2007-06-06 - Plan Commission - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑ Plan Commission
Document Type: ❑A e
g nda 0 Minutes
Meeting ate: 06/06/2007
Type of Meeting:
PUBLIC HEARING
(continued from May 16, 2007)
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
June 6, 2007
Village Comprehensive Plan
Chairman Ottenheimer called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Chairman
Ottenheimer read the Notice of Public Hearing as published in the Buffalo Grove Daily Herald,
explained the procedure to be followed for the public hearing, and swore in all persons who
wished to give testimony.
Commissioners present: Chairman Ottenheimer
Mr. Smith
Mr. Teplinsky
Mr. Stark
Mr. Cohn
Mr. Podber
Commissioners absent: Ms. Bocek
Ms. Kenski-Sroka
Mr. Khan
Also present: Mr. Steven Trilling, Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
Moved by Commissioner Teplinsky, seconded by Commissioner Smith to continue the public
hearing concerning the update of the Village Comprehensive Plan to June 20, 2007.
Chairman Ottenheimer called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Smith, Teplinsky, Stark, Cohn, Podber, Ottenheimer
NAYS:None
ABSENT: Bocek, Kenski-Sroka, Khan
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 6 to 0.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
LESTER OTTENHEIMER, Chair
Board or Commission: ❑ Plan Commission
Document Type: 0 A e
g nda 0 Minutes
Meeting ate: 06/06/2007
Type of Meeting: ❑ Regular Meeting
REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
June 6, 2007
Proposed Berenesa Plaza (Ventrella property), Northwest and southwest
Corners of Deerfield Parkway and Milwaukee Avenue, Review of a
Preliminary Plan and Business Planned Unit Development (PUD) in the B-3
Planned Business Center District and Office & Research District
Workshop #4
Inter Track Partners —Proposed off-track betting facility in the B-5 Town
Center District in the Grillworks Restaurant (eSkape Family Entertainment
Center), 350 McHenry Road—Workshop #1
Discussion of Village Comprehensive Plan Update
Chairman Ottenheimer 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 Ottenheimer
Mr. Smith
Mr. Teplinsky
Mr. Stark
Mr. Cohn
Mr. Podber
Commissioners absent: Ms. Bocek
Ms. Kenski-Sroka
Mr. Khan
Also present: Mr. Ken Kuchler, Single Site Solutions
Mr. Peter Uliasz, OKW Architects
Mr. Michael Caldwell, Marchris Engineering, Ltd.
Mr. Bob Bilocerowycz, Inter-Track Partners, LLC
Mr. Bill Feldgreber, eSkape
Ms. Ghida Neukirch, Deputy Village Manager
Mr. Steve Trilling, Village Trustee
Mr. Brian Rubin, Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Teplinsky, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the minutes
of the public hearing of May 2, 2007. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion and the
motion passed unanimously with Commissioners Teplinsky and Podber abstaining.
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Stark to approve the minutes of the
regular meeting of May 2, 2007. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion and the motion
passed unanimously with Commissioners Teplinsky and Podber abstaining.
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Smith attended the Village Board meeting on June 4, 2007 where there was a
referral made to the Plan Commission of the property at the southeast corner of Route 22 and
Prairie Road for a development of 13 townhomes to the north end and 13 single family homes to
the south part.
PROPOSED BERENESA PLAZA (VENTRELLA PROPERTY), NORTHWEST AND
SOUTHWEST CORNERS OF DEERFIELD PARKWAY AND MILWAUKEE AVENUE,
REVIEW OF A PRELIMINARY PLAN AND BUSINESS PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
(PUD) IN THE B-3 PLANNED BUSINESS CENTER DISTRICT AND OFFICE &
RESEARCH DISTRICT—WORKSHOP 94
Mr. Ken Kuchler noted they have made some further changes to the proposed plan, added more
detail, submitted a traffic study and adjusted the site plan.
Mr. Peter Uliasz stated they have made some minor modifications as noted by Mr. Kuchler.
Essentially the concept is the same where the center is focused inward with the shops along
Deerfield facing Deerfield Parkway and the shops on the south side also facing Deerfield with
the restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue. He noted some minor modifications to the office
building on the southwest corner, specifically modification of the entry drive so that it is now
easier for traffic movement in and out of the site as well as into the second site to the side. They
have also made minor modifications to the bank building on the south side to make it easier for
traffic to egress out of the traffic lanes as well as the circulation in this area. Retail D stays
essentially the same.
