Minutes - 10/09/2008 - Commercial Revitalization Task Force2.
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MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 9, 2008 COMMERCIAL
REVITALIZATION TASK FORCE OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK
BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON JANUARY 22, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Commercial Revitalization Task Force was called to order by
Chairman Kennedy in the West Wing Conference Room of the Butler Government Center
at 3:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Chairman Jeffrey J. Kennedy, Village Trustee Robert Sanford, Zoning
Board of Appeals Chairman Champ Davis (via conference call), Greater Oak Brook Area
Chamber of Commerce Director Tracey MulQueen, Oakbrook Shopping Center General
Manager Chuck Fleming and Community Development Director Robert Kallien.
Homeowner Association representative Harry Peters arrived at 3:17 p.m.
ABSENT: Village President John Craig, Plan Commission Chairman Lexi Payovich,
Dennis Hiffman of NAI Hiffman and Jeffrey Shay.
IN ATTENDANCE: Village Manager David Niemeyer, John Houseal of Houseal
Lavigne and Peter Friedman of S. E. Friedman of Holland & Knight.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Approval of the Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2008
Motion by Member Sanford, seconded by Member Kallien, to approve the Meeting
Minutes of May 15, 2008 as presented. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Presentation by Houseal Lavigne of PUD and Sign Ordinances
PUD Ordinance
Mr. Houseal addressed the Task Force on a working draft of a PUD Ordinance. He
discussed the intent and purpose of the ordinance which included the following: to
stimulate creative approaches to the commercial, residential and commercial /mixed -use
development of land; to provide more efficient use of land; to preserve natural features
and provide open space areas and recreation areas in excess of that required under existing
zoning regulations; to develop new approaches to the living environment through variety
in type; design and layout of buildings, transportation systems and public facilities; to
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4. a. unify building and structures through design and to promote long term planning pursuant
to Commercial Areas Revitalization Master Plan, which will allow harmonious and
compatible land uses or combination of uses with surrounding areas.
He emphasized that the process is as important as, or more important than, the standard.
The process must be streamlined. There should be one body involved in reviewing PUD
applications and making a recommendation to the Village Board.
He discussed the standards for review being consistent with the Commercial Area
Revitalization Master Plan. Chairman Kennedy recommended that language should be
included in the standards of maintaining the uniqueness and character of Oak Brook such
as the set backs along major commercial streets such as 22nd Street, York Road, etc. and
the cross connections with adjoining commercial properties.
Mr. Houseal discussed the site development allowances which would give relief from
strict adherence of zoning standards if the applicant specifically identifies each site
development allowance and demonstrates how each allowance would be compatible with
surrounding development and would be necessary for proper development of the site.
The recommended pre - filing review and transmittal of application would require the
applicant to meet with the Village Manager, the Director of Community Development and
any other Village official or employee designated by the Village Manager. The purpose
of the conference is to help the applicant understand the Commercial Area Revitalization
Master Plan, the Zoning Title, the site development allowances, the standards by which
the application will be evaluated and the application requirements. He noted the
requirement that an applicant shall be required to schedule a meeting to discuss the
proposed planned development and its impact on area residents. Member Fleming
questioned where a public meeting with the neighbors affected by a project should be in
the process as he felt it should be presented to the Village Board before resident input is
requested. Mr. Houseal suggested that the language could be included that an applicant
be required, if and when staff deems it is necessary, to give a brief pre- filing conference to
the Village Board of their concept before the application is filed with the Village.
Under the section Review and Action by the Plan Commission, Member Sanford
recommended that a PUD Commission concept be considered with members of the Plan
Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Member Davis concurred with Member
Sanford's recommendation and suggested checking with other municipalities how they
handle this. Mr. Friedman indicated that this joint hearing process causes legal problems
in the courts as to which commission has the jurisdiction in the matter. After further
discussion on the matter, it was a consensus that a new commission be created with
members from both commissions for addressing PUD's only.
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4. a. Member Kallien suggested a more detailed criteria is necessary of what is a minor
modification in a variation, etc. in page 8, Section 8.
Section 6, C. Mr. Friedman recommended developing a cost escrow with staff setting up
the escrow amount of the development to be referred in the PUD ordinance.
Under Section 7, D. language was recommended to change "if construction has not
commenced within fifteen (15) months" to read "within two (2) years."
Sign Code Ordinance
Mr. Friedman recommending addressing non - conforming signage in Oak Brook. Mr.
Houseal noted a major deficiency of the height of signage, placement, the character of the
corridor with monument signs, leasing signage in multi -use tenant buildings, etc. A need
for continuity should be addressed for signage.
b. Discussion of Presentation
Mr. Houseat indicated his firm would return in November with the objective of addressing
the signage problems and how they could be corrected. Member Fleming recommended
approaching keeping the character of Oak Brook and how to simplify a more logical
approach to the signage. Mr. Houseal offered that language could be written whereby a
special use permit could be offered for certain circumstances along such streets as
Commerce and Enterprise for the many tenants in the buildings. Member Kallien noted
signage located in windows of businesses that should be addressed and also such events as
a tent sale held at the shopping center.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Motion to Recommend Action Items
Member Kallien recommended including exhibits of proper signage in the ordinance as
well as what is not allowed for the highest and best quality for Oak Brook. Mr. Houseal
indicated that a draft ordinance of the PUD and then proposed language for the sign
ordinance for a November meeting.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Member Peters, seconded by Member Mulqueen, to adjourn the Commercial
Revitalization Task Force at 4:30 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
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ATTEST:
s /Linda K. Gonnella
Linda K. Gonnella
Secretary
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