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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/09/2022 P & Z MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PY2022 CDBG ACTION PLAN Hearing Date: June 9, 2022 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 50 South Emerson Street PETITIONER: The Village of Mount Prospect PUBLICATION DATE: May 25, 2022 REQUEST: Community Development Block Grant 2022 Action Plan and Funding Requests MEMBERS PRESENT: William Beattie Joseph Donnelly Thomas Fitzgerald Norbert Mizwicki Walter Szymczak MEMBERS ABSENT: Donald Olsen Ewa Weir STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Nellie Beckner —Assistant Village Manager Connor Harmon —Senior Development Planner Antonia Lalagos — Development Planner INTERESTED PARTIES: Various Public Service Organizations Chairman Donnelly called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak to approve the minutes from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 12, 2022. The minutes were approved 5-0. After hearing two items of new business, Chairman Donnelly introduced the third item of business: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2022 Action Plan and Funding Requests. Ms. Lalagos provided a brief background on the CDBG program and explained that CDBG funds must be used for activities that primarily benefit the Village's low/moderate income residents. She reviewed the planning documents and public participation process required for the CDBG program. Ms. Lalagos stated that the draft CDBG 2022 Action Plan proposes eligible activities for the time period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. She noted that funding for the Action Plan comes from 3 sources: the annual grant allocation; program income; and carryover funds. Ms. Lalagos explained that the amount of funding that can be allocated for public services is limited by HUD to a maximum of 15% of the annual grant allocation plus 15% of the prior year program income. Based on these guidelines, the Village is estimating $44,000 is available in program year 2022 for public service programs, or approximately 55% of the public service funding requests received. She stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission has the responsibility to review funding requests from non -Village agencies and Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — June 9, 2022 CDBG 2022 Action Plan make recommendations concerning those requests. Ms. Lalagos reviewed the draft 2022 budget and the timeline for adopting and submitting the 2022 Action Plan to HUD. She stated that the draft 2022 Action Plan is currently available for a 30 -day public review period from June 2 —July 1. Ms. Lalagos announced that the applicant organizations were invited to attend the meeting this evening to describe their organizations' work and what they propose to do with the CDBG funding. Chairman Donnelly opened the hearing to the subrecipients. Chairman Donnelly swore in the following persons: Kimberly Mertz / Access to Care / 2225 Enterprise Dr, Westchester Ms. Mertz stated that Access to Care has provided primary health care services to low income uninsured and underinsured Suburban Cook County residents since 1988. She detailed the 3 components of the program: primary care physicians for $5 per visit, lab and radiology for $5 per test, and prescriptions for $15-40 for a 30 -day supply. She noted these services are provided on an unlimited as needed basis. Ms. Mertz reported that the agency has behavioral health services, opioid risk management, flu /pneumonia vaccines, and diabetic test strips. She stated that the organization is a referral source for anyone in Suburban Cook County looking for health services. Ms. Mertz reported that Access to Care members are sicker than the general population; for example, nearly 25% of their members are diabetic compared to 6% of the general population. She read a letter from the daughter of an Access to Care member whose mother could not afford to purchase health insurance coverage and did not receive health benefits from her employer; the mother now receives affordable care from a caring provider through the Access to Care program. Ms. Mertz reported that last year the program served over 5,000 clients, and 185 of them were Mount Prospect residents. She thanked the Village for their historical support and partnership. Bailey Kearney / Journeys - The Road Home / 1140 E Northwest Hwy, Palatine Ms. Kearney stated that Journeys is tasked with eradicating suburban homelessness in Cook County, and serves 37 communities and 10 townships. She explained that anyone in Mount Prospect that is housing insecure can be a Journeys client. Ms. Kearney noted that the organization helps people find shelter and provides social services such as mental health counseling, housing counseling, and vocational counseling. She reported that Journeys served 23 Mount Prospect residents in fiscal year 2021, which was double from the previous year. Ms. Kearney noted that Mount Prospect is home to two PADS emergency shelter sites, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Trinity Methodist Church. She described