2016-03-16 - Planning and Zoning Commission - Minutes03/16/2016
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 50 RAUPP BOULEVARD,
BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 PM by Commissioner Eric Smith
Public Hearings/Items For Consideration
1. O-2016-19 Consider a Variation to the Zoning Ordinance for a Setback Reduction for a
Garage Addition for the Property at 224 Stanton Ct (Trustee Berman) (Staff Contact:
Brian Sheehan)
Moved by Com. Cesario, seconded by Com. Cohn, to continue the public hearing to the
April 20, 2016 regular meeting.
RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 4/20/2016 7:30 PM
MOVER: Frank Cesario, Commissioner
SECONDER: Matthew Cohn, Commissioner
AYES: Smith, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan
ABSENT: Adam Moodhe, Scott Lesser, Ira Shapiro, Mitchell Weinstein
2. O-2016-20 Ordinance Approving a Variation to the Sign Code for Culver's Restaurant
Located at 450 McHenry Road (Trustee Weidenfeld) (Staff Contact: Brian Sheehan)
Mr. Kevin Weasler, CMCKS, LLC (Culvers Buffalo Grove, 450 McHenry Road and Mr.
Nick Mele, Priority Sign, 837 Riverfront Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081, were present and
sworn in.
Mr. Weasler explained that as mandated by the corporate office, he has underground
required remodeling work the interior of the building. When the weather gets a little
warmer, he will begin the exterior renovations, which includes the replacement of the
current wall signs with the new branding standard. Mr. Mele is available to answer any
questions the Commission may have.
Com. Goldspiel asked if the signs will be replaced with similar signs. Mr. Mele stated that
there will not be any change to the overall colors of the wa ll signs, only a change to the
logo based on the new branding standard.
Com. Cesario confirmed with Mr. Mele that there will be a slight increase in the square
footage of the wall signs and asked him to elaborate. Mr. Mele explained that his sign
company has reached an agreement with Culver's corporate office to manufacture two
(2) different sign packages with the new branding standard; the SL30 and the SL45. The
proposed wall signs are the smaller, SL30 package. The limitation of two (2) sign
packages are for mass production and uniformity. Com. Cesario asked how much of an
increase the new signs will be over the existing. Mr. Mele responded that the increase is
less than ten (10) square feet and thought it may be closer to three (3) square feet. Com.
Cesario confirmed with Mr. Mele that it will be less than ten (10) square feet.
03/16/2016
Mr. Mele added that the proposed signs meet the required criteria since there was a
variance granted previously; the new signs are an increase of less than ten (10 square
feet; and that the increase in square footage will not even be noticed by the public. The
signs will help beautify the building along with the interior and exterior renovations that
are being done.
Mr. Raysa inquired about the relationship between CMCKS, LLC and Culver's. Mr.
Weasler stated that previously he had a partner in his LLC. That partner left and now he
is a single owner of the LLC. Mr. Raysa requested that documentation be submitted
showing the relation between CMCKS, LLC and Culver's prior to the recommendation
being heard before the Village Board. He also inquired about the conditions of the
variation that were previously granted. Mr. Weasler stated the ground sign is not
internally illuminated. It does have external spotlights on it. Also, the signs are only
illuminated during his business hours so people know when he is open or closed. Mr.
Mele advised that they will be looking at changing the ground sign to the new branding
design in the next several months and will apply for the appropriate variations at that
time.
There were no additional questions from the Commissioners.
Ch. Smith entered the Staff Report dated March 16, 2016 as Exhibit 1.
The public hearing was closed at 7:51 PM.
Moved by Com. Cohn, seconded by Com. Cesario, to recommend to the Village Board to
approve the request made by Culver's/Kevin Weasler, 450 McHenry Road, for variation
to Section 14.16.030 and Section 14.20.070 of the Village of Buffalo Grove Sign Code in
order to exceed the maximum number of wall signs and to exceed t he maximum height.
Pursuant to Sign Code, Section 14.40.010, Subsection B.
Com. Goldspiel feels that the criteria has been met and that the proposed signs are a
good design.
Com. Cesario recommended amending the motion to include that the recommendation is
subject to the Petitioner providing documentation showing the relation between CMCKS,
LLC and Culver's.
Moved by Com. Cohn to amend the motion, seconded by Com. Cesario.
RESULT: RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 4/18/2016 7:30 PM
AYES: Smith, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan
ABSENT: Adam Moodhe, Scott Lesser, Ira Shapiro, Mitchell Weinstein
3. Consider a Text Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Small Cell Antennas
(Trustee Weidenfeld) (Staff Contact: Chris Stilling)
Moved by Com. Cesario, seconded by Com. Khan, to continue the public hearing to the
April 20, 2016 regular meeting.
03/16/2016
RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 4/20/2016 7:30 PM
MOVER: Frank Cesario, Commissioner
SECONDER: Zill Khan, Commissioner
AYES: Smith, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan
ABSENT: Adam Moodhe, Scott Lesser, Ira Shapiro, Mitchell Weinstein
Regular Meeting
Other Matters for Discussion
1. Staff Discussion Regarding Housing (Trustee Weidenfeld) (Staff Contact: Nicole
Woods)
Ms. Woods explained that staff would like to discuss and bring the Commission
up to date on housing trends. Housing is an important component of the Village.
