2018-11-07 - Planning and Zoning Commission - Minutes11/7/2018
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, NOVEMBER 7, 2018
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Chairman Frank Cesario
Public Hearings/Items For Consideration
Regular Meeting
Other Matters for Discussion
1. Workshop- Proposed Amendment to the Spoerlein Commons Planned
Development (Trustee Stein) (Staff Contact: Chris Stilling)
Daniel Kovacevic, Whitestone Reit, 20789 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255;
Rick Burton, Whitestone Reit, 20789 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255; Rory
Fancler, Kimley Horn, 1001 Warrenville Road, Lisle, IL 60532; and Paul Leder,
RWG Engineering, 975 E. 22nd Street, Wheaton, IL 60189, were present and
sworn in.
Mr. Stilling provided a brief overview of the site history and request. The existing
development consists of approximately 41,000 square feet of commercial and
office space in multiple buildings. The original development was approved with a
second phase allowing for an additional 2,000 square feet of retail space. The
second phase was never constructed and the current owner is seeking an
amendment to the original Ordinance to allow for the construction of a 2,800
square foot outbuilding with drive-thru (Dunkin Donuts). This item was reviewed
by the Village Board on October 15, 2018 and was referred to the Planning &
Zoning Commission (PZC) for review and public hearing. As a result of the
amendment and prior to the required public hearing, the owner is seeking
comments from the PZC.
Mr. Kovacevic reviewed the concept plan. The existing Spoerlein Commons
development was approved by the Village via Ordinance 83-8. The approved
development included a total of 51,050 square feet of office and retail space. The
original development plan was not completed as approved and as a result,
41,180 square feet of retail and office space was constructed. The development
was approved for two additional outbuildings (2,000 square feet), which were
never constructed.
The Petitioner is seeking an amendment to the development to allow for the
construction of a new 2,800 square foot Dunkin Donuts outbuilding with drive-
through. Dunkin Donuts is currently located in the corner unit of the existing retail
building and is looking to expand their services by including a drive-thru. To
accommodate the new building, parking would be relocated to the open area
originally identified for the 2 outbuildings. The existing access points at Route 83
and access to Courtyard Drive to the west would remain unchanged. As part of
the Village Board referral, the Trustees commented on the potential of relocating
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the access drive along Route 83 further to the west to align with the relocated
drive aisle. The existing condition was cited as a concern since it is a difficult turn
as you come into the center.
The Petitioner would be making improvements to the existing detention pond to
accommodate the proposed development. The proposed project would most
likely require variations for parking lot setbacks. What is being proposed is
consistent with existing conditions.
The Petitioner has also provided a concept plan showing the elevations of the
proposed new building.
The existing development currently has 161 parking spaces for the 41,180
square foot development, which meets the approved parking but does not meet
current code requirements. While the final site plan is subject to refinement as
part of the public hearing process, with the new outbuilding, the site would still
maintain 161 parking spaces. It should be noted that the 161 parking spaces
were intended to serve both the existing 41,180 square feet but also the
additional 2,000 square feet, which was not built. As a result of the change, a
total net increase in square footage would be approximately 800 square feet. The
owner has provided a parking analysis by their traffic consultant who has
reviewed both the existing and proposed conditions and found that sufficient
parking is provided. Staff also had the Village traffic consultant, Gewalt Hamilton
& Associates (GHA) to review the report and proposed plans. GHA found that the
proposed development would still provide sufficient parking.
The proposed 2,800 square foot building would include a drive-thru for Dunkin
Donuts. Pursuant to Village Code, a drive-thru shall have a minimum stacking of
ten (10) vehicles. The Village’s consultant (GHA) has reviewed the drive-thru
operations. As part of their analysis, GHA also provided data regarding their
research on multiple Dunkin Donut facilities and found that in most instances, the
maximum stacking for a Dunkin Donuts drive-thru is approximately 7 vehicles.
GHA finds that sufficient stacking can be provid ed.
Com. Goldspiel advised that he attended the Village Board meeting on October
15, 2018. At that meeting, this proposed project was reviewed by the Board. The
Board had several items that they wished to be addressed by the PZC. The
proposed use would be a Baskin Robbins, in addition to a Dunkin Donuts. The
Board also had questions regarding the parking variance, detention, traffic safety
and drive-thru stacking. He asked what the proposed seating capacity would be
for the new building. Mr. Kovacevic responded that he is not sure since he was
not given that information. Com. Goldspiel advised that he needs that information
to know what the parking requirements will be. He asked if the original plan
included the parking for the two outlots. Mr. Kovacevic responded yes. Com.
