Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee met Aug. 11

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, Veremis

Absent: Nardini

Staff Present: Bereckis (part), Gal

Elected Officials: Hill (part)

3. Receipt of Written Communications

An item was submitted.

4. Public Comments

At the beginning of the meeting no public comment was provided. The public comment period was reopened after all agenda items were discussed to accommodate late arrivals.

Laurie Norse commented on the ECPA/Ryan project with concerns about traffic, the large scale of the project, and transparency in the PUD process. Additional comments were related to the best ways to stay engaged in the process and concerns about providing input on the project.  

Ellen Greer commented on the ECPA/Ryan project noting that she lives on Larch and is concerned about parking for the theatre and traffic congestion.

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Development, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting Minutes July 14, 2025

Alderman Veremis made a motion to approve the minutes of the DP&Z Committee on July 14, 2025.  Chair Jensen seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed.

B. Façade/Renovation Grant Request – 544 W. Lake

BDM Bereckis summarized the grant request and highlighted recent changes to the Business Incentive Grant Policy. The subject request was reviewed by the ABC Committee who recommended unanimously for approval. Business owners/applicants Leslie Acosta and Carlos Garcia were in attendance to address questions from the Committee.

Alderman Jensen asked about the makeup of the ABC Committee, the review process, and which projects were ADA or Life Safety upgrades.  BDM Bereckis stated that City staff reviews the façade/renovation grant request with the ABC Committee. ADA and Life Safety improvements include fire suppression system, accessible bathrooms and doors, and fire alarm.

Alderman Veremis asked about other grants awarded in this TIF district. BDM Bereckis stated that the last façade or renovation grants were awarded in 2021 and 2019.

The Committee reviewed the scope of work and the grant budget. It was noted that only a portion of the maximum grant money would be used this year, and the rest would carry over into the next year.

Alderman Veremis stated that the purpose of the TIF is to improve the appearance of structures in this district and that that the project will be a huge improvement to the neighborhood. Alderman Jensen agreed that the project would bring new life to the property.

BDM Bereckis stated that the applicants intend to join the Lake/York Business Association and are excited to contribute to Elmhurst and the local businesses.

Alderman Hill was in attendance and added that the Street Eats & Beats fest will take place on August 24th and is hosted by Lake/York Business Association.

The Committee agreed to continue discussion to the next meeting in order to include Alderman Nardini’s input on the request. The Committee also asked that the report be amended to outline the extraordinary circumstances related to the project cost and better outline the review process with the ABC Committee. It was noted that the project includes the addition of a sidewalk in front of the business.

C. Review of Pending Items List

The Committee reviewed the pending items list and made no changes.

6. Other Business

Alderman Veremis asked for an update on the Downtown Plan. ACP Gal stated that the draft of the plan is under review and will follow closely behind the public hearing process for the Zoning Ordinance update. It was noted that the Zoning Ordinance public hearing draft is being prepared.

7. Adjournment

Alderman Veremis made a motion to adjourn at 7:43 p.m. Chair Jensen seconded. Voice Vote. Motion passed. Voice Vote.

Meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

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