Loading...
2010-04-20 - Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes REGULAR MEETING BUFFALO GROVE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS APRIL 20, 2010 Chairman Entman called the Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 50 Raupp Boulevard. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Commissioner Stein Commissioner Windecker Commissioner Lesser Commissioner Shapiro Commissioner Au Chairman Entman Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Dunn Also Present: Brian Sheehan, Deputy Building Commissioner William Raysa, Village Attorney Jeffrey Braiman, Village Trustee APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 16, 2010 minutes: Corn. Lesser made a motion to approve the minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Corn. Stein seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE — Stein, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY — None ABSTAIN — Windecker Motion Passed 5 to 0, 1 abstention. Minutes approved as submitted. OLD BUSINESS 55 W DUNDEE ROAD, QUALITY CAR CENTER-CAR WASH — SIGN CODE, SECTIONS 14.20.030; 14.20.070; 14.20.130; 14.40.070; 14.40.080, TO ALLOW TWO (2) GROUND SIGNS TO BE LOCATED IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY; TO ALLOW MULTIPLE GROUND SIGNS ON A SINGLE DEVELOPED LOT; TO ALLOW THE TWO (2) GROUND SIGNS TO EXCEED THE HEIGHT PERMITTED; TO ALLOW THE TWO (2) GROUND SIGNS TO BE LOCATED CLOSER TO THE PROPERTY LINE THAN THE HEIGHT OF THE SIGNS; TO ALLOW THE TWO (2) GROUND SIGNS TO BE LOCATED WITHIN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) FEET OF EXISTING GROUND SIGNS LOCATED ON THE SAME PARCEL AND SAME SIDE OF THE Li ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 1 of 16 — APRIL 20, 2010 STREET; TO ALLOW TWO (2) DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TO BE LOCATED IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY; TO ALLOW TWO (2) DIRECTIONAL SIGNS THAT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED HEIGHT OF FOUR (4) FEET; AND TO ALLOW THE EXISTING BANNERS ON THE BUILDING TO REMAIN INDEFINITELY Ch. Entman read an email submitted by Bob Kuhlman addressed to Brian Sheehan dated March 26, 2010 which states: "Brian, Please postpone our meeting with the zoning board until the May meeting. Thank you." Com. Lesser made a motion to Table the request made by Quality Car Center-Car Wash, 55 W. Dundee Road, to the May 18, 2010 regular meeting. Com. Shapiro seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE— Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY—None ABSTAIN—None Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item to appear on the May 18, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals agenda. 1101-1165 WEILAND ROAD, EMBASSY, LLC — SIGN CODE, SECTIONS 14.20.030 AND 14.20.070, TO ALLOW A GROUND SIGN WOULD EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED AREA OF 120 SQUARE FEET BY 114 SQUARE FEET; TO ALLOW A GROUND SIGN THAT WOULD EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED HEIGHT OF 20 FEET BY 3 FEET 4 INCHES AND WOULD BE LOCATED 10 FEET 10 INCHES FROM THE PROPERTY LINE FOR CREEKSIDE COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER Mr. Terry Weppler, Attorney, 121 W. Church Street, Libertyville, Illinois, was present and sworn in. Mr. Weppler distributed to the Board a proposed landscape plan which was marked as Exhibit "G". He described the new proposed sign that was designed based upon the comments from the last attended meeting. The sign height was reduced to sixteen (16) feet six (6) inches high; the tenant panels, other than the three (3) major tenant panels, were reconfigured to adjust to the new height; they changed the color of the remaining tenant panels; and they added brick to the bottom of the sign to match the building. He believes they have addressed the issues that were raised at the last meeting and by the Appearance Review Team (ART). They were asked to reduce the number of tenant panels on the sign. He spoke with his client extensively about it and his client feels very strongly that as a landlord it is difficult for him to tell one business they can be on a sign and another they can't. There are four (4) empty units in the Center. Most tenants are going to want identification at the street. So his client did not want to reduce the number of tenant panels. Corn. Stein stated that one of the concerns of the Board was the size of the tenant panels. Five (5) feet per panel might be too big. Instead of the sign being ten (10) feet wide with two (2) panels side by side, the sign is now fifteen (15) feet wide with three (3) panels side by side. The sign still has five (5) foot tenant panels. Also the size of the sign has increased from two hundred thirty (230) square feet to two hundred fifty one (251) square feet, which is larger than the last ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 2 of 16—APRIL 20,2010 sign. Mr. Weppler stated that they were trying to incorporate the brick into the sign. The height for the brick is two and one half(2-1/2) feet tall. The sign company conducted a study and made a recommendation for the size of the tenant