The majority (70%) of the housing units in Buffalo Grove are traditional single -
family units. However, reports are continuing to indicate that the country and
region's demographics are changing, and with that, the housing needs are also
changing. These demographics require the Village and all players in the
community planning and housing industries to explore the type of housing
suitable for the needs of our changing demographics. The issue of appropriate
housing for younger generations was specifically discussed in the Economic
Development Strategic Plan Market Assessment. The assessment provided
evidence of a jobs-housing mismatch in Buffalo Grove. A jobs-housing mismatch
refers to the phenomenon where homes conducive to workers' preferences and
affordability are situated far from their employment centers. Steering committee
members and stakeholders interviewed for the Market Assessment specifically
discussed this mismatch in terms of Generation Y (millennials). They expressed
that the emerging Generation Y workforce has the skills and aptitude needed to
help Buffalo Grove businesses grow, particularly the advanced manufacturing
companies, however they either prefer to not live in the suburbs or cannot find
housing options conducive to their needs. Research indicates that millennials
highly value walkability; bicycle and public transportation accessibility; mixed-
use, denser areas; and apartment living. Those millennials that do purchase
homes, prefer units that are smaller-both in square footage and bedrooms-than
in generations past. Buffalo Grove and other nearby communities have started to
implement and embrace such characteristics and amenities. Runn ing parallel to
millennial housing matter is the issue of suitable housing for the ever -growing
senior demographic. This topic has been and continues to be discussed with the
Northwest Suburban Housing Collaborative (NWSHC). The Collaborative, which
includes Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadow, Palatine, as well as
Buffalo Grove is deliberating how our sub region can provide housing, amenities,
and resources needed by seniors. Many of these sought-after amenities, are
strikingly similar to those desired by the younger demographics. Given the
upcoming opportunities to incorporate and develop land in Buffalo Grove, staff
would like to open a dialogue with the PZC regarding these issues in our
community and how we can best address them.
A video was presented and shown to the PZC. After the video, Ms. Woods asked
for ideas, comments or reactions from the PZC.
03/16/2016
Com. Goldspiel stated that it has been a long time policy of the Plan
Commission, now the PZC, to provide housing to all members of the com munity
and not just focus on one. He does not want to see older members of the
community leave. This concept would not be a major turnaround for the PZC.
The PZC is always looking at all aspects of a project that is brought before them.
Maybe the PZC needs to encourage smaller acre lots or maintenance free
communities. It is troubling to see that more than 70% of housing are single-
family. He asked Ms. Woods if that included both single family attached and
detached. Ms. Woods responded that the 70% includes both. He would like to
see the attached and detached numbers separated out.
Mr. Stilling added that staff wants to give the PZC an idea of why and how things
are changing, where patterns occur and buyers' interests and needs. The
metropolitan area cannot expand to the east due to the Lake; it can only grow to
the west and south and just a little to the north. Most people do not want to move
further out. Home builders, along with communities, are trying to identify trends.
We have to look at transportation and amenities as well as looking at millennials
and the aging population. These concepts are being introduced based upon an
upcoming development project, Didier. Traditionally, the Village would develop
land with a maximum of two units per acre. With this development, the Village will
need to be open to allowing possibly four units per acre.
Ch. Smith asked for some clarification on a recent Crain's article, which
discussed how quickly homes sell in Buffalo Grove. Mr. Stilling summarized the
article.
Ms. Woods added that things are changing. The Village needs to look at meeting
the needs not just for families but for the millennials and the aging community
and find ways to maintain sustainability.
Com. Cesario stated that it would make sense to see a denser development
along a major road, like Milwaukee Avenue. He is not uncomfortable with the
concept but would like to get a feel for it first. Mr. Stilling responded that
Waterbury was developed under a higher-density concept. It exemplifies how
higher density can be tastefully done.
Com. Goldspiel is confused about the high density concept. He does not want to
see 16 units per acre. He wants to keep the character of the Village with the
amenities. If the Village can make better use of the land, they can also make
better use of the amenities. More careful planning will need to be examined.
Mr. Stilling stated that the Village will see a more dense plan with the Didier
project. He is anticipating this project to go before the Board in April. It will be a
mix of town-homes and single-family homes. The Village is also looking at future
developments in Prairie View.
There was no further discussion.
Approval of Minutes
03/16/2016
1. Planning and Zoning Commission - Regular Meeting - Mar 2, 2016 7:30 PM
Com. Goldspiel stated that under the Starbucks Sign Code variation for 1205 W.
Dundee Road, Page 24, it should be amended to read as follows: "Com.
Goldspiel is concerned about the sign facing Arlington Heights Road and
suggested adding some sort of screening. The petition er agreed to look at adding
screening."
RESULT: ACCEPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Smith, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan
ABSENT: Adam Moodhe, Scott Lesser, Ira Shapiro, Mitchell Weinstein
Chairman's Report
None.
Committee and Liaison Reports
None.
Staff Report/Future Agenda Schedule
Mr. Stilling advised that the April 6, 2017 Planning & Zoning Commission regular meeting will be
cancelled. He will be in Springfield at that time.
Public Comments and Questions
None.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM
Chris Stilling Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY ME THIS 16th DAY OF March , 2016