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Minutes - 12/19/2016 - Plan CommissionVILLAGE of MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 19, 2016 OAK BR Kto'c' REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2017 CALL TO ORDER: The Meeting of the Plan Commission was called to order by Chairwoman Tropinski in the Samuel E. Dean Board Room of the Butler Government Center at 7:08 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons PRESENT: Chairwoman Marcia Tropinski, Members Thomas Doyle, Raju lyer, Raj Lal, Simon Sheers and Kenneth Wilczak ABSENT: Naveen Jain IN ATTENDANCE: Trustee Edward Tiesenga, Director Development Services, Robert Kallien, Planner Rebecca Von Drasek, and Planning Technician Gail Polanek 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION OF NOVEMBER 21 2016 Motion by Member lyer, seconded by Member Let to waive the reading of the minutes and to approve the minutes of the November 21, 2016 Regular Plan Commission meeting as written. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried. NEW BUSINESS CALLTOORDER ROLL CALL MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2016 NEW BUSINESS A. OAKBROOK SHOPPING CENTER. LLC — TEXT AMENDMENT — OAKBROOK CENTER - MT ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 13 -I1 -9 — B2 DISTRICT WAYFINDING AMA- o -11 -v- DIRECTORY AND INTERNAL SIGNAGE MTERNAL SmG SG Development Services Director Robert Kallien, Jr., provided a brief overview of the request. Benjamin Freeman, Director Development, General Growth Properties, 110 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, representative of ownership highlighted the ongoing investment made by General Growth Properties into the Oakbrook Shopping Center. He emphasized the wave of investment over the past five years, including the renovation of the common areas and amenities with new retailers, dining, and the addition of entertainment as with the new luxury AMC theaters and the soon to be VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page I of 1 l December 19, 2016 `�4 opened food hall. They have taken it from a traditional mall to evolving with the wide variety of shoppers. Issues were looked at as to where friction may be experienced by shoppers of getting on and off the property. They are committed to improving the circulation and having a proactive posture and new technologies. There are over 11,000 parking spaces with 60 percent being surface parking and 40 percent in decks. They are looking at the path to purchase experience and to make it a positive experience. They have coordinated with Google Maps and ways to improve the navigational experience. They take a lot of pride in the Oakbrook Center. They have gone to Park Assist to better identify available parking spaces within the structured parking stalls on each level of each deck. It will provide real time information at the decision points. Ground signs will show dynamic counts of available spaces, which is a little more difficult to determine on the ground. However, the long -term vision is to be at the entry points of the parking sections so as they are entered the shopper will know whether to go left or right based upon the availability of open spaces. They are also trying to increase usage of the underutilized spaces by providing better real time information to their shoppers. The fashion outlet mall in Rosemont offers similar technology. Their vision is to improve it from the moment the shopper is on the property from around the ring road to the parking decks. The signs are similar to the size and scale of the existing signs, but present additional information. As the shopper drives, they would know whether a deck is full or see the number of spaces available. Each entrance to the parking deck would have a colored portal showing the deck color. On the side of each would show the parking levels with the number of available spaces available on each level. It will help to navigate and improve people's experience throughout the parking structure itself. The interior common area signage should be more dynamic and sophisticated. Currently, there are very large static directories that they would like to have the ability to update with real time information for the retailers and information for the Center. It would be streamlined and more efficient and an elegant presentation for the customer rather than the current spaceship looking 1980's vintage style that exists. Danielle Cassel, Attorney for the Petitioner, Vedder Price, 222 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, introduced the text amendment request and explained that Oakbrook Center Mall intended to modernize the signage at the mall to better direct traffic for its customers and visitors that are unfamiliar and those familiar with the Center in order to make it easy to