panels based on the speed limits in that area and what is readable text from the street at that speed limit and street width. If the text gets small, the sign will not be readable. Com. Stein stated that both the ART and the Zoning Board has told the Petitioner that they wanted to see a smaller sign. Instead of the sign getting smaller, it got bigger. Com. Au stated that even though the sign is shorter it looks more confusing. If she was driving past she would not be able to read the sign. The look of the previous sign was cleaner but too big. Corn. Windecker believes that the sign is too tall and too busy with too many businesses. The sign across the street at Highland Grove Shopping Center has eight(8)tenant panels and eighteen (18) stores in the Center that are all leased. That fact that this Center has four (4) vacancies indicates that there may be other problems than just the sign. He is not in favor of approving a sign to be sixteen (16) foot six (6) inch high sign and all the panels on it when there are more panels than spaces at the Center. Com. Windecker confirmed that there are a total of fourteen (14) spaces in the Center, but there are fifteen (15) panels on the proposed sign. He advised that the Village does not want blank panels on the sign. Mr. Weppler stated that potentially there could be more tenants since Creekside Dental and ReMax occupy multiple spaces. Corn. Windecker would like to see a shorter sign with six (6) of the tenant panels removed. Corn. Lesser is not in favor of the number of panels on the sign. He asked about the intent of the sign and what attention the landlord is trying to capture with the location of the sign being at the corner of Weiland Road and Deerfield Parkway. It appears that the sign will be facing south and north. People traveling west on Deerfield Parkway will not see the sign until they have passed it unless they are stopped at the light. People traveling east on Deerfield Parkway will not really see the sign until they are on top of it. They would be more likely to see the names of the tenants on the signs above the tenant spaces. So really the sign is only capturing people traveling north on Weiland Road. He is not willing to accept a sixteen (16) foot high sign with fifteen (15) tenant panels for the purpose of people traveling north on Weiland Road. He does not see the need for the sign. He does not see any hardship or unique circumstances to justify granting the variance. Ch. Entman stated that the Petitioner did take to heart some of the comments of the ART. He believes that the proposed sign is very large. Most, if not all, of the large signs in the Village have been here for quite some time. Most signs are reduced in size, height and copy area. The proposed sign is too big for this property. He drives by there all the time and he has never had a problem seeing the names of the businesses on the wall. Because the property is situated uniquely on the property, setback and at an angle, it allows for visibility from almost every direction. The proposed sign is too big, too many tenants and he does not see the need. Com. Shapiro agrees with the other Commissioners. He likes the design of this sign better than the taller one but the dimensions still need to be reduced. If each panel is sixteen (16) inches tall, then 7-Eleven should be no larger than forty eight(48)inches tall and ReMax should be no larger than thirty two (32) inches tall and take off the bottom row of tenant panels. He likes the design of the sign,but not the overall dimensions. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 3 of 16—APRIL 20, 2010 Mr.Weppler asked if the Board would consider two(2)signs,one(1)on Weiland Road and one (1) on Deerfield Parkway. Ch. Entman stated that the Board would entertain anything the Petitioner is requesting.Depending on what is being proposed,the Petitioner may need to amend or file a new petition and republish. In concept he could not say he does not like the idea.He would certainly look at it.If there were two(2)signs close to the entrances/exits for the Center that were drastically reduced with more limited tenant identification then he might look at those and like them better. Ch.Entman polled the Board to see if anyone was opposed to seeing a proposal with two(2) signs.There were no comments from the Board. Mr.Weppler requested to Table to May 18,2010 meeting to go back to his client based on the comments from the Board. Com.Windecker added that this Center is looked at as a local,mini shopping center.People in the neighborhood know who is in the Center. On the proposed sign the name of the Center is closer to the size of the tenant panels. There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Com.Lesser made a motion to Table the request made by Embassy,LLC, 1101-1165 Weiland Road,to the May 18, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Com. Windecker seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote:AYE—Stein,Windecker,Lesser,Shapiro,Au,Entman NAY—None ABSTAIN—None Motion Passed 6 to 0.Item to appear on the May 18,2010 Zoning Board of Appeals agenda. NEW BUSINESS BUFFALO GROVE BUSINESS PARK, HAMILTON PARTNERS — REVIEW OF STATUS OF THE EXISTING FOR RENT,SALE,LEASE SIGNS AT 1110 LAKE COOK ROAD AND 135 ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ROAD Ms. Valerie Loughman, Hamilton Partners, 1130 Lake Cook Road, Suite 190,Buffalo Grove, Illinois,was present and sworn in. Ms.Loughman explained that they are requesting to extend the leasing signs for another six(6) months.These are special economic times.They have been seeing in the last six(6)months some tenants relocate to other office buildings outside of Buffalo Grove. Ch.Entman advised that he is a tenant in the business park but this will not affect his decision. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 4 of 16—APRIL 20,2010 There were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Corn. Windecker made a motion to allow the two (2) existing temporary signs to remain located at 135 Arlington Heights Road and 1110 Lake Cook Road. Hamilton Partners shall appear at the October 19, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting to review the status of the temporary signs. Com. Lesser seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE — Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY — None ABSTAIN — None Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item to appear on the October 19, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals agenda. 301 NORTH RIVERWALK DRIVE, HAMILTON PARTNERS — REVIEW OF STATUS OF THE THREE (3) EXISTING FOR RENT, SALE, LEASE SIGNS AT RIVERWALK PLACE APARTMENTS Ms. Darcie Tapper, Property Manager, 301 North Riverwalk Place, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was present and sworn in. Ms. Tapper explained that she is requesting that the signs on Milwaukee Avenue and Lake Cook Road be allowed to remain. Ch. Entman stated that he reviewed the occupancy report from 2006 through 2010. He can remember when there was nobody there. He advised that they are holding steady. Ms. Tapper replied that they are in the eighty (80) percent occupancy range. Corn. Lesser asked at what level of occupancy and what period of time would the temporary signs come down and which temporary sign would come down. Ms. Tapper stated that she relies on these signs very much for directional purposes for people to know that they are setback from the road. She uses them on a daily basis to get people to the property. She would like to hold onto the signs as long as possible unless they can get permanent signs that are illuminated like the signs at Chevy Chase. Corn. Lesser would like to know what the plan is to address the temporary signs. An apartment community with occupancy at low to mid ninety (90) percent is relatively stabilized. Ms. Tapper stated that she would defer that question to Hamilton Partners. Corn. Windecker asked how many units are in the building. Ms. Tapper stated they have ninety (90) units. Corn. Windecker asked how many vacant units there are now. Ms. Tapper stated they have thirteen (13) vacant units. Corn. Windecker confirmed that there are ninety (90) units and thirteen (13) vacant. That would be eighty eight (88) percent occupied. Ms. Tapper explained that because of the current economic status, they have lowered rents to be competitive. Whether they are thirteen (13) vacant or three (3) vacant, the income ratio is a lot different. Corn. Windecker clarified that the Board is talking about rental units and temporary signs. Com. Shapiro stated that he believes the temporary signs are attractive. He understands the need for the signs. The Board has talked before about reducing the number of signs. He believes that ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 5 of 16 — APRIL 20, 2010 they are reaching a point where they have a good flow of clients. He would like to know at what point they would not need the sign on Lake Cook Road. He asked if the number of signs had to be reduced,which sign would be removed. Com. Stein agrees that the signs look pretty decent. At one point there were five (5) temporary signs. They are down to two (2) signs plus the off premises sign. He asked that as part of the spring clean up that the signs are touched up. He has no issues with the request. Ch. Entman asked Ms. Tapper to take the comments back to Hamilton Partners and let them know what the Board is looking for. There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Corn. Stein made a motion to allow the three (3) existing"For Rent, Sale, Lease" signs to remain located at Riverwalk Place Apartments, 301 North Riverwalk Drive. Hamilton Partners shall appear at the October 19, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting to review the status of the temporary signs. Corn. Au seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE— Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY—None ABSTAIN—None Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item to appear on the October 19, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals agenda. 1000 WEILAND ROAD, FUJI THAI — DEVIATION TO THE HIGHLAND OAKS SHOPPING CENTER SIGN CRITERIA TO ALLOW WHITE LETTERS WITH RED TRIM AROUND THE LETTERS AND RETURNS There was no one present. This item has been deferred to the end of the agenda. 