Mr. Uliasz stated the Advocate site is essentially the same with a few minor modifications to
some sidewalks so that it is easier to get through the site. He noted they now have some stronger
ideas of who the tenants will be and therefore restaurant F has been modified slightly so that it is
comparable in size to the size of that tenant as well as Retail C which has now been shifted over
slightly. They have added another outdoor gathering space in between those two buildings.
Mr. Uliasz noted Restaurant D on the corner at Deerfield has gotten a little larger than before
because they are now closer to knowing who that tenant will be. Going up on Milwaukee they
are better defining their gathering space and focal point for the project. Also restaurants C, B
and A are adjusted in size for the proposed tenants. The locations are still essentially in the same
place. Finally, he noted they have now included a sidewalk that will run from the hotel use all
the way out to the sidewalk that runs in front of the restaurant buildings and the restaurant
buildings are connected to a number of sidewalk paths up to Milwaukee Avenue.
Mr. Uliasz noted they have continued to show the bicycle circulation from the existing north
path into the site and over onto Milwaukee. He stated both landscaped areas are situated with
benches and pergolas as well as ornamental trees as well as shade trees, shrubs and a fountain in
the center of the east plaza. Uliasz further noted the hotel trash area has been relocated so that it
has better access to service. He pointed out the other trash areas for the restaurants and the
Advocate site.
Mr. Michael Caldwell stated the emergency truck access through the site is based on actual
measurements from the Fire Department and has been tweaked. He further noted they have now
prepared and submitted a preliminary traffic study. The Village traffic consultant has reviewed
it. This study took traffic counts during peak times during the week. They then took their site
and developed a model to see how this site will affect surrounding streets. They found a high
traffic volume on Milwaukee and Deerfield and based on current traffic, improvements should
be made at that intersection. One of the biggest problems at this intersection is eastbound
Deerfield. He noted their analysis indicates there should be dual left turn lanes coming
southbound along Milwaukee Avenue and heading onto Deerfield. Right now there is a
tremendous queue that comes back along Milwaukee Avenue.
Mr. Caldwell noted that along Milwaukee Avenue one of the things that was required as part of
the annexation was additional right-of-way to provide a 75-foot half right-of-way which should
be adequate if and when this intersection gets improved. Mr. Caldwell stated they have also
looked at the surrounding uses and this project fits in with the plan. He also noted they are
proposing a signalized intersection along Deerfield Parkway and thereby the two signals at
Milwaukee Avenue and Deerfield will be interlinked.
Commissioner Smith asked for clarification on the changes made to restaurant A.
Mr. Caldwell stated restaurant A has been reduced by about 6,000 square feet. There is still a
substantial footprint of about 10,000 square feet and they do have an escape route. Rather than
escape down to the entry they expanded the parking lot which resulted in several benefits. First,
they have an internal escape route so they do not have potential people coming into the site and
having a potential incident at that location. Secondly, per Commissioner Bocek's concern
relative to view shed into the site from Milwaukee Avenue, this building is smaller and the
parking field has been increased which increases the view shed into the site.
Commissioner Smith asked about the drive thru circulation for the bank and also for the drug
store.
Mr. Caldwell noted previously the drive thru lanes were located on the west side of the building
and they have now rotated the drive thrus to the south side with a no right turn sign so the folks
leaving the drive thru cannot turn right and directly access the drive thru.
Commissioner Smith noted the traffic consultant's report wants the drive thru where it was on
the west. That change should probably go back to where it was originally on the west side. He
asked about the circulation for the drug store.
Mr. Caldwell noted it is the same thing with no right turn. Whenever you have a drug store of
this type you generally have two locations where you can put the drive thru. There is ample
space for turning movements.
Commissioner Smith asked about suggestions for prevention of cut thru traffic for cars heading
east on Deerfield Road.
Mr. Caldwell stated he does not feel there will be that much cut thru traffic.
Commissioner Smith noted the traffic consultant feels that people will try to cut through so there
must be some way to have an internal circulation designed to discourage that type of situation.
