they will not affect the parking that will be
created in between the east buildings, the restaurant site and the Walgreens.
Mr. Emery asked what the facade will be on the southern exposure once the east building will be
torn down.
Mr. Freedman stated there is no design as yet but they will come up with something compatible.
Chairman Goldspiel stated the minutes should reflect assent from the petitioner.
Mr. Emery asked why the loading docks could not be in the back of the Walgreens building.
Mr. Green stated they have reversed the loading and it now faces to the south instead of facing to
the north. As part of that, it is now completely screened so that those looking out from the
�./ restaurant will not be able to see any of that now. In addition, they have added two landscape
islands on the east face of the Walgreens which are directly opposite the windows of the
restaurant.
Mr. Emery asked how the petitioner can continue leasing the south end if they are still short 61
spaces.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 8
Chairman Goldspiel stated the developer will leave as much vacant as the Village requires in
order to meet the parking requirements of the square footage leased,which would mean that
some space would be vacant.
Commissioner Samuels noted the intent was in the granting of occupancy permits for leasing of
additional space, the Village staff would review the parking situation on an as is basis and on that
basis would either grant or not grant additional space for leasing.
Mr. Freedman stated Commissioner Samuels seems correct. He noted they would like an
opportunity to try and convince the Village that given the particular tenant mix they might be
able to squeeze into the missing 61 spaces. However, the ultimate decision would be that of the
Village.
Mr. Emery asked if there is any point at which Phase II will start as long as a certain amount of
square footage is re-leased.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the problem is related to the contractual occupancy of that building so
that is not dependent upon leasing other space but rather on the availability of that particular
building.
Commissioner Trilling asked if the opportunity to widen the walkway on the western side of the
east building is available.
Mr. Green stated yes.
Commissioner Smith stated he is concerned with the attitude of leasing the center in the
knowledge that they will need to leave some vacant space due to the parking shortage.
Mr. Freedman stated it would not be reasonable to say that cannot happen. He noted it is their
belief that the east building will not be there for 4 years and the economic incentives are such
that they will not want to turn away potential tenants. However, he cannot guarantee any of this.
Commissioner Feldgreber asked the petitioner to look at the east building carefully and do all
that is possible to make it look better if it is to be there for another 4 years.
Chairman Goldspiel asked for a motion.
Moved by Commissioner Samuels, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to recommend approval
to the Village Board of the Preliminary Plan as presented subject to the commitments of the
petitioner through testimony as to the following:
1. Retenanting the shopping center
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 9
2. Facade improvements to the existing south building
3. Meeting landscaping approvals subject to Mr. Rigsby's review
4. Submittal of a final site lighting plan
5. "Bump" on right in-right out driveway is a drafting error that will be corrected to show a
straight driveway
6. Turning radius on the Arlington Heights Road to be adjusted as necessary to allow vehicle
turning movements
7. Subject also to all of the terms and conditions that were made as part of the original
consideration of this matter regarding non-retenanting of the east building and leaving the
retenanting of the south building as rehabbed subject to staff approval with regard to any parking
issues that might be raised
8. "Dressing" of the windows on the east building so it does not look abandoned
Commissioner Trilling stated the plan is a great improvement since the last time and the
petitioner has improved the north/south access aisle and he would support the plan.
Commissioner Samuels stated the plan is an improvement over the last one. He would like to
p
reassert to the petitioner and the Village Board that they consider aesthetically wrapping the
entrance around the comer to the west side of the Walgreens building.
Commissioner Panitch stated he feels this is now a very good plan and is encouraged about
revitalizing that prominent comer of Buffalo Grove. He further noted he would still urge the
petitioner to step up his discussions with the tenants of the east building.
Chairman Goldspiel asked for a vote on the motion and the votes was as follows:
AYES: Samuels, Trilling, Ottenheimer, Johnson, Panitch,
NAYES: Feldgreber, Smith, Goldspiel
ABSENT: Dunn
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 5 to 3.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 10
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, ARBORETUM GOLF COURSE. PROPOSED
MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS,401 HALF DAY ROAD.
AMENDMENT OF A SPECIAL USE AND PRELIMINARY PLAN IN THE R-8 DISTRICT -
WORKSHOP #2
Mr. Brimm reviewed the changes to the plan and noted they are not yet far enough along on the
clubhouse plans to discuss any specific terms about the clubhouse. He noted they were asked at
the last meeting if there were any opportunities to change the orientation of the maintenance
building so that it would be less intrusive on the adjacent property lines, less intrusive in its view
from Route 22 and require fewer trees to be removed. He noted they have therefore moved the
building to the east and the orientation of the building has been twisted somewhat to the south
and west. The maintenance yard has been changed to a different shape and it is now significantly
further- away from the property lines and is about 150 feet to the nearest home and
approximately 75 feet to the property line. In addition,they have reduced the number of trees that
must be removed to seven.
