Minutes - 01/21/2019 - Plan Commission1
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V R.LAC1 oI MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 21, 2019
OAK B RqRIK , REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLAN COMMISSION OF THE
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON FEBRUARY 11, 2019
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 7:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Gail Polanek called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Chairwoman Marcia Tropinski, Members Richard DiBernardo,
Thomas Doyle, Rahma Hasan, Raju Iyer, Raj Lal (arrived 7:04) and
Kenneth Wilczak
IN ATTENDANCE: Trustees Edward Tiesenga and Mom Saiyed, Development
Services Director Tony Budzikowski, Planner Rebecca Von Drasek and Planning
Technician Gail Polanek
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
REGULAR PLAN COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 19, 2018
The minutes of November 19, 2018 Regular Plan Commission meeting were
continued to the next meeting for revisions. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CALLTO
ORDER
ROLLCALL
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 19,
2018
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
A. VOB — COMMERCIAL AREAS REVITALIZATION PLAN _ VOB - COMM'L
AREAS REVITAL
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE TO ORDINANCE S-1229 PLAN UPDATE TO
ORD. S-1229
Chairwoman Tropinski announced that this was the continuation of the public
hearing from the last meeting. All witnessed were sworn in.
Director Budzikowski summarized the closing of the last meeting stating that the
Commissioners were asked by Chairwoman Tropinski to review the Subarea
Framework components and the "Vision" statement of the draft Plan in order to
provide more feedback and commentary. He mentioned that Laure Kosey, Executive
Director of the Oak Brook Park District had notified the Village that there was a
pending contract to purchase the McDonald's Field's 34 -acres property. It was
anticipated that the closing would take place around February 4, 2019. He said that
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page I of 10 January 21, 2019
most of the public comments from the last meeting were in regards to the
McDonald's Fields property remaining as open space. Due to the new information,
the Commission should view the property in its current form.
The McDonald's Plaza also has a contract pending and the contract purchaser had
recently brought a preliminary concept plan to the Village Board for review. Based
upon discussion and feedback for the project, the developer, Hines is targeting a
Planned Development Commission public hearing for February 28, 2019 for review
of their mixed-use development concept. The development proposal is somewhat
different than what was presented in the Plan. It has some of the components, but is
less dense. Residential condominiums, apartments, a hotel, office space, restaurants
and retail are all identified in the proposal.
Staff will keep the Plan Commission apprised of these properties and any pending
transactions.
John Houseal, Houseal Lavigne Associates opened the forum to give commissioners
an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Chairwoman Tropinski suggested shortening the Vision statement as follows:
Strengthen the economic vitality of existing commercial areas and maintain
quality of development.
Designated commercial areas have been identified as redevelopment
opportunities for mixed-use development to provide a wider range of housing
types in close proximity to commercial activity and employment.
All commercial areas provide effective transportation and infrastructure for
easy access, which includes walkability and bikability."
Member Doyle felt the parking and lighting options within the Plan should be
addressed more seriously. He was concerned with some current parking garage
lighting and the height of some of the light poles. He referenced the lighting at
Christ Church and how well it had been thought out. Some garages are going to
backup to residential properties and he believed special care should be taken when
choosing the particular lighting.
Mr. Houseal responded that Member Doyle's points were good and the Plan can be
amended with references to illumination and line of sight.
Member Hasan mentioned an article she read regarding the Affordable Housing Act.
Director Budzikowski stated staff was speaking to the village attorney regarding this
subject. He believed there was not a requirement to provide affordable housing, but
that there has to be an affordable housing plan in place.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 2 of 10 January 21, 2019
Mr. Houseal added that there was a requirement that 10% of housing stock in a
community must be set aside for affordable housing. The term affordable is used
against the cost of all housing (mortgages and rent) in the county and uses a state
assigned formula. If a community has less than 10% affordable housing according to
the formula, they are considered non-exempt and are required to have an affordable
housing plan in place. When there is a new residential development, a percentage of
that new development could be deemed affordable housing. He gave the example
that 85% of a rental development could be listed at market rate and 15% would be
structured to meet the state requirement of affordable housing.
Chairwoman Tropinski asked Director Budzikowski if the Subarea Framework
portions of the Plan were mandatory or guidelines.
Director Budzikowski explained the Plan is a guide that should provide property
owners and future developers suggestions/recommendations for land use. The guide
will likely be revised in 5 to 10 years taking into account the current market
conditions at that time.
Member Wilczak was concerned with the amount of traffic mixed-use developments
bring and believed only Oakbrook Center would be able to tolerate it. He did not
believe there was a market for multi -family residential in Oak Brook other than the
properties adjacent to Oakbrook Center.
