2013-04-16 - Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes (2) AINlowEB
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REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16,2013
Chairman Entman called the Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. on
Tuesday,April 16, 2013 in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 50 Raupp Boulevard.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Windecker
Commissioner Lesser
Commissioner Shapiro
Commissioner Au
Chairman Entman
Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Cesario
Commissioner Steingold
Also Present: Les Ottenheimer,Village Trustee
William Raysa, Village Attorney
Brian Sheehan, Deputy Building Commissioner
Commissioner Cesario arrived at 7:43 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 19, 2013 minutes:
Corn. Windecker made a motion to approve the minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals regular
meeting held on Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Com. Lesser seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE—Windecker, Shapiro, Au, Entman
NAY—None
ABSTAIN—Lesser
Motion Passed 4 to 0, 1 Abstention. Minutes approved as submitted.
OLD BUSINESS
15-45 E. DUNDEE ROAD, 14 DUNDEE ROAD, LLC - ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 17.44.030.1,
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING THE HEIGHT OF THE BUILDING TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM
PERMITTED HEIGHT OF FORTY-FIVE (45) FEET BY ELEVEN (11) FEET SIX(6) INCHES
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
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vfr.7771
I
Mr. Nick Vittore, Svigos Asset Management, 580 N. Bank Lane, Suite 33, Lake Forest, Illinois
60045, and Mr. Peter Theodore, Camburas & Theodore, 2454 E. Dempster Street, Des Plaines,
Illinois 60018, were present and sworn in. The public hearing notice published in the Daily
Herald on February 27, 2013 was read on March 19, 2013.
Mr. Vittore explained that after the previous Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting he
reviewed the discussions with the architect, Mr. Theodore. They reviewed the comments
regarding to the initial renderings. They discussed the height of the arch and the importance of
maintaining proportion on a building of this size with such a large expanse of storefront. He told
Mr. Theodore to go back to the drawing board and do what he could to bring the height of the
building down but keep some type of proportion and essentially start over. A rendering was
created by Camburas &Theodore labeled "Reconfiguration with Incorrect Proportions" and was
submitted to the ZBA for review. The rendering basically shows that mansard roof removed
from the top of the center to try and come in compliance. The owner of the shopping center
was not satisfied with this design. They do not believe that it looks good, especially compared
to the initial design. They find that the proportions are somewhat disjointed. He asked Mr.
Theodore to testify at the public hearing to speak to some of the comments made at the last
ZBA meeting. They want to move forward with their original proposal.They feel that is the best-
looking design. They have worked for over a year on that design. They do not believe that there
is any other approach with this center to maintain something that looks aesthetically pleasing
for the community and satisfy the need for a major grocer to occupy the building.
Mr. Theodore explained that after Mr. Vittore shared the ZBA's comments with him, he looked
at the existing proportions, the constraints with the bow truss building and take the comments
to paper to see if there was any merit to the comments. In some respects there is, but he wants
the ZBA to look at all the pieces and understand how he arrived at the solution he did. He
believes that it is important to look at all the pieces, the complete shopping center, and then
look at the center element and ask if the height is something they can live with or is the height
something that will be attractive and is it in proportion to the over all building. Their goal was to
revamp the entire center. It was not just to deal with the existing bow truss but to look at the
smaller retail shops and to screen the mechanical equipment. They looked at how they could
identify the storefronts in a more cohesive national tenant fashion. The want to draw quality
tenants to the center. In order to do that they want to treat the center as if it is a new building.
When you look at the small shops,those set up the guidelines that get them towards the grocer
space. They used a glass line of approximately twelve (12) feet to create the windows and the
transparency into those small shops, which is standard in the industry for retail architecture.
Then you have to factor in the sign panel area. They wanted to provide enough of a sign panel
so that the letters could be an accent to the façade but not situated in such a way that the signs
become compressed or forced into the sign area. So they came up with a banding of
approximately six (6) feet +/-. In capping off that sign panel, they wanted to come up with a
cornice treatment which would give a nice articulation to the top of the sign band and a nice
lead-in to the roof. That adds another two (2) feet. As you add up the dimensions, the
proportions with the glass, the sign band, the cornice and the roof, come into the essence of
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the whole structure. Now to bring down the mass of that structure and capitalize and piggy
*•-/ back on features found throughout the neighborhood, they are going to an elaborate roof
system. The roof system that they would use would have synthetic slate; it will have a built-in
gutter system and brings everything together in a nice, cohesive way that he believes defines
the center. While this is a commercial structure they are trying to define it in a way that it can
be nestled into a community and not stand out as a structure that is unlike any other building in
the surrounding area. When looking at the tower entrance for the grocer space, the challenge
he has is the bow trusses that are thirty (30) feet high. They will be replacing all the mechanical
equipment on the roof. They have to add structure on the top of the bow truss. In order to
accommodate all that without ripping it all down, they are stuck with some of the heights.
Dealing with those heights and putting those heights aside, they had one or two options. They
could either knock down the entire structure and start over or they could take advantage of the
bow trusses. They believe that when they are done revamping the bow trusses, for which they
have a lot of different ideas, those trusses are going to add a feature to the interior that will
create an environment that will be very unique to the food industry. The grocer is a very
successful food paramour. They have done an excellent job at other locations. They provide
quality service and their interior environment is rather unique in the food store industry. Rather
than tear down the building and start over,they believe they can create a space that has a lot of
dynamic and volume to it while working within the constraints of the bow trusses. What they
did not want to do is make a weak effort in hiding the bow trusses or playing up the bow
trusses. They will be cladding over the trusses and looking at the massing relative to the
massing adjacent to it. He looked at flattening the top of the tower and bringing it down within
..d' the Ordinance. The ZBA may find it attractive or not. The look tends to get squatty because of
the height relative to the width of the arch. The proportions start to feel as if the arch wants to
be compressed into the ground and the beauty of the arch is almost lost.The problem that they
have with the elevation is when you merely look at the numbers and you see fifty six (56) feet
to the top of the roof, it seems like a height that is very hard to deal with until you realize that
the roof is sloping at almost a ten (10) foot radiant and that while you see the elevation at fifty
six (56) feet the perception of that building is not going to be a six (6) story building, it will
actually be closer to a four (4) story building. When he designed the grocery store down the
road and it was being reviewed, the same comments came up and that building is closer to the
road and there is a lot of things going on with the building similar in that they believed that
tower was out of proportion and he questioned it himself until he saw the trusses going up. He
even left himself open to adjusting the trusses, if necessary, if the massing was getting too tall.
What he purposely did on the center portion of the proposed roof was he created a gradient on
each side of the roof; front, back and sides, to go back at a steep enough angle so the
perception of what you see in the elevation is not really true to the example of what will be
built. He asked the ZBA to consider both options. They will not tell the ZBA that is one or the
other. What they will ask is that if the ZBA looks at both options, look at how the center portion
leads into the flanking portions, how it all comes together as a composition. If you put the
dimensions aside and look it purely from a massing standpoint, the ZBA has to ask themselves if
they are comfortable with the massing or does the massing really bother them. He has
completed over a thousand shopping centers, he is licensed throughout the United States and
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he worked in this capacity for thirty (30) years. If he did not feel that the initial proposal was
right from a massing standpoint or that the building would be a downgrade to the community,
he would not be able to stand before the ZBA nor would he risk his reputation. He believes that
the initial proposal is a good solution from the standpoint that when the center is complete the
center will look brand new. If he takes that mansard roof off, he would be saving the developer
approximately one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in construction costs. So it is not a cost
issue, if anything, the developer is spending more money to create a feature that ties the entire
center together. Everything that is being proposed is to essentially rebuild the center and
attract the type of tenant that they want into the center. They are not looking for transient,
non-national tenants; they are looking for quality tenants that will be in the community for a
long time. They are rebuilding the retail shops. The entire skin of those retails shops is coming
off, they are adding a sub-structure within the retail structure and essentially all they are saving
on the retail shops is the concrete slab and some footings; everything else is coming off. When
you look at other examples of shuttered Dominick's and arched buildings the solutions to those
problems has been very poor and the buildings still come across as a building that was built in
the 1970's. He believes the center would be a failure from a financial standpoint for the grocer
and it would not characterize where that company is going with their branding. The grocer's
goal is to put their best foot forward and to bring their best product to the Village.
Ch. Entman read into the record the letter submitted by Svigos Development dated April 9,
2013 which was marked as Exhibit "L"; an 8.5" x 11" color rendering of the original proposal
which was marked as Exhibit "J"; and an 11" x 17" black & white rendering labeled
"Reconfiguration with Incorrect Proportions" which was marked as Exhibit "K".
Com. Windecker asked the Petitioner if they are interested to present the building to the
prospective tenant so that the building looks good or for what the tenant will sell inside the
building. It becomes a problem to him that the Petitioner is worried about the architecture
outside the building when the ZBA really does not know who the tenant will be, if there is a
lease. The grocer's location in Niles does not have a fifty seven (57) foot high roof on that
building. That building has what he would call a normal roof for a grocery store. He does not
know what type of image the Petitioner is trying to project when the ZBA does not know who
the tenant is. There is no letter from the grocer indicating they are interested in this location.