navigate. They are seeking to minimize driving time and get people to a parking space as quickly as possible, which will minimize possible contact time with pedestrians, reduce frustrations levels and be better for the environment. She reviewed the section of the zoning ordinance that relates to the Oakbrook Center. The new signs are in place at the Center without the digital element. She detailed the application noting the information wayfinding system to be added to the parking lot, digital ground signs, portal signage, and interior digital directories. Ms. Cassel detailed the specific requirements, which included VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page "of 1 I December 19, 2016 —0- constraints within the proposed text amendment that would curtail any possible abuse of digital elements within the Village. The internal directory signage helps to locate the interior retailers versus the existing static signage. The younger shopper is far more connected to the digital world and is on their electronic devices much more frequently. It will work much better for retailers and for its customers, where the Center prefers that they shop on site rather than on the internet since that also limits sales tax revenue. They are trying to make it modem and accessible. It will be more efficient as tenants change to be able to update. Not all of the static signs will become digital. Chairwoman Tmpinski recognized questions from the Commissioners. Member Lal questioned whether there was data regarding an increase of traffic within the Center. Mr. Freeman responded that it is difficult to have an accurate study done to capture the data since they do not have an ongoing means to do that. Ms. Cassel noted that should the text amendment be approved and the signage implemented they will have a new type of data to collect that they have never been able to do. She noted that automobile traffic studies are very expensive. Chairwoman Tropinski agreed that it was important to minimize the amount of time it takes to find parking. Member Wilczak experienced that it took longer to park than to shop. During that time, he also witnessed an accident. He observed the reluctance of individuals to use the parking decks and expressed his appreciation for the integrated technology that simplifies finding a parking space. It would not eliminate all the issues, but it is an issue. He also noted concern for the residents north of the mall on le Street and more attention should be given to them. Mr. Freeman responded that Mr. Wilczak's experience happens far too often. The text amendment is a step to collect the real time data. Mr. Doyle inquired as to what type of controls the Village had over illumination. Development Services Director Kallien responded that the property might need to be reviewed to confirm compliance if there has been a recent change to the lighting on the parking deck. Ms. Cassel agreed that GOP (General Growth Properties) would comply with the applicable section of the Zoning Ordinance 13- 11- 4 -A.1. Development Services Director Kallien suggested that screening may be required, but the illumination would need to be measured. Trustee Tiesenga noted that the lighting that faces Oak Brook Club has become very bright and the Red Parking deck sort of gives the appearance of a prison. There are very bright LED lights and the challenge would be how they could be shielded without creating a situation where crimes could be committed because the lights would not be bright enough. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 3 of 11 December 19, 2016 "�ll Mr. Freeman stated that GGP works to be good neighbors. He agreed to look into the lighting concern to determine what may have changed that would raise the issue and added that they will do their homework and shielding would be considered if appropriate. Chairwoman Tmpinski said that the foot - candle light is exceptionally bright there and appears to be brighter than daylight. There is the need to assure safety, yet not be too bright from the outside view, perhaps by changing the color of the bright white light. Ms. Cassel responded that they would take measurements before going to the Zoning Board of Appeals and questioned whether it was on certain levels. Mr. Sheers agreed that the lighting glare from the parking decks should be reduced. Ms. Tmpinski noted that 3500 Kelvin's is considered daylight and that reducing the Kelvin's would minimize the glare. Trustee Tiesenga did not want to impose an arbitrary cost onto the mall and that they have proven to be creative so that it is a win -win situation. The Commission concluded with the applicant that the Red Parking Deck on the subject property would be reviewed for compliance. Mr. Freeman said that they would address it. Member Iyer suggested looking at the color of the light