Member Doyle questioned why the plan showed two slip ramps entering I88. He
raised concerns about the cross access in parking lots detailed for the West End of the
Plan. He also commented on the proposed bike trail connections, stating that the
connections needed to be more defined on the West side of Midwest Rd.
Mr. Houseal responded that the ramps were shown as potential locations and that
only one would be approved. He addressed the cross access concerns stating that it is
common practice and many communities require it. He explained that 22"d Street has
very heavy traffic and the idea is to prevent having to go on and off of 22"d Street
just to go to an adjacent restaurant or shop. Practice has shown that a cross access
does not become a cut -through and that it makes traffic movement safer. Property
owners would have to agree to cross access within their parking lots.
He reviewed the bike trail connections and explained the Plan detail areas that appear
to be missing sidewalks, but does not show the existing sidewalks. He said they can
add another line showing existing sidewalks if needed.
Chairwoman Tropinski was concerned with safety along the bike trail on the north
end of I88 near Midwest Road.
Director Budzikowski responded that the proposed bike trail is along a ComEd
easement and may be a good and clear path for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. He
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 3 of 10 January 21, 2019
believed it would be a good opportunity if an agreement was reached with the utility
company.
Member Doyle did not like the idea of relocating the fire station to the proposed
location on 22nd Street.
Director Budzikowski responded that the fire department believed the proposed
location would be better from a service call standpoint. He said that he would relay
the concerns to the fire chief.
Member Wilczak agreed with Member Doyle stating the traffic was far too heavy for
a fire station in that area.
Member DiBemardo questioned if there were any current development inquiries for
the Macy's Furniture Store. He believed the site should remain retail for sales tax
purposes and asked that the term "mixed-use" (captioned in opportunities for this
site) be removed.
Director Budzikowski said there had not been any recent inquires. The words
"mixed-use" would be removed under opportunities for this site.
Member Doyle was uncomfortable placing so many gateway signs within the
commercial areas since they are more often used as the entry to the village.
Mr. Houseal explained that the Plan shows potential locations for the gateway signs
and that not all locations will be used. The signs were placed in those locations to
notify non-residents that they have entered Oak Brook from another community.
Member DiBemardo questioned the language on the Oakbrook Center page of the
Plan where it says "encourage taller buildings" (on the south side of 22nd Street). He
said that building heights are governed by zoning regulations.
Mr. Houseal believed this area was appropriate for taller office buildings since there
is no adjacent residential. There are currently several tall buildings in that area and
any new development would be governed by zoning regulations. The plan was
mostly referring to the 3 -story building amongst several much taller buildings along
22nd Street. He added that they met with Brookfield Properties after the last Plan
Commission meeting and incorporated many of their suggested changes.
Chairwoman Tropinski raised concerns about the sidewalk surrounding Oakbrook
Center.
Mr. Houseal explained that one of the key components of the sidewalk was to
increase pedestrian mobility wherever possible in that area since there may be mixed-
use and residential in close proximity to the shopping center, pedestrian connectivity
is necessary.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 4 of 10 January 21, 2019
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Member Doyle suggested linking the Commerce Drive Subarea Framework to the
Oakbrook Center Subarea Framework in the Plan to show a greater unity with the
Center.
Mr. Houseal believed it was an excellent idea and said they would link it and also
show the trail and sidewalk connectivity.
Member DiBemardo questioned if the McDonald's Plaza redevelopment should be
considered a town center. If so, he believed there should be gathering and
entertainment areas. Member Hasan agreed.
Mr. Houseal liked the idea and agreed to adding language that states any
redevelopment should incorporate public open spaces.
Member Doyle did not think Oakbrook Center would be comfortable with the
McDonald's Plaza redevelopment being considered the new town center since they
had gone to great lengths to bring that concept into the Center.
Mr. Houseal agreed and did not think the property should be called a town center or
the new downtown. He agreed to adding the language regarding public open spaces.
Member Wilczak believed it was difficult to provide comments and feedback when
the Plan was so fluid and ever changing.
Mr. Houseal stated that the Plan was not intended as a specific development
proposal, but as a guide. He believed much of the development occurring in Oak
Brook is likely due to the vision of the Plan.
He presented slides from the Hines proposal (McDonald's Plaza) to give the
commissioners an idea of the concept plan that was presented to the Village Board on
January 8, 2019 for preliminary review. The concept plans were reviewed in detail
by Mr. Houseal and Director Budzikowski.
