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1991-10-02 - Plan Commission - Minutes PUBLIC HEARING BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION October 2, 1991 Proposed Improvements to Illinois Route 83 P P Chairman Silbernik called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Chairman Silbernik directed the recording secretary to call the roll. Commissioners present: Chairman Silbernik Mr. Goldspiel Mr. Krug Mr. Rhodes Ms. Howard Mr. Charlette Mr. Rosenston Ms. Genell Mr. Samuels Commissioners absent: None Also present: Mr. Jeffrey Braiman, Village Trustee Mr. Brian Rubin, Village Trustee Mr. Bruce Kahn, Village Trustee Mr. William R. Balling, Village Manager Mr. Gregory P. Boysen, Director of Public Works Mr. Kenneth Carmignani, Village Traffic Consultant Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner Ms. Amanda D'Erasmo, Illinois Department of Transportation Ms. Lidia Pilecky, Illinois Department of Transportation Mr. Les Swieca, Illinois Department of Transportation Mr. Ken Hemstreet, Illinois Department of Transportation Mr. Earl Sabes, Village Transportation Commission Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 1 Chairman Silbernik reviewed the notice that had been provided for the hearing, reviewed the format to be followed for the hearing, and swore in all persons who were giving testimony at the hearing. Mr. Balling presented a review of the major elements of the widening of Route 83 from just south of Buffalo Grove Road at Farrington to just south of Arlington Heights Road. He stated that through the Comprehensive Plan the Village of Buffalo Grove has identified Route 83 as a major arterial road and its importance as a regional transportation link. He noted that as early as 1980 the Village of Buffalo Grove had commissioned a preliminary engineering study in traffic assessment on Route 83 and to make recommendations regarding Lake Cook Road and Arlington Heights Road. That report was subject to public review and meetings in 1980 to 1981. In 1981 the Village Board adopted a resolution endorsing the road improvement which basically provided for the widening of the road to a five lane roadway of two lanes in each direction plus a center median lane which would also serve as a turning and control lane for traffic. Following that, the Village had two opportunities to implement that plan. The first opportunity was in connection with the Spoerlein Farm annexation and development which required the developer of Spoerlein to improve and expand the intersection which had recently been improved to Devlin Drive, providing the first phase of the extension southward. The second opportunity came when the Village was able to convince IDOT to fund a modified version of that plan adjacent to the Buffalo Grove Town Center. The plan was modified to the extent that there is a mountable median at that point rather than a barrier median. Mr. Balling further stated that earlier this year the Village was contacted by IDOT who indicated progress was being made on advancing the planning on the Route 83 corridor from Highway 45 southward to at least Lake Cook Road and studies had been undertaken by IDOT to advance those projects to a point where they could be funded. Mr. Balling noted that since it had been ten years since the first traffic study and information meetings had been held, IDOT suggested that the preliminary plans be subject to a public information session as there were also elements of the 1980 plan that were modified, specifically, the intersection of Busch Road and Route 83 in that the design now indicates a double left lane rather than a single left lane was needed. Mr. Balling stated that at the Village Board meeting of Aug- 26, 1991, the Board requested the Plan Commission review and Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 2 evaluate the proposal and make a recommendation back to the Board. Mr. Balling noted that this project is proceeding somewhat concurrently with both the north and south segments of the Route 83 project actually extending all the way to Willow Road. Because of the time frame and the desire to incorporate this improvement with the north leg, it is important that IDOT again gets the recommendation of Buffalo Grove that it continues to endorse or has concerns with the Route 83 program since they have now proceeded to the design phase of the road project. Mr. Balling stated that IDOT would like a decision from the Board in October. Amanda D'Erasmo presented a slide overview for the Route 83 improvement from Buffalo Grove Road to Arlington Heights Road. She stated Route 83 is a major arterial highway within the Chicagoland area. She further stated that existing traffic volumes range from 14,000 to 19,000 vehicles everyday. These high traffic volumes mean that portions of Route 83 operate at maximum capacity during peak traffic hours. Traffic is expected to increase 38 to 50 percent over the next twenty years and this increase warrants providing an additional through lane in each direction as well as separate left turn lanes at cross streets. Ms. D'Erasmo stated that much of the Route 83 pavement is about 60 years old and although it was resurfaced in 1986, the sub-surface pavement will continue to deteriorate causing extensive pavement cracking unless major rehabilitation or replacement occurs. Ms. D'Erasmo further stated that with this project left turn lanes will be provided at all dedicated streets. She noted that the expansion of route 83 from a two lane undivided highway to a four lane divided highway should decrease the number of rear end accidents and turning type accidents. Ms. D'Erasmo stated that the proposed typical cross section for Route 83 consists of a 16 foot barrier median, two 12 foot lanes in each direction, barrier curb along the median and curb and gutters on each side. She stated that this design is maintained for the entire length of the project except for Busch Road. At Busch Road the barrier median widens to 30 feet. The proposed design includes the following features: 1. Barrier landscaped median, requested by the Village of Buffalo Grove 2 . Dual left turn lanes at Busch Road. Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 3 g g 1 3 . Modified access of all driveways 4 . 8 foot bikepath on the west side of the roadway 5. 5 foot sidewalk on the east side of the roadway Ms. D'Erasmo noted that the sidewalk and bikepath will tie into the existing and proposed local network of paths. Ms. D'Erasmo further stated that noise impact studies were made and analyzed as part of the project. She noted the study indicated ten locations within the project which exceed the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) limit of 67 decibels. 67 decibels is considered to be the point where normal conversation is disrupted by noise. The study was also done analyzing the projected year 2010 traffic volume with the proposed roadway design. The projected noise levels ranged from 67 to 71 decibels at the affected locations. Ms. D'Erasmo stated that due to the multiple locations which exceed the FHWA criteria, noise mitigation methods are being considered for the north side of the roadway between Ranch View, south of Devlin and on the south side of the roadway between the north project limit and Busch Road and south of Busch Road approximately 2 , 000 feet. Ms. D'Erasmo stated that the use of a berm was eliminated early in the planning stages because of the narrow right-of-way restrictions and the quantity of right-of-way which would have to be acquired to construct a berm. She stated that a noise abatement wall cannot be accommodated within the existing right-of-way and that noise would still be a problem indirectly from Route 83 and directly from intersecting streets where the wall would not be placed. The cost would be $3, 000, 000. She stated that IDOT is not recommending the wall for this project because the cost is extremely high for this size project and because of the impact on property owners. Ms. D'Erasmo noted that there are other environmental impacts that would be affected by this project, namely . 1 acre of wetlands. Further IDOT will be coordinating planning with the Village of Buffalo Grove Road for landscaping. The estimated cost of this project is $5. 4 million. Mr. Carmignani stated that at the August 26, 1991 Village Board meeting where the 1991 transportation update was presented, several specific issues were identified for further study. He stated that in order to discuss the dual left turn lanes at Busch Road, it was necessary to evaluate Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public 1991-Page Hearing-October 2, 4 the need for the widening. Mr. Carmignani suggested that the peak hour counts of 1985 to 1990 and the projected peak hour counts which assumes that all approved developments were in fact constructed and in use justify the widening project. Secondly, Mr. Carmignani noted that the question regarding dual left turn lanes was studied and in particular certain critical intersections were evaluated, of which Busch Road was one. He stated that his figures came very close to those presented by IDOT. He noted that the study shows that a single left turn lane will not carry the levels of projected traffic. Dual left turn lanes are necessary for this intersection for efficient operation. Mr. Carmignani also stated that in regard to the noise levels studied, it is important to note that there are ten areas which exceed acceptable levels and of those, seven areas are currently exceeding acceptable levels. Mr. Carmignani stated that berms are not an effective method of noise abatement due to their close proximity to the residential lot lines. He further noted that noise levels were at their worst at second floor levels and berms would not be high enough to be effective. He stated that his conclusion is that the only effective noise abatement measure that could be used would, in fact, be a wall. Mr. Carmignani further recommended that pedestrian bicycle crossings be provided at signalized intersections with pedestrian push buttons which could be activated by people wanting to go to the park sites or other side of Route 83 . Mr. Carmignani stated that as the volume of traffic goes up and the distance stays the same, the noise level goes up and more areas will exceed acceptable noise levels. He identified the alternate routes that would be impacted by the lack of this improvement as Aptakisic and Buffalo Grove Roads, Aptakisic and other north and south roads, Arlington Heights Road and Lake Cook Road. Earl Sabes, Chairman of the Buffalo Grove Transportation Commission, read a letter of support from his commission and the letter was entered into the public hearing record as Exhibit No. 3 . Commissioner Goldspiel asked how the new road elevation would compare with the present elevation. Ms. Pilecky stated that the new elevation will follow the Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 5 existing profile with no major changes or very slight modifications. Commissioner Goldspiel asked if additional right-of-way would be required by the State. Ms. Pilecky stated that an additional 20 feet would be necessary at some points especially north of Busch Road contiguous to the open field. The maximum acquisition from residential sources would be 10 feet. Commissioner Goldspiel inquired if it would be possible to use a smooth roadway curve so that a full 10 feet would not be necessary from the four most affected homes in Devonshire. Ms. Pilecky stated that she would have to take another look at the engineering and cross