McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission met Nov. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Greenman at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Greenman called the meeting to order. On roll call, members Gronow, Jouron, Repholz, Skluzacek, Teetsov, Atkinson and Greenman were present.

Kathryn Cowlin, Director of Community Development and Katie Rivard, Assistant City Planner were present from Staff.

Mr. Greenman said this meeting is being recorded for broadcast and future playback on the City’s cable channel. He led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 20, 2021 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

Mr. Jouron moved to approve the minutes from the October 20, 2021 regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting as presented. Mr. Gronow seconded the motion. On roll call, members Gronow, Jouron, Repholz, Teetsov, Skluzacek and Greenman voted aye. Member Atkinson abstained. Motion passed.

ADOPTION OF 2022 MEETING DATES

Mr. Greenman made a motion to approve the 2022 Meeting Dates. On voice vote, all members voted aye. Motion passed.

2021-185 435 ANGELA LANE – RANDALL PLAZA – FINAL PUD AMENDMENT – PUBLIC HEARING

Final Planned Unit Development to remove two required parking lot landscape islands a Variation from Article 4-400 F.

Vera Putro, agent for owner, was present to represent the request.

Ms. Putro stated that due to the current parking demand, they are requesting to remove two parking islands to provide two additional parking spaces. She stated they have new businesses who are complaining there is not enough parking available. She noted that Fire Bar and Grill is busy and Chiro One is expanding.

Staff presented the information on the request. Ms. Rivard spoke to the shopping center and that it provided space to a variety of tenants. She went through the details of the request and explained the UDO requirements for landscape islands. She referenced the images in the packet showing which landscape islands would be removed, if approved.

The Chairman opened the public hearing. There was no one in the public wishing to speak on the agenda item. The public hearing was closed.

Mr. Greenman asked the petitioners if they had any issues with the recommended conditions of approval. Ms. Putro stated she does not want to plant the trees in front along Angela Lane due to visibility concerns.

Mr. Gronow asked for clarification on Condition #2 as it states the trees will be planted near the landscape islands. Ms. Putro agreed to planting 12 shrubs nearby, but they want the visibility in front of the building and would like to plant the trees at the rear of the shopping center. Mr. Gronow asked Staff is they were okay with this change. Ms. Cowlin responded the Commission would need to amend Condition #2.

Ms. Teetsov asked where the trees should be located.

Mr. Skluzacek asked if there were other locations in the center they could add parking without removing the landscape islands. Ms. Putro spoke to the businesses who were requesting additional parking and the importance of the proximity to their tenant spaces. Mr. Skluzacek stated he hates to see the landscape islands removed, but is supportive if the request is necessary.

Mr. Atkinson noted he had no questions.

Ms. Repholz asked for clarification on Condition #2. Mr. Greenman confirmed the recommended condition was to locate the landscaping near the removed landscaping, so along Angela Lane.

Mr. Jouron stated he is familiar with the shopping center and there was more than enough parking available. He noted that two parking spaces will not help. Ms. Vera stated the tobacco shop is constantly complaining, and she spoke to Chiro One expanding and moving locations in the shopping center.

Mr. Jouron asked Staff if the City has received any complaints regarding the parking at this shopping center. Ms. Cowlin responded that most tenants will complain to the property owner. She stated that Staff understands the request, with the condition that the landscaping will be replaced. Mr. Jouron asked Staff about the approval of the shopping center related to the number of parking spaces provided. Ms. Cowlin discussed the change in demand with the change in tenants.

Ms. Repholz asked if parking spaces were lost to outdoor seating due to COVID. Ms. Putro responded yes, and noted that six or seven spaces were used for Fire Bar and Grill’s outdoor seating.

Mr. Greenman noted there was a general acceptance of the request, but there is a concern for the landscaping. He noted the need for parking is driven by the pandemic. He thanked Staff and noted they have done a great job. He stated he is supportive of the request, but would like for the landscaping to be close to the landscape islands, as the islands help break up parking lots.

Mr. Gronow made a motion to approve the Final Planned Unit Development Amendment to remove two required parking lot landscape islands a Variation from Article 4-400 F at 435 Angela Lane with the following conditions:

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

A. Application (West Suburban Real Estate Enterprises LLC, received 10/14/21)

B. Site Plan (Sketch undated, received 10/14/21)

2. Relocate the landscape from the landscape islands being removed or plant new landscape totaling two trees and 12 shrubs in the grassy area near these islands along the perimeter of the parking lot.

3. The petitioner must address all of the review comments and requirements of the Community Development Department.

Mr. Gronow requested that the petitioner work with Staff on Condition #2 for the landscaping to be near the existing landscape islands.

Mr. Jouron asked about the location of the landscaping, and if it would be public or private property. Ms. Cowlin responded the landscaping would be on private property near the parking lot.

Ms. Teetsov seconded the motion. On roll call, members Gronow, Jouron, Repholz, Skluzacek, Teetsov, Atkinson and Greenman voted aye. The motion passed 7-0.

REPORT FROM PLANNING

Ms. Rivard provided an update on the items approved by City Council and the items scheduled for the next PZC meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSION

There were no comments from the Commission.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Skluzacek made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Atkinson seconded the motion. On voice vote, all members voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/631018008.pdf