Goldspiel asked about the proposed detention improvements. Mr. Leder
responded that there will not be any decreased storage area with the proposed
building and that the current conditions provide for the additional building. Com.
Goldspiel asked about the concern with the driveway configuration. Ms. Fancler
advised that the concern was with traffic entering the center and making the left
turn in the parking lot. Her recommendation is to not relocate the existing
driveway entrance. The current entrance on McHenry Road aligns with the
driveway entrance across the street. This center is also close to a signalized
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intersection. Relocation would create issues. They will work with staff to address
those concerns. Com. Goldspiel advised that when entering the center, you will
have to make a left turn, then a right turn. He asked how that will be addressed.
Mr. Leder responded that the driveway entrance will not be widened but that the
turning radius within the parking lot will be increased. There is a steep slope on
the driveway entrance. They will improve the grade at the entrance. There is an
existing power pole that would need to be relocated if the entrance is moved.
Com. Goldspiel asked about the traffic study and the finding that there is more
north/westbound traffic on McHenry Road in the morning. Ms. Fancler advised
that information was provided by GHA and that she could not comment the traffic
flow of McHenry Road. Kimley Horn only conducted a study of the traffic flow and
parking within the center. Com. Goldspiel stated that he wants to make sure that
south/eastbound traffic trying to access the center would not create a traffic
hazard. Ms. Fancler does not expect a negative impact but she can take a look at
the traffic flow. Com. Goldspiel asked how customers would be directed to the
drive-thru lane. Ms. Fancler explained that there would be wayfinding signs within
the center to direct customers. The proposed design is not a-typical. The
wayfinding signage will help. Mr. Stilling advised that included in the packet is a
second drive-thru stacking scenario. He also advised that Dunkin Donuts usually
does not have a stacking issue since they typically provide quicker service. Com.
Goldspiel asked if there are dedicated parking spaces for waitin g drive-thru
customers. Ms. Fancler responded that Dunkin Donuts is unique since their
typical drive-thru time is one and a half (1-1/2) to two (2) minutes and they do not
offer specialty orders. Com. Goldspiel stated that Dunkin Donuts has a new
menu that could affect the drive-thru timing. Mr. Stilling stated that he would
recommend that the Dunkin Donuts operator attend the public hearing to answer
these questions. Com. Goldspiel asked if the location of the accessible parking
spaces on the proposed plan would be the location of the entrance. Mr. Burton
stated that they do not yet have the interior detail of the building.
Ch. Cesario advised that there is a Dunkin Donuts located across the street from
Buffalo Grove High School on Dundee Road that could be used for comparison.
Com. Moodhe asked Mr. Stilling about the stacking at the Dunkin Donuts by the
Community Arts Center. Mr. Stilling does not have the details for that location but
would rather see more parking than stacking. Com. Moodhe stated that there has
been some stacking outside the drive-thru lane but that is rare. He does not
recall being in the drive-thru line for more than a minute. He asked if there are
any changes planned to the center entrance off of Courtland Drive. Mr. Burton
responded there are no plans to change that entrance. Com. Moodhe asked
about a proposed sign package. Mr. Stilling advised that the proposed sign
package should be included for the public hearing. Mr. Burton added that they
have not yet looked at the proposed signs. Com. Moodhe asked about traffic
counts. Ms. Fancler advised that they have only conducted the parking counts.
Com. Moodhe asked if there would be any outdoor seating provided. Mr.
Kovacevic believes that there will be one (1) or two (2) tables provided but not a
patio. Com. Moodhe suggested adding some additional outdoor seating.
Com. Khan advised that he has questions regarding the GHA report. He knows
this center and would generally avoid it. He will not enter the center from
McHenry Road. Most of the traffic is north/westbound in the morning and
south/eastbound in the evening. This is an IDOT road and traffic data should be
available. There is a raised median along McHenry Road. He suggested
contacting IDOT and advising them there is a usage change in the center. IDOT
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may have a future road plan. He also confirmed the steep slope at the driveway
entrance. He also referred to the Dunkin Donuts on Dundee Road, across from
the high school. That location has a right-in, right-out entrance. He believes the
proposed project is similar to that location. GHA believes that peak times are
when other businesses are closed or just opening. However, a combined Dunkin
Donuts and Baskin Robbins generate more traffic.
Com. Au agrees with Com. Khan that the combined Dunkin Donuts and Baskin
Robbins are busier, especially during the summer months. She would like to see
the traffic flow counts. She is concerned that customers may pull into the
neighboring gas station by mistake thinking they can access the site. Mr.
Kovacevic advised that he will take a look at that.
