City of Wood Dale Planning, Zoning and Building Committee met Aug. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Absent: Ald. E. Wesley R. Wesley
Also Present: Mayor Pulice, Treasurer Porch, Clerk Curiale, City Manager Mermuys, Police Chief Vesta, A. Lange, E. Cage, B. Wilson
Meeting Convened at: 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the July 9, 2020 meeting were approved as presented.
REPORT & RECOMMENDATION
APPROVAL TO DRAFT A FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT WITH “THE LOCAL” FOR SITE AND FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS 396 W IRVING PARK ROAD
DISCUSSION:
Director Cage reported this request went to the Streetscape and Economic Enhancement Committee meeting July 6th. A new owner purchased the business in November of 2019 and the property is 30 years old at least so it meets required criteria for the Façade Program. The previous owners received $32,735.13 in January of 2016 and those improvements were maintained for three years. The maximum allowed is $130,000, so $97,264.87 is now available. Director Cage reviewed existing conditions, eligible expenses, and ineligible expenses along with the proposed illustrations for The Local Bar & Grille. They did receive three cost estimates as required by the City’s policy and plans to go with the lowest estimate. He then reviewed the scoring formula.
Mr. Cage stated the eligible amount times 37.5% of the eligible cost which is approximately $62,000. Streetscape Committee recommended approval, but parking lot was recommended at 50%, so it would be $71,062.50. Ald. Jakab said they added in parking lot since they are making the gravel part into asphalt which is definitely an improvement. Mayor Pulice expressed concerns about replacing shingles since the program was started for façade purposes and replacing shingles is more maintenance. Painting is another concern. Director Cage commented it is a good program but needs constant modification.
Ald. E. Wesley agreed with the Mayor that painting and a new roof should be part of the façade program. He noted that the yellow guard rail was voted in for safety concerns. Director Cage stated this is currently a unique period and safety is not up for debate. When the architect did the drawing, he didn’t include the guardrail, but it is still there. Ald. Susmarski noted the business was shut down during the COVID pandemic. Ald. Messina commented that the program was to cleanup distressed properties, but it was not distressed when he bought it. Ald. Sorrentino stated the Streetscape Committee spent hours on this and he agrees with them. City Manager Mermuys explained the intent to include roof wasn’t for a new roof, but part of the overall aesthetic improvements. It was never to just let someone apply for a new roof. Ald. Woods recalled the prior owner walked when asked to redo the lot. He would be in favor of reducing some of the line items listed and giving him money for the parking lot and other areas that need cleaning up. The owner of the restaurant, Ted Boufis, stated that he wants to beautify the property, and feels Wood Dale is a great location and community to do business. Although the COVID pandemic has impacted their business, his goal is to make this a community spot. He is trying to pave the back graveled section and clean up the front, and also wants to light up the parking lot so patrons feel safe. Mr. Cage confirmed that he has a permit in for sealcoating.
VOTE:
Ald. Jakab made a motion, seconded by Ald. Sorrentino, to approve drafting a Facade Improvement Grant Agreement with The Local for site and façade improvements at 396 W Irving Park Road but only 50% for the roof, and contingent on the new amount from the next City Council Meeting. A roll call vote was taken, with the following results:
Ayes: Ald. Catalano, Jakab, Messina, Sorrentino, E. Wesley & Woods
Nays: None
Abstained: Ald. Susmarski
Motion: Carried
ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT FUTURE MEETINGS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
https://www.wooddale.com/home/showdocument?id=7864
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