MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
FOR THE CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE, IL
HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2005

Chairman Fullmer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Secretary Lube called the Roll; the following members were present:

PRESENT: Chairman Richard Fullmer, Jr., Secretary Robert Lube, Mr. Edward Ziemba, Mr. Frank Thullen, Mr. Steven Jasinski, Ms. Cynthia Schulz, Ms. Tina Grotzke, Mr. Richard Toth, Mr. Daniel Moss

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor LeGant, Ald. Conrad, Ald. Michalczyk, Ald. Straza, Ald. Pondelicek, Ald. Smetana, Ald. Von Drasek, CDD Muenzer, Attorney Erik Peck

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The first order of business was approval of the minutes of October 4, 2005. Ms. Grotzke moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Toth and carried unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARING

Chairman Fullmer read the Notice of Public Hearing to continue the variance of Section 8-5-9b of the Municipal Code in order to permit construction of a freestanding sign with a surface area of 196 square feet instead of the permitted 100 square feet and a height of 25 feet rather than the permitted 20 feet. The property is commonly known as 5555 Brainard Avenue (Salem Square Shopping Center), Countryside, IL 60525. The applicant is Inland Commercial Property Management, Inc., 2901 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Mr. Jasinski moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Toth and carried unanimously. The parties were sworn in by Chairman Fullmer and testified as follows:

Ms. Maryann Hoehn, on behalf of Inland, addressed the Board; she stated that the sign has been reconfigured and is now only 20 feet high. They have also agreed to landscape the bottom of the sign with a retaining wall and shrubs. At the perimeter of the center they will provide a shrub line between the two entrances, with medium height low-lying plants. She will submit plans in further detail at a later date. They are seeking the variance primarily to allow all seven merchants equal space on the sign panels with lettering large enough to be easily read from the street. Mr. Ed Poder Olympic Sign, designed the present sign. Mr. Muenzer presented the staff report for conditional approval. The applicant has made a good faith effort to reduce the size of the sign and provide for additional landscaping around islands and in the parkway area between the entrances.

Mr. Poder noted the 3’8 clearance from the bottom of the sign to the ground. The sign itself is an aluminum frame painted beige with white tenant panels. Tenants may use their corporate colors; the panels are interchangeable. Colors and graphics may change but the surface area of the sign will not change. The location will remain the same. Mr. Moss stated that the sign sits on a berm; the top of the sign is 20 feet from the top of the berm. Diane Kielbasa, 115 Pheasant Drive, stated that the 196 square feet is almost double what is allowed in the Code. What is the real need for such a large sign. Ms. Hoehn stated that the new sign is smaller than the existing sign. Mr. Fullmer noted that there are seven businesses which are set back from the street. It was determined that the property management is responsible for sign maintenance.

There was no testimony or other evidence presented; the PC/ZBA had no further questions for the petitioner. In closing Ms. Hoehn stated that the applicant is trying to enhance the appearance of the center by upgrading the sign and allowing all tenants equal opportunity to have their businesses displayed. Mr. Toth moved to close the evidentiary portion of the hearing, seconded by Mr. Ziemba and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Peck entered into evidence as Petitioner’s Exhibit A the sign diagram prepared by Olympic Signs for Salem Square showing the sign height at 20 feet and the square footage of 196′. The recommendation is to approve a variance to Section 8-5-9b of the Zoning Code to permit construction of a free-standing sign with a surface area of 196 square feet on the property commonly known as 5555 Brainard Avenue, known as the Salem Square Shopping Center, all in substantial compliance with Petitioner’s Exhibit A, with two conditions: a) that a retaining wall is constructed and shrubbery placed at the base of the sign; and b) the parkway between both entrances be landscaped. Ms. Schulz moved to approve the variance as noted above, seconded by Mr. Toth and carried by Roll Call vote – 8/1. Chairman Fullmer stated that this matter will come before the City Council at the Regular Meeting of November 9, 2005.

PUBLIC HEARING

Chairman Fullmer read the Notice of Public Hearing to continue consideration of a special use to permit a variance of the current planned unit development (PUD) by expanding the north portion of the building for an expanded dock loading area. The property is commonly known as 1 Countryside Plaza, Countryside, IL 60525. The applicant is Eric M. Elizondo (Value City Furniture), located at 1800 Moler Road, Columbus, OH 43207. Ms. Grotzke moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Toth and carried unanimously. Mr. Elizondo was sworn in by Chairman Fullmer and testified as follows:

Mr. Elizondo is Director of Store Planning for Value City Furniture; he provided Board members with a site plan depicting the old Burlington Coat Factory building. More dock space is needed to make the location functional; they plan to add 1,573 square feet to the rear of the building. They will also improve the fa̤ade by adding seven feet of brick to freshen up the exterior character.

