Minutes - 08/22/2007 - Zoning Board of AppealsF)
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MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 22, 2007 SPECIAL
MEETING OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS OF
THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK. APPROVED AS
WRITTEN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: CALL To ORDER
The Special Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order by
Chairman Champ Davis in the West Wing Training Room of the Butler
Government Center at 7:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL: ROLL CALL
Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT. Chairman Champ Davis, Members Richard Ascher, Jeffrey
Bulin, Glenn Krietsch, Baker Nimry and Steven Young
IN ATTENDANCE: Robert Sanford, Trustee; Kathryn Manofsky, Trustee;
Robert Kallien, Jr., Director of Community Development, Dale
Durfey, Jr., Village Engineer and Mark Sterk, Village Attorney
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MINUTES
REGULAR ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF JUNE 25 2007
Motion by Member Ascher, seconded by Member Nimry to approve the
minutes of the June 25, 2007 Regular Zoning Board of Appeals meeting as
written. VOICE VOTE- Motion carried
UNFINISHED BUSINESS BUSIN
BUSINEESS SS
There was no unfinished business to discuss
NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINPSS
OAK BROOK PARK
A. OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT — 115 CANTERBERRY LANE — MAP DIST _ 115
AMENDMENT TO REZONE THE 40 -ACRE PARCEL FROM R -1 TO C NTERB RR ILN
CR SPECIAL USE TO USE THE PARCEL AS AN EDUCATIONAL to Ca, SPECIAL USE
SITE WITH GARDENS FISHING PIERS ADA ACCESSIBLE EDUCATIONAL
SITE and
PATHWAYS AND OTHER LAND IMPROVEMENTS and VARIATIONS to the
VARIATIONS TO THE PARKING REGULATIONS PARKING BEGS
Chairman Davis swore in all parties that would testify.
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 1 of 29 August 22, 2007
Tom Truedson, resident and Oak Brook Park District Commissioner as well as
the Chairman of the Dean Nature Sanctuary project, provided the background
on the request. Dorothy Dean donated the property to the Park District
approximately 10 years ago. Her nephew, the Executor of her estate, asked the
Park District to take it over about 3 years ago. There had been a living will in
place for Dorothy Dean to live on the property at that time. She is alive and
doing well in Naperville, but is no longer on the property. The Park District
applied for a grant to i ehabilitate the property about 1 -/2 years ago The
property has been invaded by different plant species that are not native to this
area, such as buckthorn. They applied and received a $246,000 OSLAD grant
from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources They plan to restore the
property to the way it was about 100 years ago by removing the invasive
species and making it available to the residents of Oak Brook and surrounding
communities or those that want to enjoy nature and the outdoors by the way of
a passive sanctuary, They do not plan to be aggressive with any sort of
programming. Dorothy's interest was for the animals to enjoy the property, not
just people. The plans presented to the village have been approved by Dorothy
Dean. The Park District is seeking a map amendment to rezone the property
from R 1 to CR. They are seeking a special use to allow for garden and a
fishing pier and a variation to the parking requirements They want it to be a
pristine property that Oak Brook can be proud of. The Wolf Road Prairie has
been restored and is managed by Pizzo Associates, which is the same group
contracted for this piece of property. As a resident that grew up here, he spent 3
hours with Dorothy and videotaped her to document what she wanted done with
the property. There are numerous covenants on the property to keep it within
her vision and should another board come along in the future, the property
could not be developed with baseball fields, etc. A visual presence and
evidence of what someone wanted is a strong mandate as to why things need to
be kept a certain way and they are living up to that. The plan is for a very
passive, low impact piece of property. It will be beautiful and they want to
make it available for those that want to enjoy it. They will meet all village
ordinances and requirements. They want this property to be consistent with
their other CR District properties.
Stan Motley, Executive Director for the Park District noted that all other parcels
owned by the Park District are zoned CR and would like this property zoned
CR as well.
Mr. Motley addressed the standards for a map amendment as follows:
1. Character of the neighborhood
RESPONSE: The character of the neighborhood is residential and this site has
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 2 of 29 August 22, 2007
been available to the public to use for hiking, fishing and biking since the
1960's when the Dean family lived on the site They will not be changing the
character of the neighborhood.
2. The extent to which property values are diminished by the particular
zoning restrictions.
The property values will not be diminished with this zoning change. Statistics
by the National Recreation and Park Association report that having a park in the
neighborhood will in fact raise individual property values.
3. The extent to which the removal of the Existing Limitations Would
Depreciate the Value of Other Property in the Area.
The Conservation District placed an easement on the property. The passive use
of the parking can never change. A perpetual easement will still be in effect
with the new zoning. The continued passive use of the property from the
1960's to present and into the future must remain the same.
4. The suitability of the Property for Zoned Purposes
The suitability of this property to remain a natural area is ideal. It will be an
excellent restoration site. There are coyotes, bucks, etc. The property is
suitable to that and was so prior to the invasive species.
5. Existing Uses and Zoning of Nearby Properties.
To the immediate east are both the Cook County Forest Preserve golf course
and I -294. The existing 20 -mile bikeway from Brookfield Zoo also enters the
property on the east side and will eventually go into Addison. It has already
been part of a recreational use and purposed. There is quite a bit of bike traffic
there today especially on the weekends.
6. The Length of Time Under the Existing Zoning that the property
has remained unimproved considered in the context of land
development.
Since its ownership by the Dean family from the 1960's to present. The
property has been residential with the Dean family making it available for
hiking, fishing, and biking. The Dean family established a conservation
easement to preserve those usages for Oak Brook residents.
7. The Relative Gain to the Public as Compared to the Hardship
Imposed on the Individual Property Owner.
The gain to the public will be the site improvements to include an educational
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 3 of 29 August 22, 2007
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facility with,signage and exhibits, ADA accessibility paths. Someday there will
be a canoe launch on Salt Creek, fishing piers at the pond, two small shelters
and a parking lot for 22 cars. The overflow would be on the grass.
8. The Extent to Which the Proposal Promotes the Health, Safety,
Morals or General Welfare of the Public.
The Oak Brook Park District will ensure the conservation easement remains in
effect for the public. The usages of hiking, fishing and biking clearly promote
the health, safety and morals or general welfare of the public.
9. The Relationship of the Proposed Use to the Comprehensive Plan.
The relationship of this proposed use would clearly support the Village's 1990
Comprehensive Plan through the preservation and conservation of open space
within the Village of Oak Brook.
10. Community Need for the Use Proposed by the Property Owners.
They have 150.4 acres of parkland within the Oak Brook Park District. The
proposed Dean Nature Sanctuary will be the first nature sanctuary that will be
strictly a passive park. It would provide a continued service to the community
for the residents to enjoy.
No one spoke in support of the request.
