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2012-07-11 - Plan Commission - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑ Plan Commission Document Type: ❑A e g nda 0 Minutes Meeting ate: 07/11/2012 Type of Meeting: ❑ Special Meeting SPECIAL MEETING BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION July 11, 2012 Burden's Jewelry, 1151 Lake Cook Road —proposed retail building Petition for amendment of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) And review of building appearance and sign package Workshop#1 Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers, Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Commissioners present: Chairman Smith Mr. Khan Mr. Stark Mr. Cohn Mr. Weinstein Mr. Goldspiel Mr. Matthews Commissioners absent: Ms. Myer Ms. Johnson Also present: Mr. Matthew Burdeen, Burdeen's Jewelry Mr. W.Thomas Dobbins, Jr., The Dobbins Group Mr. Alex Vaysman, The Dobbins Group Ms. Beverly Sussman, Village Trustee Mr. Mike Terson, Village Trustee Mr. Andy Stein, Village Trustee Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner APPROVAL OF MINUTES— None COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS Commissioner Stark attended the Village Board meeting on July 9, 2012. The Board referred the petition by Crown Trophy, 1340 Busch Parkway, for a special use for an accessory retail sales area in the Industrial District. BURDEEN'S JEWELRY, 115 LAKE COOK ROAD— PROPOSED RETAIL BUILDING-PETITION FOR AMENDMENT OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) AND REVIEW OF BUILDING APPEARANCE AND SIGN PACKAGE—WORKSHOP #1 Commissioner Weinstein stated he is an attorney with a law firm that shows Burdeen Jewelry as a client on its client list. However, after further review, it was determined that they did not actually represent the company itself but represented the two parent owners of the jewelry store who are no longer owners of the store and the conclusion was that there is no conflict of interest. Mr. Dobbins reviewed the proposed site plan. He stated the petitioner is proposing to buy a .7 acre piece of property from PNC Bank to build a 6,000 foot jewelry store on the east end of the PNC property. He noted that the building footprint would be a square shape with the entrance facing the back at the south west. He noted they have the required parking and they are tying the parking lots together so it will be more like a campus environment. Mr. Dobbins introduced the landscaping plan with a tree preservation plan showing which trees are existing and those for removal. He noted they are staying with the general theme of the landscaping in the development for the most part. They are keeping all of the parkway trees that are along Lake Cook Road and they are adding some trees. Mr. Dobbins noted one of the interesting landscape and outdoor features is a patio area behind the extended wall along Lake Cook Road. This would be for outdoor events related to the jewelry store. There will be some seating and tables with landscaping. Mr. Dobbins showed the exterior elevations of the building. He stated they are trying to create a luxury building look commensurate with what a jewelry store should look like. The tower on the left side is 32 feet tall to the top of the roof and to the right of the tower on the west side they have a longer wall with some fake windows which gives some scale and articulation so it does not look like a blank wall. There are awnings on that wall as well.Then to the far west side of the north elevation along Lake Cook there are three openings that go from ground up to about 9 to 10 feet that give a hint of the terrace behind and they are planning to incorporate three banners to get nice composition and to get people to notice the building. One will be an American flag and there will be flags related to the retail operation. On the east side of the tower are more fake windows just to get it to scale. Two windows are shown on the tower which will be real windows with awnings. In the center to the left side is the back main entrance where everyone enters and the banner/tower feature there is turned to a 45 degree angle and a very luxurious door. In the center are two signs. Mr. Dobbins noted the two proposed ground signs. One sign is west of the driveway on Lake Cook Road. They are proposing to build their sign on top of the existing brick element. The other ground sign would be adjacent to the driveway on Arlington Heights Road. The entrance drive signage off of Lake Cook Road is being proposed as a brick element as well as a limestone look to match the building. The tower structure of the building in back would be a prairie stone which is a manufactured limestone. The remaining plan is to use stucco or plaster. The light limestone color is reminiscent of luxury jewelry stores all over the world with blue awnings which is Burdeen's signature color. Up on top of the tower are two clocks which would be part of the watch collection Burdeen's sells and again they are using artificial slate shingles on the roof. Mr. Dobbins noted that when you enter at Lake Cook Road you immediately turn right and you can go to the drive-through for PNC bank. The drive through access is three lanes wide, and they are planning to reduce it to two lanes. If you head straight into the site from Lake Cook Road, you can access the parking lot for Burdeen's. Mr. Dobbins stated they are introducing very minimal site lighting. They have bollard ground lighting along the building, and other than that all of the lighting already exists. He introduced the photometrics which shows mainly the existing lighting as they are adding very modest