City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Feb. 9
City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Feb. 9
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chair Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present: Jensen, Nardini, Veremis
Absent: None
Staff Present: Franz, Gal
Elected Officials: None
3. Receipt of Written Communications
Written Communication received was posted on Board Docs.
4. Public Comments
None
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes January 26, 2026
Alderman Nardini made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on January 26, 2026. Chair Jensen seconded. Voice vote. Motion passed.
B. Planned Unit Development Concept Meeting: 933 S. Riverside Drive
CP Franz stated that this is a concept meeting to redevelop the Clarion Inn property at 933 S. Riverside Drive. There was an earlier concept meeting from a different developer that did not follow through with that project.
Cory Welper, Alliance Industrial, introduced the project to redevelop the property for a 140,000 sf Class A industrial building and summarized concerns from the neighborhood meeting. As part of their PUD submittal, the applicant will include a photometric plan and traffic study to address concerns about noise, traffic, and lighting. It was noted that the developer is investing $30 million, $600,000 of which is related to environmental remediation related to fill material brought on the property when the hotel was developed and a leaking underground storage tank on a neighboring property. Leah Bloom, Arco Murray, noted that they will pursue a No Further Remediation letter with the IEPA and addressed questions about the environmental remediation necessary for the property.
Alderman Nardini asked about the Noise Ordinance and asked the applicant to evaluate the difference in noise and screening between summer and winter. It was noted that there are no codes in place to limit hours of operation.
The Committee discussed the intersection improvement to Riverside/Monroe/Frontage. Staff will confirm the timeline for that project.
Chair Jensen asked about the property at the southwest corner of the site. Mr. Welper stated that they are interested in acquiring that property, but the owner is not interested in selling.
The Committee agreed that the project was a large investment and noted that environmental remediation is a positive outcome of the project. The Committee asked that the applicant address noise, traffic, and lighting with their submittal. There were no other issues presented that would prevent the applicant from moving forward.
C. Case 25 P 08 - Map Amendment and Variations - 241 & 245 N. West Ave, 503 W. Third St, 240 N. West Ave
CP Franz addressed questions raised by the Committee at the last meeting. CP Franz reviewed the RRFB proposed at the intersection of West Avenue/Second Street and stated that KLOA can evaluate if there is a more appropriate location should the townhome project move forward. There are also other improvements recommended by the Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan that need to be evaluated.
CP Franz summarized the map amendments approved over recent years. It was noted that in some instances the Comprehensive Plan recommended a zoning change consistent with the Plan and in others, there was additional discussion on why a zoning change was still appropriate (considering market, demographic, or economic changes). CP Franz also provided more information about the third variation standard and instances in which the Commission said that the third standard was not met or there was a split vote with additional discussion.
It was noted that there is no Subarea Plan for this area and that the current Comprehensive Plan is from 2009. Chair Jensen asked whether the Comprehensive Plan is due for an update.
Alderman Veremis stated that the existing O1 zoning on the west side of the street is an outlier where many of the land uses are residential. The proposed R4 zoning would be more consistent and less intensive than commercial or office uses. The Committee agreed that the current site does not generate a lot of traffic because of the current users, not what’s possible and that the townhomes would generate less traffic.
The Committee agreed to continue their discussion at the next meeting.
6. Other Business
Chair Jensen stated that the next meeting may need to start later due to a personal conflict. The Committee agreed that they were available to start later if needed. Any meeting time changes will be noted on the agenda.
7. Adjournment
Alderman Nardini made a motion to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. Alderman Veremis seconded. Roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Nardini, Veremis, Jensen
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
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