Lori Stafford, 318 Canterberry Lane asked for a description of what the CR
zoning was compared to residential. They knew Dorothy for at least 15 years
and she wanted the property left for the wildlife. It is good that they want to do
improvements, but they are chasing away the wildlife. Deer that are displaced
and agitated have chased her and others. People are coming on the property
and letting their dogs run loose. Rottweilers with spiked collars have chased
her. The people coming in are from under the Tollway and there are very few
Oak Brook residents there on their bikes. If the caliber of some of the people
going fishing could be seen, they would be mortified. She mentioned the
concern for the safety of the people that live there, when they can be accessed
right under the tllway and then they are gone. She was concerned if someone
were robbed down the block; it is a dead end street that was very quiet. Now it
is overwrought with people on bicycles and dogs running free The lady that
lived there before said that she left because no one would listen to her and that
dogs were running wild on the property. How much open land is needed in Oak
Brook and what monetary value would there be for the people that live on the
block or the Village.
Chairman Davis questioned that her concerns were that these things are going
on now and if the property were rezoned, it would get worse.
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 4 of 29 August 22, 2007
°7�24
She agreed that was her issue. She said that one or two years ago, the Park
District did have something for the people in the Village to come and see the
Dean property. There were plenty of places to park on the property and off on
the sti eet without having paving done for a parking lot.
Director of Community Development K.allien said that the R -1 District allows a
minimum lot size of 2 -acre residential lots. The parcel could be subdivided into
20 2 -acre lots. Under the CR proposal residential uses are no longer allowed.
CR District is meant primarily for open space; that is why it exists on the Sports
Core property and the other Park District properties. Instead of property
seeking higher density, the Park District is down- zoning the property to the
least intensive land use that there is, which is open space.
Chairman Davis asked if a residence could be built upon the property. He
asked if people could go on the property today.
Mr. Truedson said that the property was open to the public now and as well as
when Dorothy lived there.
Mr. Motley said that one of the conditions they will place on the property is that
no animals will be allowed, except for service animals. Dogs will be restricted
from the park and they do not want them on the site disturbing the wild animals
and causing them to rein onto other people's property. There has been a great
deal of help from the Police Department. They are checking fishing licenses
and controlling any issues that may be there. There will be a set of rules posted
by the park entrance and they will prohibit dogs. It will be a catch and release
pond and a carry in and out for litter.
Ms. Stafford asked what. Mrs. Dean's mental capabilities were at this point and
questioned where were copies of the wills.
Chairman Davis noted that issue was not before the Zoning Board of Appeals
Mr. Truedson said that she left the property over 10 years ago and copies of the
DVD are available. They want people to understand what Dorothy wanted and
said that it would be very low impact site.
Chairman Davis noted that under the special use approval, there may be
conditions imposed.
Member Young said that the mental faculties of Mrs. Dean are not the issue,
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 5 of 29 August 22, 2007
which would be for probate court not this body. It is one governmental unit
asking another governmental unit for a change.
Mr. Motley said that the Dean family required the trust and conservation
easement placed on the property to ensure that her wishes were complied with
perpetually.
Member Ni7nry said that it does not sound like the Park District met with the
neighbors.
Mr. Truedson said that 2 years ago they had an open house and invited the
entire community and last fall, they sent a notice to all the neighbors and had a
presentation to show them exactly what was presented to this board. There
were many neighbors there.
Ms. Stafford said that it is a dead end street and since they took over, it is
getting worse by the day. Someone is going to get robbed on the block or
someone will drown in the pond. She does not understand why fishing piers
and canoe launches is necessary. The people that are on bikes are not coming
from Oak Brook; the majority comes from Bellwood and other areas. People
have almost gotten nin down on the street; it is not a through street. They are
losing their privacy.
Chairman Davis said that what exists there now is going on under the current
zoning. Granting the request would not change anything that what exists now.
When the special use is granted, conditions can be imposed. It will then go to
the Village Board so there will be another opportunity
Ms. Katie Stafford, 318 Canterberry Lane said that she lives with her parents
and agrees with her mom that there are too many bikers and people on her
street. They are trying to make this area into a park district. She walks her dog
down Canterberry Lane and now has to walk with the housekeeper because
there are deer running wild on the street. The housekeeper and her mom have
had the deer hiss and stomp its paw at them. The police have been called but
said they would not do anything unless someone was actually injured. Her
fiiends said that they found bums /poor people living under the bridge under
294 There is a wildlife center located across I -294, there have been several
instances with guys doing inconspicuous things, and the police have been
called. She should not have to walk down the street with people asking her
where they are all the time and she should not have to answer them. There are
cars parked along the street and she is sure it is not the neighbors' cars. The
police are called and they come and fine the people. There is a law that they are
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 6 of 29 August 22, 2007
supposed to be parked a certain way on the street. The Park District said that
the cars park on the property, but they are not they are on the street.
Chainnan Davis said that the property is zoned R -1 and if the park district was
denied the change to CR, one of the permitted uses in residential districts is for
parks and playgrounds, if denied, they could still constrict parks and
playgrounds. The question is would the change in zoning make it worse. If
implemented, the usage of the property would become more restrictive and
regulated. As far as people sleeping under the Tollway, there is no relevance to
the issues that are before the Zoning Board of Appeals that could be done at this
meeting. If people are sleeping under the tollway, nothing done at this meeting
could change that. The issues are important issues, but what is done at the
hearing would not change that, and maybe it would make the situation better.
Alan Rocca, 114 Canterberry Lane, said that the subject property is located
directly across the street from his home and that things are going south on
Canterberry Lane Things have changed quite a bit His mailbox has been
smashed a couple of times over the past summer. There have been a lot of very
strange people around. He used to go onto the Dean property all the time, but
no longer does because he does not want to deal with the people that are now
on the property. Under the tollway into the forest preserve there is a beat up
cement shelter that has gang signs on it and these are the type of people that are
actually moving onto the Dean property now and fishing It is not a good thing.
He has been there since 1992 and Mrs. Dean had a gentleman that maintained
the property very well. A few people that knew about it would go there and
fish. They would park on the street and were quiet. Now there is constantly
litter thrown everywhere. The nice residential feel of the street has changed,
and it will just get worse. He does not know why this is happening.
Mr. Truedson responded that the residents made very good points; although he
did not believe, what has been happening there was a Park District issue. He
noted that walking down to the end of Canterberry Lane under the bridge past
the Meadowlark golf course, there is a shelter area located there that was built
approximately 70 years ago by the conservation engineers in the Roosevelt era
and does have some very questionable people back there. It was always a dirt
path and in order to get back there you would have to be willing to go through
mud and dirt; and today it is a paved path. The Cook County Forest Preserve
District placed the bike path so that it is very easy, clean, and inviting to go
back there now. It goes all the way up to the Dean property. People can park
there and it is only a mile away. It is very accessible to get to now. Regardless
of what the Park District does and if Dorothy Dean were still living there it
would still be an issue. They have asked the police to patrol the area. They are
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 7 of 29 August 22, 2007
well aware that there might be people that come down there. The last thing that
anyone would want is to be physically assaulted, intimidated, or robbed. What
is happening is more of a police issue because of something that is just
happening. A bike path was created that was not there a year or so ago. The
police are asked to patrol all of the parks.