lighting. He noted it is not typical commercial lighting and all they are doing is adding some bollards. Mr. Dobbins noted they have determined that the existing stormwater capacity has been reviewed to confirm that no additional detention is needed for the site. In fact, the proposed development actually reduces the amount of impervious area on the property. Commissioner Stark asked how tall the bank is at its highest point. Mr. Dobbins stated it is probably about 25 feet and the Omni building to the east is probably taller. Commissioner Stark asked if the fake windows would have actual glass that is clear or would it be a frosted or opaque glass. Mr. Dobbins stated it will be real glass but they are still trying to find the right kind. Commissioner Stark asked if the sign that shows Burdeen's and PNC Bank is on the Omni property. Mr. Vaysman noted they are introducing two monument signs and integrating them with the PNC signs and showed where they appear on the site plan. Commissioner Khan asked if the existing stormwater management that runs along the south property line that backs up to the residential area was created for the entire site at one time. Mr. Dobbins stated yes for the entire PUD site Commissioner Khan asked how and who manages the stormwater management. Mr. Dobbins stated he is not sure but is guessing that some kind of mutual agreement presently between Omni and PNC. He is guessing that once Burdeen's comes in they will provide appropriate covenants to address common maintenance items for the overall development. Commissioner Khan commented that he would like the details of the maintenance program for the stormwater management area to be confirmed at the next meeting. He also noted it seems the stormwater flows from east to west towards Arlington Heights Road and it is a dry bottom pond, and he wants to be sure the water drains from the facility properly after a storm event. Commissioner Khan asked if the additional portion of the bank drive-through lane that Burdeen will be buying will be made a grassy island or will it be cut and made a part of the building and totally reconfigured. Mr. Dobbins stated it will remain a landscaped island Commissioner Khan asked if there will be an access easement between the Burdeen property and PNC so that their customers can drive through the Burdeen parking lot and vice versa. Mr. Dobbins stated probably. They are not yet sure but it is one of the things that still need to be worked out. He noted the objective is to integrate the parking lots among the bank, Burdeen's and the Omni office. How they can legally create the unified design will have to be worked on. Commissioner Goldspiel asked what kind of outdoor events are intended for the patio area. Mr. Burdeen stated they are not exactly sure but they have done some community involvement activities and they would like to have clients after hours for a party or appreciation events. However, when they do an event and due to the nature of their business they need a lot of security out there. They just need a social area for their clients. Commissioner Goldspiel asked if the events to be held there would require additional parking other than what the ordinary operation of the facility would be. Mr. Burdeen stated he did not think so. His store is very low volume so an event might have about 30 people. Commissioner Goldspiel noted that some of the proposed trees on the landscape plan include ash trees. He asked if there are any emerald ash borer issues. Mr. Dobbins stated they are more than willing to work with the Village and staff if there are preferences as to the kind of trees to be used. Commissioner Goldspiel noted that the handicapped parking space is just a normal handicapped parking space width rather than the wider space. He also stated it is next to some kind of herringbone bricked area and wanted to know if the handicapped ordinance is being met here. Mr. Dobbins stated they have two handicapped parking spaces and both are compliant with the Illinois Accessibility law. One space is on the west side of the building and one on the south side of the building and it kind of straddles the island. Mr. Vaysman further stated that when the sign is moved over correctly on the plan it will be shown correctly. Commissioner Goldspiel noted the towers would not have any staircases but were purely decorative rather than utilitarian. Mr. Vaysman stated that is correct. Commissioner Goldspiel noted there are four private offices in the store and asked if there was something other than the retail jewelry operation going on here. Mr. Burdeen stated no. Commissioner Weinstein asked for confirmation on the tree inventory which is showing 10 trees and 7 to be removed. The legend, however, shows only 4 of them to be removed. So what amount is to be removed? Mr. Vaysman stated that was a typo. Commissioner Weinstein asked for more information on the outdoor patio and events. Mr. Burdeen stated he has occasionally a group of people he likes to entertain for business purposes and if such events are held they would be over by 10:00 p.m. at the latest. Commissioner Weinstein noted that because of the residences to the south they might want to explore some limits on the hours for outdoor events. Commissioner Weinstein asked about the entranceway and signage he asked if there was discussion on how one would get to PNC from the entrance off Lake Cook Road. Mr. Dobbins noted all details have not yet been worked out but the objective is to incorporate it in the pylon sign at the base to give enough information and instruction. Commissioner Weinstein noted Mr. Pfeil's memo regarding pedestrian