their other housing program, Pathways Housing Readiness, which provides temporary housing and coaching so that clients are have a pathway to move into permanent affordable housing. Ms. Kearney thanked the Village for their assistance over the years. Commissioner Beattie noted that there used to be more PADS sites in the Village and asked if the two sites that are currently operating are open to guests every night. Ms. Kearney replied that Journeys had to close many of the PADS sites during the pandemic; only three remained open in suburban Cook County. She reported that more PADS sites are starting to reopen and eventually there will be one available each day of the week. Ms. Kearney also described their hotel program, which Journeys used to shelter clients during the pandemic while the PADS sites were closed. Rebecca Plascencia / Northwest CASA / 415 Golf Rd, Arlington Heights Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — June 9, 2022 CDBG 2022 Action Plan Ms. Plascencia stated that the mission of the organization is to empower individuals impacted by sexual harm and to engage communities to end sexual violence, and thanked the Village for its support through the years. She reported that the CDBG funds go towards their crisis intervention program, which includes counseling, medical and legal advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline available to all residents of Mount Prospect who have been impacted. Ms. Plascencia stated all their services are free and there is no sliding scale so that no one has a financial barrier to access services. She noted that the agency has seen an uptick in the need for services throughout the pandemic and reported that on Tuesday they had 5 hotlines calls for medical advocacy within a 12 -hour window. Ms. Plascencia explained the medical advocacy program, where an advocate responds to the hospital within one hour to provide options and be a medical advocate for the victim. Frederick Stupen / Resources for Community Living / 4300 Lincoln Ave, Rolling Meadows Mr. Stupen thanked the Village for its continued support over 20 years and stated that Resources for Community Living offers affordable housing options and individualized supportive services for adults with developmental disabilities. He described the organization's service area as the north and northwest suburbs of Cook County, and stated that the primary goal is to assist people to live independently rather than in institutional settings. Participants receive individualized support services, such as money management, cooking, public transportation, safety, and vocational training. Mr. Stupen explained that the organization also provides social activities, social group training, and rent subsidies to their clients. He noted that their clients tend to be higher functioning individuals, which actually makes them more vulnerable to slipping through the cracks, versus those with severe special needs who often have intensive support services. As an example, Mr. Stupen reported that their clients tend to fall prey to financial scams because they manage some of their own money. He thanked the Village again and said he hoped to continue serving more clients in the future. Sonia Ivanov / Northwest Compass Inc / 1300 W Northwest Hwy, Mount Prospect Ms. Ivanov stated that the agency is located in Mount Prospect and thanked the Village for their continued support. She indicated that Northwest Compass has been operating for more than 35 years and serves the northwest suburban community from Lake Michigan to Hanover Park. Ms. Ivanov described the three components of their program: stabilization, empowerment, and housing. She noted that housing is the biggest portion of their services. Ms. Ivanov reported that Northwest Compass is the lead agency for "coordinated entry," which is a federal initiative to coordinate housing resources and services for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. She stated that Northwest Compass has three different housing programs: one targeted to youth ages 18-24, a transitional living program, and a permanent supportive housing program. Ms. Ivanov noted that anyone experiencing housing instability can come to their office for housing counseling and in some cases direct financial assistance. She explained that the stabilization services are solution -focused case management, career coaching, money management, legal assistance, and life skill groups. Ms. Ivanov described the call center and indicated that Mount Prospect is in the top 10 towns for call volume. She stated that Northwest Compass has a street outreach program and she works with the Mount Prospect Police Department on this initiative. Ms. Ivanov noted that Northwest Compass strives to provide wrap-around services, coordination of care, and a multi -disciplinary approach. Commissioner Beattie asked if Northwest Compass still has a food pantry in the basement. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — June 9, 2022 CDBG 2022 Action Plan 4 Ms. Ivanov confirmed that they still have a food pantry and the Mount Prospect Post Office assists them every year with a food drive. She reported that many people have had to use the food pantry lately with rising food and gas prices. Char Padovani and Amy Gall / Connections to Care / 1801 W Central, Arlington Heights Ms. Padovani explained that the organization used to be called Escorted Transportation Services but they changed their name a year ago because they are more than just a ride to medical appointments; their volunteers create interpersonal connections with seniors that are often isolated. She noted that the organization has existed since 2006, and they have provided over 35,000 rides, though the pandemic has decreased the volume in the last two years. Ms. Padovani stated that the volunteer drivers use their own cars, pay for their own gas, and provide their time out of the goodness of their hearts. She reported that the volunteers pick up the seniors at their homes, take them to appointments, and wait with them at the doctor's office before returning the seniors to their homes. Ms. Padovani noted there are other transportation options in the suburbs but none of them offer this extent of service over 14 communities, 4 townships, and 5 medical centers. She reported that each ride costs the organization about $32, but they do not require payment; they ask the riders for a $15 donation but no one is turned away if they cannot donate. Ms. Padovani stated that roughly 40% of their funding comes from grants such as the CDBG program. She indicated that the average age of their riders is 85, so it is a frail elderly population with many needs. Luticia Fiorito / WINGS Program Inc / 5104 Tollview Dr, Rolling Meadows Ms. Lalagos reported that the representative for WINGS, Luticia Fiorito, was unable to attend the meeting due to illness, but she had submitted a statement outlining the services, successes, and challenges of WINGS. Ms. Lalagos read the statement on behalf of Ms. Fiorito: "In FY21 into FY22, WINGS reached several milestones and achievements. In spring of 2021, WINGS piloted Survivor Life Line —the first of its kind Survivor Mentorship program which connects Domestic Violence Survivors with existing clients for additional support and resources from a Lived Experience view point. WINGS expanded its continuum of housing by adding 110 Rapid Re -housing units across the Chicagoland area. WINGS provided housing for 756 clients 64,086 nights of shelter and supportive services. Additionally, WINGS reached the milestone of providing its One Millionth night of emergency shelter. Over the past two and a half years, WINGS' front line workers have exhausted themselves by surviving the pandemic themselves, keeping our clients safe from the pandemic and their abusers, working with clients experiencing the most intensive mental health issues WINGS has ever seen before; however, their efforts have been burning them out because as we all know there has been no rest for the front line. However, despite WINGS' increased front line turnover we have never stopped providing lifesaving shelter, counseling and supportive services, advocacy and education so each survivor may stay the course of living a violence free life. WINGS continues these services and efforts for the residents of the Village of Mount Prospect. As we approach WINGS' FY23, WINGS has secured an additional 50 Rapid Rehousing units and have an additional 50 Rapid Rehousing units' application pending. Village of Mount Prospect residents are eligible to participate and receive all of WINGS' services through the community, hospital presence or through direct programming. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — June 9, 2022 CDBG 2022 Action Plan On behalf of WINGS and its clients thank you for your continued support." Carey Frank / Search Inc / 1925 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago Ms. Frank stated that Search Inc provides residential and day program services for adults with developmental disabilities. She described her role as program manager providing support to individuals that live at the organization's 29 homes in Chicago, Mount Prospect, and Skokie. Ms. Frank reported that 8 of Search's homes are in Mount Prospect, housing a total of 45 residents. She stated that Search is requesting funds for the Camp McDonald household where 6 men reside. Ms. Carey noted that Search implements "brick and mortar" projects with CDBG funds, such as replacing roofs, windows, and improving accessibility at their group homes. She indicated that the CDBG funding would be used to create an accessible bathroom at the Camp McDonald residence, ensuring the bathroom is safe and has sufficient room for walkers, wheelchairs, and personal assistants. Ms. Carey thanked the Commission for their time and support. Melanie Pienotti / Children's Advocacv Center / 640 Illinois Blvd. Hoffman Estates Ms. Pignotti stated that the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is a nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive and coordinated response to reports of suspected child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other crimes against children. She reported that they serve 38 communities in North and Northwest Cook County including Mount Prospect. Ms. Pignotti explained that the