City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Jan. 26
City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Jan. 26
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chair Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present: Jensen, Nardini
Absent: Veremis
Staff Present: Franz, Gal, Johnson (part)
Elected Officials: Bastedo (part)
3. Receipt of Written Communications
Written Communication available on Board Docs.
4. Public Comments
Becky Towers commented on the HPC referral supporting steps to save historic structures.
Mike Cramarossi (Citizens for Elmhurst Preservation) commented on the HPC referral regarding a change to demolition procedures for historic structures.
Bobby Quinn commented on the zoning ordinance update noting their support of conditional use permit applications for body modification establishments.
Dave McKenna commented on Case 25 P 08 noting support of the development. Dave McKenna commented on the HPC referral regarding the need to be proactive and educate homeowners that live in historic homes, rather than limit what people can do with their property.
5. Business Before the Committee
A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Alderman Nardini made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on January 12, 2026. Chair Jensen seconded. Voice vote. Motion passed.
B. Case 26 P 01 Conditional Use Permit and Variations - 459 & 463 S. Spring Road
ACP Gal summarized the request and noted that the Zoning & Planning Commission recommended unanimously for approval. Brian Newton, Parvin-Clauss Sign Company, was in attendance to address any questions. The Committee agreed that the replacement cabinet is an improvement to the existing sign.
Alderman Nardini made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of the Conditional Use Permit and Variations requested in Case 26 P 01. Chair Jensen seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.
C. Case 25 P 08 – Map Amendment and Variations – 241 & 245 N. West Ave, 503 W. Third St, 240 N. West Ave
CP Franz summarized the request and clarified the property ownership in response to a written comment submitted. It was noted that applications are now submitted through the Tyler permit system which does not allow for signatures, however, authorizations from property owners were provided to the City. The map amendment application could not be extracted from Tyler and was subsequently input into an older application form to allow it to be available for viewing.
Walker Kirkikis, Island Construction, provided a summary of the proposed townhomes on Third/West Avenue, the existing property conditions and addressed questions from the Committee. CP Franz provided an overview of what the existing zoning classifications allow on the properties.
Alderman Nardini asked for a list of recent map amendments, especially in residential areas. Alderman Nardini also requested information on compliance with the 2009 Comprehensive Plan and cases where the Z&P did not find the 3rd variation standard was met. Chair Jensen requested additional information on the RRFB proposed along West Avenue.
The Committee agreed to continue their discussion at the next meeting.
D. Referral – Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Preservation Commission Initial Discussion
CP Franz summarized the referral stating that at the time of the referral there were vacancies on the HPC. Once those vacancies were filled, the Commission began their review of the referral. After several meetings, they prepared a document with suggestions to consider. Erica Blawat, Chair of Elmhurst HPC, summarized the main points in the document and noted that the main goal is to raise awareness and improve outreach to homeowners on the value of their historical homes.
There was discussion on what makes a home architecturally significant. It was noted that the city has completed a couple of neighborhood surveys that identify noteworthy homes, some of which have since been demolished. There are also established national standards on historic significance.
The Committee discussed the City’s demolition process. It was noted that notice to neighbors is required before a demolition permit can be issued for a home (historic or not). Erica Blawat stated that some communities have a demolition delay process in place to prevent quick property acquisition for spec homes.
The Committee requested staff provide additional information on the completed surveys, historic districts and peer communities preservation programs. The Committee agreed to continue this discussion at a future meeting.
6. Other Business
None
7. Adjournment
Alderman Nardini made a motion to adjourn at 8:14 p.m. Chair Jensen seconded. Roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Nardini, Jensen
Nays: None
Absent: Veremis
Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public