City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met March 9
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chair Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Present: Jensen, Nardini, Veremis
Absent: None
Staff Present: Acker (part), Franz (part), 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 February 23, 2026
Alderman Nardini made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on February 23, 2026. Alderman Veremis seconded. Alderman Nardini corrected the second sentence under Item B to state that no new information was submitted between the Commission and Committee meeting. The Committee accepted the correction to the minutes. Voice vote. Motion passed.
B. Case 26 P 02 Amended Conditional Use Permit for Pylon Sign – 217 E. Butterfield.
ACP Gal summarized the request. It was noted that the Zoning & Planning Commission recommended unanimously for approval. Dan Soltis, CIMA Developers, was in attendance to address questions from the Committee.
The Committee agreed that the proposed sign is consistent with other signage in town. Alderman Nardini asked about the lighting and timing of the message board sign. ACP Gal confirmed that the proposed sign will meet the requirements outlined in the Zoning Ordinance. Following all discussion, Alderman Nardinin made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of the amended conditional use permit for pylon sign at 217 E. Butterfield Road. Alderman Veremis seconded. Roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Nardini, Veremis, Jensen
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion passed.
C. Planned Unit Development Concept Meeting for Timothy Christian Schools – 188 W. Butterfield
ACP Gal introduced attorney Paul Buikema, representing Timothy Christian Schools (TCS). Also present were Superintendent Matt Davidson and engineer Steve Kranenborg (V3).
Paul Buikema outlined the proposal, noting that its primary goal is to bring sixth graders into the middle school. The project also includes a new STEM lab, training/meeting room, and a potential courtyard between the two new additions. TCS received a grant to establish an AI center with a dedicated director. A covered walkway will connect the new classroom addition to the existing elementary school.
Stormwater management was discussed. Steve Kranenborg explained that portions of asphalt will be replaced with permeable pavers to offset new impervious area.
Alderman Jensen asked about the inclusion of solar panels and any staffing or enrollment impacts. Matt Davidson noted that a director will be hired for the AI center. Enrollment is not expected to increase, though capacity exists if needed.
The Committee expressed support for the project. Paul Buikema added that TCS recently purchased three unincorporated parcels along Euclid Avenue, which they plan to annex and integrate with the site. The Committee did not identify any issues preventing the applicant from moving forward.
D. Referral – Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Preservation Commission Discussion
ACP Gal reviewed the attachments on Boarddocs. Staff surveyed a handful of communities on their HP Commission and landmark program. It was noted that architectural resources surveys were completed to identify structures that would be good candidates for landmarks.
The Committee expressed hesitation about adopting a demolition delay ordinance for non-landmarked homes, citing potential impacts on homeowners trying to sell. Alderman Veremis asked about the standards for landmark nomination. CP Franz reviewed the criteria in the Historic Preservation Ordinance and clarified the differences between National Register and local landmark designation. CP Franz noted that in 2016 the City hosted an event following the completion of the survey. The City invited representatives from the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office, Landmarks Illinois and homeowners located within the survey area, which was well attended but resulted in no landmark nominations. The Committee discussed the limited progress on landmarking since the surveys were completed.
Alderman Jensen stated that the surveys provide a list of homes that are deemed to be significant. The Committee considered whether extended demolition notice for these structures would be beneficial, though opinions differed on the value of notice for homes that are going to be demolished. Alderman Nardini suggested focusing on incentives instead.
The Committee briefly discussed the referral response from the HPC. Â It was suggested that staff work with the HPC to focus on the items that require the Committee to review.
Mike Cramarrosso of Preserve Elmhurst provided input on his research and the concerns on a lack of notice on demolition of historic homes and that it’s better to encourage landmarking through incentives.
The Committee agreed to continue their discussion at a future meeting.
6. Other Business
None
7. Adjournment
Alderman Nardini made a motion to adjourn at 7:58 p.m. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice vote.
Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public
