McHenry Times

City of McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission met Aug. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Chairwoman Rockweiler called the August 16, 2023, regular meeting of the City of McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 5:30 p.m. In attendance were the following: Commissioners Bremer, Riley, Locke, Rockweiler, Lehman, and Gleason. Absent was Commissioner Davis. Also in attendance were City Planner Cody Sheriff, Community Development Director Ross Polerecky, and Deputy City Clerk Monte Johnson.

Approval of the Agenda:

A motion was made by Commissioner Bremer and seconded by Commissioner Lehman to approve the agenda as presented. Voice Vote: 6-ayes: Commissioners Bremer, Rockweiler, Riley, Locke, Gleason, and Lehman. 0-nay; 0-abstained; 1-absent: Davis. Motion Carried.

Approval of Minutes:

Approval of the May 17, 2023, regular meeting minutes as presented. A motion was made by Commissioner Lehman and seconded by Commissioner Bremerfor approval as presented. Voice Vote: 6-ayes: Commissioners Bremer, Rockweiler, Riley, Locke, Gleason, and Lehman. 0- nay; 0-abstained; 1-absent: Davis. Motion Carried.

Public Input

No members of the public offered any public input.

File No. Z-2023-13

Petitioner: Redwood USA, LLC., of 7007 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio

Zoning Map Amendment to RM-1 Low Density Multi-Family Residential District, Preliminary Plat of Subdivision, and Conditional Use Permit for a 180-Unit Townhome Preliminary Planned Unit Development on a 27.52-acre property located near the southeast corner of the intersection of IL-120 and Chapel Hill Road and commonly known as 2011 W IL Route 120

Chairwoman Rockweiler opened the file at 5:32 p.m. Planner Sheriff explained that the petitioner has meet all public notice requirements. The petitioners have been to a City Council meeting to show this as a conceptual presentation. Council had no concerns at the time. Absence of park space was a small concern, but given that a large percentage of the expected residents would be seniors, Council did not object to the proposal. Paul DeKruiff from Redwood shoed the proposal on the screens. They showed the eight core values of Redwood. He explained that they build single-story townhomes for rent. They are two bedroom, two bathroom units that are handicap accessible. They currently have over 150 sites with about 16,000 homes and over 600 employees. They offer a high level of service for empty nesters and young professionals who want a neighborhood feel without the need to worry about maintenance.

Commissioner Bremer asked about a transportation study or stop light requirements. Mr. DeKruiff explained that they have already been working with IDOT and McDOT on transportation requirements. There would be a right-in and right-out only on Chapel Hill Road. IDOT has been working with them to obtain full access at Route 120. The traffic study has already been completed.

Chairwoman Rockweiler opened the public hearing at 5:53 p.m. With nobody wanting to speak, she closed the public hearing at 5:53 p.m. Commissioner Locke believes that this is a unique concept and should work well for the targeted demographic. He already spoke with Planner Sheriff and Director Polerecky about his concerns, and he is in favor of the development. All other Commissioners were in agreement that this is a good project and had few concerns.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bremer and seconded by Commissioner Riley to recommend approval of the petitioner’s request for a Zoning Map Amendment upon annexation to RM-1 Low Density Multi-Family Residential District for the Subject Property, and by making said motion, agree that the approval criteria for Zoning Map Amendments have been met as outlined in the staff report. Roll Call Vote: 6-ayes: Commissioners Bremer, Rockweiler, Riley, Locke, Gleason, and Lehman. 0-nay; 0-abstained; 1-absent: Davis. Motion Carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Lehman and seconded by Commissioner Bremer to recommend approval of the petitioner’s request for preliminary plan approval for a conditional use permit to allow a 180-unit, Townhome, Preliminary Unit Development

1. All Development on site shall be in substantial conformance with the submitted plans.

2. The Property Owner shall work with the City of McHenry, Illinois Department of Transportation, and McHenry County Division of Transportation to resolve any access conflicts.

3. Any changes to the approved plans resulting from recommendations by the Illinois Department of Transportation or McHenry County Division of Transportation shall be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator.

And by making said motion, I agree that the standards for Planned Unit Developments and approval criteria for Conditional Uses have been met as outlined in the staff report. Roll Call Vote: 6-ayes: Commissioners Bremer, Rockweiler, Riley, Locke, Gleason, and Lehman. 0-nay; 0-abstained; 1-absent: Davis. Motion Carried.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gleason and seconded by Commissioner Lehman to recommend approval of the petitioner’s request for a Preliminary Plat of Subdivision titled Redwood of McHenry. Roll Call Vote: 6-ayes: Commissioners Bremer, Rockweiler, Riley, Locke, Gleason, and Lehman. 0-nay; 0-abstained; 1-absent: Davis. Motion Carried.

Chairwoman Rockweiler closed file Z-2023-13 at 5:58 p.m.

Open Discussion:

All members of the Commission agreed that the 5:30 meeting time was well liked. Chairwoman Rockweiler asked about the development of the whiskey bar near Ace Hardware. Director Polerecky explained that he is not sure if that development will be going forward or not. Commissioner Bremer asked about the new restaurant on Green Street, and Director Polerecky explained that there is a staffing issue and problems with products on backorder. He also explained that the Courthouse is still moving forward. Panera is moving along at a quick rate, and Arby’s and Trio are still waiting on IDOT approval.

Staff Report: The next meeting date is Wednesday, September 20th, at 5:30 p.m. Planner Sheriff stated that comprehensive planning is moving along. Consultants will be around town getting public input. Eventually there will be a joint City Council and Planning & Zoning meeting. There are a lot of engagement opportunities for residents. The next meeting will have a battery facility coming forward from Route 31. They plan to expand the sight slightly. The cannabis dispensary is currently being remodeled. The Fox Meadows apartments is currently under construction and Authentix is basically finished.

Adjourn: A motion was made by Commissioner Lehman and seconded by Commissioner Bremer to adjourn the meeting at 6:09 p.m. Voice Vote: 6-ayes: Commissioners Bremer, Rockweiler, Riley, Locke, Gleason, and Lehman. 0-nay; 0-abstained; 1-absent: Davis. Motion Carried.

https://cityofmchenry.org/your_government/test-agendas.php