access and asked if any thought has been given to some access from the sidewalk to the building. Mr. Burdeen noted he does not see a lot of his clients walking to his store. He also noted for security reasons it was not a good idea. Commissioner Weinstein asked if any of the windows on the building would be real. Mr. Dobbins stated the two windows on the tower facing Lake Cook Road and the windows in Mr. Burdeen's office would be real. Other windows would be glass but they are not sure as yet about the type. Commissioner Cohn noted if events are held during store hours there will be a parking demand beyond what is there for regular customers and events after store hours there would just be parking demand from people who are coming solely from the event. He asked if the petitioner would be willing to accept as part of the approval some kind of restriction so that the Commission can be comfortable so that there would never be an event with parking beyond the number of spaces he has available. An event can have so many people during store hours and so many additional people during post store hours and then maybe also as part of the approval the duration of the event up to a certain time. He asked if those would be reasonable restrictions. Mr. Burdeen stated he does not have many events but he does not know if he wants to be restricted as far as how many people can be at his events which would not be entirely fair to his business. He noted he would certainly go to Omni and ask for permission to use their lot if he had for example a grand opening event and he had more people than expected coming or something to that effect. Commissioner Cohn noted the sign has the brick base and then the limestone above it and there was a comment in the staff memo about the Burdeen portion appearing too large in relation to the stone base. Mr. Dobbins noted the existing brick structures along the streets are somewhat unusual, and they are trying to integrate the new ground signs with these structures. Commissioner Cohn asked if the 3 flags will be lighted at night. Mr. Vaysman stated yes. Commissioner Cohn asked what kind of lights will be used for that. Mr. Vaysman stated Village ordinance says if there is an American flag that will not be taken down then it must be lit at night. They are proposing three very minimal LED uplights. Commissioner Cohn asked if the flags would be closer to Lake Cook Road or to the adjacent residences. Mr. Dobbins noted they are closer to Lake Cook Road. Commissioner Cohn asked if the lighting Burdeen's would be putting in would make it brighter than it is now from the bank. Mr. Vaysman noted they have more light and the bank is very bright which is not what they are going to do. From the residences you will not be able to see this building at night. The north and east side of the tower is to be lit by directional flood lights. They will be turned off at a certain time. They are making sure it is not going to increase the light levels. Commissioner Cohn asked about safety and security for the store with such dim lighting. Mr. Burdeen stated they use infra-red cameras. He further stated they wanted to be extraordinarily sensitive to the light issue as to how they are to the people's back yard. One of the main objectives was that everything was to be very sensitive to light. Commissioner Stark stated the lighting for the towers will be angled from the ground and will be angled toward the north and east. Mr. Dobbins stated yes. Commissioner Stark asked who would be responsible for snow removal. Mr. Dobbins stated they are expecting some shared responsibility on that but have not yet determined how that will be worked out and will have more information for the next meeting. Commissioner Matthews asked how long the material for the fake slate roof has been on the market and what is the product life expectancy. He inquired if there may be issues with discoloration or fading. Mr. Dobbins stated it has been around long enough where they are confident it will be work well.They have been using artificial slate for about 20 to 30 years. He said he would provide more information about the product at the next meeting. Commissioner Weinstein noted a few issues in today's staff memo which the petitioner has not yet seen. They include a comment from the deputy fire marshal that the turning radii in the parking lot need to be checked to confirm that there will be adequate room for emergency vehicles including fire trucks to maneuver. Mr. Dobbins stated they would certainly make it as big as needed Commissioner Weinstein noted the handicapped spots are double spots but don't show the ramps or curvature or such to get to the sidewalk and shows a curb and needs to be corrected on final drawings. Also the various windows have awnings only on the Lake Cook side and one of the comments from staff is that some of the awnings have been proposed to have the letter B on them as a logo and they suggested it may not be necessary as there is enough signage that none of the awnings should have any lettering. Chairman Smith stated that was going to be one of his questions as well. He stated he would like to get staff's comments on this as to both the awnings and the letter B which is etched into the building. Mr. Pfeil commented that the building etchings of the B would be considered as architectural elements if there is no coloring or similar surface treatment. If the letters will be colored or painted, they will be classified as multiple wall signs, which would require variations of the Sign Code. He said that in the discussion by Village staff concerning the awnings, it was noted that the B does not