Mr. Brimm noted the Commission required a landscaping plan be provided and one has now
been provided. Mr. Rigsby has reviewed the plan and has made some minor suggestions for
changes. The fuel tanks have now been moved to the northern side of the fence. These tanks are a
permitted use per the state fire Marshall and the Village fire department. When the tanks are
moved they must meet the standards that exist in 1999. He further noted there were some
suggestions that the roof line be extended out to provide an eave and soffit type of appearance
and this has also been accomplished in the plan. This feature means all the exterior lighting on
the building will be up in the soffits rather than on the wall and it will be less intrusive on the
appearance of the building and to the adjacent residents. The wall around the storage yard has
now been lowered as requested from 12 feet to 8 feet.
Mr. Brimm noted the previous plan included a cupola on the building which has now been
removed. The storage bunkers in the maintenance yard have also been removed and replaced by
open storage bins which will be below the fence line.
Mr. Brimm stated their goal is to move ahead in an expeditious manner on this project and based
on the satisfaction of the Plan Commission, move to public hearing. He noted they have been
working with staff on various phasing alternatives where they would continue to move ahead
with the overall project, bring back the clubhouse later and then have one series of contracts that
would be issued for the trades. However, the main concern is to get the steel superstructure of the
maintenance building ordered because of the 14-16 week lead time to receive it.
Mr. Bosman of Sente& Rubel stated they have attempted to selectively relocate this building to
have the least amount of impact on the trees. He noted only 7 trees now would need to be
removed within the building perimeter itself and the building is located sufficiently far away
from the existing trees around the perimeter during construction so that they will be protected.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 11
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 11
Mr. Lindberg of Sente & Rubel reviewed the proposed building materials.
Commissioner Samuels asked if the two building materials might be of the same size as opposed
to what was presented. He said his preference is to have all the masonry units of the same size.
Commissioner Trilling noted he would prefer to see building material colors that are more
compatible to the surrounding neighborhood. He noted the two colors presented seem to be far
too different from each other and he would rather see a gradation of colors instead of such
differences.
Commissioner Johnson asked why the cupola was removed.
Mr. Bosman stated they sensed a general dislike for the cupola at the last meeting.
Commissioner Ottenheimer stated he liked the cupola and he did not feel there was necessarily a
general dislike for it.
Commissioner Johnson noted the roof line seems to need for definition now.
Mr. Bosman stated they could investigate some form of a cupola.
Commissioner Feldgreber asked why the roof would be green.
Mr. Bosman noted that in discussions with staff it was felt this green would be appropriate as it
would be unobtrusive in its blandness.
Commissioner Samuels stated the roof overhang needs to be made bigger. He stated it would
soften the entire building and tie in with the future clubhouse. He further noted he would not
want a cupola on the roof if a more Prairie style roof was chosen as it would not fit aesthetically.
In addition he noted he had no problem with a green color roof
Commissioner Ottenheimer asked for a review on the detention area.
Mr. Kuenkler stated the additional impervious areas would require about an additional 1 1/2
acres of detention and he noted they would find the room for same on the golf course. In
addition, he noted that a fee in lieu of detention with the Lake County Stormwater Management
Commission could possibly be used also.
Commissioner Trilling asked how the phasing will work.
Mr. Brimm stated the current building would remain in place until the new maintenance facility
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 12
was built. The current clubhouse would, however, be removed and the locker room facility
would be moved to a different location
Commissioner Trilling stated his concern with the location of the parking and asked if there was
some flexibility for parking.
Mr. Bosman stated some parking would need to be adjusted according to the location of the
future clubhouse but this would not effect the maintenance building.
Mr. George Rothermel, of the Woodlands Homeowners Association, stated the association would
be interested in seeing some sort of continuity between the clubhouse and the maintenance
building. He noted the concern the residents had with the larger parking lot which would be very
close to adjacent residences and which would now experience greater noise levels and traffic
congestion. He noted it was difficult to know or see all of the effects of a plan without an overall
plan being presented.
Mr. Marshal Morris, 2519 Live Oak Lane, stated he does not believe in piecemeal construction
and stated a number of issues have been left out such as the cost of the project and how it would
be paid for as well as the hours of operation and what would be done to control noise levels. He
stated these items should all be addressed before any kind of approval is given.