sections to see if any right-of way minimization could be accomplished. Commissioner Goldspiel asked how noise level measurements were taken. Mr. Hemstreet stated that computer models of existing conditions and emitters of noise measure both existing and proposed noise levels. Commissioner Goldspiel asked what kind of pavement surface would be used. Ms. D'Erasmo stated that had not as yet been determined. Commissioner Goldspiel asked what effect stockade fences would have on the noise levels. Mr. Hemstreet stated that stockade fences would amplify the noise. Commissioner Goldspiel asked if any landscaping of the medians or parkway would be useful in mitigating the noise level. Mr. Hemstreet stated that landscaping would not reduce any noise levels. Commissioner Goldspiel asked why the Transportation Commission recommends locating the bikepath on the north side of Route 83 . Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 6 Mr. Sabes noted that if the bike path was located on the north side of Route 83 it would then be adjacent to the proposed park and it would help in avoiding interference to some of the residences. Commissioner Krug inquired if the speed and weight of a car is directly related to the amount of noise. Mr. Hemstreet stated that of course there was a direct relation. A constant speed is different from a constant decelerated and accelerating car and truck. Commissioner Krug asked what was the proposed speed limit on Route 83 . Mr.Hemstreet noted the speed limit would be 45 miles per hour. Commissioner Krug inquired if the existing detention area could be able to handle the additional runoff. Mr. Boysen replied that the existing drainage systems will be able to handle all the water. He further noted that some new detention basins have been built to handle stormwater needs with the thought of the Route 83 widening in mind. He noted that IDOT and the Village engineering staff are in the process of working out the details to accomplish proper accommodation of drainage from the Route 83 project. Commissioner Krug asked if the runoff which includes chemicals would hurt the wetlands. Mr. Boysen stated that all runoff flows to Buffalo Creek and that the more sensitive wetlands are sufficiently upstream from the actual swales so as not to be affected. Commissioner Krug asked if there would be lighting installed on the Route 83 project. Ms. Pilecky stated that no highway lighting is being recommended as the Village of Buffalo Grove is not supporting continuous street lighting as part of this project. Commissioner Rhodes asked Mr. Carmignani how noise levels are studied. Mr. Carmignani stated that everyone uses the same computerized model to check noise levels. The model is Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 7 sensitive to different types of noises from trucks and cars. Commissioner Rhodes asked if the State would provide snowplowing services and where the snow would be placed. Mr. Boysen stated that the snow would be pushed over to the curb and onto the parkway. He noted that this road should be similar to all other Village roadways. Commissioner Rhodes inquired what was necessary to get a speed limit reduction. Ms. Pilecky stated that it is first necessary to conduct a speed study. Thereafter the 85th percentile of what speeds were actually going would be used. Commissioner Howard noted she too would be in favor of speed reduction. She then inquired if a pedestrian overpass would be a possibility and how much it would cost. Ms. Pilecky stated that the approximately cost of an overpass would be $300, 000. She further noted that given the residential character of the area and the narrow right-of- ways, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to build such an overpass. Commissioner Howard inquired if there might not be spillover q g P traffic onto Checker Road due to the widening of Route 83 . Ms. Pilecky stated that there is no correlation between traffic volumes on Checker to the widening of Route 83 . Commissioner Rosenston stated that four lanes on Route 83 would likely ease the noise levels better than the existing two lanes. He then inquired if the speed limit would have a detrimental effect on traffic. Mr. Carmignani stated that Illinois has only two speeds. 55 miles per hour is permitted through non-residential areas and 30 miles per hour is permitted through the residential areas. In order to have any other kind of speed limit there must be a traffic study conducted and usually the 85 percentile rule is used. He further noted that with proper signalization the widened road would be safer than it is today. Commissioner Charlette asked what would be done to protect children in back yards and what was the necessity of a landscaped median strip. Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 8 Mr. Balling stated that the Village has adopted a standard to provide turning safety design as well as aesthetically pleasing median strips which will also provide buffering for the road. He noted that the landscaped medians lend character and complement the residential neighborhood. Commissioner Genell inquired how old the developments of Devonshire, Spoerlein, Strathmore and Wellington were and asked if the widening of Route 83 should not have been considered at the time these developments were approved. Mr. Balling stated that these developments were built in the mid 70's and early 80 's and that due consideration and right- of-way had been established with the exception of the four properties adjacent to the proposed double left turn lane and Busch Commons for which the Park District has agreed to provide conveyance. Commissioner Genell inquired if there were any tangible examples of a 72 decibel level. Mr. Carmignani suggested visiting homes at the corner of Busch and Route 83 to note