appear to be needed since all the other signs provide adequate identification for the building. Mr. Burdeen stated at this stage the B on the awnings are just place holders and will not be everywhere. What they do want is to use graphics to suggest the products that are available in the store, and they will be better prepared to address this at the next meeting. Mr. Pfeil commented that the development team should meet with staff to discuss appearance and signage issues. If variations of the Sign Code will be requested, the overall sign package needs to be carefully considered to achieve an attractive overall appearance. Mr. Burdeen noted the B's in the wall are not colored. Mr. Pfeil noted that the drawings depicting the sign graphics will be exhibits to the PUD ordinance, so it is important to clearly represent what is being proposed. Commissioner Goldspiel asked where the plaster and stucco would be on placed on the building. Mr. Dobbins noted the plaster and stucco would be the predominate material throughout. The only area they are planning to use the simulated limestone is on the towers. Commissioner Goldspiel stated it seems to him to have that much plaster is just very 1970's and does not feel it is desirable. His basic thought about all of this and what is in the Village Appearance Plan is that within a development there should be compatibility of the appearance, and except for the signs that have the brick courses there is no compatibility between this proposed building, the bank building and the Omni building, and he does not think this meets the criteria of the Appearance Plan. Commissioner Matthews stated he personally thinks it is a good looking building. He asked where the mechanical equipment is shown and where it would be. Mr. Dobbins stated it will be rooftop and there is about a three foot parapet all the way around for screening. Chairman Smith stated he has no problem with the parking or having separate events and hopefully the business will do very well and the Village will benefit form the business. As far as he is concerned if extra parking is needed it would be up to Burdeen to make arrangements with the neighboring businesses. Chairman Smith asked if PNC has been shown the monument sign and if they are OK with Burdeen having a bigger area on it. Mr. Dobbins stated yes, they have seen the sign and they are working out the details but they have no big objections. Commissioner Khan agreed with Chairman Smith's parking comments. But since this has come up so many times perhaps the petitioner might want to consider landbank parking which is an agreement with all three entities just in case you need to use their parking. Trustee Terson stated in his opinion we need to be concerned with everyday parking and not so much with special events or holiday parking when parking cannot be met. He noted when he looks at this picture of the building he does not see stucco but rather brick and wonders if he understands the material fully. Mr. Dobbins stated it is intended to look like limestone and the rendering is intended to look that way. Mr. Burdeen stated they modeled it after Saks Fifth Avenue with its high quality venue style and luxury. Trustee Terson stated in his opinion this building looks fantastic and he is excited to see this as part of the community. Trustee Sussman also stated she feels the building is absolutely beautiful. Trustee Stein stated he likes the building and has no issues with the parking issues and the outdoor patio. Mr. Pfeil noted the deputy fire marshal indicated that a fire hydrant is needed to the northwest area of the building in the landscaped area. Commissioner Cohn noted the parking is also not a concern to him but asked petitioner to find examples of buildings in the area like this that have used stucco. Mr. Burdeen noted this is patterned after the Highland Park Saks store which uses the stucco being proposed for the new building. Ms. Jane Dibbern, 10 Whitehall Ct, Buffalo Grove, stated they are one of the residences behind the proposed project and she and her husband feel it is a fantastic plan and all lighting and parking issues have been addressed. She stated her only concern is their issues with PNC and the lighting. The lighting on the outside of the driveway is fine. But PNC has a big light at the west end of the parking lot that beams into their home, which is particularly noticeable in winter when there is less daylight. She it would be appreciated if something can be done to get PNC to make some corrections on that light. Mr. Sussman noted that the curb area should be removed and the sidewalk should be level with the parking lot surface for the handicapped accessible parking spaces. He asked where the entrances and exits to the building are located. Mr. Dobbins pointed out there are three exits and one main entrance. He noted none of the doors are looked from the inside for emergency purposes. Mr. Dobbins noted as a jewelry store they generate very little trash so there is a room in the corner of the building for garbage cans that can be rolled out for truck pick-up. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT— None FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE— Mr. Pfeil said there would be a meeting on July 18, 2012, and the main item is the public hearing for the Barkington Palace petition. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS— None STAFF REPORT- None NEW BUSINESS - None ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Weinstein, seconded by Commissioner Cohn and carried unanimously to adjourn. Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary APPROVED BY: ERIC SMITH, Chair