Mr. Caldwell stated one way to do that would be a speed bump as used in Chicago.
Commissioner Podber stated he would like to see the stormwater calculations.
Mr. Pfeil stated he will get them from the Village Engineer.
Commissioner Cohn stated he is concerned with the isolated area surrounding retail building A.
He noted he would like to actually hear from the retailer at the public hearing as to why they feel
they will succeed there. He further noted he would still like to seem some sidewalk connectivity
specifically between restaurant D and retail C. as well as retail B and restaurant F.
Mr. Uliasz stated that connection would be extended and the parking island will be shifted over
to create a buffer at the next meeting.
Commissioner Cohn stated he feels there should be a sidewalk on both the east and west side of
the main entrance.
Mr. Uliasz stated that was not a problem. He further noted that one of their goals was to make
sure they did not the Advocate health care building which is one of the reasons that sidewalk
path is connected one row north of the area Commissioner Cohn was speaking about.
Commissioner Cohn noted it had been his suggestion to rotate the drive thrus for the bank and
the traffic consultant has the opposite view. However, he has never noted more than three cars
lined up at a bank and therefore does not see the same problem as the traffic consultant. Perhaps
the bank that is going there can offer an opinion about that might alleviate the traffic consultants
concerns.
Mr. Uliasz stated they will speak to the bank and he knows they are comfortable with either
configuration.
Commissioner Cohn stated he agrees with the traffic consultant's concerns about the cut thru
traffic so perhaps more can be done to address that issue.
Commissioner Stark asked about any developments on the widening of Deerfield Parkway
eastbound.
Mr. Caldwell noted that the Village of Riverwoods may have plans.
Mr. Pfeil stated Riverwoods has been reviewing proposals for the vacant the site formerly
occupied by a restaurant, at the southeast corner of Deerfield Road and Milwaukee Avenue.
Based on current and probable future traffic it appears that eventually Deerfield Road will have
to be widened, but historically the Village of Riverwoods has not supported widening. Since
Lake County has jurisdiction over the road, Riverwoods may have to accept at least some road
improvements for a development to secure access approval from Lake County.
Commissioner Stark asked if there has been any conversation with the homeowners south of the
proposed drug store and office building.
Mr. Pfeil noted that he favors the concept of pedestrian linkage to properties south of the site, but
he does not know if the residential neighborhood will support this access. He said he has not
notified any of the proximate owners to the south about the workshop meetings, but they will be
notified for the public hearing. The Office and Research District requires a 60 foot building
setback, and the plan provides more than that. He commented that adjacent residents will
probably have concerns about the drive-through facilities, and possible impacts such as noise and
lighting.
Commissioner Stark stated he would like to see renderings of what is directly south of this parcel
for the next meeting. He also asked whether the hotel is still on board for this development or if
the plan will be killed if it falls through.
Mr. Kuchler stated the hotel is still on board and they are working with Village staff.
Commissioner Teplinsky asked why there is no pedestrian path link along the pond on the west
end of the development.
Mr. Uliasz noted what they technically have in the rear of the hotel is a fire access lane which is
a pervious paver that will absorb some rainwater. This is available for walking although they do
not know if the hotel will encourage that. There is a drop off between their site and the pond as
well as a safety issue.
Mr. Caldwell stated he does not know of a safety issue but there is a retaining wall and they are
doing this to meet the Village requirement with regard to the elevation of the pad of the hotel.
They have to make sure they are 25 feet away from any flood plain issues which is why they
have a landscaped wall there. They have talked internally about incorporating a walkway rather
than putting full pervious pavers along the path. However, that is something that would have to
come from the hotel.
Mr. Uliasz stated that pond area is a nice feature of the proposed center however they are not
sure whether the hotel will be encouraging it or not.
Commissioner Smith asked if there names of restaurants as yet and if they will be presented at
the public hearing.
Mr. Kuchler stated he is not sure if he will be able to release the names for the public hearing but
he knows that he must have them for the Village Board meeting and he knows that the owners
are in discussions with some of the trustees and the Village President about the possible names
that are out there.
Commissioner Smith asked if the left hand turn lane exiting the site at restaurant F could be
extended so there is no backing up into the site.
Mr. Caldwell stated there is a left turn lane, a thru lane and a right turn lane at that location and
each one of those lanes has 100 feet of stacking for five cars. The thru lane is a combination thru
and right turn lane.