a 72 decibel level and Devlin and Route 83. Commissioner Samuels inquired how this road was picked for improvement. Ms. Pilecky stated that input from various village mayors was noted as to what areas needed to be studied. They then gathered data and did field observations and engineering data to decide what roads needed improvement. Commissioner Samuels inquired if such q studieshad been conducted into the need for a widening of Route 22 . Mr. Swieca stated that IDOT has tried three times to approach the idea of widening Route 22 without success and objections from Lincolnshire. He further noted that IDOT would require considerable amounts of right-of-way which are presently owned by individuals homeowners. This would affect a great many homes rather than just right of way. He also noted that a great deal of Village participation is required for any project via the passage of ordinances and such and since Lincolnshire will not participate, there has been no attempt made to pursue the widening of Route 22 . Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 9 Chairman Silbernik inquired what the projection for Illinois Route 83 would be if ideal situations existed with Route 22 widened, Route 53 extended and Deerfield Road widened. Mr. Carmignani stated that the Village's 1991 Transportation assumes that all improvements are made to Route 22 and Deer- field Road as well as Aptakisic Road. With all of these improvements to roads outside of the Village, intersections within the Village would operate at level of service C or D. He noted that the completion of Route 53 to Lake Cook Road has diverted some traffic from Dundee Road. He stated that even with various regional road improvements traffic on Route 83 cannot be reduced enough to not require a four lane design. Commission Rosenston inquired if there were any plans to widen Deerfield Road. Mr. Swieca stated there are no immediate conceivable plans to expand Deerfield Road. Mark Golden, 4 Belmar Court stated his concern regarding the 9 g traffic that will be generated by the widening of Route 83 and noted that the road will only be five feet from his fence where his two small children will be playing. Ed Lipsky, 1124 Brandywyn Court inquired if the median strip were reduced in width would there be less need for right-of- way acquisition. Mr. Pfeil stated that IDOT would need to assess the proposed road design and determine if some of the right-of-way acquis- itions could be reduced. Ms. Roberts, 1128 Brandywyn Court stated that she flatly resents having to give up any of her property for the use of bikepaths, sidewalks and turn lanes. Chairman Silbernik asked how the homeowner would be compensated by the State for the additional right-of-way requirements. Ms. Pilecky stated that there is a Federal process for procuring right-of-way which consists of independent appraisals taken of the required property as well as any sheds or fences located thereon and taking landscaping into consideration. She stated that this information is then given to negotiators who approach the homeowner and begin a Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 10 negotiation process to arrive at an equitable settlement. If this fails to bring agreement, the question would then proceed to the courts for determination of land value. David Hafft, 1137 Devonshire stated that perhaps another traffic study should be taken at this point as he was unaware of any traffic problems. He noted that double left turn lanes would only create more of a problem with cars stopped and waiting to turn and proceeding onward which adds to more noise pollution. He also asked that the median strip be of minimal width if at all possible. Greg Rabchuk, 1129 Lockwood Drive stated that most of the rapid growth experienced in and around Buffalo Grove is now at an end due to the fact that there is very little open land left. He stated that there does not seem to be very many cars turning at Busch Road and noted that we are destroying our environment for what appears to be a slight critical traffic period of perhaps two hours per day. Shelly Cholak, 1215 Gail Drive stated that the majority of the traffic on Route 83 appears to be headed north. She further noted that children already have a difficult time crossing Route 83 to get to the Buffalo Grove pool and that the new park acquisition would bring more children out trying to get to that facility. Harry King, 615 Harrison Drive noted his concern regarding the widening and the increased noise levels and danger to children in the area. Joe Landy, 911 Belmar stated that Buffalo Grove should not be the leader in bringing increased traffic volumes at the cost of destruction of nature. He also inquired if IDOT would conduct an environmental study. Ms. Pilecky stated that IDOT has already conducted a study regarding the noise pollution, wetlands and flood plain situation. Jane Dojutrek, 940 Old McHenry Road stated that all the cars waiting to make a left turn at Busch Road almost always makes it through on the first light. She stated that she does not want to see another Lake Cook Road or Dundee Road in the area. She further noted that the bikepath would be better situated on the park side of Route 83 . Ms. Dojutrek also stated that it would perhaps be better to wait until some of the other arterial roads are opened up before the widening of Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 11 Route 83 takes place. stated he 6 o nin side West tothat Lee Carpenter, 12 M r g understands that a partial widening of Route 83 is necessary. However, he feels that it will really only benefit those people passing through Buffalo Grove instead of Buffalo Grove residents. Mr. Carpenter further stated that there is only one left turn lane at the intersection of Busch Road and Milwaukee