CAC receives referrals from law enforcement agencies and DCFS to conduct forensic interviews with children ages 3-17. She noted they also provide victim advocacy which includes case management, crisis intervention, and court advocacy services, and they coordinate medical services and mental health resources for victims. Ms. Pignotti indicated that all services are free of charge and offered in English and Spanish. Ms. Pignotti reported that in the last fiscal year the CAC served 41 children from Mount Prospect. She explained that the CAC has a close working relationship with the Mount Prospect Police Department. In closing Ms. Pignotti stated that the CAC appreciates the Village's ongoing financial support to continue their essential services. Greg Davenport / North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic / 3500 Western Ave Ste 2A, Highland Park Ms. Davenport explained that the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low income individuals in the areas of housing, domestic violence, and immigration. He noted there is no income threshold for those experiencing domestic violence because they may not have access to assets, and their other threshold is 250% of the federal poverty line, which is roughly $60,000 for a family of four. Mr. Davenport stated that the domestic violence staff works to give victims protection from their abusers, the immigration team establishes new lives for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees, and the housing team has seen an uptick in housing outreach as the eviction moratorium expired. Mr. Davenport noted that Mount Prospect is a new partnership for the Clinic — they saw their first client from Mount Prospect in 2017. He indicated that the organization started in the Highland Park area and has grown to serve north suburban Cook and all of Lake County. Mr. Davenport reported that the Clinic served 1,400 clients this year, and has served 4,200 clients since its inception in 2015. He explained that the CDBG proposal is to provide vital legal services in the community with a focus on outreach for their housing services. Mr. Davenport concluded that the Clinic is excited to work with Mount Prospect. Chairman Donnelly thanked the participants for their work in the community. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — June 9, 2022 CDBG 2022 Action Plan Hearing no questions, Chairman Donnelly asked for a motion to approve the draft 2022 Action Plan and proposed budget. Commission Beattie made a motion and Commissioner Fitzgerald seconded the motion. UPON ROLL CALL AYES: Szymczak, Fitzgerald, Beattie, Mizwicki, Donnelly NAYS: None The Planning and Zoning Commission gave a positive recommendation (5-0) to the Village Board. Chairman Donnelly asked if there were any citizens to be heard. Hearing no further discussion, Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak and the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM. Antonia Lalagos Development Planner Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — June 9, 2022 CDBG 2022 Action Plan EMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION CASE NO. PZ -13-22 Hearing Date: June 9, 2022 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1200 E. Algonquin Road, 1200 Dempster Street PETITIONER: CloudHQ, LLC PUBLICATION DATE: May 25, 2022 REQUEST: CU: Final PUD, Plat of Resubdivision MEMBERS PRESENT: Joseph Donnelly William Beattie Donald Olsen Norbert Mizwicki Walter Szymczak Tom Fitzgerald MEMBERS ABSENT: Ewa Weir Donald Olsen STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Connor Harmon, Senior Development Planner Antonia Lalagos, Development Planner Nellie Beckner, Assistant Village Manager INTERESTED PARTIES: Matthew Norton, Attorney, Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella Brett Burnette, Development Manager, CloudHQ Chairman Donnelly called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak to approve the minutes from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 12, 2022. The minutes were approved 5-0. Chairman Donnelly introduced case PZ -13-22 1200 E. Algonquin Road, 1200 Dempster Street which is a request for a conditional use for a final planned unit development (PUD) and final plat of subdivision at the subject property. The Village Board's decision is final for this case. Mr. Harmon explained that the item was heard for preliminary approval on December 9,, 2021 and received a positive recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission and received preliminary approval by the Village Board on December 14, 2021 and was recorded as Ordinance 6599. Mr. Harmon briefly described the existing conditions of the subject property, noting that it was used as United Airlines World Headquarters until 2012. He stated that a data center was constructed just west of the property in 2013, which will remain under United's ownership. Mr. Harmon explained that the petitioner is requesting to construct three data centers on the main campus, along with a new substation, operated by ComEd, to the east. He defined the accesses to the site on Dempster Street, Linneman Road, and Algonquin Road and that there would be a total