and that other options should be explored without compromising safety. Mr. Kerry Krafthefer, 5 Oak Brook Club said that he was not speaking in opposition to the request and agreed that the convenience of parking is important for the success of the mall. The Oak Brook Club has had a good relationship with Oakbrook Center, but had been concerned with the theater signs and was given assurances by the Center that they would not be intrusive. He noted that the theater signage is intrusive and shines into his third floor condominium and is very bright. As a vice president of the Oak Brook Club Association, he encounters many of the residents and they have echoed the same thing. The Red Parking Garage on the north is very bright on all levels and the snow makes it brighter. He thanked the Plan Commission for discussing the issue and did not believe the signage sought by the mall through the current proposed text amendment would be particularly intrusive. Ms. Cassel noted that a cross- reference was overlooked in the text amendment and requested that "and 13- 11 -9E" be added to 13 -11 -913 new subsection B.2. and be included in the motion. Member Sheers suggested there be more accurate numbers included in the text for lighting. Director Kallien responded that there are standards in place, 175 as measured from the face and .5 foot - candle as measured from the property line. Moving forward, the Red Deck lights need to be looked at and specifically at where there are problems. This is a different issue than the text amendment being requested by the Center. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 of 11 December 19, 2016 There were no additional questions by the Commissioners Chairwoman Tropinski suggested that the Shopping Center go to their engineer to ensure that the lighting is not so harsh. Ms. Cassel suggested that a condition be added to the recommendation that the signs in the portals will comply with Section 13- 11- 4 -A.2, which is the level of illumination. Motion by Chairwoman Tropinski, seconded by Member Wilczak to recommend approval of the text amendment to Section 13 -11 -9 of the Zoning Regulation as presented. The motion detailed the allowance of the informational way - finding signage, informational portal signage, and internal digital directory signage on properties within the B -2, Business District with the requirement that all signage will comply with the illumination standards in Section 13- 114-A.2 and the addition of a Section reference 13- 11 -9.E to the informational portal signage language within the amendment. The proposed language as recommended by the Plan Commission to Section 13 -11- 9. District B2 Regulations, to add three additional sections as follows below. Note the proposed language is underlined. 1. Amendment to expand 13 -11 -9A (Allowable Ground Signs in the B2 District) by adding a new subsection A.4. 4. Internal Infarmational/Way- finding Sims for Vehicular Traffic: In addition to the Ground Sims permitted by the other provisions of this section 13- 11 -9 -A in a retail commercial or mixed use development containing no less than 50 acres, no fewer than 2,000 parking spaces and no fewer than 3 separate multi -story parking garages, up to 20 Ground Sims may be located throughout the development's interior roads and parking aisles, provided no such Ground Sign is located within 150 feet from exterior property lines. The content of such Ground Sims may include: (i) the names of tenants in the development; (ii) the name of the development itself, and (iii) digital sign elements displaying only the location and availability of Parking soaces in the development's surface parking lots and multi-story parking garages. The foregoing types of Ground Signs shall not be subject to, nor deemed to be in violation of, any contrary provisions in this title, including without limitation, subsections A. B and E of section 13 -11-4 (excluding, however, the illumination standard in subsection 13- 114A.2) and subsections A, E, H and M of section 13 -11 -7. The content of each digital element within the Ground Signs shall be limited to the location and estimated number of parking spaces available in the VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 5 of 11 December 19, 2016 referenced parking garage or surface lot, or, the word "Full' or "FULL" or "full ". 2. Amendment to expand 13 -11 -913 (Allowable Wall Signs in the B2 District) by adding a new subsection B.2. 