Avenue. Until Deerfield Road is widened, he does not see the necessity for a double left turn at Busch and Route 83 . Greg French, 910 Shady Grove Lane stated that he feels that an expansion of Route 83 at this time was not necessary and stated that there is a petition available which shows that many residents feel the Village is moving too fast with this improvement. He further stated that there has been very limited discussion regarding noise abatement methods. He suggested that further environmental impact studies be conducted before any further commitments are made. He noted that Route 83 will become the main thoroughfare for reaching I-294 and suggested that Buffalo Grove should not give the surrounding communities any reason to drag their feet regarding their own improvements. He suggested that the Village of Buffalo Grove at least wait until some of the other communities follow through on their commitments before any widening of Route 83 takes place. Michael Tempkin, 57 Dogwood stated that Buffalo Grove cannot afford any short term goals and that the Village has been making plans too quickly and compromising to much in the last ten years. Chairman Silbernik noted that the Village has always held open Plan Commission meetings and that very few people attend. However, this is where community input starts and this is where residents should be voicing their concerns and opinions. Marshall Goldstein, 1121 Devonshire stated that Route 83 should not be improved until Routes 22 and 53 as well as Deerfield Road are first improved as Route 83 is situated in the middle of these other roads. He further noted that IDOT's plans for these other roads is at least five to ten years off and he further questioned the advisability of improving the intersection of Busch and Route 83 before any definite usage is determined. Mr. Goldstein further presented a petition signed by approximately 700 residents Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 12 g opposed to the Route 83 improvement. Richard Gertz, 1041 Belmar Lane noted his concern for the residential character of the neighborhood with the improvement to Route 83. Rich Pragon, 891 Belmar Lane noted his concern that the Route 83 widening was premature at this time. He stated that the improvement would bring more traffic congestion to his street which would become a safety issue for his neighborhood. He further noted that it was a disgrace for the Village of Buffalo Grove to roll over for all the other communities instead of showing any sensitivity for the residents of Buffalo Grove itself. Sophie Everett, 20922 North Route 83 asked that the highway be realigned further west adjacent to the vacant land as her house is right on Route 83. Ms. Pilecky noted that the State already owns fifty feet of right of way at Ms. Everett's home and would not require any additional footage. Linda Taylor, 1031 Belmar stated that the road should be widened in about ten years from now when it seems it will really be needed and it would last that much longer. She stated that it was not necessary to widen the road at this time and it would only benefit other communities instead of Buffalo Grove. Ms. Taylor asked that the Trustees and Village Manager vote against the widening of Route 83, vote against a double turn lane now or at any time at the intersection of Busch and Route 83, reduce the speed limit to 35 miles per hour, allow all trees along Route 83 between Buffalo Grove Road and Arlington Heights Road to remain as they are and not to provide for a bikepath on either side of Route 83 . Ms. Taylor presented a petition signed by 700 persons objecting to the proposed widening of Route 83 . This petition was entered into the record as Exhibit No. 4. Ron Boron, 1125 Devonshire questioned the advisability of having two lanes feed into a residential street. Carol Rogers, 1016 Hobson inquired what the Busch widening has to do with the widening of Route 83 . Mr. Balling stated that both roads are related in terms of the double left turn lanes onto Busch Road. Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 13 ( Ms. Rogers further stated that most people moved to Buffalo g p p Grove because of what the area is like. She noted that most other communities support their residents unlike Buffalo Grove. Mr. Rabchuk, 1129 Lockwood Drive inquired what the improvement would be like through Long Grove and asked if the pavement would be blacktop or concrete. Ms. Pilecky explained the widening of Route 83 through Long Grove all the way to Mundelein and stated that there was no way as yet to determine whether the pavement would be blacktop or concrete. Mr. Rabchuk inquired as to the main reason for the necessity of a double turn lane onto Busch Road. Mr. Balling noted that the main reason for the double turn lane onto Busch Road was to permit the intersection to function in at least a "D" level of service. There being no further comments Chairman Silbernik closed the Public Hearing at 11:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Rubi Fay n, Recording Secretary APPROV MARTIN SILBERNIK, Chairman Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Public Hearing-October 2, 1991-Page 14 REGULAR MEETING BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION October 2, 1991 Proposed Improvements to Illinois Route 83 Proposed Improvements to Busch Road/Deerfield Parkway Chairman Silbernik called the meeting to order at 11:05 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Commissioners present: Chairman Silbernik Mr. Goldspiel Mr. Krug Mr. Rhodes Ms. Howard Mr. Charlette Mr. Rosenston Ms. Genell Mr. Samuels Commissioners absent: None Also present: Mr. Jeffrey Braiman, Village Trustee Mr. Brian Rubin, Village Trustee Mr. William R. Balling, Village Manager Mr. Gregory P. Boysen, Director of Public Works Mr. Kenneth Carmignani, Village Traffic Consultant Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner Mr. Thomas Hietter, Midwest Consulting Engineers Ms. Amanda D'Erasmo, Illinois Department of Transportation Ms. Lidian Pilecky, Illinois Department of Transportation Mr. Les Swieca, Illinois Department of Transportation Mr. Ken Hemstreet, Illinois Department of Transportation Mr. Earl Sabes, Village Transportation Commission Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 1 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO ILLINOIS ROUTE 83 Moved by Commissioner Goldspiel, seconded by Commissioner Rosenston, to recommend approval to the Village Board of the proposed five-lane improvement to Illinois Route 83 between Buffalo Grove Road and Arlington Heights Road subject to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) mitigating the amount of right- of-way that is being proposed for acquisition from residential properties adjoining Route 83 . Commissioner Samuels inquired if the motion includes dual left turn lanes at the Route 83/Busch Road intersection. Commissioner Goldspiel said the motion included the proposed dual left turn lanes. He inquired if the proposed plan includes turn lanes from Route 83 to Devlin Road. Ms. Pilecky of IDOT stated that the proposed plan includes a left turn lane from Route 83 to Devlin Road, but the plan does not include a deceleration lane for right turns from Route 83 to Devlin Lane. Commissioner Goldspiel asked if there is an elevation differential between the residential lots near Devlin Road and Route 83 which would reduce the possibility of cars leaving the road and entering into residential properties. Ms. Pilecky stated that Illinois Route is two to three feet lower than residential lots near Devlin Road. Commissioner Goldspiel inquired about the source of the traffic that is generating the need for the improvement to Route 83 . Mr. Carmignani indicated that traffic using Route 83 includes both traffic from outside of Buffalo Grove and traffic being generated from within the Village. He noted that land uses that have been approved by the Village in its Comprehensive Plan will add approximately 10, 000 vehicles per hour during peak traffic periods to the road network in the Village, and long-range land uses that are planned for the Village's master planning area will add an additional 12 , 500 vehicles per hour during peak periods to the street system in the Village. He noted that the ratio of traffic �./ with origins or destinations within the Village as compared to traffic passing through the Village is approximately 2 : 1 which obviously indicates that a substantial portion of traffic on the Village's street system is generated from within the Village. Commissioner Rhodes commented that the Plan Commission takes input Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 2 from residents very seriously when projects are reviewed, but the Commission has to make difficult decisions that won't necessarily please everyone. Commissioner Samuels inquired about the impact to the road system if Deerfield Parkway isn't connected to Milwaukee Avenue. He said he could not support the dual left turn lanes at Route 83 and Busch Road if Deerfield Parkway is not connected to Milwaukee Avenue. Mr. Balling noted that Busch Parkway could be upgraded to a four- lane road connecting to Milwaukee Avenue, but this would not be the optimal road plan. The Village has approved a plan that requires the Trammell Crow Company to construct Deerfield Parkway through the Santucci property to Milwaukee Avenue. Trammell Crow is trying to obtain a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to do work on the Santucci property, and it appears that the permit will be granted. Commissioner Rosenston commented that traffic will move more efficiently and more quietly if the full proposed improvement including dual turn lanes at Busch Road is constructed for Route 83 . Commissioner Goldspiel said there are a number of issues that are important concerning the proposed Route 83 improvement, and he commented as follows on these issues: 1. Route 83 is serving both east-west and north-south traffic functions because traffic goes east at Busch Road as well as south on Route 83 . The traffic studies document these movements and support the conclusion that Route 83 is a road of major importance to the efficient movement of traffic in the Village. 2. Although some people think an overpass or underpass is needed for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross Route 83, it may not be feasible to construct such an improvement. The underpass at Route 22 and Buffalo Grove Road connects two portions of a public golf course, and is intended to separate golf cart traffic from motor vehicles on the major streets. This improvement was financed mainly by a private developer. 3 . The plans for the proposed Route 83 improvement have been under consideration for the past ten to eleven years. Road projects require a lot of lead time before actual implementation, and the Route 83 project is now ready for implementation. He noted that the proposed Route 83 improvement is similar in concept to the widening of Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 3 ----------------- Arlington Heights Road. He said he was skeptical about the four-lane improvement proposed for Arlington Heights Road, but he now realizes that the improvement has created a safer, more efficient road than a two-lane design. 4. The noise impact issue is troubling. He noted that residents who live near Route 83 say that the noise is bad at the present time. The proposed improvement, however, will not significantly increase noise from traffic on Route 83. 