McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission met Aug. 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hayden at 7:30 p.m. On roll call, members Esposito, Goss, Greenman, Jouron, Philpot, Skluzacek, and Hayden were present.

Elizabeth Maxwell, City Planner, and Katie Cowlin, Assistant City Planner, were present from Staff.

Mr. Hayden asked those in attendance to rise to say the Pledge of Allegiance. He led those in attendance in the Pledge.

Mr. Hayden stated that this meeting was being televised now, as well as, recorded for future playback on the City’s cable station. He added to please use the sign in sheets in the rear of the Chambers and he will call the names from the list for anyone who wishes to speak.

APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JULY 29, 2019 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING

Mr. Jouron moved to approve the minutes from the July 29, 2019 Planning and Zoning Commission special meeting as presented. Mr. Goss seconded the motion. On roll call, all members voted aye. Motion passed.

2019-112 1776 PARKING LOT – 295 Washington St – PUBLIC HEARING 

A request for a Special Use Permit amendment.

The petitioner is requesting to be continued to the August 21, 2019 PZC meeting.

Mr. Greenman moved to approve the continuation of 2019-112 to the August 21, 2019 meeting. Mr. Esposito seconded the motion. On roll call, all members voted aye. Motion passed.

2019-114 CRYSTAL LAKE PARK DISTRICT – VETERAN ACRES – Oakwood Lodge – 431 N Walkup Ave – PUBLIC HEARING

Variation from Article 4-400 to allow the reconstruction of a parking lot without the required eight foot perimeter parking lot landscaping screen.

Mr. Hayden stated that the sign had been posted. He said the surrounding property owners were notified and the Certificate of Publication was in the file. Mr. Hayden waived the reading of the legal notice without objection.

Ann Viger, Director of Park Development and Interpretive Services with the Crystal Lake Park District, was present to represent the request. Ms. Viger presented some photos of the existing parking lot area in relation to the surrounding park. She explained that in the 1920s there was a building there called Oakwood Lodge, so now the Park District references this building as the Oakwood Lodge. The building is used for the nature center programming and for small building rentals. The parking lot floods quite often and when it does, the building cannot be used. They will raise the grade above the high-water level and pave the parking lot. The request is to waive the landscape screening requirements since it would not impact any residences and it is surrounded by the park.

Mr. Hayden opened the public hearing. There was no one in the public who wished to comment on this request. The public portion was closed at this time.

Mr. Goss asked if the existing gravel base would remain. Ms. Viger stated that they would keep the gravel and would also need to bring in more fill to bring it up before paving. Mr. Jouron was fine with the request. Mr. Skluzacek supports their request.

Mr. Greenman noted that the request met the Findings of Fact and their hardship was the topography of the area. The plants would not be necessary at this location. Ms. Viger confirmed that the plants would need to also be able to sustain flooding and these are not typically the same types of plants associated with screening of parking lot.

Mr. Esposito said the area was full of plenty of green space. Mr. Philpot agreed that this would be a benefit if the building could now be used year-round.

Mr. Hayden concurred that the request met the Findings of Fact and the screening was not a benefit since there were no residences from which to screen the parking lot. Mr. Hayden called for a motion.

Mr. Greenman moved to approve the variation from Article 4-400 to allow the reconstruction of a parking lot without the required eight foot perimeter parking lot landscaping screen at 431 N. Walkup Avenue with the following conditions:

1. Approved plans, reflecting staff and advisory board recommendations, as approved by the City Council:

A. Application (CLPD, dated 07/08/19, received 07/08/19)

B. Platof Survey (received 07/08/19)

C. Parking Lot Plan Set (Hey & Associates, dated 06/11/19, received 07/08/19)

2. The petitioner shall address all of the review comments and requirements of the Community Development Department.

Mr. Goss seconded the motion. On roll call, all members voted aye. Motion passed.

REPORT FROM PLANNING

Ms. Cowlin discussed the items that were reviewed by the City Council and what will be on the agenda for the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on the August 21, 2019 Regular Meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION

There were no comments from the Commissioners. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/504242797.pdf