Chairman Goldspiel asked how the survival of the trees surrounding the maintenance building
would be accomplished.
Mr. Harrison stated they would be doing some root pruning in order to help the survival of the
spruce trees in the area which were in fair condition and definitely worth saving. He noted they
would also be planting some white pine, hemlock and yews in the area to add to the landscaping.
Chairman Goldspiel stated he could live with the plain, unadorned building as long as the
planting was done as it is shown on the landscaping plan.
Commissioner Panitch asked about the existing fuel tanks on the site.
Mr. Brimm stated both fuels tanks are 500 gallon tanks currently and the new tanks would also
be 500 gallons and would definitely meet the 1999 standards required as well as being located
even further away from the residences than their current location.
Commissioner Smith asked if it was a given that the clubhouse would be built.
Mr. Brimm stated nothing is a given for the entire project but the goal is to continue to proceed
in a phased manner, understanding it is necessary to work with the maintenance building before
the rest of the site can be worked on. He stated the clubhouse is still subject to some significant
discussion at the staff level and board level.
Commissioner Smith asked if by chance the clubhouse was not built, would the maintenance
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 13
facility still need to be redone.
Mr. Brimm stated the staff believes a new maintenance building will be required as the present
building is about 70 years old. He further noted they are trying to precede with a unified
development and overall plan, However, if the clubhouse is not built they would have to evaluate
the present maintenance building but a new building of some kind is necessary.
Commissioner Samuels stated that since the Village is the client in this matter, it is difficult to
act as an appearance commission and almost seems like a conflict of interest. The question of
colors of materials and such is typically what an architectural firm goes through with their client.
The client in this case is the Village and it is the Village that will be ruling on any suggestions
made by the Plan Commission. Therefore it seems redundant and unnecessary.
Commissioner Ottenheimer noted the Plan Commission makes all the recommendations and the
Village either follows the recommendations or not and he therefore does not see how this is a
different situation than any other project that comes along
Mr. Balling stated that first the Plan Commission needs to shore up the arguments that the Plan
Commission and the public has raised this evening regarding the land use, siting and master
planning. The aesthetic areas are just the icing. However, this proposal has been tendered to the
Plan Commission for review and comment because the Board has not had the architectural
review nor color selection. He noted this is not a mandated color package at this point from any
direction by the Village Board and they are very open minded. He further noted the Board will
certainly be receptive to the thoughts and suggestions by the Plan Commission. He stated they
want to reformulate the basic issues with regard to site and land planning to make sure the
commission is comfortable with the plan.
President Hartstein stated the entire Village Board and he himself feels it is important that this
particular project, or any project, is reviewed properly. He noted this commission has the
expertise that deals with these issues on an ongoing basis. Therefore, the Board felt it was
important for this project to go through the process just as it is important to get appropriate
public input with regard to concerns by the residents. He stated he would hope the Commission
would be receptive and responsive to those concerns raised by residents and likewise the Village
Board will take those things into consideration. He noted it is critical that this project go through
the appropriate process. He noted he would expect the Plan Commission to hold the Village to
the same rigorous standards it places on private developers, He further noted he would expect the
public to have the right and opportunity to speak out on an ongoing basis to express their
concerns which will be taken into consideration by the Plan Commission and the Board. Anyone
on the Commission need not have any hesitancy with regard to what type of recommendations
are made because this happens to be a Village project. If the people presenting this plan are not
answering the questions, then the Commission needs to demand that the questions be answered
to the Commission's satisfaction before proceeding further.
Commissioner Samuels noted he was limiting his comments to things like color selections only.
He stated he has no problem with the plan review and the only thing troubling him was second
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 14
guessing things such as aesthetics which under normal situations an architect and client would
decide together. He further noted he would like to voice support to Commissioner Trilling's
comments that there should be some softening of the contract between the colors and the
materials.
Mr. Shlax, 47 Willow Park-way, suggested the maintenance facility should blend properly with
the proposed clubhouse facility whenever it is built. Certainly the architect should be able to
come up with a proposed plan that will indicate that the maintenance facility and the clubhouse
facility will blend together. He further suggested some kind of a cardboard model which would
satisfy and help both the homeowners and the Plan Commission visualize the plan.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the suggestion is to have a design concept of the whole project which
would show the compatibility. He further noted he has heard general agreement with the changes
made from last time in terms of the siting of the building.
Commissioner Johnson noted there is room on the north to shift the facility even more so.