1038 WEILAND ROAD, TASTY SPIN — DEVIATION TO THE HIGHLAND OAKS SHOPPING CENTER SIGN CRITERIA TO ALLOW PMS GOLDEN YELLOW #1235C AND PMS RED #185C; TO ALLOW THE SIGN HEIGHT TO EXCEED TEN (10) INCHES FOR TWO (2) LINES OF COPY; AND TO ALLOW THE GYRO LOGO TO BE USED AS THE LETTER "i" ON THE TWO (2) WALL SIGNS AND THE TENANT PANEL Mr. Tom Holland, Holland Design Group, 1090 Brown Street, Wauconda, Illinois, was present and sworn in. Mr. Holland explained that he worked with Dan Winkowski of Nordic Properties regarding Highland Oaks Shopping Center. This is the last tenant in the Center. He has worked with the tenant and designed the logo to be used as a branding image so it can be used on cups, bags, shirts and other products. The business owner does need the "i" in Spin to be used as a logo. The two (2) lines of copy were worked in to appear as if it is not two (2) lines of copy. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 6 of 16—APRIL 20,2010 Ch. Entman read the ART minutes of April 5, 2010 into the record. There was discussion of making the letter"i"into an actual"i"but to allow the shape of the gyro. Com.Windecker asked if this is a national chain.Mr.Dimitrakopoulos stated that this is the first store but that they are hoping to open more. Mr.George Dimitrakopoulos,Tasty Spin,1038 Weiland Road,was present and sworn in. Com. Windecker asked if the gyro logo is a corporate image. He does not feel that it is appropriate for the signs and should not be used.The word"gyros"is located under the"P"in "Tasty Spin". Com. Stein believes that the signs look nice but he agrees with Com. Windecker. The ART minutes also reflect that the"i"not be a gyro. Ch.Entman polled the Board if anyone had any issues with the proposed colors.There were no issues.Ch.Entman agrees with the recommendation of the ART to not use the gyro. Mr.Sheehan clarified that the ART recommended that the shape of the"i"could remain but to change the color to match the rest of the sign letters. Ch.Entman suggested that the"i"be the same font shape as the rest of the lettering in the word "Tasty Spin". Com.Shapiro stated that he agrees with the ART recommendation. Com.Windecker agrees with Ch.Entman that the font be the same as the rest of the sign.The Zoning Board does not want anyone coming in and picking a letter out of somebody's name and making a fancy letter out of it and saying that they will use it as a logo. The Shopping Center Criteria does not allow that. Mr.Holland stated that they worked really hard on the sign to create an identity.They had played around with the sign by putting the gyro next to the lettering or on the side. But without that identification of the gyro how does the sign read as Tasty Spin.The sign says gyro underneath but most people will not be able to identify their featured product. Corn.Windecker asked if their featured product was a hot dog,would they take the word hot dog and take one (1) of the letters out and replace with the shape of a hot dog for attraction. The intent appears to be to emphasize one(1)specific item on the menu in a wall sign.That is like a sign having a slice of pizza in it.He does not support the gyro. Com.Lesser stated that without the words underneath Tasty Spin"burgers-hot dogs—salads— gyros",people driving by are not going to know what that is.Driving by a thirty(30)miles per hour no one will be able to pick out the"i"and say that they serve gyros. The text is needed below to communicate what Tasty Spin is serving.The shape should be the same color as the rest of the letters. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 7 of 16—APRIL 20,2010 Mr. Dimitrakopoulos stated that the only reason they wanted the gyro is because the gyro spins around. A tasty spin on any food can mean a lot of things. They are a new business and are trying to be successful. He asked if they were a franchise could he be able to use the gyro. Corn. Windecker answered that if they were a national franchise and this was their logo and it was trademarked then it would be alright. Mr. Dimitrakopoulos asked if he applied for the trademark now could he use the gyro. Corn. Windecker asked if this is a national chain. Mr. Dimitrakopoulos stated that it is not a national chain but he could get the logo trademarked. Corn. Windecker stated that the Zoning Board is looking at what exists now, not what it could be. Corn. Au agrees with the Commissioners and the ART. She does not believe that the brown gyro in this sign is appropriate. She would not be opposed to the shape as long as the color matches the other letters. Corn. Shapiro advised that the Zoning Board looks at each request on a case by case basis. He agrees to leave the shape and match the color of the other letters. Ch. Entman agrees that the gyro will not be noticeable to traffic driving down the street that would automatically identify the restaurant or separate it from some other type of restaurant. He does not have an issue if they keep the shape of the "i" in the present shape but make the color match the other letters in Tasty Spin. As far as the tenant panel, leave the shape and change the