2019-04-03 - Planning and Zoning Commission - Minutes04/3/2019
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, APRIL 3, 2019
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 PM by Chairman Frank Cesario
Public Hearings/Items For Consideration
1. Consider an Amendment to Special Use Ordinance 2017-047 and a Preliminary Plan for
2195 Brandywyn Lane (Trustee Stein) (Staff Contact: Chris Stilling)
Ms. Stacey Bachar and Mr. Dan Mortensen, Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102, 1351
Abbott Court, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 and Robert Hansen, Daniel Creaney Company,
450 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 105, Northbrook, IL 60062, were present and sworn in.
Mr. Hansen reviewed the proposed parking lot expansion project as described in the
packet. Ms. Bachar added that after the addition to the school two years ago, they have
added additional classes and staff. They have been using the temporary parking lot to
accommodate and keep vehicles off the street.
Com. Goldspiel asked about the specifications for the proposed impermeable pavement.
Mr. Hansen described the aggregate stone base and how it acts as a detention area. It is
considered a best practice by the Lake County Storm Water Management agency. Com.
Goldspiel asked about when the weather freezes. Mr. Hansen responded that it acts the
same. The impermeable pavement bricks are more sustainable than asphalt or concrete.
He described the existing catch basin in the existing lot. Com. Goldspiel asked about the
amount of water that can be held compared to a grass field. Mr. Hansen responded it can
hold the same amount. Com. Goldspiel asked about different base materials. Mr. Hansen
stated that the expansion is small enough that it does not need additional detention as
determined by Lake County. Com. Goldspiel asked about the amount of encroachment
and maintenance of the impermeable pavement. Mr. Hansen explained the
encroachment is approximately 600-700 square feet and that the joints have to be tested
about every 5-7 years. Com. Goldspiel asked what it would look like. Mr. Hansen stated it
would look like a brick paver driveway.Com. Goldspiel asked again about temperatures
below freezing. Mr. Hansen responded that the impermeable pavers would have to be
salted similar to asphalt and concrete. He reviewed the specifications of the brick pavers.
Com. Goldspiel asked about buses. Mr. Hansen responded that buses would not drive on
the pavers. Com. Goldspiel asked if the base would be installed below the frost line. Mr.
Hansen responded no, the frost line is 42” below grade. He further discussed that catch
basin and drain tiles. Com. Goldspiel asked if this material has been used in this area
previously. Mr. Mortensen described the locations that have had the impermeable pavers
installed. Com. Goldspiel asked about screening of the expanded parking lot. Mr. Hansen
explained that a 3’ berm with landscaping will be installed on the north side of the
expanded lot. Com. Goldspiel is supportive of the berm.
Com. Au asked if any consideration was given to traditional materials. Mr. Hansen
responded no, asphalt gets cracks and large openings, with collect dust and debris. The
proposed pavers will not be seal coated.
04/3/2019
Com. Moodhe asked about the color of the proposed pavers. Mr. Mortensen explained
the color will be a slate or stone color, not a red paver. Com. Moodhe asked if
consideration was given to underground detention storage. Mr. Hansen responded that
underground storage would cost more and it has to drain into the existing drainage
system. Com. Moodhe asked about existing trees on the property. He also confirmed with
the Petitioner that the proposed berm would be on the north end of the expanded lot. Mr.
Stilling answered a question about the addition of the playground. Com. Moodhe asked
about the additional section of payment being replaced. Mr. Hansen discussed the Lake
County storm water requirements. Com. Moodhe stated that in 2017 the Planning &
Zoning Commission (PZC) asked if more parking would be needed. Ms. Bachar
responded that they thought they would be okay with the existing lot.
Com. Weinstein asked about staff parking on the street. Ms. Bachar responded that
about 14-20 vehicles were being parked on the street. They are currently re-utilizing the
temporary parking lot. She believes that 43 additional spaces will be sufficient and will
also allow room to grow. Com. Weinstein asked if consideration was given for the new
Link Crossing development. Ms. Bachar responded yes. Com. Weinstein asked if there
have been any complaints about the parking on the street. Ms. Bachar explained that
they have not received any since they started using the temporary lot again before winter.
Com. Lesser stated that he is fine with the request and asked about the current parking
situation at Aptakisic-Tripp School. Ms. Bachar explained that is tied to the Weiland Road
project being handled by Lake County and she does not know the timing.
Com. Khan asked about snow removal off the pavers. Mr. Mortensen explained that the
District uses a snow plow with a poly edge, not metal. Com. Khan asked if the pavers are
impermeable. Mr. Mortensen responded that the pavers are not, the gaps between the
pavers and the base are what allow it to detain water. Com. Khan asked about when the
temperature freezes. Mr. Hansen explained that when the water under the pavers
freezes, the surface would freeze as well. Com. Khan asked about the amount of water
that could possibly accumulate in the lot. Mr. Hansen responded that most municipalities
do not allow more than 6” above the top of the catch basin.
Ch. Cesario asked staff about their recommendation regarding landscaping. Mr. Stilling
advised that the condition was added while working with the Engineering Department.
Ms. Bachar added that they have spoken to the neighbor just to the north of the proposed
expanded lot and there were no objections.
Com. Moodhe asked about the timing of the project. Ms. Bachar advised that the
expansion would be done over the summer while school is out. Com. Moodhe asked staff
about the timing of the Link Crossing development and construction traffic. Mr. Stilling
answered the questions.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were
no questions or comments from the audience.
Ch. Cesario entered the Staff Report dated April 3, 2019 as Exhibit 1.
The public hearing was closed at 8:17 PM.
04/3/2019
Moved by Com. Weinstein, seconded by Com. Khan, to recommend approval of the
Special Use subject to the following conditions:
1. The proposed development shall conform to the plans attached as part of this petition.
2. Final engineering shall be revised in a manner acceptable to the Village Engineer.
3. Additional landscaping and/or careening along the northern part of the proposed parking
lot shall be provided in a manner acceptable to the Village.
Com. Weinstein is in favor of the request. The standards have been addressed in the
response provided by the petitioner.
Ch. Cesario is supportive of the request.
RESULT: RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 4/15/2019 7:30 PM
MOVER: Mitchell Weinstein, Commissioner
SECONDER: Zill Khan, Commissioner
AYES: Moodhe, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan, Lesser, Weinstein
ABSENT: Amy Au
2. Consider a Variation to the Sign Code for the Proposed New Starbucks at 820 Milwaukee
Avenue (Trustee Ottenheimer) (Staff Contact: Chris Stilling)
Mr. David Rodatz, Hilton Displays on behalf of Starbucks, 125 Hillside Drive, Greenville,
SC 29607, was present and sworn in.
Mr. Rodatz explained that when determining the proposed size of the logo on the east
elevation, they looked at both visibility and aesthetics. They are requesting the logo to be
71” in height. They considered moving the proposed signage on the west elevation to a
different elevation but determined that would not be feasible due to a lack of visibility.
They are not proposing any signage on the drive-through elevation due to that elevation
facing residential homes.
Com. Moodhe clarified which building the Starbucks would be occupying with staff. Mr.
Stilling added that a variation was granted to the developer for a wall sign on the south
elevation previously. However, Starbucks did not want a sign on that elevation, they are
asking for the west elevation. Staff agrees it’s better because a sign would not be facing
single family homes.
Ch. Cesario asked the petitioner why the proposed east elevation wall sign needs to be
7” more than what Code allows. Mr. Rodatz responded that he asked Starbucks a bout
that and Starbucks decided to go with it. The proposed signage is scaled in size for the
elevation. Ch. Cesario stated that there needs to be reasons in order for the PZC to grant
relief. Mr. Rodatz responded that he wants to keep the design and scope of the work in
line with what Starbucks wanted. Ch. Cesario confirmed the request for the west
elevation signage is due to visibility.
04/3/2019
Com. Goldspiel asked if the petitioner is willing to reduce the size of the proposed east
elevation wall sign to meet Code. Mr. Rodatz responded yes. Ms. Akash explained how
the square footage was calculated.
Com. Moodhe asked staff about previous similar requests.
Com. Cohn believes that the Ordinance speaks for itself. There is no evidence of
hardship presented.
Ch. Cesario asked the petitioner how he would like to proceed. Mr. Rodatz stated he can
amend the petition.
Com. Weinstein confirmed that the petitioner is withdrawing his request for the proposed
east elevation wall sign variation.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were
no questions or comments from the audience.
The public hearing was closed at 8:34 PM.
Moved by Com. Weinstein, seconded by Com. Moodhe, to recommend approval of the
variation for the second wall sign on the west elevation. The approved variation shall
conform to the plans submitted as part of the application for the west elevation only.
Ch. Cesario is supportive of the amended petition. The signs are for identification
purposes.
RESULT: RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE [UNANIMOUS]
Next: 4/15/2019 7:30 PM
MOVER: Mitchell Weinstein, Commissioner
SECONDER: Adam Moodhe, Commissioner
AYES: Moodhe, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan, Lesser, Weinstein
ABSENT: Amy Au
Regular Meeting
Other Matters for Discussion
1. Workshop- Proposed Improvements to Cambridge Commons Shopping Center
(Trustee Ottenheimer) (Staff Contact: Chris Stilling)
Mr. Lawrence Freedman, Ash, Anos, Freedman & Logan, 77 West Washington
Street, Suite 1211, Chicago, IL 60602; Ken DeMuth, Pappageorge Haymes
Partners, 640 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60654; Nick Vittore,
Svigos Asset Management, 1 Dundee Road, Suite 200, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089;
and Ray Dewhirst, Senior Director Real Estate, 24 Hour Fitness, were present
and sworn in.
04/3/2019
Mr. Freedman gave a brief overview of the history of the shopping center. The
proposal will require the center to be re-zoned from the B2 business district,
general retail to the B3 planned business center district with a special use for
planned development to allow a fitness user greater than 10,000 square feet. Mr.
DeMuth reviewed the property and proposed plan as detailed in the packet.
Mr. Dewhirst reviewed the company background. He advised that their typical
prototype is approximately 30,000-40,000 square feet and includes a swimming
pool and basketball court. 24 Hour Fitness currently does not operate any other
Chicagoland locations yet. They plan to open 2 to 4 locations within the next 12
months.
Ch. Cesario asked what the overall height of the building will be with the exterior
improvements. Mr. Vittore responded that the building would not exceed the
current overall height of approximately 30’.
Com. Moodhe advised that there was some discussion at the Village Board
regarding providing screening for the Cambridge on the Lake residents. Mr.
Freedman stated that the main concern was regarding lighting. When they
proceed to the public hearing, they will provide a parking study. They are aware
of the issue and they will address any potential impacts. Com. Moodhe added
that the petitioner needs to keep those residents in mind.
Com. Goldspiel asked about the original anchor tenant in that center, Kohl’s
grocery store. He then asked the Mr. Dewhirst about the approximate number of
customers and the peak hours of operation. Mr. Dewhirst reviewed the peak
hours of use; Monday through Friday between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM and 9:00
AM to 1:00 PM on the weekends during group exercise classes with
approximately 220-250 people. Com. Goldspiel asked if there will be one-on-one
classes offered. Mr. Dewhirst responded yes. Com. Goldspiel asked about class
sizes. Mr. Dewhirst responded between 20-30 people per class. Com. Goldspiel
asked about the size of the proposed swimming pool. Mr. Dewhirst advised it
would be a typical size lap pool, between 2,600 and 3,000 square feet. Com.
Goldspiel asked about the customers that use the facility overnight. Mr. Dewhirst
responded that overnight usage is approximately 10% of their total customers.