Mr. Motley said that he spoke with Police Chief Sheahan and he has had police
cars sitting on Canterbeny Lane on Saturday and Sunday, and they were writing
down license plates looking for repeats. They are well aware of the problem
and do not want anyone there that is not there to fish or picnic. They do not
want any misuse of the property. The police are very cooperative and work
with them.
Mr. Truedson added that when they open the property they would be removing
all of the buckthorn, which is an invasive plant that has taken over, and when
removed would open up the property. It will be easier to see who is on the
property, whereas today you cannot see if someone is hiding on the property. It
is all part of what the Park District is trying to do. They are not marketing the
property for any kind of active programming. They are seeking the map
amendment because they want to protect it so that programming or some sort of
playground is not added. The change in zoning makes the property more
restrictive and the Conservation Foundation is the overseer on the property that
approves everything the Park District does, which keeps in concert Dorothy
Deans wish of a nature sanctuary. They are trying to stop the dogs from going
down there. Additional signage will be added prohibiting dogs on the property.
They will do whatever they can to improve the property and hopefully remove
some of the negativity that is currently taking place and make it a facility that
the Village would be proud.
Ms. Stafford asked about the path being removed.
Mr. Truedson said that the bike path was not located on the Dean property and
would run along the toll road. It is controlled by DuPage County and Cook
County connects up to the path.
Member Nimry noted that if there is an issue of safety coming fiom the east
side of 1 -294, then the best thing to do, if there is a safety issue, would be to
close the bike path so that it would not be connected.
Mr. Truedson said that since the path has been paved it is inviting and provides
easy access onto Canterberry Lane. Perhaps by having more regular people and
activities using it there may not be things going on down there. Regardless, the
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 8 of 29 August 22, 2007
situation has nothing to do with the zoning change they are requesting.
Eva Durham said that she did not live in Oak Brook, asked what would happen
with the Dean home; if the property is zoned CR and asked if it would be able
to remain as a caretakers residence. She questioned whether any staff would be
located on the sanctuary to answer questions or act as an overseer.
Mr. Motley responded that it is a facility in a park that at this point have not
determined what they would do with it It is controlled by the rules and
regulations of the park district. All DuPage County forest preserves have
homes in them, which is not unusual. They do not anticipate additional staff on
the site at this time. Currently they have 2 maintenance people that take care of
the 150 acres of parkland. Contractors do most of the mowing.
Ms. Stafford said that if educational purposes are brought in, it could not be
made a sanctuary like it existed 100 years ago because there were not cats at
that time.
Member Young questioned what the animal control plan was, since it was
testified to that they are chasing people around.
Andy Star, Landscape Architect, Pizzo and Associates said that other than
developing control dog access in the parks, an animal control plan has not been
worked on. They are hoping to achieve bringing back the native species, which
is not just the deer and wild turkeys and other wildlife, but also the insects and
vertebrates that attract the songbirds, which then attract the reptiles all the way
up the food chain. They are looking to restore the area so that there 1s a habitat
that would attract native species of animals and insects, etc.
Mr. Motley noted that the Oak Brook Park. District is not a specialist in wildlife
conservation, but they would be working with the Department of Natural
Resources.
Member Young asked if a traffic study had been done.
Mr Motley responded that they did not and that there are currently about 8 -15
cars per day in there on Saturday and Sunday.
Member Nimry commented that contradicts the testimony given, because there
are more bikers and traffic coming from somewhere. When the fishing piers are
brought in, he questioned if there would be enough parking provided.
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 9 of 29 August 22, 2007
Mr. Motley responded that the bikers and hikers coming in from the trail do not
bring cars. They do not stock the creek with fish. There are carp and catfish
that come in from Salt Creek.
Member Nimry said that he is responsible for Mayslake and since the parking
lot was paved, there are 3 to 4 tunes as many people coming in to fish. There
are cars there all the time.
Member Young asked if the Village could provide information to the Village
Board as to what is happening in that area as to what actual crime is going on
and what tickets are being written. He would like to know what the police are
doing over there.
Ms. Stafford said that tickets might not have been given, if the police are just
writing down license plates.
Mrs. Stafford said that they have cameras monitoring the outside of their
property and there are many more cars than 15 going down their street.
Map Amendment
Chairman Davis noted that the standards were provided by the applicant on
page C of the case file.
Motion by Member Young, seconded by Member Nimry that the applicant
satisfied the requirements to recommend approval of the requested map
amendment to rezone the 40 -acre property located at 115 Canterberry Lane
from R -1 to CR. ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes 6 — Members Ascher, Bulin, Krietsch, Nimry, Young and Chairman
Davis
Nays: 0 — Motion Carried.
Special Use
Mr. Motley said that the OSLAD grant that was approved by the Natural
Resources Department and received by the State of Illinois, there was a 50 -50
grant to improve the site. As part of that request it was for the following:
use of educational exhibits, which could be a small habitat spot for
bluebirds along with signage.
A small portion of the paths to allow an ADA accessible paths.
■ Two spaces on the parking lot would be ADA accessible.
Canoe launch to allow people to portage their canoe to get on Salt
Creek The Salt Creek Association has put out a map to get people to
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 10 of 29 August 22, 2007
access it.
■ Fishing piers that would be a natural limestone shelving.
■ 2 small shelters 10 x 12 viewing shelter to allowing someone to sit
down.
■ A 20 x 24 shelter that would be a picnic shelter near the parking lot.
■ Fishing, hiking and biking; things that are currently going on now for
the residents of the Village of Oak Brook.
Special Use Standards
1. Is of the type described in subsection Al of this Section, is deemed
necessary for the public convenience at that location.
RESPONSE: The improvements described will be in compliance with the
Conservation easement and agreement on the property and will continue the
original purpose used on the property. It will forever remain a passive park and
will be available to the students and residents of Oak Brook.
2. Is so designed, located and proposed to be operated that the public
health, safety and welfare will be protected;
RESPONSE: The impact on the neighborhood will be insignificant The
property would be used for fishing, hiking and biking. The special use by the
park district will continue that use under safe operation and enhance the
opel ation so it would now be ADA accessible. It is along Salt Creek and will
provide the balance for wild life in the area from the smallest insect or animal
up through the food chain.
3. Would not cause substantial injury to the value of other property in
the neighborhood in which it is located.