5. The proposed center median is needed to provide a safe design to allow turns from Route 83 to side streets and from these streets to Route 83. 6. The center median produces an aesthetically attractive road design that is the standard design used by the Village for major streets. 7. The Village made a conscious decision in the 1972-74 planning period concerning the Village's character. The Village's master plan was designed to allow residential densities higher than communities such as Long Grove and Riverwoods. To support this type of residential density and industrial and commercial development, road improvements are needed. Lake Cook Road is an example of a road improvement that was implemented to support the Village's master plan for land use. The Village's planning has been based on the concept of trying to achieve a fiscally stable community with a balanced mix of land uses. 8. The proposed improvement to Route 83 is the last segment that needs to be constructed in the Village, and it should be done to achieve a well-designed, consistent road pattern. Commissioner Samuels stated that he wants the motion to be amended to remove the proposed dual left turn lanes at Busch Road. Commissioner Goldspiel said he would not accept the amendment. Commissioner Rosenston said he concurs with Commissioner Goldspiel that the motion should not be amended concerning the dual left turn lanes. Chairman Silbernik called for the vote on the motion and the vote was as follows: AYES: Goldspiel, Krug, Rhodes, Howard, Rosenston, Samuels NAYES: Genell Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 4 ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Charlette The motion carried 6 to 1. Commissioner Genell said she did not support the motion because she does not feel traffic projections go beyond what we expect for capacity and, therefore, cannot accept this project in its present form. Chairman Silbernik noted that the Plan Commission's recommendation would be forwarded to the Village Board for consideration, probably on the Board's October 21, 1991 agenda. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO BUSCH ROAD/DEERFIELD PARKWAY William Balling, Village Manager, addressed the Plan Commission concerning the proposed improvements. He stated that the Village is planning a five-lane improvement to Busch Road/Deerfield Parkway extending from Route 83 on the west to Milwaukee Avenue on the east. The Village intends to request that Lake County accept this road system when the improvements are completed, so the Village's design has to be consistent with applicable state and federal highway standards. Mr. Balling indicated that the existing pavement of Busch Road is deteriorating and the sub-base for the road is in poor condition. He commented that it is important that the Village complete its planning for the road improvement so that the project can be implemented in a timely manner. The current condition of Busch Road dictates that the improvements need to be addressed as a short-term issue. Mr. Balling noted that Busch Road serves an industrial area east of Weiland Road; Busch Parkway and Deerfield Parkway are part of a street system that extends to Milwaukee Avenue. He commented that Busch Road west of Weiland Road is similar to Arlington Heights Road because it goes through a residential area which includes several schools and parks. Mr. Balling explained that the proposed improvements will be very expensive, and the Village needs to obtain funding from the Federal �./ Aid Urban System (FAUS) program in order to make it financially feasible for the Village. Lake County would be involved in a sponsorship role when the Village applies for FAUS funding. Mr. Balling stated that the Village staff is requesting that the Plan Commission endorse the proposed design concept for the Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 5 improvements. The Village Board is scheduled to consider a resolution on October 21, 1991 to authorize the staff to proceed with the design and funding aspects of the project. Mr. Balling introduced Thomas Hietter of Midwest Consulting Engineers who has worked on preliminary designs for the project. Mr. Hietter noted that he had prepared a summary report concerning the project that was distributed to the Plan Commission, and he said he would review the major items covered in the report. Mr. Hietter said an important consideration in designing the improvement is the impacts that the project may have on adjacent properties. He noted that an environmental study will need to be done to analyze impacts such as noise and air quality. He said preliminary analysis indicates that the project would result in noise levels one to three decibels higher than the current levels in the area. He said air quality in the project area will be the worst at the intersection of Route 83 and Busch Road, but the pollution levels won't exceed federal standards. Mr. Hietter said people who live near Busch Road have expressed concern about the impact of the project on their properties. Mr. Hietter reviewed a map which displays the location of the properties of persons who attended a previous meeting in 1990 concerning the Busch Road improvement. He indicated locations where the proposed improvement would actually result in the road pavement being farther from certain residences than the existing pavement. He noted that Table 2 dated October 2, 1991 distributed to the Plan Commission shows the distances from residences to the existing and proposed pavements of Busch Road. Mr. Hietter stated that the traffic information that he has analyzed indicates that the proposed improvement should be a four- lane facility to provide two through lanes for westbound and eastbound traffic. This design would include a fifth lane to provide a center median for turning movements. Mr. Hietter said that although it