Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met June 10

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, Park

Absent: None

Staff Present: Baugh, Franz, Gal, Johnson (part), Grabowski (part)

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin

3. Receipt of Written Communications

Submitted and posted to Board docs.

4. Public Comments

Chair Deuter asked whether there were public comments on any items not on the agenda or agenda items A, B or C. There were none. Public comments for Case 24 P 05 were moved before Agenda Item D.

Amy Wheeler commented on Case 24 P 05.

Shelly Nicholson commented on the importance of preserving trees.

Paul Wheeler read a statement from Kelly Carpenter on Case 24 P 05.

Jim Schuetz commented on Case 24 P 05.

Miriam Lidle commented on Case 24 P 05.

Barbara Lonergan read a statement on behalf of Cool Cities.

Michael Cramarrosso commented on Case 24 P 05.

Dan Virgil commented on Case 24 P 05.

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes May 28, 2024

Alderman Park made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on May 28, 2024.  Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

B. Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) - Review of the following Executive Session Meeting Minutes: June 22, 2009, May 22, 2017, June 26, 2017, July 10, 2017, August 14, 2017 and April 12, 2021

Chair Deuter stated that this item is reviewed twice a year and that the City Attorney has recommended that the minutes remain closed. Alderman Park made a motion to keep closed the following Executive Session Meeting Minutes: June 22, 2009, May 22, 2017, June 26, 2017, July 10, 2017, August 14, 2017 and April 12, 2021. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion Passed.

C. Pending Items List Review

Chair Deuter reviewed the pending items list. The Committee did not take any additional action.

D. Case 24 P 05 Map 292 S. Arlington Map Amendment and Plat of Subdivision (Consolidation) Parrilli

Following public comment, the applicant’s attorney, Francis Bongiovanni, summarized the requests. CP Franz summarized the case history and noted that the Zoning & Planning Commission held the public hearing over two meetings. The Zoning & Planning Commission recommended unanimously for approval of both the map amendment request and the plat of subdivision (consolidation).

Alderman Park stated that she once lived in a home located in a historic district and understands the community’s concern over the home’s demolition. Alderman Park stated that although this home cannot be saved, this case may be an opportunity to reinvigorate historic preservation in Elmhurst and encourage homeowners to landmark their homes to preserve them.

Alderman Veremis asked staff about what actions are permitted by right and whether each lot can be improved separately. CP Franz confirmed that any accessory structure on the second lot would require consolidation.

Chair Deuter stated that while the City Council can enact policy, they cannot make a midstream change. Additionally, owner consent is required to landmark a home. Chair Deuter shared the community’s appreciation for historic properties and noted that there were policies brought up to consider.

Chair Deuter asked about the historic survey conducted in 2015. CP Franz stated that property owners in both surveyed areas were invited for a presentation that included the survey consultant, a representative from the State Preservation Office, and a representative from Landmarks Illinois. CP Franz stated that this was a well-attended event. There was one landmark nomination that followed unrelated to the event.

Alderman Veremis asked whether owners of landmarked homes can demolish their homes. CP Franz stated that any changes to the exterior of a landmark requires a Certificate of Appropriateness. Alderman Veremis spoke about the landmark on Cottage Hill where the property owners decided to go through the process to remove the landmark designation from their home when they needed to sell it. Alderman Veremis noted that people can landmark their homes, however, life is unpredictable. 

Alderman Park asked for the criteria to landmark property.

Chair Deuter stated that the Committee will review the draft report at the next meeting and asked staff to prepare a report consistent with the Commission’s report.  Alderman Veremis noted that all materials on Board docs including meeting transcripts and emails were read through by the Committee. Chair Deuter encouraged residents to talk to their alderman on issues important to them including items brought up this evening like tree preservation and historic preservation.

Chair Deuter noted that the City will be participating in a program that will look at the City’s housing stock. Chair Deuter noted that this will be a public process with opportunities for the public to provide comments including a survey.  

6. Other Business

Alderman Veremis stated that she is the Committee liaison to EDC. Alderman Veremis shared that the current vacancy rate in Downtown is 1.8% and it is 1.9% in all of Elmhurst which is extremely low compared to other communities.

Alderman Park stated that there is a new art piece that was installed on the Prairie Path.

7. Adjournment

Alderman Veremis made a motion to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.  Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/Public