RESPONSE: If the special use is approved, it will not cause injury to the value
of other property, the statistics from the National Recreation and Park
Association show that park development in a neighborhood will increase the
value of the property and does not decrease the value.
Chairman Davis said in the CR district many of the things they are seeking on
the property are permitted uses, the educational facilities is the reason for the
special use. He questioned and the petitioner confirmed that the fishing pier
would be a limestone pier as opposed to one made of wood.
Mr. Motley added that the ADA accessible pier would be exactly like the one in
Ginger Creek last year, which has a wooden surface on it so that someone could
go out on it in a wheel chair and will have a ramp leading down to it and would
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 11 of 29 August 22, 2007
extend out about 12 feet into the water. It has a safety factor so that those with a
need would be able to enjoy fishing on the pond.
Mrs. Stafford questioned the need for fishing or a fishing pier at all. She
questioned whether it was mandatory to have a handicapped accessible fishing
pier, especially when it was stated that the fish are not edible.
Mr. Motley responded that signs will be posted within the next 30 days that it is
a catch and release program.
Mrs. Stafford noted that even though a sign is posted, the property would not be
monitored, just like dogs that are on the property unleashed.
Dolores Pearson, resident said that she lives adjacent to the property said that
the zoning change to CR would be a welcome addition because it would restrict
a 20 -40 home development and instead there would be a park. The biggest
issue is control. She lives next door and has people walking with their bicycles
from the end of her property all the way to her patio because they are looking
for a place to exit or trying to determine where they are. She has many
grandchildren and it has become a security issue for her. She recently read in
the newspaper that someone went to Christ Church with a knife and she would
bet that he came down Canterberry Lane because he was found in Bemis
Woods. Security is a very serious resident concern. If the site is properly
monitored and secured it could be a pleasure otherwise, it could be a disaster.
Currently, the property has been let go and is not being monitored. Many more
cars come down the street than what were stated approximately 150 cars on
Saturday and Sunday. The cars go east then west, most cars do not go on the
Dean property There are as many cyclists as well coming from the Cook
County path.
Ms. Stafford said that Mr. Rocca's mailbox has been knocked down twice as
well as another neighbor, which is all due to the traffic coming down the street.
Mr. Truedson said that very clearly it has been stated that security is an issue.
He will bring it to his board to approach the village police as far as security and
get a more definitive understanding of what they could commit to as far as
adding additional security on their property, besides what may be needed on
Canterberry. Their board could consider looking at a standpoint of adding some
sort of security and make some recommendations. Some of the traffic may be
related to people driving by and looking at the homes. They embrace security
as much as they can. There will be security gates on the property.
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 12 of 29 August 22, 2007
Mr. Motley said that unlike any other park in Village, in an isolated 40 -acre
park, you want to close your entrances at dark and open them at dawn. There
will be a control gate off of Canterberry. They do not want people in there at
night and turning it into a Bemis Woods where people will hang out; they want
that factor controlled and assist the Village police in their duty.
Member Nimry commented that something should be done to keep the bikers in
the area from going on the neighbor's property.
Mr. Motley said that their trails will be marked as hiking trails and people
should not be riding bikes up to Mrs. Pearson's backyard.
Member Nimry said that he had a similar issue between the Forest Preserve
District and Trinity Lakes. As a result the Forest Preserve District planted
about 16 foot border of trees and vegetation so that you can cross from the
Forest Preserve onto the private property at Trinity Lakes. Something similar
should be considered here.
Mr. Motley said that the new $3.8 million DuPage County bike path project that
is going through Oak Brook would clearly define the trail. The bike trail will
go along Canterberry and will not be on the Dean property. The perimeter of
the path onto the property from Canterberry Lane will be for hiking not biking.
Chairman Davis said that the trail way is not an issue before the Zoning Board
of Appeals.
Member Young commented that it appears Canterberry Lane is being used as a
turnaround for traffic and questioned if there were a way to prevent it from
being used as a turnaround.
Village Engineer Durfey responded that Canterberry Lane is a public right away
and the public has a right to use it in a legal fashion and did not understand why
someone would be stopped from using a public road.
Ms. Stafford said that the lady that lives at the end of the street (Nessel) was
held up at her home about year ago. She believed someone came onto her
property with a knife or a gun, which is a concern. Safety is a factor that should
be a concern. She did not want to sound crude or crass, but just about everyone
that lives on the street has a house worth over a million dollars with many
valuables. This is a factor with everyone coming down their street. They do
not know who they are and their visitors do not park on tide street.
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Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 13 of 29 August 22, 2007
Chairman Davis noted that all of the comments made are legitimate, however
the matter before the Zoning Board of Appeals is regarding the changes being
sought and whether that would worsen the existing situation or would it
enhance it If approved, it will go to the Village Board for consideration and
they pay great attention to comments from the members of the public.
Marie Kokenis, 1903 Midwest Club, Oak Brook Park District President, said
that she was originally from California and when she first moved into this area
she lived in Indian Head Park and then in Graue Mill and enjoyed the trails for
the 5 years she lived thew. She now lives on York Lake Court, which is just
south of Canterberry Lane, the difference between them is that they are on a
cul -de -sac. They have at least 100 cars coming down their street every single
Saturday and Sunday. Everyone should remember that they are living in Oak
Brook and people around the western suburbs and city, like to come out and
look at the homes and open space. Her family would be amazed when they
came to visit that although she was only 18 miles from downtown, there was all
kinds of wildlife, wetlands and is very beautiful. The work that the Park
District will do on that property will only enhance the surrounding properties
Chairman Davis said that the applicant has addressed the standards for a special
use and the Plan Commission unanimously recommended its approval subject
to conditions.
Member Young questioned whether the Zoning Board could recommend that
the applicant run a traffic study of the area.
Member Nimry said that they should be concerned about the safety and traffic
on the street and if improvements were made to the property, would the traffic
increase and parking problems occur, if there were not enough spaces.
Mr. Motley said that he has seen 10 -20 cars on the weekend that come onto the
property or to the pond. He was not aware of the number of vehicles that go
down Canterbeiry because it is a quarter mile down the road. There are 3
homes for sale on Canterberry and some of the vehicles may be looking at
thein. There may be as many vehicles coming down Canterberry as stated by
the neighbors, but those vehicles are not coming onto the property.
Chairman Davis asked if the improvements were made on the property as
requested, would the applicant believe that would increase the traffic
Mr. Motley did not believe it would substantially impact traffic to the property.
The services they are recommending will only enhance the services in the park.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 14 of 29 August 22, 2007
It is a nature sanctuary and its use is meant to be passive, unlike a forest
preserve.
Member Krietsch commented that based upon the existing permitted uses in the
CR distnet that the only need for a special use would be presenting educational
materials.