color to black. Mr. Holland amended the request to retain the shape of the gyro but change the color of the "i" to match the letters in Tasty Spin on both wall signs and change the tenant panel to be all solid black lettering. There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Corn. Lesser made the motion: I move we grant the request made by Tasty Spin, 1038 Weiland Road, for deviation to the Highland Oaks Shopping Center Sign Criteria to allow PMS Golden Yellow #1235C and PMS Red #185C; to allow the sign height to exceed ten (10) inches in height for two (2) lines of copy; and to allow the gyro shape to be used as the letter "i" on the two (2) wall signs and tenant panels. The color of the "i" shall be PMS Golden Yellow #1235C on the two (2) wall signs and black on the tenant panel. Com. Windecker seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE — Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY — None ABSTAIN — None Motion Passed 6 to 0. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 8 of 16 — APRIL 20, 2010 30 E. DUNDEE ROAD, PNC BANK— SIGN CODE, SECTIONS 14.20.030; 14.20.070; 14.20.080; AND 14.20.130, TO REPLACE THE "NATIONAL CITY BANK" SIGN PANELS WITH"PNC BANK"SIGN PANELS ON THE EXISTING GROUND SIGNS: ONE(1)LOCATED AT THE ENTRANCE ON BUFFALO GROVE ROAD AND ONE(1) LOCATED AT THE ENTRANCE ON DUNDEE ROAD; TO REPLACE THE WALL SIGN ON THE SOUTH ELEVATION OF THE BUILDING WITH"PNC BANK"AND THEIR LOGO; TO REPLACE THE "ATM" DIRECTIONAL SIGN WITH A NEW DIRECTIONAL SIGN;AND TO ADD A DRIVE-UP ATM SURROUND SIGN Ms. Candance Williams, Icon Identity Solutions, 1418 Elmhurst Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007,was present and sworn in.The public hearing notice published in the Daily Herald on April 2,2010 was read. Ms. Williams explained that they are replacing the National City Bank sign panels with new PNC Bank sign panels on the two(2)existing ground signs.They are also replacing a wall sign and adding an ATM drive up surround. Ch.Entman read the Village Engineer's memorandum addressed to Brain Sheehan dated April 13,2010 which states:"I have no comments on the proposal." Ch.Entman read the ART minutes dated April 5,2010 into the record. Ch.Entman confirmed that the only new sign is the ATM surround. There were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Corn.Windecker made the following motion: I move we recommend to the Village Board to grant the request made by PNC Bank, 30 E. Dundee Road, for variance of Sign Code, Section 14.20.030,pertaining to Business Districts; Section 14.20.070,pertaining to Ground Signs;Section 14.20.080,pertaining to Wall Signs;and Section 14.20.130, pertaining to Directional Signs, for the purpose of replacing the"National City Bank"sign panels with"PNC BANK"sign panels on the existing ground signs: one(1) located at the entrance on Buffalo Grove Road and one(1)located at the entrance on Dundee Road; to replace the wall sign on the south elevation of the building with"PNC BANK"and their logo;to replace the"ATM"directional sign with a new directional sign;and to add a Drive- up ATM Surround sign. Signs to be installed pursuant to plans submitted to and approved by the Village. Subject to the Village Engineer's memorandum dated April 13,2010. Pursuant to Sign Code,Section 14.44.010,Subsection B. Corn.Shapiro seconded the motion. Li ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 9 of 16—APRIL 20,2010 Roll Call Vote: AYE—Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY—None ABSTAIN—None Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item to appear on the May 17, 2010 Village Board agenda. 1177 W. LAKE COOK ROAD, PNC BANK —SIGN CODE, SECTIONS 14.20.030; SECTION 14.20.070; AND SECTION 14.20.080,TO ALLOW A GROUND SIGN THAT WOULD BE LOCATED CLOSER TO THE PROPERTY LINE THAN ALLOWED BY THE SIGN CODE; AND TO ALLOW THE LOGO AS PART OF THE WALL SIGN ON THE EAST ELEVATION OF THE BUILDING Ms. Candance Williams,Icon Identity Solutions, 1418 Elmhurst Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007,was present and sworn in. The public hearing notice published in the Daily Herald on April 2, 2010 was read. Ms. Williams explained that they are proposing to reface the existing ground sign and to add a channel letter wall sign on the east elevation of the building. Ch. Entman read the Village Engineer's memorandum addressed to Brian Sheehan dated April 13, 2010 which states: "I am not following the dimensions indicated(for signs P001, W002 and W014)but it appears that they are proposed to be located at their existing location. It that is the proposal the locations are fine, as long as P001 is verified to be located on the property." Ms. Williams responded that sign P001 is located on the property. Mr. Sheehan stated that he was on the site and verified that the signs are all on the property. The pole sign is twenty-eight (28) feet from the west property line and twenty(20) feet one(1)inch from the north property line. Ch. Entman read the ART minutes of April 5, 2010 into the record. Corn. Windecker confirmed that the ground sign is sixteen(16) feet six (6) inches tall. He asked if this sign will be replacing a