Mr. Pfeil commented that follow up is needed for several issues relating to traffic impact, and he
will discuss this with the Village Engineer and the Village's traffic consultant.
Chairman Ottenheimer and the Commission agreed this matter is ready for a public hearing.
INTER TRACK PARTNERS — PROPOSED OFF-TRACE BETTING FACILITY IN THE B-5
TOWN CENTER DISTRICT IN THE GRILLWORKS RESTAURANT (ESCAPE FAMILY
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER), 350 MC HENRY ROAD—WORKSHOP#1
Mr. Bob Bilocerowycz stated Inter Track Partners is owned and operated by three existing race
tracks which are allowed six off track betting licenses for a total of eighteen. They currently
employing fifteen and are in the process of filling out the three other licenses. Lake County
currently only has one off-track location in Waukegan and they believe it is an underserved
market and they believe it would be an asset to Buffalo Grove and to the county. He stated they
are in the process of working with Mr. Feldgreber at eSkape to form the equivalent of a joint
venture where they incorporate within Grillworks the concept of paramutual wagering. With
that concept they have a management staff that is employed in executing the paramutual
wagering function and the guest services that go with that. He noted they have oversight by the
Illinois Racing Board which is part of the Illinois Department of Revenue which is the same
group that oversees Illinois casinos. It is a highly regulated industry, audited on a monthly basis.
The advantage to the Village of Buffalo Grove is one percent of all the dollars wagered goes
back to the municipality in the form of a tax. The increase in food and beverage that would
transpire at Grillworks would also be a benefit to the Village and Lake County will also achieve
a one percent revenue based on this. Their projections could be anywhere from 10-20 million
dollars for about $100,000 to $200,000 annually to the Village.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated there would obviously be an increase in employment as they would
need staff He noted their normal hours of operation in their existing locations is 11:00 a.m. and
closing Monday through Thursday at 11:30 p.m. and weekends at 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. In the
facilities where they have a joint venture partner almost all of them have at least a 2:00 a.m.
license. They are done with the paramutual wagering side of their business well before they
normally close. He stated they install digital security cameras throughout the facility and they
have managers on the floor at all times to monitor age. No one can wager under the age of 21.
They would be carded if they are in a questionable age before they would place a bet or purchase
a voucher.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated they are squeaky clean as an industry and they value their approval
process which is annual with the State of Illinois. He noted Chief Balinsky did an in depth
report of nine sites he visited and came back with a positive recommendation. He noted they
monitor themselves very closely and have included recommendations from the mayors and
chiefs of police of all the jurisdictions they do business in. He stated they are less complicated
than most of the businesses in town, they have less problems than the 7-11, any gas station or
any other area where there are problems.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated their primary customer base starts at middle aged men, semi-retired and
then retired people. Most of these are business people, sales people and trade people. It
becomes more of a social setting for them and they come on a regular basis and it is almost a
kind of club atmosphere.
Mr. Bill Feldgreber stated he is the managing partner for eSkape and Grillworks and stated the
exterior of the building will remain the same except for a small proposed sign change. Internally
the bar will not be touched. The low top tables in the restaurant will change to high top and
there will be a common table with seating for 20-25 in the center. The booths will stay the same
as will the colors etc. Bathrooms, location of all doors, windows and exits will remain the same.
Commissioner Stark note eSkape was initially proposed as a family entertainment center. Why
suddenly change the plan that was originally approved.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated from his point of view the square footage that is being allocated to
wagering is a small percentage of the total facility. As one of the trustees had mentioned family
includes fathers, grandfathers, and senior citizens also.
Mr. Feldgreber stated the average for eSkape over the last 2-3 years has changed. A lot of their
focus has leaned toward groups in corporate and middle aged people. A lot of their business has
shifted into the corporate arena. Out of the 60,000 square feet in the building OTB is looking to
occupy 2,376 square feet of that.
Commissioner Stark asked what procedures would be in place to try to prohibit a kid from
asking an older sibling or friend from placing a wager for them.
Mr. Feldgreber stated that to place a wager they must go to the window which is controlled by
Inter Track Partners and their staff. Wagering cannot be done at a machine or their table or
through a server. On the alcohol side, they deal with this every night. They allow people in the
building of all ages and they band every single person in the building after 9:00 p.m. There are
two security guards nightly and three roaming managers. They have passed every inspection and
actually have a reputation of being harder on people.
Commissioner Stark asked what would prevent others in the B-5 District from asking for
wagering facilities if this passes.
Mr. Pfeil noted one scenario would be amendment of the Zoning Ordinance to allow off-track
betting as a special use, and then each entity that wants to operate this type of facility would
have to petition for a special use. Each petition would be evaluated on the specific characteristics
at the particular location.
Chairman Ottenheimer noted that he prefers that the Zoning Ordinance text amendment to define
a new special use for off-track betting, rather than changing the definition of family
entertainment center.
All commissioners were in agreement with the Chairman to define a new special use for
off-track betting without changing the definition of a family entertainment center.
Mr. Feldgreber stated their need is for people as the restaurant is empty during the day. People
have found other locations and restaurants. The bowling and entertainment side is great but that
part of the business since the change in smoking and policies has changed. They have been
looking for a concept for the last two years where they could still control their food and beverage
and bring in people. This is a concept that could do that for them.
Commissioner Teplinsky asked how many of their facilities are in smoke free communities.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated their smoke free facilities are in Urbana and Normal, and Tinley Park,
Illinois. He stated they anticipate in existing communities state law will kick in on January Is'.
Commissioner Teplinsky asked if there has been any effect on the business in those communities
where the smoking ban exists.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated there has been a significant fall off in business in Tinley Park
Commissioner Teplinsky noted a couple of facilities have closed.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated the City of Chicago owns the Page building which is a historical
building and they had been anticipating for the last two years a move. They are in the process
under construction at LaSalle and Ohio streets for a joint venture development there with a
significant restaurant tour group that is well known in this River North area. Basically they have
another location at Jackson and Franklin in the heart of the financial district.
Commissioner Teplinsky asked if any other facilities have been closed in the last three years.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated they close their Danville facility for a number of reasons. First the
location within the Ramada hotel became questionable when the standards within the hotel fell
off so that they lost their status as Ramada and then a Comfort Inn. They eventually became an
independent and the standards were not up to their expectations. In some cases long term leases
expired in both Champaign and Bloomington and they went into different locations within
Urbana and Normal, Illinois.
Commissioner Cohn asked if any other properties in Buffalo Grove had been checked out
besides eSkape.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated he had made an intense search all over Lake County. There are many
municipalities that want them because of the benefits they bring. He stated they feel that Mr.
Feldgreber is the ideal partner. He markets the property well, he is aggressive, hands on and he
cares and acts as his own general manager which is the kind of partner he wants.
Commissioner Cohn asked if any other specific retail area in Buffalo Grove was found attractive.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated they looked at the Weber Grill and Bar Louie but what is important to
them is a joint venture partner. They look at the quality of a joint venture partner. They had also
spoken to the owners of Rack em Up. They are always looking for synergy which he believes is
the best with eSkape.
Commissioner Cohn asked if Inter-Track had any other facilities located in a building like
eSkape.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated they have another one in The Foundry in Fox Valley Mall in Aurora
and Naperville. They are in a 36,000 square foot facility and have about 2,200 square feet
dedicated to them. The other footage has billiards, a martini bar, pool tables and live
entertainment.
Commissioner Cohn noted that sounded like a place that would be attractive to working
professionals and less like eSkape.
Mr. Bilocerowycz noted that most of the bowling leagues in the evening are adults. That is the
core business here. He further noted they are also in a bowling in Peoria. He further noted they
are also in the All Seasons golf complex in Normal.
Commissioner Podber asked if they would allow gambling on sports other than horseracing.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated no as paramutual horseracing is the only legal wagering in 49 states.
Commissioner Smith asked how old you must be to enter the OTB portion of the building.
Mr. Feldgreber stated they had previously spoken about letting all ages in up until 6:00 p.m. if
accompanied by a parent and after 6:00 p.m. you cannot come in unless you are under 21. Kids
bowling after that time would use the snack bar areas only.
Commissioner Smith asked of there will be a security person there.
Mr. Feldgreber stated there will be security there in the evening run by eSkape.
Commissioner Smith asked if the police chief had suggested that there be only one entrance into
this facility.
Mr. Pfeil stated his main concern is the entrance between the bowling alley and the restaurant.
Mr. Feldgreber noted that there was some conversation but they did not look or defer to fire.
Part of the reason for the two entrances from the concourse to Grillworks and out the door was
for fire. He noted they added a second entrance during construction closer to the kitchen.
Commissioner Smith asked if they would be amenable to closing off the entrance from
Grillworks into the bowling alley if necessary per the police.
Mr. Feldgreber stated there are three entry points and he did not think the chief of police
discussed the outside entry point as he was more concerned about the two additional entries from
the concourse into the bar and the grill. He would suggest leaving the nicer doors alone and the
other door can be set so that you can only get out and not in since that door is also their catering
door and all food comes out of there.
Commissioner Smith asked if the Niles facility also had food.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated that facility is owned and operated by them.
Commissioner Smith asked if Inter-Track did not want the hassle of doing a facility here on their
own.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated he does not believe it is their core product but more of an amenity. In
this case they believe that opening a multiply joint venture location is better for them at this time.
Commissioner Smith asked if this facility is not too small for Inter-Track's needs.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated no. He stated they believe that there is a higher income individual here
in southern Lake County.
Commissioner Smith noted that was why he asked if this location is too small. He feels it
probably is which is why the revenue expectations here are half of the Niles location.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated they do not necessarily select every site to be a maximum like size
facility. When Niles opened it was in a major underserved area. This market is underserved, but
you also have Arlington Park with its long history. However, they believe they will do well here
and they are looking at joint ventures in Elk Grove and in the McHenry corridor also.
Commissioner Smith noted he has no problem with gambling here but his concern is trying to
reconcile this particular location with gambling. He further noted he was on the Commission
when eSkape came up and it was presented as a wonderful place for kids who have nothing in
the community.
Mr. Feldgreber noted that this part of the building is not being used by kids or families. The
average sale in Grillworks is well under par for any restaurant. The bowling alley and the rest of
the facility is doing fine. The bar business has gone down drastically since the non-smoking
ordinance because you can go elsewhere close by without that problem. So there is a sector of
the building that is just sitting there. He can either close it or come in with a concept that can
save it.
Commissioner Smith stated he cannot personally reconcile the free access mixed with kids.
Mr. Feldgreber noted his client profile has shifted heavily in the past 2-3 years and as much as
there are many activities for kids and they do use them strongly two days a week on Saturday
and Sundays. Every other day of the week they do not do birthday parties any more. The profile
has shifted to older group parties and it is a whole different mix.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated your local 7-11 supplies adult magazines, birth control, rolling papers,
tobacco, alcohol and lottery tickets. Even the police chief will agree there are more issues there
than a highly controlled situation like this.
Commissioner Teplinsky asked if there are restroom facilities in Grillworks now or would
anyone from Grillworks need to enter eSkape to do so.
Mr. Feldgreber stated there is a restroom in Grillworks.
Ms. Ghida Neukirch stated that although there is a one restroom available in Grillworks it does
not meet the code to provide for a full restroom facility for a restaurant of that nature. People are
able to use that restroom but it would not be able to serve the entire restaurant.
Commissioner Smith asked for clarifications about the petitions that had been sent out.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated the State of Illinois requires them to canvas those registered voters
within 500 feet from the building to be dedicated and to get 50 percent approval. This was
achieved.
Commissioner Teplinsky asked what the procedure was.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated he personally went door to door and met the residents and answered
their questions.
Commissioner Podber asked how many residents were visited.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated there were 58 registered voters on the list. Five people have moved and
we obtained post office verification that they are no longer residents there. There is one
undecided and 11 no responses.
Commissioner Podber asked for a list of the 58 people they visited. He asked if there is anyway
to independently audit what was said by these people.
Commissioner Stark asked how in depth the canvassing was.
Mr. Bilocerowycz stated these people were sent a letter from the Village that explains who they
are and what they are and what they are bringing to the Village. The advantages to the Village,
the security aspects and the controls that are in place a described as well as noting that it is a
State legal business.
Chairman Ottenheimer noted that traditionally workshops are only that and are followed by a
public hearing that allows any interested person to present comments or evidence. However, as
these people took the time to come out tonight he will allow some comments.