Mr Motley said that the map included in the case file indicates the areas on the
property that people can walk. The signage on the path will indicate for
example, butterfly garden or prairie grass and then will describe it. Educational
exhibits are meant for those that are hiking by on the path.
Member Krietsch said that there has been a great deal of debate regarding the
special use for educational material because everything else is allowed in the
CR District.
Chairman Davis asked for clarification from staff.
Director of Community Development Kallien responded that to a degree it is
true. However, one of the things that the special use does is that it establishes a
set of conditions for the property that then become more restrictive. The village
has asked for detailed plans as to how the property would actually be used.
Under the permitted use sections of the Code, this level is not required Under a
special use, it becomes restrictive and the applicant is bound to it.
Member Nimry commented that the Park District insisted in the material
provided on page B.1 that the traffic would not be increased. Anything not
being done now will increase traffic to the site. The traffic should be controlled
to not make it worse than it is now for the residents. The village has to do
something with the road because the traffic will increase.
Mr. Truedson said that they are not encouraging more traffic on the site. Rather
they are improving the site for its current use.
Chairman Davis reviewed the conditions imposed by the Plan Commission (on
page 14 of the case file). He suggested that additional conditions be imposed to
include a requirement that the Park District use its best efforts to enhance the
security for the property. Another condition would be control gates, which
would be a security enhancing issue and would be a requirement of the special
use. Biking as stated would be prohibited. The Park District by its testimony
stated that the proposed improvements would not increase traffic to the
property. It was acknowledged by the Park District, and they further stated that
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 15 of 29 August 22, 2007
they could not control the traffic that exists on Canterberry Lane, which has or
would not be accessing the property.
Member Nimry suggested that parking should be restricted Canterberry Lane.
He also questioned that the village had talked about no parking on the streets.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that the municipal code
currently states that a portion of CanterberTy Lane is signed where "no parking"
is allowed. An ordinance to that effect would need to be enacted by the Village
Board.
Village Engineer Durfey said that some residents came to the Village one or 2
years ago concerned about parking. The Code allows the Village Board or
Police Department to put up signage on a temporary basis for certain issues
versus an outright ban. The parking is on Village property not on Park District
property.
Member Ascher asked for an explanation of the canoe use at the pier.
Mr. Motley responded that it would be an approximate 12 by 12- concrete
surface area. People would need to bring their own canoes and carry them from
the parking lot to Salt Creek by the underpass at I -294. There will not be canoe
lessons or rentals. The Department of Natural Resources and the Salt Creek
Association is trying to encourage waterway usage and the Park District is
cooperating with them on a canoe put -in. Most people will not portage their
canoes from the parking lot, so he did not anticipate that it would be a popular
activity
Chairman Davis noted that dogs would not be allowed on the property and the
Park District would provide appropriate signage to prohibit biking or dogs.
Special Use Motion
Chairman Davis said that the standards were provided by the applicant on page
D of the case file.
Motion by Member Young, seconded by Member Krietsch that the applicant
satisfied the requirements to recommend approval of the special use to allow
the properly to be used as an educational facility as proposed subject to the
following conditions:
1. The development is to be constructed in substantial confonnance with
the revised site plan.
VILLAGE OF OAK. BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 16 of 29 August 22, 2007
2. Subject to approval of the map amendment and variation to the parking
and driveway requirements.
3. The applicant will obtain an approved Engineering permit that addresses
all outstanding engineering issues.
4. Best efforts are to be made to enhance security on the property
increasing additional patrol of the site, including control gates; and the
site shall be open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
5. Signage to be added to prohibit biking and dogs on the property.
6. Additional signage to be added to prohibit dogs from the site.
7. Notwithstanding the exhibits contained in the case file, the applicant
shall meet all Village ordinance requirements in the building pen-nit
process except as specifically varied or waived.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 6 — Members Ascher, Bulin, Krietsch, Nimry, Young and Chairman
Davis
Nays: 0 — Motion Carried.
Variation
Chairman Davis questioned an explanation of the relief being sought for the
Variation
Mr. Motley said that they are seeking relief to allow 22 parking spaces.
Currently it is only turf parking. It is their intent that any overflow would be
onto the turf that is currently being used. The parking provided would be
similar to what is being used at the Hawks Soccer field and it would be their
intention to provide one streetlight at the entrance to 115 Canterberry. The gate
will be closed and secured at night so the parking lot would not be used at
eight.
Chairman Davis said that under the,Zoning Ordinance it would require that the
development provide at least 150 parking spaces.
Director of Community Development Kalllen said that the calculation is based
upon the use and the square footage. There is not a use listed for this type of
use in the ordinance so they are required to use the square footage of the site.
Another option would have been to do a study and a text amendment for
passive parking utilization, but that would take more time.
The Variation standards were provided in writing on page C in the case file and
addressed by Mr. Motley as follows:
VILLAGE Or OAK. BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 17 of 29 August 22, 2007
I;Z�'
1. a. The property in question cannot yield a reasonable return if
permitted to be used only under the conditions allowed by the
regulations governing the district in which it is located.
RESPONSE: The cost would be prohibitive and a reasonable return is not
a question.
1. b. The plight of the owner is due to unique circumstances.
RESPONSE: The property as acquired from the Dean family was with a
conservation easement by the Conservation Foundation that stipulated the
perpetual use of the property to be a passive park.
1. c. The variation, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the
locality.
RESPONSE: The design as approved by the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources and the Village of Oak Brook special use permit ensures
the usage and design of the site is as the Dean family requested. They will
comply with all Village ordinances as required. The Wolf Prairie site
located along 31St Street and Wolf Road is an 80 acre site and they have a
total of 25 spaces.
The supplemental standards were submitted in writing and are contained in the
case file.
Ms. Stafford noted that the Wolf Prairie is not on a residential dead end street
and asked what guarantee would they have that the Park District would not seek
more spaces in the future. The traffic has increased since it was made public in
the newspaper. Bikers are riding by and telling all of their families. They have
been living on the street for 13 years and it has never been like this.
Mr. Motley responded that they do not believe the traffic going onto the Dean
property has increased There is traffic on the road that they cannot address, it
could be curiosity seekers and did not believe it was related to the Dean
property Many people do not want to go down the road on the property
because it is presently a gravel road.
Chairman Davis questioned if the Park District would need to seek approval to
add more parking spaces
Director of Community Development Kallien responded that they would not
need to seek a variation to add more, but they would need to amend their
special use.
VILLAGE OF OAI� BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 18 of 29 August 22, 2007
Chairman Davis noted that the approved plans are very specific and the Park
District would need to expand their special use to add more spaces.
Ms. Stafford questioned what would happen if there were more cars on the
street and the parking lot is full, There would be no other place to park than on
the street.