Mr. Muenzer presented the staff report for conditional approval based on three conditions noted in the memo – economic development, continuing re-development project at Countryside Plaza, and compliance of this project with the Comprehensive Plan. Brick is added to the fa̤ade – seven feet in height as depicted in the revised renderings. The applicant was asked to comply with the pending Landscape Ordinance, Section 5.4 Parking Lot Landscaping. Due to cost constraints, Value City has requested scaling down the scope of the landscaping with staff approval prior to permits being issued.

Benderson Development Co. owns the entire parking lot. Simon has scaled back their landscaping plans and those have been approved. Value City was asked to match plant materials used in adjacent areas to unify the appearance of the entire plaza. The applicant has agreed to paint the Office Depot building striping to blend with the rest of the brick being used on Value City. Mr. Elizondo stated that the garden center will be removed by Benderson and replaced with a smaller building at the rear of the garden center. Value City needs two dock doors for their operation; the new dock will attach to the existing dock. Diane Kielbasa asked about the loading dock hours of operation. Mr. Elizondo stated that operations will be within the City Ordinance guidelines, not before 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The bulk of deliveries will be one main semi delivery in the morning, and in / out delivery trucks during the day. Signage will be one panel on the main marquee.

There was no evidence or other testimony presented. The PC/ZBA had no further questions. In summary, Mr. Elizondo believes Value City will be a great store added to the center to round out the retail there. Mr. Lube moved to close the evidentiary portion of the hearing, seconded by Mr. Moss and carried unanimously.

Mr. Peck entered into evidence Petitioner’s Exhibit A, concept site plan for Value City Furniture Store #127 at 1 Countryside Plaza, Suite 300. The recommendation is to approve a special use to amend the PUD to permit expansion of the loading dock area by 1,573 square feet added to the back on the north portion of the building commonly known as 1 Countryside Plaza, all in substantial compliance with Petitioner’s Exhibit A with the condition that parking lot landscaping be approved by the City Building Department Staff prior to final approval. Mr. Jasinski moved to approve the special use as stated above, seconded by Mr. Lube and carried by Roll Call vote – 9/0. This matter will come before the City Council at the Regular Meeting of November 9, 2005.

PUBLIC HEARING

Chairman Fullmer read the Notice of Public Hearing to consider a Re-subdivision pursuant to Section 9-2-3, Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code, in order to subdivide one lot into two single-family lots. The property is commonly known as 9737 West 57^th St., Countryside, IL 60525. The applicants are Gino Fioravanti and Robert Cavalieri, located at 4 North 425 8^th Ave., Addison, IL 60160. Mr. Jasinski moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Toth and carried unanimously. Both applicants were sworn in by Chairman Fullmer and testified as follows:

Mr. Muenzer presented the staff report for approval. This is a legal Re-subdivision and exceeds lot requirements in the R-3 zoning district. The new parcels would exceed 21,000 square feet and would exceed lot width requirements of 65 feet. Mr. Cavalieri stated that they are dividing lots down the middle; the purpose is to construct a new home on the vacant lot to the east of the existing home. Sufficient side yard setback exists per Code. One of the applicants plans to reside in the new home.

There was no evidence or other testimony provided by the PC/ZBA or other parties. Mr. Peck stated that the parties must provide the City Clerk’s Office with a Final Plat of Re-subdivision. Preliminary approval is the only remedy afforded by this Board tonight. This meeting will be continued for final approval of the Plat of Re-subdivision. Mr. Lube moved to close the evidentiary portion of the hearing, seconded by Mr. Jasinski and carried unanimously.

Mr. Toth moved to approve the preliminary Plat of Re-subdivision for 9737 W. 57^th St., from one lot into two lots, seconded by Mr. Ziemba and carried by Roll Call vote – 9/0. Chairman Fullmer noted that applicants must submit the Final Plat of Re-subdivision prior to the next meeting of the PC/ZBA which is set for December 6, 2006.