sign of a smaller size. Ms. Williams stated that the proposed ground sign is the same size as the existing ground sign. They are just replacing the face of the sign. They submitted revised drawings indicating the face change only. Corn. Lesser confirmed that they are using the using pylon and sign frame and only replacing the faces. Corn. Shapiro asked if there is an existing wall sign on the east elevation. Ms. Williams stated that there currently is not a wall sign on the east elevation. This will be a new wall sign. Com. Shapiro believes that with the amount of signage on the property, the new proposed wall sign is unnecessary. By the time you reach the door you already know where you are. He does not see the need for the proposed wall sign. Ms. Williams advised that their client wanted that sign because it is right above the entrance. Also if you are heading westbound on Lake Cook Road, you will get some visibility from it. Corn. Shapiro stated that they also have the ground sign. Ms. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 10 of 16—APRIL 20, 2010 Williams replied that one would see the wall sign before they would see the ground sign if headed westbound on Lake Cook Road. Corn. Shapiro stated that if you were already on the property in front of the door it also says PNC on the glass doors. He does not see the need for the proposed wall sign with the amount of signs already identifying the business. Everything else is fine. Ms. Donna Anderson, 9 Whitehall Court, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was present and sworn in. Ms. Anderson explained that she has been a resident for thirty eight (38) years. They are the third (P) house off of Arlington Heights Road. Their kitchen and family room face the property. When Dominick's was built, they went to every Village Board meeting. Dominick's had recessed lights that shine down. The Bank of Buffalo Grove was very nice when it started in the 1980's. At that time, they had a shield on the lights so the residents would not see the lights. Since the robberies you can see that there are clear, white bulbs that shine right into their homes. She called the Village last summer when the trees were taken down. She asked what they were doing since it was right along her property. The person she spoke with never got back to her but the project was on hold for two (2) days so something was going on. They took down every third (3rd) tree. They started closest to the residences. Then they took the trees down along Lake Cook Road. Those trees acted as a barrier. They watched them grow for twenty five (25) to thirty (30) years. They never shielded the parking lot lights but they did shield the car lights. Now all the car lights come in through their windows and they can hear more noise from Lake Cook Road because the two (2) lines of barrier are gone. Now there is the issue of the new signs. She does not understand. There has never been a sign above the door. There is no reason for the sign. She knows that there is nothing that can be done about trees. She wants to know if the proposed wall sign will be illuminated and if there will be more than one (1) sign along Arlington Heights Road. She is referring to the sign closest to the residential properties. There is a sign there now that is not illuminated. Ms. Williams stated that the ground sign at the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Lake Cook Road will be illuminated. Ms. Anderson stated that they look at the property everyday. The employees go home and do not see what the residents see. They see the orange Dominick's lights, they hear Lake Cook Road and they see the lights. They are asking the Village to recess the lights like at Dominick's. It is unbelievable since the robberies what has been done. She went to the bank and was told that there is a work order to put in a shield, but it is still bright lights. Ms. Williams stated that their lights can be turned off when the bank closes. Ms. Anderson recapped that the tree removal upset them, the lighting still upsets them and now more things are happening. Mr. Fred Dibbern, 10 Whitehall Court, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was present and sworn in. Mr. Dibbern explained that his only concern is the proposed sign on the east side of the bank. He thinks that the door is setback pretty far and does not see where the sign will help. His biggest concern is the lighting of the signs. There are two lights that are about forty (40) feet off the entrance that are on all night and are real bright. There is one (1) that is right off the drive thru ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 11 of 16 — APRIL 20, 2010 that has a shield on it. He would like a shield on the lights that shine into their homes. He does not want anymore lights out there, especially on the bank. Ch. Entman confirmed that the only new sign being requested is the signage over the door • entrance. Everything else is just a replacement necessitated by the change of ownership of the bank. Ch. Entman asked Mr. Sheehan if he has any knowledge of complaints recently about lighting. Mr. Sheehan has spoken with Ms. Anderson