There is nothing provided in writing that states what exactly will be done. Is the Petitioner only
going to update the grocer tenant space?The building is only thirty one (31) feet high now, why
does the building have to be fifty seven (57) feet high. The grocer will not have a second floor
inside the store. When will the remainder of the center be updated, at the same time under
one (1) building permit for the entire building at once or just the grocer tenant space. He does
not have the answers for those questions and the promises the Petitioner has made do not
mean a thing unless the ZBA sees something that means something. Mr. Theodore responded
the store in Niles was an existing Cub Foods store. There were constraints in that store with bar
joists and the way the building was constructed. Then it became a Korean market, and then it
became the possible grocer tenant. That store was a retro fit in an existing shopping center with
a minimal amount of work done to it. It is not unlike the Jewel stores. Regardless of the tenant,
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what are the objectives at this location; it is cosmetically to address the outside,the inside, how
will this suit all different people. They are stuck with trusses. To the top of the trusses it is
approximately thirty (30) feet. When you look at the "Reconfiguration" rendering, to get a sign
and a cornice on the building you will be seventeen (17) feet above the top of the twenty eight
(28) feet, for a total of approximately forty six (46) feet. If they did not do any roof at all they
would be approximately forty six (46) to fifty (50) feet just to get the flat part of that structure
enclosed within the parameters that exist. They are trying to work within the existing structure.
If they lowered the proposed roof line down to what the ZBA would like to see they would still
be about a five (5) story building. As far as the inside and the outside relating to each and what
the Petitioner will get for it; by preserving the trusses the space will have a nice volume to it.
The space will have a very unique look to it. This look does not exist in the Village. The building
is not a bar joist building, it has trusses. When they walked the space they looked at the trusses
and talked about sandblasting the trusses and almost bringing a warehouse market feel to the
space to lend itself to a food store or a large box user. It would be a shame if it did not evolve
into this warehouse open space that capitalizes on the bow trusses but their goals and
objectives right now are to create an open, lofty space. When talking about the height of the
building, he asked the ZBA to look at the flat version versus the peaked roof version and ask
themselves if it is the height or the massing that they do not like. You cannot look at the
number and say that number is bothersome. The numbers are really not relative unless it is
adjacent to something that it would not conform with. If the building would be blocking the sun
or a pool or something adjacent to the building that has some meaning and the building would
be destructive to, then he could understand the height relative to why the ZBA would not want
it. He asked if the proportions bother the ZBA when looking at the flat versus the hip roof. Corn.
Windecker stated that the Petitioner has to look at something in the area also. There are
condominiums in the area that would reflect upon the height of the building. It was stated that
the building Niles was a hand me down building and he wonders how business is at that
location. Mr. Theodore stated that the Niles store is great but they were shoehorned into an
existing shopping center, there was not a lot of money into that facade and they brought their
best foot forward on the interior. This center is a complete revamp of the entire shopping
center. This is not just one (1) piece of it. It would be real easy for them to just paint the center
or take a very non-evasive approach to the redesign, but they are redoing the entire center.
Corn. Windecker stated that he understands what the Petitioner is proposing but if you go to a
nice grocery store to shop you are not going the store to look at the architecture and spend
hours in the store. Usually you go shopping, get out and go home. This proposal is quite
different than the architecture in the Council Chambers where you may sit for several hours. A
grocery store is a different type of business. He does not know what the Petitioner is planning
to do with all the space above. Is the open space above being utilized at the Wheeling location?
Mr. Theodore stated that there is a mezzanine in that store. There are offices and they want to
have a coffee shop up there. They use the mezzanine for remote equipment as well. Com.
Windecker asked if the coffee shop already exists on the mezzanine at the Wheeling location.
Mr. Theodore stated not at this time. Corn Windecker stated that is what he is saying and the
ZBA does not even know who the tenant will be.
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Mr. Vittore stated that he has been working with Village staff on this center for years trying to
move it in the right direction, something that the community can look at and feel good about.
What he looks at now and what the surrounding condominiums look at it is not something to
wear on your chest and say that this is a great center in Buffalo Grove. They have worked with
staff for such a long time. At the last ZBA meeting he was quite surprised with all the tenant
specific questions that he received and he was not well prepared for that. As he addressed in
his letter dated April 9, 2013 he was trying to be as specific as possible without breaching any
confidentiality they have with perspective tenants. In this day and age with the competition,
not only for grocers, but for general retail space, the landlord is not in a position to stick tenants
in and out. In the current shopping center they have had transient tenants like Cash for Gold
which is not an ideal community-based business. The name Fresh Farms has been brought up
and they have been courting them and have had very lengthy discussions with them. The
perspective tenant has contingencies that are specific to the design of the outside, the inside,
signage and the look of the center. Other locations that the grocer may have are not really
relevant as to how they want to move forward in the future. In terms of tenants, he believes it
is all well related because the competition these days is fierce and it is definitely fierce in
Buffalo Grove when Dominick's has a very strong foothold. They do not want to knock
Dominick's out of the marketplace but there needs to be a shopping center that can compete
with such a large grocer. Corn. Windecker stated that since this location would be only a mile
away from their other location he wonders will this grocer succeed or what will happen. He
asked if the Petitioner has anything that they can share with the ZBA to show what
requirements the grocer has for design of the building or intent to lease. The Petitioner is telling
the ZBA that a lease agreement has been entered into with the grocery store, which is eighty
five (85) percent of the entire building. Mr. Vittore stated that the grocer at the Wheeling
shopping center is within five thousand (5,000) square feet of the grocer tenant space at this
center. Com. Windecker interjected that the ZBA still does not know who is entering eighty five
(85) percent of the center. Mr. Vittore asked what the relevance of the actual tenant name is
which would have large implications on a confidentiality agreement that has been signed. Corn.
Windecker stated the relevance would be for the ZBA to approve something this high or
whether the goal can be accomplished within the current regulations.
Ch. Entman stated that the Petitioner may or may not have a confidentiality provision in a lease.
The identity of the tenant is not really the confidential information, it may be the business
terms of the lease, may be ownership of the tenant, but not the identity. The ZBA is entitled to
know the identity of the tenant. They will have to complete a tenant identification sheet for the
Village and once they move in everyone will know who they are. There is no expectation that
information will be private. So the ZBA is not necessarily asking for details of the lease but the
ZBA has a right to know who the proposed tenant is going to be under any proposal. That is why
the identity of the tenant is relevant. It has a big impact. It is another piece of information that
the ZBA uses to address these decisions. He disagrees that the identity of the tenant alone is a
confidential matter. It was also indicated in the April 9, 2013 letter that the owners of the
shopping center have entered into a lease agreement with a grocery store to occupy 45 E.
Dundee Road which is 85% of the entire building. So the grocery store will take almost the
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entire shopping center. The letter continues to state the general terms state that Landlord must
`./ provide Tenant with an A-Class shopping center which is in-line with the appearance of the
grocer's other locations. This information does not tell the ZBA anything. It does not tell who it
is. If in fact there is a lease then the ZBA should know. If it is not leased or there are conditions
to the lease or if it is tentative or in the future,the ZBA needs to know. The issue was discussed
at length at the previous meeting concerning not granting variances for the shopping center or
any shopping center that does not have any tenants. It is relevant. Mr. Vittore responded that
the health and success of the anchor tenant is important to the Village of Buffalo Grove but
affects the owners of the shopping center more then anyone. If that does not work, then the
owners will hang their hats up and be out of business. They are not taking this matter lightly.
The proposed tenant will be one that will work very well in the community and they are
confident that is what they have. Ch. Entman stated that no one has suggested that the
Petitioner is not serious about it, that the Petitioner does not want the center to be a success.
He does not know any owner that would not. The point is that it is relevant information that the
ZBA is entitled to know. If he does not have that information, it will be very difficult for him to
even consider anything.
Com. Cesario stated that the ZBA has heard a lot about what has to be done to the existing
facade because of the trusses and they have heard a lot about the mystery tenant. If the
building were gone and the site was an empty parking lot, how tall would the building have to
be, would it be forty five (45)feet or less or would the Petitioner be asking for fifty six (56) feet.
Mr. Theodore stated that if the building were gone, based on what he did relative to the needs
and wants of the tenant and based on the proportions, he would be asking for fifty (50) feet in
height. The accent feature of the tower entrance and to build the structure the way they want
to, he would probably be every bit at fifty (50) feet. Corn. Cesario stated that the basis of the
accent height request is the particular marketing or image preference of the particular tenant
as opposed to the existing structure. Mr. Theodore responded that it is a combination of two
things. Corn. Cesario stated that his concern is if this tenant does not succeed here and leaves in
a couple years, there will be a very, very tall façade along Dundee Road and empty building
which would be even more dramatically barren than what is currently there. He does not argue
that the existing structure is not the most attractive in the Village; he does not believe anyone
else has. He would love to see the center vital and looking nice. This design is not unattractive
but it is a concern because it is very, very tall.
Corn. Lesser agrees with Corn. Cesario. Collectively the Village would like to see the center
redeveloped and the Petitioner has some wonderful ideas. However, the ZBA is concerned
about the proposed height. He agrees that once the redevelopment takes place, if the building
is built at the height proposed, fifty six (56) feet, tenants come and go but that building will be
there at that height for a very long time.This is a big decision and the ZBA has to give it the level
of consideration that they are giving it. He asked the question regarding what the height of the
building would be if this were a new, ground up development, ignoring the existing building.
Mr. Theodore testified that the building would be roughly fifty (50) feet in height, but also
stated that the Petitioner is trying to build the building similar to the building in Wheeling.