2. Informational Signs as to Locations of Available Parking: In addition to the Wall Signs permitted by subsection 13- 11 -9 -13.1 and 13 -11 -9E of this title- multi-story parking garages in the B2 District may have Wall Signs with digital sign elements that display the availability of parking spaces subiect to the following conditions: i. The multi -story parking garages on which such Wall Signs are permitted must be located within a retail, commercial or mixed use development of no less than 50 acres in area that has no fewer than 2,000 parking spaces and no fewer than 3 separate multi -story parking gara ii. The Wall Signs must comply with the signage regulations in the following sections of this title: 13 -I1 -3 (other than subsections B.3, B.5 and B.7): 13 -I1 -4 (other than subsections 13- 11- 4 -A.1, A.3 through A.7 and E): 13 -11 -7 (other than subsection E): 13- 11 -9 -B: and 13- 11 -9 -C: iii. No such Wall Sign may be located within 200 feet from 16th Street., iv. The content of each digital element within the Wall Signs shall be limited to: (a) the estimated number of Puking _spaces available on the referenced level of the parking garage, or (b) the word "Full' or "FULL" or "full." Wall Signs complying with the foregoing requirements shall not be subject to, nor deemed to be in violation o£ any contrary provisions in this title, including subsection 13-11 - 4A, subsection 13- 11 -4E, and subsection 13- 11 -7E. 3. Amendment to 13 -I1 -9 (District B2 Regulations) by adding a new subsection F. F. Internal Wav- finding. Directory and Merchant Signaac: In retail commercial or mixed -use developments containing no less than 50 acres, no less than one million square feet of retail and restaurant occupancies and no fewer than eighty distinct commercial occupants, the following types of Sitmage shall be permitted subject only to receipt of an applicable Sign Permit pursuant to Section 13 -11 -3 and VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 of 11 December 19, 2016 compliance with the illumination standard set forth in subsection 13- 11-4-A.2 and each of the life - safety requirements set forth in subsections A.3, C. D. F. G. H. I. J. K and N of Section 13 -11 -4: (i) Signage within the development's enclosed commercial establishments; (ii) Signage in outdoor areas of the development that are surrounded by enclosed buildings and therefore are not visible to anv public - right -wav: and (iii) Signage inside multi-story garages that is not visible to rights of way. ROLL CALL VOTE Ayes: 6 — Members Doyle, lyer, Lal, Sheers, Wilczak and Chairwoman Tropinski Nays: 0 — Absent: 1 — Member Jain. Motion Carried. 4. B. CORNERSTONE RESTAURANT GROUP, MICHAEL JORDAN'S CORNERSTONE - RESTAURANT — 1224 22ND STREET — SPECIAL USE — OUTDOOR MICHAEL DINING ADJACENT TO A RESTAURANT I- Village Planner Rebecca Von Drasek provided a brief overview of the requested Outdoor Dining as a Special Use in the 0-3, Office District. Dwayne MacEwen, Principal, DMAC Architecture, 831 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL explained that the outdoor dining element of the restaurant was intended to add presence on the property. The building is located between two massive commercial towers. They recognized early on that they needed to engage the streetscape and that it was an important component to include an outdoor dining element. He noted that most restaurant establishments offer similar facilities. Aaron Beyers, Architect, DMAC Architecture reviewed the proposed outdoor dining area and overall project. He noted that there is an existing drive aisle with a 15 mph speed limit and speed bumps in the pavement. There is some parking located across from the building along with a landscape buffer between the parking and 22nd Street. Having an outdoor presence is a key to success and is a presence to the local community. The restaurant is located off the beaten path and located between two office towers. Having a presence with the facade and some activity during the seasonal months has an advantage. Outdoor dining has become a strong presence and commonplace and serves as a great amenity for patrons hoping to enjoy being outdoors, especially with the shorter seasonal timeframe in the Chicagoland area. With the Michael Jordan's restaurant, they are trying . to utilize the space as best they could with the key factor being health, safety and welfare of the public. They created a protective barrier in order to protect the patrons when they are outside. He provided renderings of the facade for a view of how the exterior of the restaurant would look from 220 Street as well as the view as you approach the restaurant by the entrance and valet. There are two separate outdoor areas 70 seats, off the main restaurant and 12 seats off the lounge area, which would also offer food. There are steel framed planter beds that provide a protective barrier. The smaller lounge area VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 7 of I 1 December 19, 2016 -Wl� outdoor dining section would have a four -foot boxwood perimeter hedge and within it fixed light bollards with a built up six -inch curb for safety protection. The other side would have fixed steel planters. The