Mr. Truedson said that they believe there will be little use of the property in the
winter. Their consultant recommended 10 spaces and they have requested 22.
They are trying to accommodate what they believe would be the maximum
number or cars there.
Ms. Stafford questioned why the bike path is on Canterberry Lane. There
should be signs on their street stating no biking or running allowed on their
street. There are ovex million dollar houses on the street and they are all
worried about who the people are coming down their street, because they are
worried about their property.
Village Engineer Durfey responded that Canterberry Lane is a dedicated bike
path and is a public street, not private.
Member Ascher questioned the comments in Village Engineer Durfey's
memorandum.
Village Engineer Durfey said that his memo talks about the gravel- parking
request, because the code currently requires asphalt. It is an unusual request,
because the Forest Preserve District has asphalt in 4 out of 6 of their sites, and
the two older sites have asphalt and partial curbs. His concern is that the
granting of that variation could set a precedent for other agencies or other areas
in the village, since there does not seem to be any unusual or unique qualities
on this site that does not appear on other, such pristine forest preserve sites. If
the gravel is permitted, then you would not want curbing or striping. If the
gravel is not permitted, then curbing and striping would be required.
Mr. Motley responded the reason for the request is to maintain the site as
natural as possible They are asking to make only 2 spaces concrete so that they
would provide ADA access to the path. They would just add car blocks to
define the 22 spaces.
Village Engineer Durfey said that he is not sure how this request would be
determined to be more unique than another one.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 19 of 29 August 22, 2007
Chairman Davis questioned if anyone else had requested this sort of relief and
was denied.
Village Engineer Durfey said that it may have been requested at staff level and
they did not seek relief to the Code.
Matt Bardol, Natural Resources Manager Cowhey Gudmundson said that they
use ecologic restoration. The system they are using would be more of an
engineered system. They will use more of a chipped gravel surface. It would
benefit the environmental aspect instead of black asphalt that would runoff onto
the landscape. The material used would keep the gravel in place and would
infiltrate and prevent runoff. It is an engineered system. The gravel could be a
chipped limestone or a darker sand color.
Member Young asked what the environmental benefit would be.
Mr. Bardol responded that typical asphalt is completely impervious and there
would be runoff. By taking a permeable pavement, you can actually take the
base course, which normally is underneath and actually infiltrate through it
This follows the DMV, is ahead of its time, and would not be life a normal
gravel parking lot that would have a lot of run off.
Member Young asked about snow removal and safety during plowing.
Mr. Bardol said that it can be plowed and that you would not drop the plow all
the way down and they would have to know that it is down.
4
Member Young said that the property is a prairie not a forest preserve.
Mr. Bardol responded that it would infiltrate better and actually break down the
oil and greases.
Member Nzmry asked about the oil infiltrating on the surface.
Mr. Bardol said that on a normal parking lot it would runoff onto the
vegetation. This actually goes through and breaks down the oils and greases, so
there is really not a clean up issue. It would not be used as a surface on a gas
station
Variation Motion
Chairman Davis said that the request is to reduce the required number of
parking spaces from approximately 160 to 22 spaces; to use gravel instead of
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 20 of 29 August 22, 2007
asphalt as required without curbing or striping. The applicant addressed the
standards in their testimony and they were submitted in writing on page C of
the case file.
Motion by Member Young, seconded by Member Nimry that the applicant
addressed and satisfied the applicable standards required to recommend
approval of the variations as requested, subject to the following conditions:
1. Approval of the requested map amendment to CR and special use.
2. Development in accordance with the plans as submitted.
3. Address all issues raised by Village Engineer Durfey.
4. Notwithstanding the exhibits contained in the case file, the applicant
shall meet all Village ordinance requirements at the time of building
pen-nit application, except as varied or waived.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 6 — Members Ascher, Bulin, Krietsch, Nimry, Young and Chainnan
Davis
Nays: 0 — Motion Caffied.
S. B.
d
ITED
PARTNERSHIP -- 1603 16 "' STREET — SPECIAL USE — DRIVE -1N
BANK VARIATION — DISTRICT BOUNDARY REQUIREMENT
Chairman Davis swore in all parties that would testify.
Scott Day, with Day and Robert Law firm, Naperville, Illinois, attorney for the
joint applicants stated that the applicants are Columbia Lisle Limited
Partnership, which is known as InSite Oak Brook Limited Partnership and Fifth
Third Bancorp. The owner of the property is InSite Oak Brook Limited
Partnership and the co- applicant and long -term lessee is Fifth Third Bank.
The applicants are seeking a special use for a drive -in banking facility. They
are also seeking a variation related to the setbacks on the lot. He reviewed the
surrounding zoning and history for the subject propert�. It is located at 1603
16th Street on the southwest comer of Route 83 and 16t Street. The properties
located to the north and northeast of the site are B -1 zoning as well as this
parcel and are located within the Village of Oak Brook. The property located
west and south of the site is residential property located in the City of Oakbrook
Terrace. There is a combination of high - density retail and low density
residential as you move to the west.
The property is subject to previous requests before this board. Those requests
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 21 of 29 August 22, 2007
FIFTH TNJRD
BANCORP + InSITr
— 1603 16" St — SU —
DR1VL -N BANK
and VARIATION —
DIST BOUNDARY
for the text amendment and sign variation are still pending before the Village
Board and were placed on hold until the current requests go before them
They owner of the property now has a tenant for the site and a detailed site plan
has been submitted.
It is an unusual site; there are essentially three lots that make up this one
property. He reviewed how the parcel got to be the way that it is with two -
thirds of the site being in the Village of Oak Brook and a portion located in the
City of Oakbrook Terrace. The property was originally in a single - family
residential subdivision.
There is a small portion of the subject property that is also located within the
City of Oakbrook Terrace, despite the fact that is part of the unified parcel.
Back in the 1970 -80's the house on the property burned down. At that time,
one of the parcels was under the jurisdiction of Oak Brook, the middle parcel
was under the jurisdiction of DuPage County, and the southern parcel was
under the jurisdiction of Oakbrook Terrace. They requested that the parcel in
Oak Brook be de- annexed into Oakbrook Terrace; however, the Village sent a
letter saying that they would not be inclined to de -annex the parcel from Oak
Brook. They filed a petition to annex the center portion of the property (under
DuPage County jurisdiction) into the Village of Oak Brook. Town and Country
then filed an application with the Village of Oak Brook to change the zoning so
that the lot could be used as a single zoning lot. It was approved by the Village
subject to certain conditions. Through the annexation process, the Village of
Oak Brook looked at it as a unified lot, even though the southern portion was
located in Oak Brook Terrace. It was mandated in a recorded restrictive
covenant that the southerly portion of the lot, located in Oakbrook Terrace, by
the means of a private deed restriction, must be maintained as open space. A
variation was granted at that time that the southerly 37.5 feet that is located
within Oak Brook Terrace would be the setback for the property (instead of the
district boundary line) and permitted the building now on the site to be
constricted within two feet of it. Town and Country was given pennission to
build an 18,000 square foot office building with 47 parking spaces and used it
until InSite purchased the property. Private Bank occupied the first floor, and
InSite was on the second.