Mr. Houseal said that the community of Oak Brook took a strong stance and "put
their money where their mouth was" in order to retain the open green space known as
McDonald's Fields.
Director Budzikowski said that if the purchase of the McDonald's Fields evolves as
anticipated, the Park District would have to decide whether or not to change the
zoning of the McDonald's Fields. The area is currently zoned as ORA -1
(Office/Research/Assembly) and would require applying for a special use in order to
keep it as a park or open green space. Alternatively, they could apply to rezone the
area to a CR District (Conservation/Recreation).
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 5 of 10 January 21, 2019
Fred Cappetta, 3612 Frederick Drive was concerned that the amendment to
Ordinance S-1229 "The Commercial Areas Revitalization Plan" was being viewed as
an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. An updated Comprehensive Plan could
be used as the new vision instead of a loosely defined revitalization plan. He warned
of the conflicts between zoning regulations and a developer following the Plan as a
written guide. The Plan presented several zoning violations to the Comprehensive
Plan. He did not believe that Oakbrook Center's suggested changes should be
adopted since he viewed them as zoning changes which required map or text
amendment. Zoning districts are the building blocks for a municipality, and the Plan
Commission should recommend the Plan be reviewed by the Zoning Board of
Appeals.
David Carlin, Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce was in support of the Plan
as presented and requested the commission make a recommendation to the Board of
Trustees to approve the Plan. He agreed with the commission's
suggestions/comments for updates to the Plan and thanked the Community
Enhancement Committee, village staff and elected officials for their part in the Plan's
thoughtful creation and that John Houseal and his firm have provided impressive
expertise to this process.
Director Budzikowski reminded the commission that the Plan was not intended to be
a zoning document. Going back to the 2007 Plan, the village has been consistent
with the Illinois Municipal Code in utilizing the Plan Commission to prepare and
adopt the Comprehensive Plan. He has not seen the Zoning Board of Appeals
participate in the process. The Community Enhancement Committee did a thorough
job of reviewing the Plan to provide initial recommendations prior to it being
presented to the Plan Commission. He would review the comments/recommended
changes with John Houseal and Jeff Kennedy in order to revise the Plan for
presentation at the next Plan Commission meeting on February 11, 2019.
Member Doyle recommended highlighting the changes to Plan to simplify the
commissioners' review. He questioned if the new Plan would completely replace the
2007 Plan. Mr. Houseal said it would replace the 2007 Plan.
Member Wilczak believed it would be beneficial to the Plan Commission to review
the Plan after the Hines PUD presentation on February 28, 2019 in order to view
every building that would require a zoning change. He questioned if zoning changes
were recommended in some instances as opposed to seeking variations within the
current zoning.
Director Budzikowski responded that the current zoning for the proposed
development is ORA -2 (Office/Research/Assembly). The district does not permit
residential apartments or condominiums. Therefore, Hines would be going through
the Planned Development process seeking variations and/or departures to height
restrictions and special uses from the ORA -2 district's zoning. The Hines
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 6 of 10 January 21, 2019
development proposal is located within the Planned Development Overlay District,
which falls under the review of the Planned Development Commission and no
changes to the zoning of the ORA -2 district would be required.
There will be one other item on the agenda for a map amendment that will heard by
both the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. It was delayed due to
staff requesting additional information from the applicant prior to it being brought
before the Plan Commission. He wanted to highlight the two separate processes for
zoning amendments depending on the property's zoning district.
Member Hasan wondered if it would be wise to add specific language within the Plan
stated "Subject to Plan Commission Review, or Planned Development Commission
Review".
Mr. Houseal believed there was some confusion between zoning procedures and
planning. It would not be good practice to include regulatory language as to how a
development is approved within a comprehensive plan. The zoning ordinance is
legal document that is governed separately. The Plan is a guide. He recommended
against any delay on the premise of future developments. The Plan does not
recommend any site plan. It simply illustrates development concepts on particular
sites.
Member Wilczak raised concerns about possible lawsuits if a potential Planned Unit
Development falls far outside of the location's zoning ordinance.
Mr. Houseal responded to the concern in that nothing in the Plan changes zoning.
The burden would be on the applicant to show that they meet the standards required
for the relief they are seeking. Nothing in the Plan counters what the zoning
ordinance allows since seeking variations and departures are allowed through the
Planned Unit Development process. Any proposed development has the potential to
be either denied or approved for a number of different reasons. The Plan articulates a
vision for the community and there is nothing legally entangling.
Director Budzikowski noted a section from the 2007 Plan that adopted the Planned
Development Ordinance.