main entrance would be between the two dining areas. There is an approximate 5.5 -foot sidewalk between the outdoor dining areas and the curb. Both outdoor dining areas can only be accessed from within the restaurant and each has an emergency exit egress gate that opens out onto the sidewalk. There is no access into the dining areas from outside the restaurant. Bollard details and impact specs were also provided. The spaces within the outdoor areas are designed to feel of being outside yet be protected. All seasonal fumiture would be removed over the winter months and the planters will provide a barrier from viewing the parking area. Chairwoman Tropinski noted that the planters were very nice and offered an interesting component within the design and inquired if they had been confirmed to offer a similar protection as the bollards proposed for the outdoor dining near the bar. Perhaps some of the steel should be imbedded into the concrete. The concern was to ensure the safety of the diners with cars backing out of parking spaces and possibly losing control. Mr. MacEwen noted that from what they had seen at the mall, this is above and beyond. The integrated steel frame provides and abundance of caution in order to make sure that it is safe. They would review the possibility with the general contractor to do that and possibly include bollards. Member Lal expressed concerns about possible vehicle fumes coming from the valet service location, which is in close proximity to the outdoor dining area. He also questioned why it would not be located in the rear. He also questioned whether the deliveries would be from the front. Mr. Beyers said that all deliveries to the restaurant would use the rear entrance to the property. Mr. MacEwen also added that the deliveries, trash area, me also in the back of the building, outside the interior corridor. As far as the valet service, he added that most people that would be unfamiliar with the setup would try to enter through the front door and there is limited parking available there. Member Sheers asked if the valet would require a charge, if there were no charge more patrons would use it. The Petitioner was uncertain. The Commissioners briefly discussed valet services for other restaurants in Oak Brook. Development Services Director Robert Kallien stated that valet services have historically been considered a business operation issue and not a land use. Member Wilczak noted that the valet has to be located near to the front door. The last restaurant had the outdoor dining area adjacent to the entrance. This location was limited as to where to locate the valet services due to the constraints of the buildings and the courtyard at the rear of the restaurant. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 8 of 1 I December 19, 2016 Member Iyer commented that many restaurants have a similar set up, similar to Maggiano's and Tuscany. All valet parking set -ups are located right outside the entrance where outdoor dining is located. Mr. MacEwen noted that it is the same way downtown. They are trying to keep it quiet and sophisticated. Director Kallien added that the valet service should not be idling near the outdoor dining area due to the fumes. Mr. MacEwen agreed that it would be a no idle zone. It appeared to be a safety issue for the customer to have the valet service located across the drive lane in the parking area. Mr. MacEwen noted customer experience is their number one goal. Member Doyle questioned how the spaces would look when the furniture was removed over the winter months. Mr. MacEwen responded that there would be lighting and some sort of interesting material such as birch twig or other fill so that the outdoor space is activated all 12 months in the year. They would ensure that it would not look like the customer was not looking into a parking lot. Trustee Tiesenga thanked the applicant for their presentation and welcomed the petitioner to the Village of Oak Brook. There were no additional questions by the Commissioners. There was no public comment in support of or in opposition to the request. Motion by Member Wilczak, seconded by Member Doyle to recommend approval of the proposed special use for outdoor dining, subject to the following conditions: 1. The development of the outdoor dining area shall be in substantial conformance with the plans as submitted and approved. 2. The restaurant will be responsible for maintaining and cleaning the outdoor area and shall comply with all applicable requirements of the DuPage County Health Department. 3. The outdoor dining area will be operated in accordance with the following rules of operation: a. A maximum seating capacity for 82 patrons may be provided in the outdoor dining areas. b. No live entertainment, sound systems or speakers will be placed in the outdoor dining area. 4. Comply with all other applicable rules and ordinances of the Village of Oak Brook. 