There were concerns raised regarding the previously submitted site plan. In
addition to the requirement process of the Village, InSite, also conducted a
meeting at the subject property, giving notice to individual neighbors, to the
officials of the City Oakbrook Terrace and was attended by two of the
alderman. The meeting was also attended by several neighbors, two trustees of
the Village of Oak Brook and the planners from both communities.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 22 of 29 August 22, 2007
There were concerns that the headlights from vehicles accessing the site would
shine in on the neighbors and disturb the use of their property. There was
concern that there would be noise and volume coming from the ATM facility;
and that fencing and landscaping would be inadequate to screen the site from
the properties to the west and south. There were architectural concerns
regarding the specific appearance and look of the building when actually
developed. There was a concern regarding the lighting plan, hours of operation,
trash bin screening, and the sounds associated with the air conditioning coolers.
Because of the meetings, they made substantial revisions to the site plan and
addressed many of the concerns.
Tom Cervenka, InSite Real Estate reviewed the background and responded to
the concerns that were raised. They have occupied the building since 1997.
They recently acquired the old Oak Brook Bank building and are relocating
their headquarters into that building.
The intention of the project is to demolish the existing building. Fifth Third
Bank will build an approximate 3800 square foot banking facility with 3 drive -
thru lanes. In order- to address some of the previous concerns, they rotated the
drive -thru lanes so that headlights would rotate east toward the mall facing
toward Route 83. Vehicle stacking will be on the south side. The retaining
wall /berm concept would definitely shield the neighbors from any traffic,
headlights or sounds within the drive -thin area. Village of Oak Brook does not
permit a solid fence, so they came up with this combination of landscape and a
retaining wall to provide a shielding to the south, because the neighbors and
Oakbrook Terrace officials did not think that landscaping would be enough.
The air conditioning chiller locations have been moved off of Monterey Avenue
to a location that is further from the residences and will be substituted with
residential grade units, which mean that the sound is the same as those for
residences. They have addressed most of the concerns with the neighbors.
They will comply with the Village Ordinance that requires no more than .5 -foot
candle at the property line. They are using existing light poles; and given the
dense landscaping there will be no transmission of existing light onto the
property line.
Mr Day said that the Exhibits noted as pages U and W in the case file, show
renderings of the proposed Fifth Third Bank building. There is an overlay of
the existing building, indicating the existing building over the proposed
structure. The Fifth Third Building is much more recessed. The main concern
is to the neighbors to the west and south. The exhibit shows that the bulk of the
building would be significantly reduced and the distance to the property line
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 23 of 29 August 22, 2007
will be withdrawn. The other exhibit shows plain elevation view so that the
distances from the property lines can be visualized.
Mr. Day reviewed the changes in the site plans that were modified in response
to the concerns that had been raised. The site plans submitted have a different
configuration for the building, which have been turned 90- degrees. The drive -
thru now points to the east toward Route 83, rather than south toward the
residential properties. The added benning of the parcel essentially raises the
southerly and westerly property boundary through a landscape feature. The
berming adds enough elevation so that the headlights shine into the retaining
wall that holds back the earth and landscaping features on the other side. It
reduces the sound from the vehicles passing through and shields the residences
from the headlights. The lighting plan has been submitted and there is a
reduction to the overall bulk on the site, which is a significant reduction in use
on this property.
He compared the existing and proposed structures.
Old
Proposed New
Reduction
Height:
37 -feet
24 -feet
35%
Square feet:
18,000
3,796
79%
(w /basement)
Above Ground
12,000
3,796
68%
Parking,
47
22
53%
Old Footprint:
6,000
3,796
37%
The standards foi a special use were submitted in writing and are contained in
the case file. Mr. Day reviewed the special use factors as follows:
Special Use Standards
1. Is of the type described in subsection Al of this Section, is deemed
necessary for the public convenience at that location.
RESPONSE. The property is in a very unique location of the Village It is one
of only two pods of B -1 parcels in the Village. One is at this intersection and
the other is for the new Promenade development on Butterfield Road. Route 83
has been given the Strategic Regional Arterial designation from the Illinois
Department of Transportation, which has nearly 69,000 cars per day. The
designation is one -step lower than a controlled access highway such as 1 -88. It
is intended to take high volumes of traffic Out of necessity, this parcel must
take vehicular traffic because it is not pedestrian friendly. The parcel can only
be accessed by a motor vehicle, because crossing Route 83 at this location is
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 24 of 29 August 22, 2007
prohibited. The roadway network to the west has been cut off. The only way
to access the parcel is from Route 83. They obtain 100 percent of their
customer, B -1 usage from Route 83. When the parcel was developed under
Town and County the Village also added a land use restriction on the parcel
that prohibited all retail uses on the site. This is the only parcel in Oak Brook
in the B-1 District that is not a retail use. This parcel is located next to the
highest intensity land use in the Village, Oakbrook Center to the lowest
intensity land use to the west, which is a residential development. It is a very
unique parcel of property and must have a land use that is not retail sales and
that could take advantage of the motor vehicles. A banking institution with a
drive -in facility is uniquely appropriate for this parcel the way that the land use
has been restricted by the natural road arterial system, the previous rulings and
restrictive covenants and the surrounding residential land use.
2. Is so designed, located and proposed to be operated that the public
health, safety and welfare will be protected;
RESPONSE: The revised configuration of the site reducing the bulk, the
elevated property line by the benning area so that the vehicles will appear to be
below the ground level. The lights and sounds from the motor vehicles would
be protected from the residential properties to the south. There will be
additional landscaping above and around the berm that would further shield the
residential properties from this land use. The lights and drive aisles have been
reconfigured as there has been significant modification made to the site plan,
including the landscaping, bulk regulations to have met this requirement.
3. 'Would not cause substantial injury to the value of other property in
the neighborhood in which it is located.
RESPONSE: If the special use is approved, the new synergy may actually
improve the retail performance of the land use to the north and enhance the land
value. As it relates to the retail properties to the west and south, they believe
the redesign, the significant downgrading of the amount of bulk proposed for
this site; and with the additional landscaping, would be an enhancement over
what currently exists on the parcel and would be beneficial to those properties.
The Plan Conu-nission voted unanimously to approve the special use subject to
certain conditions that they agree to comply.
Member Bulin questioned the absence of the retaining wall plan.
Mi Cervenlza passed around the plan that would be included when developed.
