MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
OF THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE
HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2004

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Secretary Lube called the roll; the following members were

PRESENT: Chairman, Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Mr. Robert Lube, Ms. Cynthia Schulz, Mr. Edward Ziemba, Mr. Fred Fahey

ABSENT: Mr. Daniel Moss, Mr. Steve Jasinski

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor LeGant, City Attorney Erik Peck, Ald. Smetana, Economic Development Officer Muenzer

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the Minutes of September 16, 2003. Hearing no additions or corrections, Chairman Fullmer declared the Minutes approved as presented.

Mr. Muenzer stated that the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to discuss the Comprehensive City Plan developed by the consulting firm of URS/TPAP. The PC/ZBA and Steering Committee will hear the first presentation and general overview of this plan; public input is always encouraged. Residents are encouraged to contact any City official about the plan. No specific redevelopment projects will be discussed tonight.

Mr. John Houseal stated this is the first interim report of the planning process; the community survey, workshop, and key person interviews have been completed; existing conditions in the City are being inventoried. They have reviewed all current land utilization in the City, parcel by parcel. Three basic steps of the planning process are understanding the current status of City facilities, where does the City wish to go as a community, and finally, recommendations to achieve that goal. This report, about 100 pages, (ten sections) represents a detailed inventory of the City, as it exists today.

The first section encompasses Community Outreach including interviews, Plan Commission workshop, Community workshop and results of the Community Survey.

Second – Demographic Overview – a profile of the City based on demographic research.

Third – Economic Development programs – existing programs being utilized by the City.

Fourth – Housing Assessment reviewing current available housing.

Fifth – Market Potential Overview reviewing commercial development.

Sixth – Review existing land use parcel-by-parcel, and zoning.

Seventh – Community Facilities for public and semi-public uses.

Eighth – Review Existing Environmental Conditions.

Ninth – Review Transportation System.

Finally, defined issues based on the results of the above nine categories.

Krista Kahle reviewed the first four sections beginning with the Project Initiation Workshop here at City Hall. After that workshop, two days of Key person interviews were conducted including community groups, Chamber of Commerce people, business owners and City staff; in-depth questions provided feedback from a broad base of citizenry. The Community Workshop provided answers to what residents considered the top strengths of the City, what are the main concerns and what projects should be undertaken. The Community Survey will be addressed separately. Based on the above interviews, certain trends become apparent. The consensus pointed to Regional Location as a top priority – with easy access to highways, the Loop, airports and suburbs. People love the large residential lots; small town atmosphere, diverse housing stock, affordability, no municipal property tax due to strong retail sales tax base, auto dealerships, highly-ranked school system, wonderful park system – most residents had a favorable view of local government. Redevelopment of Countryside Plaza was the major concern, as well as traffic congestion and the impact of Joliet Road closure, business vacancies on Joliet Road, hodgepodge appearance, flooding problems, no central downtown, lack of senior housing and library — all are issues to be addressed.

The Community Survey contained 39 questions; there were 300 respondents, about 5% of the City’s population. The actual survey results and summary are included in the document and may be reviewed at your leisure. Respondents in general had a positive view of the City. Demographics are located in the Appendix at the rear of the document.

Dan Gardner addressed a Housing Assessment which is based on 2000 Census information; tables are located in the back which details all this information. The population is not changing very much; that is not unusual in a landlocked community, per Don Gardner. Growth of 13% in the 25-44 age group is a positive indicator for single-family home development. The City has a very good foundation on which to build family stability. People seek to remain in the community; eventually they may recommend some upscale multifamily housing to accommodate the aging population. Attracting Home Depot was a positive indicator of potential. The industrial park has an economic impact on the community and serves as a magnet for jobs.

John Houseal discussed the final components including review of existing land use; regardless of zoning in a community current use shows areas of zoned commercial lots that have residential housing. This includes the parcel-by-parcel inventory of every piece of land in the community. He identified various color-coded features depicting commercial, residential and industrial areas in the City. Very few vacant parcels remain in the City, which represent future development opportunities. The forest preserve is an excellent asset as well as the golf course. The zoning map closely reflects the existing land use. Special Use requests add a level of control.

Community facilities collectively add to the quality of life in the City. Storm sewer issues must be resolved. The forest preserve is 400 acres; they are concerned with maintaining what they have. They are concerned about storm water runoff in the preserve. They did map out flood plains and wetlands thanks to FEMA’s assistance; flood zones have been reduced in recent years; this is a snapshot of the environmental components of the City.

The Existing Transportation network is fully established in Countryside. The Regional location is the most important feature. Three separate PACE bus routes service the City at present.

Based on the above information, what are the needs to be addressed moving forward? The comprehensive plan should protect and enhance residential neighborhoods. New development should be handled appropriately. Affordable housing for seniors should be seriously considered. Commercial and business areas need to be revitalized, and appearance improved. Industrial areas should provide stimulus to attract and retain development while protecting adjacent residential areas. Regional access is an important attraction for industrial development. Image and appearance are an important focus; development of a town center with pedestrian/commercial mix, lacking at present. Consistent enforcement of all codes and regulations is very important; maintain level of public services available today. These are the basic features of the Comprehensive Plan.

Residents questioned certain findings in the presentation, such as the suggestion that there are many two-person (2.3 people) households in Countryside. Discussion turned to teardowns and their impact on the City. New development controls should address that issue. Seniors prefer one level condominiums; the median price of condos was discussed. Transportation issues were addressed. Members discussed the Special Use provision and its applicability to the City’s situation. Discussion of additional exit lanes for Countryside Plaza; exiting cars are stacked up at the light. That is an IDOT issue; they control the road. Many other questions were raised which will be discussed at the next meeting to be held on February 17, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, motion and second from the floor to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

ROBERT FULLMER, JR., CHAIRMAN