PUBLICHEARING

Chairman Fullmer read the Notice of Public Hearing to consider a rezoning from B-2 Limited Service to R-5 General Residential to allow for the construction of four, four-unit townhomes. The property is commonly known to be a vacant lot, address to be determined, northwest of the William Tell Holiday Inn and on 61^st St., Countryside, IL 60525. The Applicants are Vlado and Joseph Lenoch, located at 6406 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525. Mr. Jasinski moved to open the Public Hearing in this matter, seconded by Mr. Toth and carried by unanimous voice vote. Attorney Michael Wolfe, Diane Jovic, Vlado and Joseph Lenoch were sworn in by Chairman Fullmer and testified as follows:

Mr. Muenzer presented the staff report to deny approval solely on the basis of the proposedaccess route for the development. They propose a dedicated street off 61^st St. into a cul de sac into the development. The property could be accessed from both Kensington Ave. off Joliet Road to the south and 61^st St. to the north. The preferred access route would be Kensington Avenue. He added that this is an excellent type of land use for this parcel, especially for the empty nesters who wish to remain in the community. The City engineer has given preliminary approval to the water management and drainage plans.

Attorney Wolfe on behalf of the Lenoch family, requests rezoning from B-2 to R-5 for this 2.8 acre parcel behind the William Tell Hotel; hotel parking is to the east of this parcel. They are not seeking approval of a subdivision at this time; they are merely seeking approval for a contract entered into with Jovic Builders, Inc., to sell the property with rezoning of the parcel to R-5. The contract expires December 1, 2005. Mr. Jovic has provided a concept plan, petition and other documentation in the Board packet. The City’s Comprehensive Plan highly recommends that this area be developed for multifamily use, not for business use. Mr. Jovic was involved in a serious car accident today and is unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Mrs. Jovic is here and will respond to questions regarding future development of the property. Tonight’s hearing is strictly for rezoning the property from B-2 to R-5. Mr. Muenzer stated that R-5 is an appropriate rezoning for this property; the concern is to work with the developer on the access issue. Mr. Lube is concerned about the density per acre issue. Mayor LeGant stated that regardless of ingress/egress, 33 feet of street dedication on the south side of 61^st St. will be required. Mrs. Jovic stated that is not a problem. The developer prefers to come in off of 61^st St. because it is residential. They don’t believe that will impact those residences adversely. The Board believes that Joliet Road to Kensington Ave. access is optimal. Mr. Peck clarified that they are petitioning for the R-5B zoning, which refers to townhomes.

Tom Geraghty, 107 Pheasant Drive, lives at the far southeast corner which is really on Kensington. He believes access on Kensington would be a tremendous hardship for him not to mention loss of property value. There is truck traffic on Kensington all day long plus traffic from the hotel, the bowling alley and the condos. He believes the entrance should be on 61^st St. He is in favor of the development in general. Mike Slinkman, 5737 Kensington, also believes that ingress/egress should be on 61^st St. as a practical matter. Diane Kielbasa, 115 Pheasant Drive, stated that 61^st St. at the eastern dead end area, is very crowded with parked cars during the baseball season. Gary Scrogins, 6030 Kensington called attention to the additional traffic created on 61^st St. or Kensington; there is no room for all the cars on one street. Ald. Conrad stated that no definite decision has been made concerning property on the east side of Countryside Park. The half dead-end street east of the park could possibly be used for ingress/egress as well. Pauline Beach, 103 N. Quail, asked about elevation; Mrs. Jovic stated it will be the same as adjoining townhomes.

Mr. Peckstated that the PC/ZBA recommendation could be made contingent upon ingress/egress. Mr. Wolfe reiterated that the applicant is seeking to rezone the property from B-2 to R-5B; no subdivision or roadway plans have been presented.

There was no testimony or other evidence heard; the PC/ZBA had no questions for the petitioner. In summary, Mr. Wolfe stated that the Lenoch family has been a good neighbor and would not sell property that would be a detriment to the City.

Mr. Toth moved to close the evidentiary portion of the hearing, seconded by Mr. Ziemba and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Peck stated that the recommendation is to approve a rezoning of property from B-2 to R-5B, located northwest of the Holiday Inn on Joliet Road and has a legal description of the north 333.90 feet of the east 130.95 feet of Lot 13 and the north 333.90 feet of the west 236.45 feet of Lot 14 in School Trustee Subdivision Section 16, Township 38N, Range 12E of the third principal meridian in Cook County, Illinois. The property does not have an address at this time. Ms. Grotzke moved to approve the rezoning as stated above, seconded by Mr. Jasinski and carried by Roll Call vote-9/0.

This matter will come before the City Council at the Regular Meeting on November 9, 2005.

OTHER BUSINESS

Board members discussed the list of agenda items for the December meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Toth moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Grotzke and carried unanimously.

Chairman Fullmer declared the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.