Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met May 13

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Deuter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Present: Deuter, Veremis (entered at 7:04 p.m.), Park

Absent: None

Staff Present: Franz, Gal

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin (part), Alderman Talluto (part)

3. Receipt of Written Communications

None

4. Public Comments

None

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes April 22, 2024

Alderman Park made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on April 22, 2024.  Chair Deuter seconded. Roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Park, Deuter

Nayes: Veremis

Absent: None

Motion passed.

B. Referral: Review Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Homes for a Changing Region Program

This item was moved to the end of the agenda.

Chair Deuter introduced the referral, and the Committee discussed the program. It was noted that the program is funded by the IHDA and therefore there is no direct cost to participate. The Committee discussed the City’s Strategic Plan and how the study aligns with one of the goals to “Identify ways to promote downsizing and empty nester housing options.” Chair Deuter stated that the motivation to participate in the study is to look at our current housing stock and assess housing needs. Staff shared feedback from other communities, and it was discussed that each community is different so the report and recommendations would be tailored to Elmhurst.

Alderman Veremis reviewed the recommendations from Arlington Heights and asked whether they have been implemented. Alderman Park noted that the study could look at housing for seniors as well as first time home buyers. The Committee also discussed who could be involved in the focus groups, how this is an opportunity to educate the Council, and asked about the questions in the community survey. 

Alderman Talluto suggested additional input from seniors and asked for clarification in the report on the City’s obligation to implement recommendations.

The Committee requested additional information on the survey that MMC will issue. The Committee also discussed the structure of the Advisory Group and the idea that the DPZ will function as the Advisory Group with 3-6 additional members to advise the Committee. The Committee will continue their discussion of this agenda item at the next meeting and revise the draft report.

C. Elmhurst University PUD Concept Meeting - Langhorst Field Improvements

Chair Deuter stated that this agenda item was not posted on the last agenda but reviewed under other business. Therefore, it has been included on this meeting agenda to allow public input. Nora O’Malley and Kurt Ashley were in attendance from the Elmhurst University and stated that there have been no changes on what’s proposed from the last meeting. The Committee did not note any concerns with the project that would prevent the applicant from moving forward.

D. Case 24 ZBA 04 - Roosevelt at Salt Creek Sign Variations - 400 W. Butterfield

ACP Gal summarized the request and noted that the Z&P Commission/ZBA recommended unanimously for approval of the five variations requested. The applicant, Louis Eliopoulos, described the rationale behind the signage size and noted that due to the distance and speeds traveled, lettering needs to be larger to be visible. Kelly Kaseman also noted that there are some obstructions by vegetation located on IDOT property that make the current sign difficult to see. Chair Deuter requested City staff clarify the manner in which signs are measured according to the Zoning Ordinance. 

Alderman Park made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of five (5) variation requested in Case 24 ZBA 04 at the property commonly known as 400 W. Butterfield. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

6. Other Business

CP Franz stated that there will be a Committee of the Whole meeting on June 10th for a Downtown Plan Visioning Workshop with the City Council.

Chair Deuter stated that the DPZ Committee will review lighting at the next meeting.

7. Adjournment

Alderman Veremis made a motion to adjourn at 8:06 p.m.  Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

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