Mr. Robert Sheck, 371 Town Place Circle, stated Mr. Bilocerowycz gave him a presentation and
expressed his desire for his signature. I was against the issue so did not sign but I did not get to
keep the form that was presented to me. I felt somewhat manipulated. Basically this request
comes down to a money situation because we have a perfect south end of a unit that is
unoccupied and has been so by many restaurants. But Inter-Track just does not want to spend
the funds for that. They just want to do this partnership so they do not have to fund anything. If
there is a problem for Grillworks why not try something else like computers that kids would use
for computer games, surfing the net etc. without the worry about gambling issues. Perhaps the
age limit should be raised from 21 so that we can be sure none of the young people get into that
type of facility.
Mr. Richard Cotini, 1430 Larchmont Drive, stated he is in support of such a facility here. He
frequents an OTB on a routine basis as it is more comfortable than a racetrack. He further stated
these places are upscale and state of the art and very comfortable and secure. The revenue this
would bring for the schools here would be a bonus.
Mr. Steve Russo, 1170 Thompson stated he also frequents OTB's and enjoys them. He brings
his kids many times and, of course, they are not allowed to bet but they enjoy the facility and
like to watch the races and they have a good time which is more like a family outing and
becoming more so all the time.
Mr. Rob Sherman, P.O. Box 7410 and a resident of Buffalo Grove, said he does not feel this use
is appropriate here. He noted, after having watched the Village Board meeting on television, that
members of the Board are for the most part supportive of this proposal and asks if the
compatibility issue is something that the Plan Commission will consider or is it a done deal. He
noted many other restaurants in the area to eat which appears to be too many for the market place
to support. An OTB would damage property values throughout the community. OTB's seem to
go into communities that are desperate and will damage the reputation of Buffalo Grove.
Chairman Ottenheimer stated the purpose of the Plan Commission on this particular project is to
determine if this is an appropriate use. Secondly, he takes offense at the comment that this
commission is a rubber stamp for the Board. He stated this commission is an independent fact
finding body to make recommendations only. The record will show that there have been a
number of occasions where the Plan Commission has recommended one thing and the Board has
done something else which is part of the process. He noted he takes great offense to the
comment that the commission is only a rubber stamp for what the trustees want.
Mr. Sherman stated he is not a lawyer so he asks questions that he does not know the answer to
and he is not insinuating anything.
Commissioner Smith stated that just because the Board sent this matter to the Plan Commission
overwhelmingly it does not mean they are in favor of it merely that they are in favor of the Plan
Commission looking at the project.
Chairman Ottenheimer noted that referral does not mean they will vote favorably for it but there
are procedures and processes to go through.
Mrs. Shriek, 370 Town Place Circle, stated this plan is not a good fit here. Even though
gambling is legal it does not mean this is a good thing. Kids are already exposed to so many
things from other sources she does not see the need for exposing kids to something that is not
necessarily a positive.
Mr. Ed Osmon, 406 S Buffalo Grove Road, said the Village should evaluate all the available
information before making a decision.
Ms. Peddrick, 357 Town Place Circle, stated she incorrectly signed the petition presented to her
as she thought she was signing against it. She noted this place is a hangout for kids and has had
to call the police several times and she feels this is wrong. She further noted there is an element
that will be brought into the community that would not be good. She stressed that many other
people who were asked to sign this petition also did not know what they were signing.
Mr. Bob Bilocerowycz stated that many people who criticize the OTB have never been to one.
Arlington Park itself does a great job for family days with lots of entertainment. Their property
values are probably as high and growing as any community. He stated he firmly believes there
will not be the teen pranks and other problems as the average age of people coming to
Grillworks will be older and more responsible.
Chairman Ottenheimer noted this matter was ready for a public hearing.
DISCUSSION OF VILLAGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
Mr. Pfeil asked that this matter be deferred to June 20, 2007.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT—None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil stated the next meeting will be June 20, 2007.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS—None
STAFF REPORT—None
NEW BUSINESS—None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Teplinsky, seconded by Commissioner Smith and carried unanimously
to adjourn. Chairman Ottenheimer adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fay Rubin, Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY:
LESTER OTTENHEIMER, Chair