Director of Community Development Kallien said that the plan is consistent
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 25 of 29 August 22, 2007
with what they talked about during the meeting with the neighbors. The City of
Oakbrook Terrace representatives, and several Village of Oak Brook Trustees
came to the site and it was felt that it would be an adequate way to screen any
impact that the cars or car lights would have on neighboring properties.
Trustee Manofsky said that she was the trustee that denied the previous request
for the drive -thru considering the distance between the old PrivateBank and the
neighbors would have been inappropriate. The HVAC was located at the rear
of the property was loud and had very little vegetation, which would have
impacted the neighbors. Her position was that if the neighbors were happy then
she would be happy. She questioned the use of two residential units and the
retaining wall around the drive aisles.
Mr. Cervenka said that the air conditioning units would be located closer to the
building, which has been reduced in size.
Mr. Day said that the air conditioning units would be residential units just as
what is used in the neighborhoods.
Trustee Manofsky said that she would be in support of the project if the
neighbors were happy and she was glad that the neighbors were present at the
hearing.
Steve Schneider has investment property located at 1S448 Monterey, which is
to the south and west of the project. He was concerned with the landscaping
and lighting that would impact his tenants He would like to see the
landscaping enhanced farther south
Mr. Cervenka said that they would not be able to tell there were air conditioning
units and the intent would be to keep the dense landscaping on the site.
Member Bulin suggested that the landscape plan be amended to enhance the
landscape with some additional evergreen material along the west retaining
wall.
0
Eva Durham, Oakbrook Terrace Alderman, said that she did attend the meeting
and they did say that they would like to see the dense screen continue to the
southern end of the property.
Chairman Davis said that the applicant addressed the standards for a special use
in their testimony and were submitted in writing on page B of the case file. The
Plan Commission imposed conditions, which are acceptable to the Zoning
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 26 of 29 August 22, 2007
Board of Appeals.
Motion by Member Krietsch, seconded by Member Nimry that the applicant
addressed and satisfied the requirements for a special use to recommend
approval of a drive -in banking facility as requested subject to the following
conditions:
1. Approval of the text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to make
banks a permitted use in the B -1 District and drive -thru banking
facilities a special use in the B -1 District;
2. Approval of a variation to Section 13- 7A -3C -lc to pen-nit an
encroaclunent into the B -1 District boundary line requirement; or
Approval of the detachment of lot 3 from Oakbrook Terrace and
approval by the Village of Oak Brook for the annexation of lot 3 and
consolidation of the now separate parcels into a single parcel;
3. Development in accordance to the site plans proposed by Fifth Third
Bancorp (see the case file);
4. Construction of a landscaped berm along the south side of the bank
drive -thru addressing concerns by the residents of Oakbrook Terrace;
5 Amend the landscape plan to enhance and extend the evergreen
vegetation south along the west side of the retaining wall.
6. All lighting on the bank property shall be properly screened to ensure
that the illumination shall not exceed .5 foot candles at the property line.
7. Address all issues raised in the June 26, 2007 memorandum from
Village Engineer Durfey.
8. Notwithstanding the exhibits contained in the case file, the applicant
shall meet all village ordinance requirements at the time of building
permit application except as specifically varied or waived.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 6 — Members Ascher, Bulin, Krietsch, Nimry, 'Young and Chairman
Davis
Nays: 0 --- Motion Carried.
V-ariatinn
Mr. Day said that the way that the Zoning Ordinance is written, the setback is
determined from the zoning district. Technically the zoning district for this
parcel runs along the north lot line, which is lot 3. To the south of that is the
37.5 feet that is located in Oakbrook Terrace. Even though it is the same parcel,
it is a separate zoning district, so the 60 -foot setback would have to be
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 27 of 29 August 22, 2007
measured fi-om the boundary line, rather than the lot line, which is the lot
ownership. They are seeking to allow the south line of the zoning lot to be the
lot line, not the boundary line. Under the ordinances, the entire property was
married together by the restrictive covenants required by the Village. At that
time, it was intended to be used as a single site. The way that the zoning lots
are defined, a property that is intended to be used as single unit is a single
zoning lot, even if it is in different zoning districts. They are seeking to use the
south line of the zoning lot as opposed to the south line of the zoning district. If
that is pennitted, they will exceed the setback requirements on the south side of
the parcel.
Variation Standards
The Variation Standards were provided in writing in the case file and addressed
by Mr. Day as follows:
1. a. The property in question cannot yield a reasonable return if
pennitted to be used only under the conditions allowed by the
regulations governing the district in which it is located.
RESPONSE: The Village regulations require that this property be used in
conjunction with the other, yet the yard standards would prohibit them
from using it for anything whatsoever
1. b. The plight of the owner is due to unique circumstances.
RESPONSE: This is probably the only parcel within the Village that has
this situation.
1. c. The variation, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the
locality.
RESPONSE: This is virtually the same variation that was granted to
Town and Country because the same situation rose then, which is why the
lot was created as it was. The setback was created by a private restrictive
covenant and they are seeking permission to use it.
The supplemental standards had been submitted in writing in the case file.
Mr. Day said that the City of Oakbrook Terrace asked that they process an
application to de -annex the property from Oakbrook Terrace and annexed into
the Village of Oak Brook and they are processing that request. They would
then be in compliance.
Chairman Davis said that the applicant addressed the standards for a variation
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 28 of 29 August 22, 2007
7.
in their testimony and were submitted in writing on page r of the case file. It is
a very unique situation and ultimately if the property is annexed into the Village
of Oak Brook, the variation would not be necessary.
Motion by Member Krietsch, seconded by Member Nimry that the applicant
addressed and satisfied the applicable standards required to recommend
approval of the requested variation to Section 13- 7A- 3C -1.c of the Zoning
Ordinance to allow an encroachment into the district boundary line to allow a
setback of approximately 72.6 feet for the building and a setback of
approximately 42.25 feet for the drive -thru canopy as requested, subject to the
following conditions:
1. Approval of the text amendments to make banks a permitted use and
drive -in banking facilities a special use in the B -1 District.
2. The development is to be constructed in substantial conformance with
the site plan submitted on page L.2 of the case file dated ;Tune S, 2007 as
prepared by Charles Vincent George Design Group.
3. Notwithstanding the exhibits contained in the case file, the applicant
shall meet all Village ordinance requirements in the building permit
process except as specifically varied or waived.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes. 6 -- Members Ascher, Bulin, Krietsch, Nimry, Young and Chairman
Davis
Nays: 0 — Motion Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business to discuss.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Member Young, seconded by Member Krietsch to adjourn the
meeting at 11:10 p m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried
ATTEST.
Robert Kallien, r of Community Development
S ecretary
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Special Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes Page 29 of 29
lzv_
August 22, 2007
OTIIER BUSINESS
ADIOURNMLN i'