regarding the tree's that were removed. The Village Forester was involved and worked with the bank to have additional bushes put in along the south berm. That was the only complaint that he was aware of. Ch. Entman stated that it is a question of replacing what is there. He would not approve if he had information that the signs were going to be brighter or more obtrusive or would shine light in different directions. He asked if the new proposed sign over the door would be illuminated. Ms. Williams responded that it would be illuminated. Corn. Au asked what the purpose of the proposed wall sign is if the sign would face the parking lot and not face any roads. Ms. Williams stated that their client wanted the sign because it is their front entrance to show identification. Com. Au asked if they requested that sign to be illuminated. Ms. Williams stated they did. Com. Au asked if the bank is open during the hours that sign would be illuminated. Ms. Williams stated that she is not aware of the bank's hours. She understands the concerns of the residents. Corn. Au stated that she would not be opposed to the wall sign if it was not illuminated. • Corn. Lesser asked if the lighting fixtures at the bank are dark sky compliant. Ms. Williams does not know. She will advise the bank that shields are being requested for the two(2) lights. Mr. Dick Anderson, 9 Whitehall Court,Buffalo Grove, Illinois,was present and sworn in. Mr. Anderson stated that he is not clear about the ground sign. He saw something about a ground sign on the east side of the building. Ms. Williams stated that the sign is at the corner and already exists. They are just refacing. Mr. Anderson stated that the sign at the corner is fine. There is the entrance off Arlington Heights Road. He asked if there will be sign there. He stated that there is a sign there now that is not illuminated. Ms. Williams stated that they are only proposing to replace what it there. The only difference is that they want to add an illuminated wall sign on the east elevation of the building. Everything stays the same. Mr. Anderson stated that he would not be opposed if it wasn't illuminated but they don't need any more lights. The timers never go off at the right time and they are all mixed up. There is an illuminated sign that can be seen by the other office building westbound that is a bank sign. It is not illuminated now because the bulb is burnt out. Ch. Entman polled the Board to see if they were opposed to the proposed new wall sign. The consensus of the Board is to replace what is existing and not add any signs. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 12 of 16—APRIL 20, 2010 Ch.Entman suggested that the comments from the neighbors be communicated back to the bank ownership. Com.Lesser stated that sign W002,which is an existing sign,is shown on the plan and shows the sign to be illuminated.He asked if that directional sign would be illuminated.Ms.Williams stated sign W002 is illuminated.Sign W003 is not illuminated.Corn.Lesser confirmed that sign W002 is located south of the building at the Arlington Heights Road entrance.He asked if that sign backs up to the residences.Mr.Sheehan confirmed that sign backs up to the residences. Corn.Lesser asked if the existing sign to be replaced by sign W002 is illuminated.Ms.Williams stated that to her knowledge the existing sign was illuminated. Mr.Sheehan confirmed that both sign W002 and W015 were illuminated at one time.They are currently not illuminated for reasons unknown.The two proposed signs for those two locations are shown to be illuminated directional signs. Ch.Entman asked the Commissioners if they felt that these two(2)signs should be illuminated. Corn.Shapiro would either restrict the hours of illumination or have them non-illuminated.He is concerned about the sign that backs up to the residences along Whitehall Court. Corn.Lesser suggested restricting the hours of illumination to be turned off no later than 10:00 p.m.There were no objections from the neighbors. Mr.Sheehan added that signs W017 and W018,which are the accessible parking and fine signs, should not be changed as proposed.The current signs are the signs required by the State and the proposed signs would be non-compliant. Ch.Entman asked Ms.Williams if she will be amending her petition to restrict the hours of illumination to no later than 10:00 p.m.for signs W002 and W015;sign P003 to be removed from the sign package;and signs W017 and W018 are to remain as they exist.Ms.William agreed to amend the petition. There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners.There were no additional questions or comments from the audience. Corn.Shapiro made the following motion: I move we recommend to the Village Board to grant the amended request made by PNC Bank, 1177 Lake Cook Road,for variance of Sign Code,Section 14.20.030,pertaining to Business Districts and Section 14.20.070,pertaining to Ground Signs,for the purpose of allowing a ground sign that would be located closer to the property line than allowed by the Sign Code. Signs to be installed pursuant to plans submitted to and approved by the Village.Subject to the Village Engineer's memorandum dated April 13,2010.Signs W002 and W015 will not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m.and 6:00 a.m.Sign P003 is to be removed from the sign package. Signs W017 and W018 are not to be changed. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 13 of 16—APRIL 20,2010 Pursuant to Sign Code, Section 14.44.010, Subsection B. Com. Lesser seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE — Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY — None ABSTAIN — None Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item to appear on the May 17, 2010 Village Board agenda. 1120 LAKE COOK ROAD, EQUABLE ASCENT FINANCIAL, LLC — SIGN CODE, SECTIONS 14.20.020 AND 14.20.080, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING MORE THAN ONE (1) WALL SIGN FOR THE DEVELOPED PARCEL AND SAID SIGN WOULD NOT FACE THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY Mr. Michael Walsh, Equable Ascent Financial, LLC, 1120 Lake Cook Road, was present and sworn in. The public hearing notice published in the Daily Herald on April 2, 2010 was read. Mr. Walsh explained that the building used to consist of two (2) suites. It now consists of three (3) suites. EAF is the new tenant in Suite B. EAF is the parent company of another occupant, Apex Financial. EAF has renovated the space extensively and has moved all forty (40) employees into the space. EAF is a new name for the business and the signage is part of the re- branding process. Ch. Entman read the ART minutes dated April 5, 2010 into the record. Mr. Walsh stated that the size and font of the letters will match as closely as they can to the Apex Financial sign. Com. Au asked why they are using the abbreviation EAF instead of the whole name. Mr. Walsh stated that the company will be changing their official name in the future to EAF, LLC. There were no additional questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Com. Stein made the following motion: I move we recommend to the Village Board to grant the request made by Equable Ascent Financial, LLC, 1120 Lake Cook Road, for variance of Sign Code, Section 14.20.020, pertaining to Office and Research Districts; and Section 14.20.080, pertaining to Wall Signs, for the purpose of allowing more than one (1) wall sign for the developed parcel and said sign would not face the public right-of-way. Signs to be installed pursuant to plans submitted to and approved by the Village. Subject to the ART Minutes dated April 5, 2010. Pursuant to Sign Code, Section 14.44.010, Subsection B. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 14 of 16 — APRIL 20, 2010 Corn. Lesser seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE—Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro,Au, Entman NAY—None ABSTAIN—None Motion Passed 6 to 0. Item to appear on the May 17, 2010 Village Board agenda. THE PLAZA AT BUFFALO GROV SHOPPING CENTER,BUFFALO GROVE PLAZA HOLDING, LLC—REVISION TO THE PLAZA AT BUFFALO GROVE SHOPPING CENTER SIGN CRITERIA There was no one present from Buffalo Grove Plaza Holding, LLC. Mr. Sheehan advised that the revision was at his request. He reviewed the proposed revision. The revision is to allow signs to be installed on raceways. The building is constructed of EIFS and about seventy five(75)percent of the existing signs are installed on raceways because it makes fewer holes in the façade. He requested the change so that each new sign would not need to come before the Zoning Board. Ch. Entman read the letter submitted by Tony Youshaei addressed to Brian Sheehan dated March 15, 2010 into the record. Ch. Entman also stated that the letter submitted references Hill's Hobby, however it applies to the entire Shopping in Center. There were no questions or comments from the Commissioners. There were no questions or comments from the audience. Corn. Lesser made a motion to approve the revised sign criteria for The Plaza at Buffalo Grove Shopping Center. Com. Windecker seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: AYE— Stein, Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro,Au, Entman NAY—None ABSTAIN—None Motion Passed 6 to 0. 1000 WEILAND ROAD, FUJI THAI — DEVIATION TO THE HIGHLAND OAKS SHOPPING CENTER SIGN CRITERIA TO ALLOW WHITE LETTERS WITH RED TRIM AROUND THE LETTERS AND RETURNS There was still no one present. Com. Lesser made a motion to Table the request made by Fuji Thai, 1000 Weiland Road,to the May 18, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Corn. Windecker seconded the motion. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 15 of 16—APRIL 20,2010 Roll Call Vote: AYE—Windecker, Lesser, Shapiro, Au, Entman NAY—Stein ABSTAIN—None Motion Passed 5 to 1. Item to appear on the May 18, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS Corn. Windecker advised that the sign at 400 W. Dundee Road has been installed and looks good. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Corn. Lesser and seconded by Com. Stein. Voice Vote—AYE was unanimous. Ch. Entman adjourned the meeting at 9:30 P.M. Submitted by, Ju Kamka Recording Secretary ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PAGE 16 of 16—APRIL 20, 2010