5. Add the provision "Notwithstanding the attached exhibits, the applicant shall VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 9 of 11 December 19, 2016 5. meet all Village Ordinance requirements at the time of building permit application except as specifically varied or waived." ROLL CALL VOTE Ayes: 5 — Members Doyle, Iyer, Lal, Wilczak and Chairwoman Tropinski Nays: 1 — Member Sheers Absent: 1 — Member Jain. Motion Carried. A. ZONING CONSULTANTS TESKA ASSOCIATES — COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK ZONING ORDINANCE Mr. Konstantine Savoy, Teska Associates, provided a brief overview of the zoning ordinance update. He noted that the review is close to the end of the drafting stage. He reviewed the process and noted that there were months remaining in regards to the public process, including public comment and public hearing. Mr. Savoy suggested that staff should have the complete proposed Code by February 2017. After staffs review, a workshop would be scheduled with both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Plan Commission to review all of the proposed changes. Mr. Savoy explained that these last two chapters were the final group to be reviewed prior to creating the completed Zoning Code. The first chapter included Site Plan Review and Landscaping and the second chapter covers Signage. Member Doyle questioned how the density standards for the landscaping requirements were created. Mr. Savoy responded that these totals were generated by reviewing other municipalities' requirements and consideration of best practices by landscape professionals. Mr. Savoy agreed to further investigated the density to provide more information. Member Doyle suggested that the Codes often require a minimum size tree but that resulted in landscaping maturity and demise at a similar time. He suggested varying the age of landscaping. Mr. Savoy suggested that an average diameter be required which would allow for a variety of trees to be transplanted on a property. Member Sheers noted that the landscaping should be discouraged from being a fence in appearance, where the plantings are similar and placed in a single file line. Trustee Tiesenga questioned the mulch standard and requirements. The Commission briefly discussed the wisdom of mulching requirements. Director Kallien pointed out that mulch is often necessary to protect landscaping within the parking lot islands. Mr. Savoy emphasized that the regulation required ground covers (i.e. grass or other vegetation) not only mulch. Director Kallien agreed to review the language and confirm that the regulations reflect best management practices. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 10 of 11 December 19, 2016 UNEMISMD BUSNESS ZONNG CONSULTANTS, TESK ASSOC. - REVIEW ZONNG ORDNANCE Trustee Tiesenga also acknowledged the need for due process without burdening staff by requiring action. Director Kallien suggested that the Code should allow for a mutual consent to extend the Site Plan review period. After discussion about the number of applications for Site Plan reviews, staff agreed to review the text and guarantee developers and staff adequate assurances of a timely plan review. Member 1yer left the meeting at 9:38 pm. Member Doyle reminded Mr. Savoy to revise the draft update with all of the recent text amendments. Mr. Savoy thanked the Commission for their comments regarding the landscaping/ site plan chapter. He then briefed the Commission on recent legal decisions regarding signage (i.e. Reed v Town of Gilbert, etc.). Mr. Savoy highlighted minor revisions to the signage chapter that incorporated compliance with the recent laws as well as revisions acting on the opinions expressed within the workshops that digital signage should be allowed in some instances. Motion by Chairwoman Tropinski, seconded by Member Doyle to continue the review of the zoning ordinance update to the next regular Plan Commission meeting. VOICE VOTE: All members were in favor. Motion Carried. 6. OTHER BUSINESS Development Services Director Robert Kallien noted that a Special Use Amendment may be necessary for the communications tower on the Village Hall property and that the application should be forwarded to the Commission in early 2017. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments were made from the public. rl�all 016111111 Our OR 0 19 Motion by Member Lal, seconded by Member Wilczak to adjoum the meeting at 9:58 p.m. VOICE VOTE: All members were in favor. Motion carried. ATTEST: /s/ Robert L. Kallien Jr. Robert Kallien, Director of Community Development Secretary VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 11 of 11 December 19, 2016 OTHER BUSINESS PUBLIC COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT