Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Aug. 26

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

Absent: None

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

Elected Officials: Mayor Levin (part), Alderman Bram (part), Alderman Brennan (part), Alderman Hill (part), Alderman Nardini (part), Alderman Bastedo, (part) Clerk Tamer.

3. Receipt of Written Communications

None.

4. Public Comments

Therese Altergott commented on the zoning ordinance rewrite noting that the ordinance should differentiate between traditional corrugated steel window wells and concrete basement skylights.

Craig Meyers commented in support of Case 24 P 04.

Dana Masel commented in support of Case 24 P 04.

Marianne Connor commented in support of Case 24 P 04.

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes August 12, 2024

Alderman Park made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on August 12, 2024. Alderman Veremis. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

B. Façade Grant Request – 730 N. York

BDC Bereckis summarized the façade grant request and explained the program requirements. It was noted that the ABC recommended approval.

Alderman Veremis asked about the potential uses for the property. BDC Bereckis confirmed that the property has commercial zoning and can be occupied by several different retail uses.

It was noted that their grant request is not for the maximum allowed based on the building frontage and that they could re-apply for remaining funds later if desired.

Alderman Park made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of the façade grant request for 730 N. York Street in the amount not to exceed $72,389. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

C. Case 24 P 13 - Gambino Conditional Use for Planned Unit Development - 126-134 N York Street

CP Franz summarized the request for preliminary and final planned unit development with one site development allowance. Chair Deuter thanked the applicant for their comments during the public testimony in reference to Willis Johnson and his impact to Downtown Elmhurst.  

The Committee agreed that this project will be a great benefit to the downtown and it was noted that the outdoor dining space once constructed will be used in place of a parklet.

Alderman Veremis made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of a conditional use permit for preliminary and final planned unit development with a site development allowance at the properties commonly known as 126-134 N. York Street. Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

D. Case 24 P 12 - Bronge Rize Townhomes Conditional Use for Planned Unit Development - 256-260 N. Addison

ACP Gal summarized the request for preliminary and final planned unit development to construct a 4-unit townhome building at 256-260 N. Addison Avenue. It was noted that the Zoning & Planning Commission recommended unanimously for approval of the request.

Chair Deuter shared that she received concerns about the construction process and its impact to neighbors and use of the alley, however, continued that the proposed project is supported.

Alderman Veremis asked about the status of parking spaces in street in front of the project. Rich Barnes confirmed that they are still evaluating this possibility and that it will be determined separately with City staff.

Alderman Veremis made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of a conditional use permit for preliminary and final planned unit development to allow the construction of 4-unit townhomes at the property commonly known as 256-260 N. Addison Avenue. Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

E. Case 24 P 09 - Elmhurst University Conditional Use for Amended Planned Unit Development - 190 S. Prospect Avenue

ACP Gal summarized the request for an amended conditional use permit for planned unit development at Elmhurst University. It was noted that the Zoning & Planning Commission recommended unanimously for approval. The Commission agreed with the Commission’s recommendation and thanked the University for their efforts in keeping neighbors informed of their projects.

Alderman Veremis made a motion to approve a report recommending approval of an amended Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development for improvement at Langhorst Field. Alderman Park seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

F. Case 24 P 04 - York High School Conditional Use Permit and Variations - 355 W. St. Charles Road/360 W. St. Charles Road

CP Franz summarized the subject requests noting that the structure is being considered an accessory structure in the R2 District. A scoreboard is not a typical accessory structure on a residential property and therefore, variations from the height and setback requirements are also requested. Staff did consult with legal counsel when first discussing how to address the scoreboard in the zoning code. The Z&P Commission discussed this case over three meetings and recommended approval of the conditional use permit request (6 in favor, 2 opposed), approval of the setback variation (6 in favor, 2 opposed) and approval of the height variation (5 in favor, 3 opposed). Conditions were included as part of their recommendation.

Chair Deuter asked whether staff consulted with other communities on their scoreboards. CP Franz confirmed that Western Springs had a similar process that required conditional use review and approval. Their conditions included landscaping and restricting sponsorships to occurring only during events and games.

The Committee discussed sponsorship, light levels and scoreboard visibility.  It was noted that the scoreboard will be slightly closer to the property line than its present location, but still in the same general location.  It will be repositioned to an angle approximately 10 degrees to the west.

There were many questions concerning the signage at the top of the truss. When the scoreboard is turned off, sponsorships on the videoboard are no longer visible, however the truss advertising is more permanent and always visible regardless of an event. It was noted that Hinsdale Central has a 10-year deal for naming rights and that they would be evaluating something similar for naming rights on the scoreboard. The Committee also discussed the Commission’s recommendation for a 90-day review to evaluate screening.

The Committee requested additional detail on the sponsorship spot located on the truss at the top of the scoreboard and agreed that they can better determine the impact once the sign is installed to review visibility and placement. With the information provided, its difficult to determine the impact.

Additionally, the Committee reiterated the importance of the York Community Advisory Committee resident group.  It was noted that the conditions from the 2011 case are still in effect and the Committee encouraged the District to expand participants of the group.

The Committee reviewed the conditions recommended by the Zoning and Planning Commission and recommended modifications to the conditions and draft report.

Alderman Park made a motion to approve the amended draft report recommending approval of the request for an amended conditional use permit for an accessory structure in the York High School Stadium to replace the existing scoreboard with an LED video display scoreboard, including static sponsorship, using the existing public address system with height and setback variations, and with amended conditions as discussed. Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed. The Committee also recommended that the City Council suspend the rules to allow the report and ordinance to be approved at the same meeting.

Clerk Tamer complimented the Committee’s on their evaluation of this request and appreciated their work on getting this through the process.

6. Other Business

Alderman Veremis stated that the EDC meeting was held on Friday and that the TIF referral was introduced for discussion. The EDC will thoroughly review each of the grants starting with the sign grant.

Alderman Park asked about I.C.’s scoreboard. Staff confirmed it will be addressed.

7. Adjournment

Alderman Park made a motion to adjourn at 8:47 p.m.  Alderman Veremis seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

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