Commissioner Trilling noted the architects understand that if the building can be shifted another
4 feet north,they will do so but if it cannot then this is the position it will be in.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the following items which needed further discussion at the next
meeting:
1 . Additional refinement on the location of the maintenance facility
2. More information concerning the stormwater management plan
3. What kind of roof line will be used
Commissioner Johnson noted that it was necessary to decide between a cupola for the roof style
or the prairie style and that this would then carry over to the future clubhouse.
Commissioner Feldgreber asked why this project is being done in two phases.
Mr. Brimm stated it was felt that the maintenance facility was the lesser of the two issues to deal
with and would allow them to move from west to east in the construction process. The other
concern is to try to do disrupt only one play season,
Commissioner Feldgreber asked if this substantial project was being rushed somewhat.
Mr. Brimm stated they do not feel this will not cause a problem. He noted they feel they have a
unified plan conceptually and are merely attempting to start with the maintenance facility. He
noted it is important for them to remain open in order to remain competitive.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 15
Commissioner Ottenheimer asked if it would be possible to develop some concept plans
integrating both the maintenance facility and clubhouses of a small,medium and large nature so
that the commission and the neighbors would have a better idea of the plans.
Mr. Bosman stated they could draw up some different styles to present to the commission.
However, until some decisions are made by the staff regarding the clubhouse, it would be grossly
misleading to design same.
Commissioner Ottenheirner asked where the Board is in terms of their discussions regarding the
clubhouse.
Mr. Brimm stated the first significant discussion the Board will have is next Monday evening.
There are presentations being made on issues of sizing and the type of banquet direction which
will be the best fit. Hopefully some outcomes from these discussions will help to determine
which direction to go with the clubhouse.
Commissioner Panitch stated he does not believe that both of these buildings necessarily need to
be the same architectural style, albeit complimentary to each other. The main issue here is that a
maintenance facility is badly needed here.
Commissioner Samuels stated that if these buildings were not part of a campus,he would tend to
agree with Commissioner Panitch. However, in this case, direction is necessary to the people
who will be putting up this facility.
Commissioner Trilling noted that since the schedule for completion has already been moved to
mid-summer of 200 1, why not move the completion date over a couple of months and do the
entire planning all at one time.
Chairman Goldspiel asked for some further discussion of the design concept and what the
architect's preference would be.
Mr. Bosman stated they felt the clear story element they had previously was a positive
architectural aspect relative to the roof line. The feeling now seems to be for a larger overhang to
be more sympathetic with traditional prairie style architecture. If they continue to increase the
overhang, they would not then put a cupola, clear story or any other elements of that nature
on the roof
Commissioner Johnson stated that most of the other Village buildings tend to be of the prairie
style and it might be advantageous to ask that this project go in the direction of a prairie style
roof for this maintenance facility.
Commissioner Samuels stated that was his suggestion previously as it seems to be a theme in the
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 16
Village.
Chairman Goldspiel noted there was the appearance of a consensus on the commission toward a
prairie style building with an expanded roof, without a cupola and a non-standing seam metal
roof. He further noted the suggestion was that there be another workshop for this matter.
Mr. Keith Stewart asked if the maintenance facility was the only building to be constructed,
would it be built in the same place as the current facility.
Mr. Brimm stated they would then propose it be built in the same location.
Mr. Bosman stated they do not wish to make either building so different from the other that they
look ridiculous. However,they also do not want to make them look so the same that a person
would mistake the maintenance building for the clubhouse. He stated the maintenance building
has to have its own identity that is reflective of what it is while at the same time at the same time
be complimentary to the rest of the site as a whole.
RIVER OAKS SUBDIVISION PRAIRIE ROAD ADJACENT TO INDIAN CREEK)--FINAL
PLAT
Moved by Commissioner Trilling, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to recommend approval
to the Village Board of the Final Plat of the River Oaks Subdivision.
Mr. Kuenkler stated the concrete monumentation is sufficient on the cast side, but the west side
may need some additional monuments. He noted part of his original review related to some
existing monumentation at Indian Creek which is not indicated.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the motion is subject to review of monumentation on the west side.
He then called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Trilling, Ottenheimer, Feldgreber, Johnson, Panitch, Smith, Goldspiel NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Samuels
ABSENT: Dunn
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT-None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil noted there will be a meeting on December 15, 1999.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS -None
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 17
STAFF REPORT -None
NEW BUSINESS -None
Moved by Commissioner Trilling, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and carried unanimously to
adjourn. Chairman Goldspiel adjourned the meeting at 10:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
STEPHEN GOLDSPIEL, Chairman
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-December 1, 1999-Page 18
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