Minutes - 01/17/2006 - Commercial Revitalization Task ForceMINUTES OF THE JANUARY 17, 2006 COMMERCIAL
REVITALIZATION TASK FORCE OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK
BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON APRIL 12, 2006.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Commercial Revitalization Task Force was called to order by President Quinlan in
the West Wing Training Room of the Butler Government Center at 6:03 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Village Clerk Linda Gonnella called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: President Kevin M. Quinlan, Trustees Jeffrey J. Kennedy, Robert G.
Sanford, Plan, Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Champ Davis and
Community Development Director Robert Kallien.
ABSENT: Plan Commission Chairman Lexi Payovich
IN ATTENDANCE: Richard B. Boehm, Village Manager.
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Consultant Interviews
The Hitchcock Design Group addressed the Task Force with their concepts of commercial
revitalization of the Village of Oak Brook. Rick Hitchcock their project leader suggested
that his firm would identify the opportunities in the marketplace, the connectivity,
appearance and lifestyle of Oak Brook. The team discussed the concept of combining
mixed uses, streetscapes, landscapes connected with linear parks and pedestrian
connections in offering amenities to the day time population. They indicated it is
important to receive public comment of the traffic issues along the 22"d Street corridor.
There are opportunities at 22"d Street and Route 83 as the Oakbrook Shopping Center is a
regional center with possible out lots of entertainment, restaurants or apparel stores that
are complimentary to the surrounding hotels.
Their preliminary opportunity analysis involves talking with the commercial sector and
the residents, seeking alternative strategies with public input and then developing a master
plan that establishes policy for implementation.
Trustee Kennedy inquired if a revision of the Village's Comprehensive Plan or addendum
is needed and would the firm assist with the language and any changes to the Village's
Zoning Code. Mr. Hitchcock suggested the first step could be a revision of the Plan. A
set of guidelines or catalysts project of the implementation plan. His firm would show
examples and then a scope could be developed that would have them create the necessary
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3. a.
language. They would produce an implementation outline, how to create a foundation
and developer recruitment strategies to interview potential developers.
Community Development Director Kallien suggested that the Village needs to have small
things done in a six month time frame that are attainable and then address more difficult
areas. President Quinlan asked if the Hitchcock firm would assist the Village in getting
grants for some of the buildable infrastructure or purchase of land. Trustee Kennedy
mentioned the feasibility of mixed use opportunities on Commerce, Enterprise Drive and
Harger Road. President Quinlan suggested a downtown area in Oak Brook along Jorie
Boulevard and recommended that a bus tour be given of the areas for consideration of
commercial revitalization.
The Task Force recessed at 7:15 p.m. The Task Force reconvened at 7:32 p.m.
The Houseal Lavign firm addressed the Task Force of their qualifications for the Village's
Commercial Revitalization Project. Mr. John Houseal discussed reviewing the
transportation issues, developing an esthetic urban design and evaluating new streetscapes
as Oak Brook is a regional destination and corridor. Their team members addressed each
of their areas of the project. They indicated that they help their clients secure funding for
these types of projects such as a corridor study of existing traffic, projecting traffic,
shapes of the corridor and how it would impact the area if changed. They would provide
a market analysis of the fiscal impact and financial impact of the plan and possible tax
increment financing. Consider the empty nester concept to attract from the office market.
Address a landscape /streetscape to identify the major public core of a community with
pedestrian linkages, edges of road and types of treatments.
The landscape architect for the team had previously developed gateway areas in Orland
Park throughout the community and bridge facade treatments. The team discussed a
process whereby an interactive website is developed, an online survey with residents for
their input of their concerns or thoughts and let them know of any scheduled meetings.
An administrative implementation of zoning recommendations before the process is
finalized with facilitating public meetings. Then presented in a form that could be
adopted as the Comprehensive Plan or an amendment to the Zoning Plan. They would
identify changes that need to be made to the Zoning Ordinance, some may require debate
in the community through the public process before the Plan Commission, Zoning Board
of Appeals and the Village Board of Trustees. The Village's Zoning Ordinance may need
to be re- examined if it is restrictive and impedes contemporary practices.
The firm would work with developer recruitment and develop planning summary
documents for developers to fit the Village's vision including the RFP and RFQ process.
They proposed including an employment, night time and weekend population studies;
improving the north side of 22nd Street and allow office campuses on the east side a grant
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3. a.
of easement to improve their property for a more esthetic view for drivers along the
roadway. Consider opening up areas to provide vistas for enhancing access into the office
areas. Address the paved median on Route 83 in the commercial corridor, York Road
landscape improvements as most of it is grass and the two overpasses for improvements.
They would explore different places for a pedestrian environment, automobile oriented,
condominium to townhome and a pathway system for new development.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Trustee Sanford, seconded by Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Davis, to
adjourn the Commercial Revitalization Task Force at 8:40 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion
carried.
ATTEST:
Linda K. Gonnella
Linda K. Gonnella, CMC
Village Clerk
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