"As the complexity of development increases, as more mixed-use
developments are considered and as multiple buildings are considered for
individual properties, the need for a Planned Development Ordinance
becomes even more evident. In fact, the single biggest problem, although
there are many with the Village's Zoning Ordinance, is that it does not
contain a PUD ordinance, even beyond zoning issues. Adopting a PUD may
be one of the most important and impacting things the Village can do to
improve the quality and potential of the commercial areas."
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 7 of 10 January 21, 2019
Mr. Houseal explained that prior to the Planned Development Ordinance, the Village
would accommodate complex development proposals through text amendments,
which is not what a text amendment is intended to be. He suggested adding language
that states "To better accommodate more creative and complex development, the
Village adopted a Planned Unit Development Ordinance and procedure reflective of
the desired character of the Village."
Chairwoman Tropinski suggested the Plan Commission proceed with revising the
Plan in order to present it in its current form to the Planned Development
Commission on February 28, 2019 during the Hines presentation. This would give
Hines the opportunity to see the Village's vision for the property of their proposed
development as well as the surrounding commercial areas.
Director Budzikowski reminded the Plan Commission that the document is a draft
that could change after going to the Village Board. Hines is aware of and has
followed the progression of the Plan closely.
Member Lal was concerned about potential lawsuits and setting a precedent for large
developments.
Member Doyle recommended a generic description for residential since it was
referred to by different terms throughout the document (i.e. apartment, condominium,
etc.). He suggested the term "residential units".
There was a concern raised regarding waiting to complete the review of the Plan until
the Hines Development completes the public hearing process for its proposed
development so the development would match the draft Plan.
Chairwoman Tropinski polled the members on the continuation of the public hearing
on the plan to the special plan commission meeting date in February or to wait until
the March meeting.
Members Lal and Wilczak felt the review of the Plan should be continued until
March.
Members Hasan, Iyer and DiBernardo felt it should be continued to the next Plan
Commission meeting and not wait until March. Chairwoman Tropinski agreed.
Member DiBemardo asked if the Oakbrook Center's requested changes to the Plan
were zoning changes and if they were going to be incorporated.
Mr. Housel replied that the requested changes were not zoning changes and they
would be highlighted on the updated version of the Plan.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 8 of 10 January 21, 2019
TO
5.
7
Motioned by Chairwoman Tropinski, seconded by Member Iyer to continue the
public hearing to a Special Plan Commission meeting on February 11, 2019. ROLL
CALL VOTE
Ayes: 5 — Members DiBernardo, Doyle, Hasan, Iyer and Chairwoman
Tropinski
Nays: I — Wilczak
Abstain 1 - Member Lal
Absent 0 - Motion Carried.
NEW BUSINESS
A. 3005 OAK BROOK HILLS ROAD — DARWEESH AND AL-DALLAL — MAP
AMENDMENT — TO REZONE THE PROPERTY FROM R-1 TO R-2
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED ZONING DISTRICT
Chairwoman Tropinski noted that this matter would not be heard this evening and
had been requested to be continued to the next meeting of the Plan Commission on
February 11, 2019. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
3005 OAK BROOK
HILLS ROAD -
DARWEESH AND
AL-DALLAL - MAP
AMEND - FROM
R-1 to R-2
OTHER
BUSINESS
A. CANCELATION OF THE FEBRUARY 18, 2019 REGULAR PLAN CANCELPC
COMMISSION MEETING DUE TO THE PRESIDENT' HOLIDAY S DAY HE
SCHEDULE
SCHED
AND SCHEDULE A SPECIAL MEETING TO A DATE CERTAIN SPECIAL MTG
There was a brief discussion regarding the selection of a date in February to hold a
special meeting of the Plan Commission due to the President's Day holiday and the
cancelation of its regular meeting on February 18, 2019. Member Lal noted that he
would be out of town and unable to attend a meeting on February 11, 2019, which
was the only date available that would allow at least 6 commissioners' to be present
as well as the village consultant in order to continue the review of the Comprehensive
Plan and the 3005 Oak Brook Hills Road, application that was continued.
Motioned by Chairwoman Tropinski, seconded by Member Hasan to schedule a
special meeting on February 11, 2019 due to the cancelation of the Regular Plan
Commission meeting on February 18, 2019. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried.
There was no other business discussed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 9 of 10 January 21, 2019
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
8. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Member Iyer, seconded by Member Hasan to adjourn the meeting at 9:15
p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
ATTEST:
/s/ Tony Budzikowski
Tony Budzikowski
Development Services Director
Secretary
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Regular Plan Commission Minutes Page 10 of 10
V?
January 21, 2019
ADJOURNMENT