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Ignoring the building in Wheeling which had its own set of unique circumstances, in another
location what height would a new building for this tenant. Mr.Theodore responded that the
smaller retail spaces would be at forty (40) feet in height to the top of the mansard roof
regardless. If there was no mansard roof and they were looking at the project purely from a
utilitarian standpoint,the building could be twenty four(24)feet. But if you were looking at a
Ross Clothing Store, you would be looking at a height of forty two (42) feet. That is their
national criteria. It varies depending on the retailer. But if you were purely looking at from a
utilitarian standpoint,what could you get on that building and how small could you make the
building, you could realistically go down to twenty four (24) feet. If you just take a look at a
portion of the building it would not be inconsistent with what you see in the marketplace which
puts you at forty(40)feet to the top of the roof. Com. Lesser stated that then the building is
twelve(12)or thirteen(13)feet to the bottom of the bar joists and then just decoration above.
Mr.Theodore stated that is correct.That decoration gets you a sign panel, it gets you twelve
(12) foot glass, and it's get you mathematically to that fifty six (56) foot height. Com. Lesser
stated that he is talking about the anchor space. Mr.Theodore stated that the anchor space,if
there was not a bow truss that is thirty(30)feet high, could be a lot less. Everything they are
proposing is adding costs. Com. Lesser asked what the height would be. For the tenant as
indicated in the letter that has been entered into a lease with, if they were doing new
construction in a new location what would the building height be.Mr.Theodore responded that
a flat structure without a mansard roof would be approximately thirty(30)feet in height.
Corn. Lesser addressed Mr.Vittore. In the letter submitted it is stated that there is a lease. He
asked if there in fact is a lease signed with an anchor tenant. Mr.Vittore stated there is.Corn.
Lesser stated that Mr. Vittore is unwilling to identify the tenant. Mr. Vittore stated that is
correct.He added that it is not so much that he is unwilling as he is restricted.He has seen quite
a few national grocers place these types of restrictions on them before where they are not
allowed to disclose anything.It is not making his job any easier by not being able to disclose the
information. Corn. Lesser asked Mr.Vittore if there are certain contingencies in the lease that
require certain specifications and/or features of the building in order for the lease to remain in
effect. Mr. Vittore stated that is correct. Corn. Lesser asked if the tenant has indicated they
would prefer the interior of the existing structure over a newly constructed structure. Mr.
Vittore stated that the tenant is very excited with the bow truss roof and they anticipate being
able to get the store up and running for them. Com. Lesser asked if Mr. Vittore has had a
conversation with the tenant about attending one of the ZBA meetings to testify in the
deliberations. Mr.Vittore stated that he has talked to the tenant about coming into a meeting
with the Village and the difficultly with that is,from the tenants point of view,this is what they
want and if Svigos cannot give it to them,there are other developers that will provide it for
them all over the Chicago area. That is a stereo-typical response to a landlord because they
want the landlord to jump through hoops. They were not very eager to come to the Village.
Com. Lesser stated that if the tenant is established this request should not be unique and the
fact that they should appear before a municipal board is not a surprise. He is sure they have
done it before.
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Corn. Shapiro stated that at the ART meeting it was testified to that in order to lease the
building they needed that grand entrance. Mr. Vittore stated that is correct. Corn. Shapiro
stated that when looking at the proposal he is taking the tenant out of it and asked himself if he
would like the look of the building regardless of who the tenant is. He likes both renderings. In
the "Reconfiguration" rendering it appears that a different material is being used for the grand
entrance and replicated a smaller version of the arch on the west end of the center. As much as
the mansard roof looks good; he does not believe that anyone is saying that the original
proposal doesn't look good; he feels that if the "Reconfiguration" would be acceptable to the
tenant and the height would be acceptable to the ZBA, he does not believe it would be a bad-
looking center. As stated, tenants come and go. Either way the center would look way better
than it does today. He thinks that the mansard roof fits in with the residential neighborhood
behind the center. He believes that there is a pseudo mansard roof on the condominiums next
door. If the "Reconfiguration" meets the tenants' needs, he believes it would be more
acceptable to the ZBA.
Corn. Cesario stated that the comment made earlier about every store being unique in the
answer to the question of what is the standard for the tenant. He is trying to reconcile that with
the April 9th letter, item 3 which states: "The general terms state that Landlord must provide
tenant with an A-Class shopping center which is in-line with the appearance of the Grocer's
other locations." He wants to be very clear about what that statement means specifically to the
height of the building and if both of the renderings would make sense to the tenant pursuant to
that statement. Mr. Vittore stated that the grocer has sat in with them in creating the
appearance and he will tell the ZBA something thing that will hopefully make his statements a
little more clear, they asked not to have and would specifically would not accept stucco. There
are a lot of old shopping centers that get a stucco facade put on them and they try to push a
new tenant in and get things going. The grocer is not interested in anything like that. Corn.
Cesario stated that the appearance is a look and materials more so than it is the height or some
other features of the visual observation. Mr. Vittore stated that for the tenant to be excited
about taking this space, the large expanse of store front glass is needed. They like the large
expanse of store front glass because it is unique and there is nothing around that looks this
good as an old Dominick's. Lincolnwood Produce, for example, is a real sorry attempt at retro-
fitting an old Dominick's and they wanted to stay away from that. They want that large
entrance and they want that curb appeal to be able to complete. The grand entrance is a
requirement. Corn. Cesario stated that the tenant has signed a lease and they have desires, but
the terms of the lease do not require those particular things. Mr. Vittore stated that the original
proposed rendering is attached to the lease. Corn. Cesario stated that he understands that but
the variance required for that rendering has not been approved. Mr. Vittore stated that the
challenge they have is trying to maintain that expanse of glass with a proportion. Corn. Cesario
stated that Mr. Vittore is referencing a lease that is has been executed with this grocer and part
of the variance request is so that the Petitioner can fulfill the requirements of the lease with the
grocer. The item of the lease referenced in the April 9th letter is that the appearance will be
consistent with the grocer's other locations. Part of the discussion has been that other locations
are at various heights and so the question is if the Petitioner presented the rendering with the
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forty five (45) foot height does that satisfy that condition. Mr. Vittore stated that the
"Reconfiguration" rendering did not meet their requirements. Corn. Cesario confirmed with Mr.
Vittore that the "Reconfiguration" rendering failed to meet the consistency standard for the
grocer's properties even though their other properties are taller and shorter. Mr. Vittore stated
that even though their other properties are taller and shorter they did not like the
"Reconfiguration" rendering. It did not match their criteria. They do have other stores that are
in working phase right now. So you can look at stores that are existing and there are constraints
but the three (3) or four (4) stores that are lined up to move forward maintain a look consistent
with the mansard roof.
Com. Windecker asked if Mr. Theodore will be doing the work on the grocer's possible
Barrington location. Mr. Theodore stated that he will not be involved with that project. Corn.
Windecker asked how the ZBA is to know about all the locations that will be consistent with the
proposed. The other issue is that the grocer will take eighty five (85) percent of the center.
Where does the developer stand on leasing the other fifteen (15) percent because it is was
testified at the last meeting that the existing tenant is moving to a different center. Mr. Vittore
stated that they are actively marketing to fill the space with new tenants. Corn. Windecker
asked if the entire building will be completed at the same time or will the developer wait until
the remaining tenant spaces are leased out. Mr. Vittore stated that they would complete the
building at the same time. They would not have half the building look one way and the grocer
portion look another. The store front configurations could change based on what tenants they
get to lease the space.The cultured stone and brick would all be the same.
Mr. Paul Svigos, Svigos Asset Management, 530 Bank Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045, was
present and sworn in. Mr. Svigos stated that with the loss of Rogan's Shoes, it allows them to
build the entire center at once. The only reason they would have phased it was to build a store
for Rogan's, move Rogan's and then build the other portion. Now that Rogan's is gone it makes
sense to complete the entire center at once. He stated that the ZBA commented that people go
to a grocer store to buy their groceries and go home. He respectfully disagrees with that
statement. When you look at Whole Foods, the amount of money they spend on interior
images and decoration is huge.They want to keep that shopper in the store longer, because the
longer he is in the store the more he will buy. It is a whole new market out there for grocery
stores. In the past you would build a box, put a drop ceiling in and they move in. This is why
they are having the issues that grocer's such as Dominick's and Jewel Foods are having. They
are very utilitarian. The market has changed dramatically where shoppers do want some of the
features that this building will have. They are excited about that warehouse look that is there.
People spend a lot of money to attempt to recreate what this building has.
Corn. Windecker asked Mr. Svigos if he mentioned Whole Foods. Mr. Svigos stated that he used
Whole Foods as an example. Corn. Windecker stated that he thought the grocer tenant was
Fresh Farms. Mr. Svigos responded that he used Whole Foods as an example because they are a
national grocer. Com. Windecker asked if Mr. Svigos has a lease with Whole Foods. Mr. Svigos
stated that he cannot disclose who the tenant is. They wish they could disclose the information
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 10 of 28
but it is not possible. As a developer they would not build the building, which would cost so
much money, without having a tenant. If they wanted to build something and try and find a
tenant they would build a very plain building. The cost is astronomical to build a mansard roof
and Mr. Theodore mentioned one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). He said it will be closer
to three hundred thousand ($300,000) dollars, the difference between the two (2) renderings.
As a developer he is looking to do things as inexpensive as possible, but in this case, this tenant
is requiring them to build this.
Mr. Frank Sears, Cambridge on the Lake, 50 Lake Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089, was
present and sworn in. Mr. Sears stated that the Petitioner heard the comments from the ZBA at
the last meeting but the bottom line is that the Village's Zoning Ordinance does not count. The
Petitioner wants what they want when they want it. The problems with the proposed tenant
are more important to the Petitioner. The thought that the height of the roof over the entrance
to the grocery store will determine whether or not this specific tenant will enter into a lease is
preposterous. He does not believe that. It does not make sense. He represents the Cambridge
on the Lake Condominium Owners Association, three hundred ninety two (392) units. He
repeats their opposition to the request for a higher roof, allowing the roof to make an improper
appearance on the building and a problematic precedent for the ZBA. What the Petitioner is
doing is coming in and saying they heard the comments but they don't count. They want what
they want and the ZBA has to give it to them. He does not believe that is what the ZBA is all
about. There is no justification in this case for imposing an exorbitant addition to the existing
height. It would needlessly limit and/or impose limits on the sunshine, on the light, on the sky
\ line views of their condominiums buildings next door. The argument by the Petitioner for an
eleven and a half (11-1/2) foot increase in roof height for this grocery store is needless. It is
certainly not essential, not remotely necessary to the appearance of this property. If a
substantial change in zoning, especially on a highly visible and prominent property, is to be
made it should be made for a special need, a logical, necessary hardship. It should not be made
on the basis of a personal preference. He does not believe that the tenant who has entered into
a lease for this property will walk away if the height of the roof at the entrance of the property
is less than fifty six (56) feet. No one is hurt or constrained by upholding the Village's Zoning
Ordinance on this parcel. The Village's standards are reasonable and they are sufficient. He
appeals once more to the ZBA to maintain compliance with the existing zoning and then enable
that building to be remodeled. It is a grocery store. It is not the Taj Mahal.
Ch. Entman believes that whomever is in charge of building this building, for which there is an
experienced architect, will make it look good. He knows the architect will make the building
look good no matter what height. The architect will give them a good product that is functional.
When it comes to the aesthetics of the building he believes it will be accomplished no matter
what size the building is at. The next issue is what determines that height. There is an existing
building with the desire not to tear it down. There is an unknown tenant that wants to move
into that space. The Petitioner is requesting a structure such that the interior space is large,
above and beyond what might be required to allow the bow trusses to remain. There were a lot
of good questions such as what if this property were a vacant lot and the building was being
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 11 of 28
built from scratch.Then it becomes solely a determinant of what a tenant wants. Sometimes
\./ the Village has to balance what they and what the developer wants,what the developer wants
to give them,what they say they want even though they may not really want it,or what the ZBA
needs to do as a Board on behalf of the residents of the Village.The determinant as to the size
and the height should not be just what the tenant may want.He has never liked extremes.The
ZBA gets this a lot with signage all the time. People come and want a sign.They want a huge
sign,tall sign,graphics,colors, etc.The question always comes up if there are alternative sign
packages and the answer is always no. Then the ZBA finds that there are many different
alternatives.This is the same thing.There are a million different ways a building can be built.
Does the ZBA want to accommodate a Petitioner or occupant? If they do, will it save them
money or help their business?On the other hand the ZBA has been through a lot where people
come in and say what want or what they need and the next thing you know it falls apart and six
(6) months later it is not useful anymore. He could not possibly support the building at that
height.Does he want a nice looking facility to go into and do his grocery shopping,absolutely.Is
that the determinate that draws him into the store and makes him spend money, absolutely
not.There are many establishments that he goes to,whether to shop or eat,that may not be
the most aesthetically pleasing and yet they are quality establishments. To him it really does
not matter. Last week he went to the new Whole Foods on Rand Road and walked in turned
around and walked right out. Beautiful store just like all of the Whole Foods stores, but there
was nothing in it. He would not spend his money there just because it looked good. He is also
not of the opinion that just because it is a beautiful store people will come in and spend money.
He understands that the Petitioner has been advised that there are constraints on
`/ confidentiality,but for him,without knowing who the tenant will be and maybe even having the
tenant present during these discussions,he cannot support the request.
Ch. Entman asked Mr. Vittore if he wants to proceed with the original proposal. Mr. Vittore
stated that is correct.
After discussing the matter with Mr. Vittore and Mr. Svigos, Mr.Theodore requested to Table
the Petition until the May 21,2013 regular meeting.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no
additional questions or comments from the audience.
Corn. Lesser made a motion to Table the request made by 14 Dundee, LLC on behalf of Svigos
Asset Management, 580 N. Bank Lane, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045, for variance of Zoning
Ordinance, Section 17.44.030.1, pertaining to Height Regulations, for the purpose of allowing
the height of the building to exceed the maximum permitted height of forty-five (45)feet by
eleven (11)feet six (6) inches to the May 21, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting.
Corn.Shapiro seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE—Cesario,Windecker,Lesser,Shapiro,Au,Entman
.J
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16,2013
PAGE 12 of 28
NAY — None
ABSTAIN — None
Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item Tabled to the May 21, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals regular
meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
BUFFALO GROVE BUSINESS PARK, HAMILTON PARTNERS - REVIEW OF STATUS OF THE
EXISTING FOR RENT, SALE, LEASE SIGN LOCATED AT 1110 LAKE COOK ROAD
Ms. Martha Curnow, Hamilton Partners, 1130 Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089,
was present and sworn in.
Ch. Entman reviewed the vacancy information submitted by the Petitioner. The leasing sign at
135 Arlington Heights Road was removed and a new permit was applied and secured.
Ch. Entman advised that he is a tenant in the Buffalo Grove Business Park, but that will not
affect his decision.
There were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or
comments from the audience.
Com. Windecker made a motion to grant a six (6) month extension for Buffalo Grove Business
Park, Hamilton Partners, for the "For Rent, Sale or Lease" sign located at 1110 Lake Cook Road
The Petitioner is to appear at the October 15, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting for a
status review of the signs. Corn. Cesario seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE — Cesario, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman
NAY — None
ABSTAIN — None
Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item is to appear on the October 15, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals
agenda.
ROGERS CENTRE FOR COMMERCE, ARTHUR J. ROGERS & COMPANY - REVIEW OF STATUS OF THE
EXISTING FOR RENT, SALE, LEASE SIGN LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF BARCLAY
BOULEVARD AND APTAKISIC ROAD
Mr. Norman Ross, Arthur J. Rogers & Company, 1601 Barclay Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
60089, was present and sworn in.
Ch. Entman reviewed the vacancy information submitted by Mr. Ross.
Li
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 13 of 28
Corn. Shapiro asked for the sign to be repainted based on the sign fading. Mr. Ross agreed to
repaint the sign.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no
questions or comments from the audience.
Corn. Lesser made a motion to grant a six (6) month extension for Rogers Centre for Commerce,
Arthur J. Rogers & Company, for the "For Rent, Sale or Lease" sign located at the southwest
corner of Barclay Boulevard and Aptakisic Road. The Petitioner is to appear at the October 15,
2013 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting for a status review of the signs. Corn. Shapiro seconded
the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE—Cesario, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman
NAY—None
ABSTAIN —None
Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item is to appear on the October 15, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals
agenda.
1300-1398 BUSCH PARKWAY, VAN VLISSINGEN - REVIEW OF STATUS OF THE EXISTING FOR RENT,
SALE, LEASE SIGN
1405-1495 BUSCH PARKWAY, VAN VLISSINGEN - REVIEW OF STATUS OF THE EXISTING FOR RENT,
SALE, LEASE SIGN
Ms. Vickie Burchard, Van Vlissingen, One Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069, was present
and sworn in.
Ch. Entman reviewed the information submitted by Van Vlissingen.
Com. Shapiro asked about the percentage of vacancy for both buildings. Ms. Burchard stated that
1300 Busch Parkway is approximately 2/5t"'s vacant. The building at 1405 Busch Parkway is
approximately Y vacant.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no
questions or comments from the audience.
Com. Cesario made a motion to grant a six (6) month extension for 1300-1398 Busch Parkway, Van
Vlissingen, for the existing "For Rent, Sale, or Lease" Sign. The Petitioner is to appear at the
October 15, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting for a status review of the signs. Com.
Windecker seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE—Cesario, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 14 of 28
NAY—None
ABSTAIN —None
Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item is to appear on the October 15, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals
agenda.
Corn. Cesario made a motion to grant a six (6) month extension for 1405-1495 Busch Parkway, Van
Vlissingen, for the existing "For Rent, Sale, or Lease" Sign. The Petitioner is to appear at the
October 15, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting for a status review of the signs. Com. Au
seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE—Cesario, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman
NAY—None
ABSTAIN —None
Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item is to appear on the October 15, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals
agenda.
1691-1697 WEILAND ROAD, BG CAR WASH MANAGEMENT, LLC-SIGN CODE,SECTIONS 14.16.030;
14.16.060 AND 14.20.100 - FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING AN OFF-PREMISES GROUND SIGN
LOCATED AT 1691-1697 WEILAND ROAD; FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECONFIGURING THE EXISTING
GROUND SIGN LOCATED AT 1691-1697 WEILAND ROAD TO ALLOW FIVE (5)TENANT PANELS;AND
TO ALLOW THE TENANT PANEL SIGN FACES TO BE REPLACED WITHOUT A VARIATION
Mr. John Imreibe, BG Car Wash Management, 1701 Weiland Road, was present and sworn in. The
public hearing notice published in the Daily Herald on March 28, 2013 was read.
Mr. Imreibe explained that this is a multi-tenant building. They have been struggling to find new
tenants. He has had some vacancy since January, 2010. Currently there are three (3) tenants in the
building with one (1) more vacancy. He has been approached by some existing tenants to try and
get them signage on the existing ground sign to help with visibility, especially with northbound
traffic on Weiland Road. The wall signs that are currently on the building, from certain angles, are
being blocked by the ground sign. It was brought to his attention that this is something that the
tenants would like to have. He is willing to downsize the existing tenant panels and reconfigure the
ground sign to allow multiple tenant panels. He is also requesting to allow the tenant panels to be
replaced without having to apply for another variance, which he has had to do on numerous
occasions. That will help if tenants leave and new tenants move in. He would like to set it up this
way and keep it this way for the future.
Ch. Entman read the Village Engineer's memorandum addressed to Brian Sheehan dated March 29,
2013 which states: "I have no comment on the proposal." Ch. Entman read the Appearance Review
Team (ART) minutes dated April 2, 2013 into the record, which withheld a recommendation pending
the submittal of additional information.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 15 of 28
Corn. Windecker stated when the Petitioner was before the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for the
wall signs, it was suggested that, in lieu of the west elevation wall signs, to change the ground sign
and install tenant panels. That suggestion was answered by the Petitioner that he did not want to
pursue any tenant panels on the ground sign, that he was only interested in pursuing the tenant
panel for Dunkin Donuts. So now we are back to a small piece of land with four units and the
request is for six (6) tenant panels on the ground sign. The ZBA is faced with a decision because
there is this piece of property with four (4)tenants and a sign that is being requested to add tenant
panels to. Royal Touch Car Wash is not located on this property and therefore should be removed
from the sign at which time the Petitioner could lower the sign and then traffic could see the west
elevation wall signs and then tenant panels become a different issue. So now everyone is looking for
three (3) signs a piece instead of just two (2) signs. If the ground sign is lowered, people would be
able to see the wall signs more clearly. He does not see then need for tenant panels if the ground
sign is lowered in height. He does not understand why Royal Touch Car Wash is on this ground sign
when that business is on the other property at 1701 Weiland. The properties were separated. Mr.
Imreibe responded that the car wash signage was originally there when he bought the property. He
understands that they are two (2) separate properties but he did not want to lose the sign for the
two (2) anchor tenants that have been there the longest.To address the concern about what he was
trying to accomplish in 2011 regarding the wall signage, he had existing wall signage, the Dunkin
Donuts wall signs.They had signs on both sides of the building.The newer tenant saw that and they
wanted signs on both sides as well. That was the reasoning behind that. The other reason was the
tenants felt that the west elevation would give them the best visibility as far as traffic driving up and
down Weiland Road. It was suggested to him that he could put the wall signs on the east elevation
for identification purposes but he believes that those signs are twenty(20) percent smaller than the
/ signs on the west because they are strictly for identifying the tenant space. One of the biggest
problems they have had is trying get visibility to the existing tenants and he continues to have one
(1) vacancy. One of the questions that constantly come up is whether they can have a sign on the
ground sign. He is here tonight to try and remedy that issue and have a clear answer for potential
tenants. Corn. Windecker stated that since Mr. Imreibe is requesting the variance for the ground
sign he would consider it a new sign and it should correspond to the property itself and not an
adjacent piece of property because any other business in the Village cannot have an off-premises
sign and as a result, why should the Village give the tenants three (3) signs a piece when the Village
would not tolerate that for any other business in the Village. Some businesses that requested a
third sign were required to remove one(1) of their existing signs.
Corn. Lesser asked Mr. Imreibe if each of the tenants in the building currently have signage on the
east elevation. Mr. Imreibe stated that on the parking lot side, the east elevation, the tenants have
signs that are twenty (20) percent smaller for identification purposes right above their store front.
Com. Lesser replied that they have signs. He stated that there is room for the vacant unit to have a
comparably sized sign on the east side as well. Mr. Imreibe stated that is correct. Corn. Lesser stated
that on the west elevation facing Weiland Road each of those tenants has signage as well. Mr.
Imreibe stated right now two (2) tenants have signs on the west, Dunkin Donuts and the nail salon.
The other tenant, which is at the far south end of the building, his sign area on the west elevation is
being blocked by the ground sign.This ground sign cabinet. He believes it is because of the setback
requirement. This sign is very close to the building. Corn. Lesser stated that Mr. Imreibe is
requesting to modify the sign cabinet. Mr. Imreibe stated that he is not modifying the entire
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 16 of 28
cabinet,just the sign faces. He wants an h-member that would separate out the actual face where a
Lexan panel would go in. Com. Lesser asked what the purpose is of this request, are the signs on the
west side of the building not visible? He is trying to understand. Mr. Imreibe stated that it would
resolve the issue of having to come back to the ZBA every time a tenant changes something around.
For example if Dunkin Donuts wanted to change their sign, he would need to apply for a new
variance. It does not make sense to have to come back for a variance every time there is a panel
change. Com. Lesser stated that he is trying to understand the reasoning for the request. Just
because the Petitioner would have to come back in for a variance. Mr. Imreibe stated that the
ground signs were initially approved by variance. So any change to the panels, whether it is the car
wash or Dunkin Donuts, requires a new variance. Dunkin Donuts recently changed their logo so a
new variance was applied for, not just a standard sign permit. That has been a little bit of an
inconvenience. He is just trying to get better signage because perpendicular signage would read
better to traffic on the street. The reason he came in for the wall signage was because there was
existing wall signage. Dunkin Donuts would not take down their existing wall signage unless they
could get approval to put up a sign on the west elevation and east elevation of the building.Then as
the tenants starting coming in they requested the same the signage. So he was caught in a situation
where the tenants said "well they have it why can't we have it". That is when he presented the
Uniform Sign Package and addressed some of the issues that staff and the Board had at that time.
Com. Lesser asked Mr. Imreibe if he would consider removing the off-premises sign from this sign
cabinet. Mr. Imreibe replied that he does not want to structurally change the sign because then you
are talking about a new sign. Also, that is the main entrance to the facility, whether it is the car
wash or the retail building. That ground sign is right at the corner to the side street, which is the
main entrance to the center. He believes the proposal would be a great way to help people identify
`./ the actual entrance to the car wash. You can see the car wash at the corner but you cannot see the
driveway to get to it. Corn. Lesser stated that you can see the entrance to the car wash but
everyone has a different perspective on that. He will take the response as a "no" to removing the
car wash panel from the sign. Mr. Imreibe stated that is correct.
Com. Shapiro stated that he recalls Com. Windecker at the 2011 meeting and he felt that east and
west elevation signs on that building were excessive, especially on the east. That side only faces a
parking lot and the railroad tracks. Now the Petitioner is telling the ZBA that the signs on the west,
that are supposed to drive traffic in, aren't doing their job because an existing ground sign is
blocking them. He asked Mr. Imreibe if he feels that it looks ridiculous having that ground sign right
next to the wall signs that are right there. Doesn't he believe that it slightly excessive for the size of
the property. He can understand wanting to have the ground sign because it is by the entrance but
then maybe take the west elevation wall signs down since they are not doing their job as far
identifying the businesses and driving traffic in, because literally they are the same signs right next
to each other. Mr. Imreibe asked if he was referring to the proposed ground sign tenant panels and
the wall signs. The wall signs are actually bigger than what he is proposing for the panels. Corn.
Shapiro replied that he is being told that those wall signs are not being seen. Mr. Imreibe stated
that as you get closer to the southern part of the building, the ground sign does block some of the
wall signage.The northern most unit, which is occupied by Dunkin Donuts, has good visibility. Corn.
Shapiro asked if Mr. Imreibe would want to put the tenant panels on the sign that is located on the
corner of Aptakisic and Weiland. Mr. Imreibe stated no. Corn. Shapiro stated that is what the
Petitioner is saying now.That is also what the Petitioner said about this ground sign and that's why
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 17 of 28
the Petitioner needed the wall signs. He is afraid that the ZBA is getting nickeled and dimed every
time the Petitioner wants to add more signage. He believes that the property the ground sign is on,
the number of signs is truly excessive. He agrees with Com. Windecker in that removing one of the
existing signs would probably make it more acceptable for the size property and the amount of
signage, especially on the west end of the building where there will be a ground sign and wall signs.
If you remove the Royal Touch panel and lower the ground sign then the wall signs will not be
blocked anymore. Mr. Imreibe stated that he does not know what all that would entail, you would
structurally change the sign at that point. Com. Shapiro stated that he believes he is being nickeled
and dimed on the signage that every year the Petitioner is coming back and saying that was good
but now we really need this. He cannot agree to more signage in the exact same location where the
wall signs are.
Corn. Windecker stated that the Petitioner did say in 2011 that he did not need the tenant panels.
Now he needs tenant panels. What's next, the Petitioner will want something else and then the
Petitioner will want an electronic sign. He can see it coming and it is only a small piece of land with
four (4) tenants. By right and the Ordinance, the piece of land is entitled to only so many signs. If
they grant the variance, then the ground sign is like a new sign and the car wash is not on that
premises. They are two (2) separate properties. If the ground sign is lowered by four (4) feet there
would be visibility for all the wall signs on the west elevation. Then if the Petitioner came in with
some type of lower ground sign with just panels for the retail tenants maybe the Board may be
more in favor of it. But as it stands now, the proposed rendering, there are too many colors on the
sign anyway. He cannot support the request.
Li Com. Cesario stated that he recalls the discussion concerning the signs on the east elevation very
clearly. In order to access these spaces you have to park in the parking lot, the parking lot is east of
the building and there is confusion on the part of customers as to who is in what space. Fair enough.
Signs on the east are to avoid confusion. The more of this discussion he hears the more he has no
idea of the value of the wall signs on the west when there is already signage advertising the
properties knowing that the customers have to go into the parking lot and then see where the
tenants are. Consistent with that argument, the way customers behave once they are aware of the
situation, they come into the parking lot and then they see the signs on the east elevation which
keeps them from being confused. He has a real hard time giving anything more. That is an awful lot
of signage for a very small space and part of the reason why it is that much harder to approve a
configuration that does not require coming back before the ZBA because the ZBA has jammed in all
of these exceptions. When you take a look at the aggregate as it stands today and now proposed it
is odd.
Corn. Shapiro asked Mr. Imreibe if it would make sense to the reduce the height of the ground sign
and just put the word "Entrance"that way people would realize it is a directional sign to get into the
shopping center. The wall signs would then serve their purpose and not be blocked and people
would know where to turn in to get to all the businesses on that property. Making it more of a
directional sign would make more sense to him. Mr. Imreibe asked Corn. Shapiro if he is referring to
making the entire ground sign an entrance sign. Com. Shapiro stated to reduce the ground sign
down to the size of the Dunkin Donuts panel and replace it with "Entrance". He would believe that
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 18 of 28
is not an advertising sign, that would be a directional sign into the complex while utilizing the wall
signage and not having the wall sign blocked by the ground sign.
Corn. Au asked Mr. Sheehan what the original variance was that was granted for this sign. Mr.
Sheehan stated that there were several variances granted for this sign. One (1) for an off-premises
sign because there are two (2) lots out there and both signs have an off-premises entity advertised
on them. The second was for changeable copy because there was a car wash price shown on the
signs that changed periodically. Corn. Au asked if those are currently applicable to the sign. Mr.
Sheehan stated that the sign does still have that but part of what is proposed is to take the price off
the sign to make room for the proposed tenant panels.
Com. Lesser stated that he could support the request if the sign was reduced in height and the off-
premises sign is eliminated from the sign. He recognizes the need to pick up some exposure for
those tenants and he agrees with the Petitioner that signage perpendicular to the roadway will help
that, but the only way he could support this is if the height of the sign is reduced and the off-
premises signage is eliminated.
Corn. Au asked if the off-premises portion of the sign is removed would the Petitioner need a
variance at all. Mr. Sheehan stated that if the off-premises sign and changeable copy portion are
removed and the size of the sign itself was compliant with the frontage, technically they would not
need a variance. Mr. Imreibe clarified that any time he wanted to change any copy on the sign he
had to come through for a variance. When he changed the car wash sign when he originally bought
the property in 2006 he had to request a variance because he was making a change to a sign that
was approved as a variance. Dunkin Donuts added their logo to their panel last summer and he
needed a variance. Corn.Au replied that if the elements that required the sign to need variances are
removed from the sign the Petitioner would no longer need variances anytime he wanted to change
a tenant panel. If the off-premises portion of the sign is removed and size complies with the Sign
Code,the Petitioner would no longer need variances any time changes are made to the sign.
Ms. Jackie Nguyen, Platinum Nails, 1693 Weiland Road, was present and sworn in. Ms. Nguyen
stated that she has been a tenant in this center for a year and business is really bad. Every time she
has clients make an appointment to come in, they claim they cannot find her location. Google Maps
does not even show that she exists. She has contacted Google Maps many times to have them
correct the problem, but still people cannot find where she is at. They call and ask her where she is
located because they drove past the building. She tells them she is located in the center with Dunkin
Donuts, but people still do not know where she is at.That makes it hard for her to do business. She
wants to stay and do business in Buffalo Grove for a long time, but this situation does not help her.
She could provide supporting documentation from her clients. It would really help her business if
the ground sign had all the tenants' names on it. She agrees that ground sign should have all the
tenants name on it and the word "Entrance". Business is not that easy these days and if the clients
cannot find her she cannot do business. She does not want to shut her business down. She hopes
the ZBA can do something to help her and the future tenants that could move into the building too.
Corn. Windecker asked Ms. Nguyen if she testified at a previous hearing that she did not want a
tenant panel on the ground sign. Ms. Nguyen stated no. Corn. Windecker asked Ms. Nguyen if she is
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APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 19 of 28
not the same person that testified previously. Ms. Nguyen stated that she was at the previous
hearing. Com. Windecker stated that if the customer locates the business once, they should know
where the business is the second time. Ms. Nguyen replied that she is trying to tell the ZBA that new
customers cannot find the business location. She does advertising in all the coupon mailers. The
coupons do indicate the address but people will make an appointment and when that time comes
no one shows up. She has to call the customer and ask about the missed appointment and they
reply that they could not find her and found somewhere else down the road to go.
Ch. Entman stated that this is a small building. There are signs on both walls. There is a sign at the
corner and the sign at the entrance. That is a lot of signage. He knows that Mr. Imreibe is not the
original owner. Someone built the retail building and built the car wash building and then put in the
signs. He is hearing the Petitioner say that he needed the wall signs on the building. Now he is
hearing the Petitioner say that the tenants need identification of the ground sign because the
ground sign is blocking the west side of the building, or at least a portion of it, so those signs are not
visible. That is a man-made creation. Granted the Petitioner did not put those signs in, he bought
the property. But it is still a man-made creation; that is not natural. He does not see a hardship
when someone puts in a sign that blocks other signs so they ask for more signage to alleviate the
problem caused by the sign they already put in. That is not a hardship. Is it a problem; yes. Is it an
issue,yes, but it is not a hardship for purposes of what the ZBA is being asked to do.There is no way
to show how many signs,which signs,which combination of signs is optimal, if at all.You could have
twenty (20) signs and they may never have an impact. The ZBA cannot just rely on the Petitioner
saying that they have signs but want more signs. The ZBA has to look at the criteria and he is not
seeing the criteria being met. If there is a problem with the signs on the west wall of the building
and the Petitioner believes if the tenant panel idea is better then maybe the west wall signs should
come down. Maybe the wall signs are not doing any good at all. It has been testified to that
customers cannot find their locations then maybe the west wall signs are not helping. Maybe the
wall signs on the east are not helping either. Maybe the Petitioner does not need any of those and
then proceed with a ground sign. As it stands it is difficult for the ZBA because they do not have
anything before them to show what, if any, sign, what size signs, what combination of signs or
location of signs will ever have a positive impact on the business. He agrees with Corn. Shapiro's
suggestion of a directional sign to direct customers into the property.
Mr. Imreibe stated that he had met with Mr. Sheehan several months back and he addressed
some of the concerns. Mr. Sheehan advised him of some of the issues and concerns when he
was addressing the wall signage. There is a recent development that has a ground sign and
signage on both sides of the building. This is a unique building where the street side is not the
store frontage side. That is the justification for the wall signage. He also had the situation where
one of the existing tenants already had two (2)wall signs and was not willing to give that up. He
asked Mr. Sheehan about the recent developments that had similar situations. Mr. Sheehan
stated that there was a new building put up in Plaza Verde that has Noodles, Moe's and
Starbucks that have signage on two (2) elevations of the building as well as a ground sign.
Com. Windecker stated that the reason Dunkin Donuts had two (2) walls signs was they were
the only one in that building for a long time and they could have two (2) signs on the corner.
Mr. Imreibe stated that he thought the Signs Code only allowed a tenant to have one (1) wall
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APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 20 of 28
sign,but Dunkin Donuts had two(2)signs.Com.Windecker replied that Dunkin Donuts had two
U (2)signs because they occupied the whole building.
Corn. Cesario stated that the reason why the ZBA struggles so much is because Petitioners will
look for the example of whatever they want and say "he go it, I want it to". That is a big
concern. The ZBA is worried about precedent and there is already a lot of a-typical elements
going on within that property as it is.As far as the Plaza Verde property,that was debated at
great length based on sight lines, availability and there were substantial changes to make that
work.
Ch. Entman reiterated that it is way too much signage.There is nothing in front of the ZBA that
he would be able to review that shows any statistical facts or evidence.There are wall signs. He
explained to Mr. Imreibe the options available to him. The ZBA could vote on the request as
submitted. The ZBA could Table the request to allow Mr. Imreibe to come up with other
options.
Mr.Imreibe requested to Table his Petition to the next regular meeting.He added that he is not
requesting this for his behalf. He is actually downsizing the signage for the business that he
occupies on the property. But as the landlord,he is trying to secure tenants and trying to keep
tenants in a tough economy.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no
.J questions or comments from the audience.
Corn. Lesser made a motion to Table the request made by BG Car Wash Management, LLC,
1691-1697 Weiland Road,for variance of Sign Code,Section 14.16.030, pertaining to Business
Districts; Section 14.16.060, pertaining to Ground Signs; and Section 14.20.100, pertaining to
Off-Premises Signs, for the purpose of allowing an off-premises ground sign located at 1691-
1697 Weiland Road;for the purpose of reconfiguring the existing ground sign located at 1691-
1697 Weiland Road to allow five(5)tenant panels;and to allow the tenant panel sign faces to
be replaced without a variation,to the May 21, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Corn.
Windecker seconded the request.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE—Cesario,Windecker,Lesser,Shapiro,Au,Entman
NAY—None
ABSTAIN—None
Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item Tabled to the May 21, 2013 Zoning Board of Appeals regular
meeting.
1 BANK LANE, FIRST AMERICAN BANK - SIGN CODE, SECTIONS 14.16.030; 14.16.060 AND
14.20.070.D - FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING A GROUND SIGN, WITH AN ELECTRONIC
MESSAGE BOARD INTEGRATED INTO IT,THAT WOULD BE LOCATED WITHIN TWO HUNDRED
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PAGE 21 of 28
FIFTY(250) FEET OF AN EXISTING GROUND SIGN LOCATED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE STREET;
TO ALLOW THE GROUND SIGN TO FACE A SINGLE FAMILY ZONED DISTRICT; AND TO ALLOW
THE SIGN TO BE COMPOSED OF A MATERIAL OTHER THAN A NATURAL MASONRY FINISH
Mr. Daniel Olson, Grate Signs, 4044 West McDonough, Joliet, Illinois 60431, was present and
sworn in.The public hearing notice published in the Daily Herald on March 28, 2013 was read.
Mr. Olson explained that they are requesting to replace the existing free standing sign that the
bank currently maintains with a monument style sign. The existing sign is approximately
eighteen (18) feet high and seventy (70) square feet in area. The new ground sign would be ten
(10) feet high from grade and approximately fifty (50) square feet in area. The sign would be
internally illuminated with routed aluminum faces and they are requesting a variation for the
LED portion of the proposed sign. He advised that First American Bank does have ground signs
with brick bases at some of their locations. The bank would be happy to use a brick base for the
sign. He met with the Village Engineer concerning the location of the proposed sign. There is a
public easement on the property and they will be locating the proposed sign in the same
location as the existing sign. The hours of operation of the proposed sign would pursuant to the
Ordinance, which is 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The technology and the software for the LED
portion of the sign would automatically dim the sign down at dusk.
Ch. Entman read the Village Engineer's memorandum addressed to Brian Sheehan dated March
29, 2013 which states: "The proposed sign location is in conflict with a watermain and storm
sewer." Ch. Entman also read the email addressed to Julie Kamka from Daniel Olson dated April
9, 2013 which states: "The document that shows the location approved by Public Works is
attached. The new sign will remain in the same location on existing base outside of the 20'
utility easement." Mr. Sheehan asked for clarification from Mr. Olson regarding the proposed
sign location. There is a fifteen (15) foot easement and Mr. Olson talks about a twenty (20) foot
easement. Mr. Olson stated that he believes Mr. Kuenkler had told him it was a twenty (20)foot
easement. Mr. Sheehan suggested any approval be subject to the approval of the Village
Engineer.
Ch. Entman also read the Appearance Review Team (ART) minutes dated April 2, 2013 into the
record.
Com. Shapiro stated that currently the bank has a window sign that is the same electronic
messaging. He asked if the bank is planning to remove that sign. Mr. Olson advised that the way
the bank has evolved with their marketing, approximately ten (10) years ago they put up light
boxes inside the branches. Jennifer Lynch, Marketing Coordinator, would have to call the
branch locations and the tellers would manually have to change the sign panels. The signs were
on hoists and not easy to change. The bank is utilizing the LED technology in the same static
way; no flashing, no scrolling, no millions of colors. White text on a black or dark blue
background. When they can get approval for an LED ground sign, they take down the big free
standing sign and put up a monument style ground sign that has the same function as the
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window sign. The sign in the window is two and a half (2-1/2) times the size of the proposed
LED portion of the ground sign. Corn. Shapiro asked about how frequently the messaging is
changed on the LED sign. Mr. Olson stated that the sign will be static for fifteen (15) minutes at
a time. This is the most unconventional use of an LED display. It fits their marketing perfectly.
Any other business owner that would invest in these displays would use every capability of the
software, which is flashing, moving, etc. This is an RGB full color message center and the bank
puts nothing but white text on it. Corn. Shapiro confirmed that the sign has the ability to do
color. Mr. Olson replied yes. Corn. Shapiro stated that if the bank changed their marketing in
the future they could use color, images, etc. The technology is there. Mr. Olson stated that the
only way to get white is to have RGB, red, green, blue. Any other business would be using all the
functions capable with the technology and probably changing the messages on average every
two (2) or three (3) seconds. Com. Shapiro stated that the Village does not allow that. He
advised that the ZBA would stipulate the removal of the LED window sign.
Corn. Windecker stated that according to the testimony at the ART meeting the window sign
will be removed and it currently changes every fifteen (15) minutes. Mr. Sheehan stated that
based on Exhibit "D2" the letter states that the sign changes every fifteen (15) minutes. Corn.
Windecker added that the sign would be located on the concrete casting for the gas station sign
that was never completed prior to the bank.
Corn. Lesser asked to confirm that the proposed sign will be the only LED changeable copy sign
that will be seen from the exterior of the premises. Mr. Olson stated that is correct. Corn. Lesser
./ asked the Petitioner, that while the technology exists within the sign to do flashing, graphics,
images and multiple colors, what limitation will be placed upon this sign. Mr. Olson stated that
the sign will be static, no flashing, white text only with either a black or dark blue background.
Mr. Tim Groark, President of the Winchester Estates Homeowners Association, 54 Woodstone
Court, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089, was present and sworn in. Mr. Groark stated that he is also
attending the hearing on behalf of Mr. Michael Rubin, 30 Woodstone Court, Buffalo Grove,
Illinois 60089, which is the closest unit to the proposed sign. Mr. Groark will need more
information from the bank concerning the proposed sign. Initially he looked at the application
submitted for the variation. The application requires a letter to be submitted stating the
practical difficulties or particular hardships that are related to the variance request. He has not
seen difficulties or hardship or anything in writing, but conclusions. The ART minutes reflect
that the Petitioner needs the sign because it is cumbersome to change the sign in the window
regularly. Also, there is a hardship to the bank because they are spending thousands of dollars
on these signs. Normally you would not spend the money for this sign without the approval of
the ZBA. He thanked Mr. Olson for providing the intended hours of operation of the proposed
sign. He also stated that he does not have any information on the brightness of the proposed
sign at night. He stated that at night the sign will appear to be brighter. If you look at the ART
minutes, it is also stated that the bank would have the ability to override the software and dim
the north face of the sign even more than is proposed. It is only the north face of the sign that
would affect the neighboring residential units. He would like to know how much the sign could
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be dimmed and what the lumens will be. If they can limit the lumens on the north face of the
sign even further, then why not program the sign that way. It would probably remove any
objection the neighboring unit owners would have in that regard.There is another indication on
the second page of the ART minutes that the residential units are protected by a landscaping
buffer and trees. There is no landscape buffer. There are trees but the threes are bare about six
(6) months of the year. So the trees would have no affect on the sign in the winter time when it
is the darkest and when the sign might be the most annoying. At this point he is asking that the
ZBA Table the request until he can get the information he is requesting because the sign would
directly affect the homeowners.
Mr. Tom Wroblewski, 74 Woodstone Drive, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089, was present and
sworn in. Mr. Wroblewski stated that he also on the Board of Directors for Winchester Estates.
Part of their objection is that they do not have enough factual information yet to determine
whether or not the proposed sign will really be a nuisance to those families. The units located
directly north of the bank all have their family room or living room at the rear of their units,
which would be most affected. Not knowing the brightness of the sign, especially at night, is
something that is bothering them. He does not believe that during the day time people will
really care. He has been a customer of the bank for nineteen (19) years and it is a wonderful
bank. From an appearance standpoint he likes the look of the sign. If they could just have a few
questions answered he would be very happy.
Mr. Olson stated that he has information on the lumens and the nits of the proposed sign. The
`./ information is very confusing. This LED display, in terms of size, if you consider the distance
from the nearest residential unit of two hundred fifty (250) feet, the LED portion of this sign
would be twenty (20) square feet. The TV screen in the Council Chambers is probably forty (40)
square feet. The LED portion of the sign will be three (3)feet by six (6)foot four(4) inches. From
two hundred fifty (250) feet with only the text lit, the sign will not be a bright beacon in the
night. When he was driving in this evening, in comparing this sign to signs that are bright, the
Outback Steakhouse and Winberies on Lake Cook Road are exposed neon,very bright. LED's are
bright, but white LED is not as bright as red or orange. He can provide the lumen outputs. He
could meet with the association members and talk about it but he does not know what he
would say. If you look at the size of the LED sign, it is miniscule compared to a lot of overall
digital displays. There is also the static use of the sign; no flashing, no scrolling, no different
things, no running videos, or all the things you could do with the sign. The bank choses not to, it
is not their approach. The technology does dim the sign down at night. The manufacturers do
not want to the LED's brighter than they have to be to perform at a reasonable level. The
reason is that they do not last as long. So when a sign is powered at a higher level to get more
nits the sign does not last as long. With ambient light hitting the sign during the day you have to
have the sign powered more. But at night, the sign automatically dims down. On a scale of one
(1) to ten (10) the signs start out at eight (8) during the day and goes down to four (4) at night.
Even he does not understand the technical language of nits and lumen output.
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Ch. Entman asked Mr. Groark and Mr. Wroblewski if there is anything other than what Mr.
�./ Olson described that they would still like to know. Mr. Groark stated that he would still like
additional information. He asked where Mr. Olson came up with the two hundred fifty (250)
foot distance to the residential properties. Mr. Olson stated that he used Google Earth. It may
not be exact but he believes it is fairly accurate. Mr. Groark stated to Mr. Olson that based on
the April 2, 2013 ART minutes, Mr. Olson was advised by Mr. Sheehan to be prepared to testify
as to the brightness of the proposed sign. He has not heard that.
Ch. Entman stated that the Petitioner has stated in the materials submitted with the application
that they have met certain criteria. Whether competitive advantage is one of the criteria the
ZBA would consider, it can be. But there are other aspects that he has seen in the materials
submitted regarding cost and efficiency. He also noted that the bank is taking down the existing
ground sign, which by the Village's standards is way too tall, and they are reducing the sign to
an extremely reasonable height. That is all he has ever tried to accomplish on the ZBA. To get
rid of a big sign for a small sign is good. To get rid of the signage in the window that they have
had is good. Those are two (2)things he is looking at in a positive fashion.
Mr. Groark stated that the bank is telling the ZBA that they have these signs in various locations
and they have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on them. If the bank can advise as to
where there is a similar sign, same size and so forth, he would be happy to go and look at the
sign. He would take a look at an existing sign if he is told where he could go look at one at night.
Then he could go back to the bank and he would not have to come back before the ZBA.
Com. Lesser stated that the residents raised a valid concern and one of the ways to alleviate the
concern is to conduct a sight line study from the perspective of the affected residents to the
sign. The residents may in fact be screened by landscaping and/or fences around the rear yards.
We are taking about an existing sign that is much higher which would be reduced in size
substantially. The residents may not be able to see the sign. Granted, if they are in their second
story bedroom looking out the window in that direction,they probably could. In the area on the
first floor where the residents will often be, they may not be affected. If a sight line study is
conducted it may eliminate all of the concerns. Mr. Groark stated that you can see the sign from
28 Woodstone Court and 30 Woodstone Court. He is not saying that the sign would be a
nuisance or anything he just does not know enough about the sign. If the bank shows them
another sign he would be happy to go and look it, as long as they can represent that it would be
a very similar sign or same type of sign that is proposed.
Com. Au asked Mr. Olson to provide the nits and lumens information to Mr. Groark and Mr.
Wroblewski so that it is on the record. Mr. Olson explained that brightness for LED technology is
measured in nits. LED's do not have a wattage measurement. A nit is defined as the number of
candelas per square meter. This product has a maximum brightness of seven thousand five
hundred (7,500) nits at full white, high brightness mode when viewed from one (1) meter.
Therefore, all full white maximum brightness,the sign has a foot candle measure of seventy five
(75) at one (1) meter. The brightness drops exponentially with each meter further back the sign
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PAGE 25 of 28
is viewed from. The seventy five hundred (7,500) nits was if you lit the whole LED display, the
entire lamp bank of how ever many thousand, eighty (80) by one hundred sixty (160) matrix of
pixels. If every pixel was lit, that is where you would get the seventy five hundred (7,500).
Maybe thirty (30) percent of the entire LED bank is lit when a static message is displayed. When
you factor that with the type of message, at every meter you move back from the sign, the
brightness drops. The drop off in brightness as you move further away occurs at approximately
ten (10) percent per meter up to forty (40) meters. At that point the sign is less pronounced.
LED signs are usually set at level six (6) for during the day; that would be six thousand (6,000)
nits. And that would be if the entire lamp bank were lit. The sign automatically drops down to a
four (4) which is three thousand (3,000) nits at night. He asked the ZBA to consider that they
have provided a lot of information. He understands the neighbor's concerns but he does not
know what other information they could offer.
Corn. Windecker asked about the nit level at night. Mr. Olson stated that the factory setting
would be three thousand (3,000). Corn. Windecker stated that the limits the ZBA had put on the
last LED sign at Twin Rinks Ice Rink was five hundred (500) nits at night. If the sign could be
turned down at night to five hundred (500) nits then there should not be any problem. He
would not support a three thousand (3,000) nit level at night. Mr. Olson stated that the
numbers he provided are a little misleading. That would be if the entire sign was lit. Com.
Windecker understands what Mr. Olson is saying but he has to direct some answers to the ZBA
as to what is going to be displayed at night. That is what other Petitioners have done. A window
sign is a different story. That sign faced a shopping center. This sign will face a residential
development. There has to be some information provided. If this is the only information that
can be produced for the sign illumination it will not be sufficient.
Com. Cesario stated that this is not a new issue. The solution at Twin Rinks was that the
variance was subject to Village determination respectively. If the Village said the sign was too
bright then the intensity would be reduced. He asked if the Petitioner would be willing to
accept that condition. It is a way to deal with the intensity issue. If the sign is still bright at night
and intrusive the Village would then subject the variance to further conditioning based on the
intrusiveness. Mr. Olson stated that the bank would be happy to make that a condition of the
variance. They had a branch in Riverside that had an interior display because they could not
have a free standing ground sign. It was too bright and the bank dimmed the sign.
Corn. Shapiro stated that one of the issues with Twin Rinks was that they had customers there
up until midnight. These operating hours are much different. He asked if the Petitioner would
be willing to turn the sign off earlier in the evening, before 11:00 p.m. and change the operating
hours to perhaps 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. that may be more in line with the residential
neighborhood. Obviously the bank would not be open at the time so he is not sure if there
would be much benefit to the marketing at that time of night. That could be another possible
alternative.
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Ch. Entman stated that the Petitioner has provided a lot of information. There have been some
�-/ comments from the ZBA. The neighbors have some questions that they would to have
answered. He asked if the Petitioner would like to Table the request to the next meeting, meet
with the neighbors and see if there is anything else that can be provided that will answer their
questions and then come back to the ZBA to resolve any remaining issues. Mr. Olson stated that
it is important that they are thorough on their approach. He asked if they could use Corn.
Cesario's suggestion that there be conditions and if the north face of the sign is an issue the
bank would dim the sign down. Short of the neighbors looking at another sign, he does not
know what other information can be provided. Mr. Groark stated that they are not against the
bank, they are just trying to figure out what they are actually talking about. At the ART meeting
it was stated that the bank has the ability to override the software and dim the north face of
the sign even more. Ch. Entman stated that what the ZBA is saying is that the ZBA could put a
condition on the variance that allows the Village to basically police the brightness of the sign.
Mr. Groark stated that they are basically saying the same thing but there are other remedies
other than dimming the sign. Ch. Entman advised that the ZBA could put a condition on the
variance that would allow the Village to police the sign to allow for that. He asked if that would
satisfy Mr. Groark's concern as to the brightness of the sign. Mr. Groark stated that he believes
it would.
There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no
additional questions or comments from the audience.
`•/ Com. Cesario made the following motion:
I move we recommend to the Village Board to grant the request made by Grate Signs, 4044
West McDonough, Joliet, Illinois 60431 on behalf of First American Bank, 1 Bank Lane, for
variance of Sign Code, Section 14.16.030, pertaining to Business District; Section 14.16.060,
pertaining to Ground Signs; and Section 14.20.070.D, pertaining to Electronic Message Signs,for
the purpose of allowing a ground sign, with an electronic message board integrated into it,that
would be located within two hundred fifty (250) feet of an existing ground sign located on the
same side of the street; to allow the ground sign to face a single family zoned district; and to
allow the sign to be composed of a material other than a natural masonry finish subject to the
following conditions:
1. The sign is to be installed pursuant to Exhibit "E" with a brick base to match the
building;
2. Subject to the Appearance Review Team (ART) minutes dated April 2, 2013;
3. The sign shall be in substantially the same location as the existing ground sign
subject to the Village Engineer's approval;
4. The hours of operation for the sign are limited to 6:00 a.m.to 11:00 p.m.;
5. The existing changeable copy LED window sign is to be removed and the variance
voided;
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APRIL 16, 2013
PAGE 27 of 28
6. The assertions in the letter dated March 18, 2013 and marked as Exhibit D2 will
`-/ be strictly adhered to. These assertions are as follows:
a. The lighting will remain constant with no moving, blinking, strobing,
flashing, fluttering, graphics or other similar effects.
b. The sign message will change no more frequently that once every 15
minutes.
c. Community messages may be displayed at the request of the Village.
d. The lights intensity, brightness and color will not change within a message
or between messages, except when the lights dim automatically at dusk,
or as required by the Village pursuant to the Ordinance requirements.
e. The signs brightness will be adjusted to minimize glare.
7. The Village may further limit the brightness on both side of the sign at the
Village's sole discretion; and
8. Landscaping shall be maintained around the base of the sign.
Pursuant to Sign Code, Section 14.40.010, Subsection B.
Corn. Au seconded the motion.
Roll Call Vote:
AYE — Cesario, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman
NAY — None
ABSTAIN — None
Motion Passed 6 to 0. Findings of Fact attached. Item to appear on the May 6, 2013 Village
Board consent agenda.
ANNOUCEMENTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Com. Lesser and seconded by Corn. Windecker.
Voice Vote — AYE was unanimous.
Ch. Entman adjourned the meeting at 10:22 P.M.
Submitted by,
Jude Kamka
Recording Secretary
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