would be an option to construct a three-lane improvement, this would be short-term solution because ultimately the road would need to be widened to a full five-lane design. In addition, staging the project in two phases would add approximately $400, 000 to the overall cost of the project. Commissioner Goldspiel inquired if the right-of-way is currently adequate to accommodate the proposed five-lane improvement. Mr. Hietter indicated that the needed right-of-way is generally already in place, but some right-of-way would need to be acquired from the Buffalo Grove Park District, properties at the Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 6 intersection of Corporate Grove Drive/Busch Parkway/Deerfield Parkway, and the Santucci property. Commissioner Goldspiel asked if the proposed five-lane improvement would be a safer design for traffic movements than the three-lane alternative. Mr. Balling said that the five-lane design will provide for more efficient movement of traffic, and this would indicate some advantages in terms of traffic safety. Commissioner Goldspiel asked when the four-lane design would actually be needed based on traffic projection. Mr. Carmignani indicated that the area of Busch Road near Weiland Road is already performing at a sub-standard level, and should be upgraded to a four-lane section. the segment of Busch Road west of Weiland Road and east of Buffalo Grove Road is almost at the point when traffic volumes indicate the need for four lanes. The segment between Busch Road and Route 83 is not yet showing the volumes that would require a four-lane section. He noted that Busch Road is carrying an average daily traffic (ADT) volume of 12,000 vehicles, and an ADT of 17, 000 vehicles is the long-term projection. He commented that the 12,000 to 14, 000 ADT level generally indicates the need for a four-lane road section. Commissioner Goldspiel commented that it appears that the three- lane alternative would include a center turning median, and he questioned the practicality of this design. Commissioner Genell noted that on pages four and five of Mr. Hietter's report the proposed three-lane and five-lane design alternatives are discussed, and the report recommends "Alternative B-4" which is the four-lane section. Commissioner Rosenston commented that the portion of Buffalo Grove Road that has been built as a three-lane section with a center turning lane is a poor design that presents a safety hazard for traffic movements. He stated that the four-lane section proposed for Busch Road and Deerfield Parkway is the better alternative, and the segment of Busch Road west of Buffalo Grove Road should be included in the project. Commissioner Samuels noted that Thompson Boulevard will be completed between Weiland Road and Buffalo Grove Road, and he said this will result in more traffic using Thompson to avoid the congestion on Busch Road. He said it is not desirable to have traffic cutting through a residential area, and Busch Road should Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 7 ------- --- be improved to reduce the amount of traffic usingalternate routes P through residential areas. Greg Rabchuk, 1129 Lockwood Drive questioned the need for the five- lane improvement for Busch Road and expressed concern that it would have negative impacts on adjacent residential properties. Two other residents from the Old Farm Village area stated that they are opposed to the proposed five lane improvement because it will reduce the value of their properties and have other impacts such as noise. Moved by Commissioner Samuels, seconded by Commissioner Goldspiel, to recommend to the Village Board that the Village proceed with planning for the proposed five-lane, single phase improvement to Busch Road/Deerfield Parkway so that the Village can secure the appropriate funding for the project in a timely manner. Chairman Silbernik called for the vote on the motion, and the vote was as follows: AYES: Goldspiel, Krug, Rhodes, Howard, Rosenston, Genell, Samuels NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Charlette The motion carried 7 to 0. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairman Silbernik stated that the October 9th meeting regarding the Bill 's loudspeaker system should provide a test of the speaker system as part of the public hearing process so that the Plan Commission would be able to physically hear the sound that would be under discussion and asked that staff implement such a test plan. FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE Mr. Pfeil noted that there would be a meeting on October 9, 1991 on the Bill 's PA system, a regular meeting on October 16, 1991 for the Abbott Contractors and Winchester Estates Townhomes, a Comprehensive Plan meeting on October 23, 1991 and another workshop meeting on October 30, 1991 for the Rohrman automobile dealership. PUBLIC COMMENTS QUESTIONS - None STAFF REPORT - None Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2, 1991-Page 8 NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Samuels noted a resident's concern with the cut- through traffic on Brandywyn, north of Aptakisic, especially by students trying to reach Stevenson High School. He noted the resident also complained of excessive speeds by the students who use this route to reach the high school and therefore asked that the police be contacted to check out the problem and do whatever can be done to alleviate the problem. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Rosenston, seconded by Commissioner Rhodes, and unanimously carried to adjourn. Chairman Silbernik adjourned the meeting at 12 : 35 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Fay Rubi , Recording Secretary APPRO B : `MARTI SILBERNIK, Chairman Buffalo Grove Plan Comm-Regular Meeting-October 2 1991-Pa ge 9