Com. Lesser asked why it is so important to have the driveway entrance aligned
with the driveway entrance across McHenry Road. Ms. Fancler advised that with
the raised median having the driveways aligned allows vehicles to make opposite
turns at the same time. To not have the driveways aligned would confuse drivers.
Com. Lesser stated that moving the driveway entrance to the west would not
impede turning traffic. To not move the driveway entrance makes the driver
involved in a lot of turns to get to the drive-thru. Traffic movement within the
center now is not that great. Moving the driveway entrance to the west would
solve a lot of problems. Mr. Stilling advised that IDOT would need to approve any
relocation of the entrance. He will have staff ask IDOT about long term plans for
improvements at that intersection.
Com. Weinstein does not see any concerns with traffic flow. He agrees the
center is a little confusing. He compared it to the Portillo’s location on Du ndee
Road. He does have a small concern with the proposed stacking. He asked
about the height of the proposed building, the distance to the nearby residential
housing and the location of the speaker box for the drive-thru. Mr. Kovacevic
advised that they are not looking for any height variances. He also advised that
the proposed building will be located a bit of a distance from the residential
housing. He also advised that the speaker would be located near the front of the
building. Mr. Stilling stated that the speaker would be required to be located on
the gas station side of the building.
Ch. Cesario believes that the proposed configuration makes sense. He noted on
Page 13 of the packet it is referenced that currently during peak occupancy only
fifty percent (50%) of the parking spaces are used. In addition, future parking
conditions with full occupancy, including the proposed project, anticipates ninety
three (93%) of the total spaces to be used. He has no concerns with the total
number of parking spaces. He also believes that the drive-thru configuration
makes sense.
Com. Moodhe asked if there is a tenant to replace Dunkin Donuts in its current
space. Mr. Kovacevic advised that they anticipate a sandwich shop to occupy
that space in the future. Mr. Stilling added that the Village may pursue a future
use condition depending on the future use of the existing Dunkin Donuts tenant
space. Com. Moodhe suggested removing the end parking space and island
median just to the south of the drive-thru exit to eliminate the tight turn radius.
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Ch. Cesario advised that he does have some concerns with the traffic flow. He is
not concerned with the drive-thru stacking. He asked for the traffic data to be
provided.
There were no more questions from the Commissioners at this time.
Mr. Burton asked if the PZC would prefer another workshop or if the concerns
noted should be addressed and they proceed to public hearing. Mr. Stilling
indicated that staff would like to have the Village’s consultant, GHA, appear at
the public hearing to answer any questions. Com. Moodhe asked if there will be a
report from Engineering provided. Mr. Stilling responded that the Engineering
report will be provided for the public hearing. Com. Moodhe noted that there are
no major issues with the proposed development and asked for the requested
traffic flow and other data, including proposed signage, be provided for the public
hearing.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners.
Approval of Minutes
1. Planning and Zoning Commission - Regular Meeting - Oct 3, 2018 7:30 PM
Moved by Com. Khan, seconded by Com. Weinstein, to approve the October 3,
2018 regular meeting minutes as submitted.
RESULT: ACCEPTED [5 TO 0]
MOVER: Zill Khan, Commissioner
SECONDER: Mitchell Weinstein, Comm issioner
AYES: Cesario, Goldspiel, Khan, Weinstein, Au
ABSTAIN: Adam Moodhe, Matthew Cohn, Scott Lesser
2. Planning and Zoning Commission - Special Meeting - Oct 30, 2018 7:30 PM
Moved by Com. Moodhe, seconded by Com. Lesser, to approve the October 30,
2018 regular meeting minutes as submitted.
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Adam Moodhe, Commissioner
SECONDER: Scott Lesser, Commissioner
AYES: Moodhe, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan, Lesser, Weinstein, Au
Chairman's Report
None.
Committee and Liaison Reports
Com. Goldspiel advised that Sky Fitness was approved by the Village Board on October 15,
2018.
Com. Moodhe advised there were no PZC items on the November 5, 2018 Village Board agenda.
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Staff Report/Future Agenda Schedule
Mr. Stilling advised that the November 21, 2018 PZC regular meeting will be canceled. A Special
Meeting may be scheduled for November 28, 2018 for an RV variation.
Mr. Stilling advised that staff is starting to get to the enforcement phase of the new RV regulations
and that the PZC may see future requests that are not as clear concerning meeting the
standards. He asked the PZC to provide guidance concerning RV's that never met the Ordinance
in relation to screening, size and location. He also asked for guidance concerning Petitioner 's that
are not cooperating.
Ms. Woods asked the PZC to provide feedback on the recent training.
Public Comments and Questions
None.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM
Chris Stilling
APPROVED BY ME THIS 7th DAY OF November , 2018