Com. Goldspiel believes that building is well suited for the proposed use.
Com. Lesser also believes that this is an excellent use for the location and
property. He asked how many 24 Hour Fitness locations there are nationwide.
Mr. Dewhirst responded about 450. Com. Lesser asked if this locat ion would be
similar to other locations. Mr. Dewhirst responded yes. Com. Lesser
recommends presenting the use information at the public hearing.
Com. Cohn agrees with the previous comments and asked about the retail
component compared to the rest of the center. Mr. Dewhirst explained that the
retail is an ancillary use. They sell t-shirts and fitness accessories. The retail is
important but modest. Mr. Vittore added that Svigos is looking to hire Jones Lang
LaSalle to market and attract tenants that would complement the fitness use.
04/3/2019
Com. Khan advised that there is another 24 hour fitness center not too far from
this location and asked what the membership structure looks like. Mr. Dewhirst
explained that competition is very intense. The industry has grown over the last
20 years. 24 Hour Fitness is classified as a mid-tier with monthly membership
fees ranging between $40.00 and $45.00, which includes all amenities. Com.
Khan asked if it is worth the expenses to have the center open 24 hours a day.
Mr. Dewhirst responded that it is absolutely important to their brand and history
of the company. 92% of their 450 locations are open 24 hours a day. They offer
this for 3rd shift workers.
Com. Moodhe asked about the proposed west elevation improvements and
height. Mr. DeMuth explained that the overall height on the west elevation will
only increase approximately 6’ to 7’ above the current west elevation height.
Com. Moodhe commented on the type of tenant he would like to see in the
corner tenant space and would like a large outdoor seating area. He asked about
parking for a fitness center use. Mr. Vittore responded that he agrees parking is a
concern. 24 Hour Fitness does not want to over-park the lot. The lot has a large
amount of parking on the east of the building.
Ch. Cesario stated that the brochure provided helped him understand the
company and use. This would be a good use for this center. He asked about
other possible tenants for the center. Mr. Vittore would like to get this approved
first before marketing to other potential tenants.
Com. Goldspiel asked about the water supply to the building. Mr. Vittore
responded they already have the proper size water service. Com. Goldspiel
asked about water saving measures. Mr. Dewhirst explained that there will be
devices throughout the system. Com. Goldspiel compared the difference
between facilities with pools and those without.
Mr. Freedman will work with staff to address the stated concerns before coming
back for the public hearing.
Com. Cohn thinks this is an attractive project and nice re-development of an
almost vacant building.
Approval of Minutes
1. Planning and Zoning Commission - Regular Meeting - Mar 20, 2019 7:30 PM
Moved by Com. Moodhe, seconded by Com. Khan, to approve the minutes of the
March 20, 2019 Planning & Zoning Commission regular meeting as submitted.
RESULT: ACCEPTED [6 TO 0]
MOVER: Adam Moodhe, Commissioner
SECONDER: Zill Khan, Commissioner
AYES: Moodhe, Cesario, Cohn, Goldspiel, Khan, Weinstein
ABSTAIN: Scott Lesser
ABSENT: Amy Au
Chairman's Report
04/3/2019
Ch. Cesario advised that staff is working to fill the current vacancy on the PZC. He also thanked
Com. Lesser for his years of service to the ZBA and PZC.
Ch. Cesario commented on the April 2, 2019 election and current unofficial results.
Committee and Liaison Reports
None.
Staff Report/Future Agenda Schedule
Mr. Stilling advised that the April 17, 2019 agenda will have the public hearing for the Northwest
Community Healthcare building, a fence code variation, an RV variation and signage variation s
for Strathmore Shopping Center.
Com. Moodhe noted the reception for Trustee Berman to be held on April 15, 2019 at 7:00 PM.
Public Comments and Questions
None.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 PM
Chris Stilling
APPROVED BY ME THIS 3rd DAY OF April , 2019