of 345 parking stalls on site. Mr. Harmon described the changes to the site plan from the preliminary hearing which included slight alterations to the Algonquin Rd access, as well as slight alignment changes to the building foundation, drive aisles and shifting of underground fuel tanks to accommodate underground utilities. Mr. Harmon explained that little had changed in the renderings of the proposed site. He noted that the proposed building materials did not change and consisted of high quality materials such as glass and stainless steel. He also stated that the proposed height of each building, including screening parapets, remained at 79'. Mr. Harmon specified that the proposed storm water basins had changed from a sloped design to a walled basin. Mr. Harmon described the landscaping plan which exceeds the landscaping required by code. The plan also includes an 8' security fence around the data centers and an 11' security fence around the substation. Mr. Harmon described the site plan of the substation which includes various electrical equipment, most of which will not exceed 30' in height with the exception of an 86' mast. Mr. Harmon explained that the substation and landscaping plan are consistent with the preliminary proposal, aside from slight reconfigurations. Mr. Harmon stated that the phasing plan which would divide the construction into 3 phases with a projected completion date in 2026. Mr. Harmon showed the proposed plat of subdivision and explained that the petitioner is intending to subdivide the lot into 4 total lots. He stated that the petitioner has submitted a declaration of covenants to ensure proper maintenance and access to all lots. Mr. Harmon described the financial impacts of the proposed site which includes a $2.5 Billion investment, $100 million EAV, $1 million annual utility tax 1,000 construction jobs, and 450 full-time jobs to the village. He went on to describe that the projects aligns with serval long-range planning efforts which have been approved by the Village which had designated the property as an underutilized opportunity site. Mr. Harmon explained that the proposed conditional use final PUD and final plat of subdivision meets the standards of the Village Code and that staff recommends approval of the following motion: 1. A final plat of subdivision titled "Planned Unit Development Mount Prospect Technology Campus Final Plat of Subdivision" 2. A Conditional Use for a final planned unit development (PUD) consisting of three (3) data centers, each totaling a gross square footage of five hundred sixty six thousand seven hundred sixty seven (566,767) square feet, three hundred forty five (345) parking stalls, and a ComEd operated substation, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. He stated that the Village Board's decision is final in this case and opened the floor to questions for both himself and the petitioner. Commissioner Beattie expressed concern about potential environmental safety and noise hazards, and asked how they would be addressed. Mr. Harmon answered that the petitioner is required to follow all standards by regulatory organizations such as OSHA and IEPA as well as Village Code regulations regarding noise and emissions. Chairmen Donnelly swears in the petitioners, Mr. Matthew Norton, 330 N. Wabash St, Chicago, IL and Brett Burnette 1212 New York Ave, Washington D.C. Chairman Donnelly asked them to highlight any changes which would be pertinent to the record and answer any questions. Mr. Burnette explained that CloudHQ is a Washington DC -based company which specializes in global data center development. He showed images of the existing campus which are currently undergoing demolition preparations. He then explained that CloudHQ uses high quality materials and intends to build the property with durability in mind. He described the extensive landscaping proposed to shield the data center from any adjacent residential properties and noted that they rearranged the detention basin to allow for a larger buffer between the substation and residential properties. Mr. Burnette emphasized the company's commitment to the local community which will include a contribution to the Mount Prospect Park District, union labor, and elevated design standards. Mr. Burnette also explained that significant amount of construction will take place inside the buildings and thus have little noise impact, in addition to generally reduced traffic compared to a traditional corporate campus. Mr. Burnette underscored the net positive potential impact of the proposed site to the surrounding community Commissioner Beattie reiterated his question about whether the petitioner would be in compliance with noise regulations in the Village Code. Mr. Burnette explained that the site would be in compliance with code and has a range of noise mitigation measures available to them, in addition to housing elements such as generators in concrete penthouses. He also noted that they took ambient noise into consideration as a contributing factor to site noise. Commissioner Fitzgerald asked if there was a specific client lined up for the property. Mr. Burnette answered that while there was no tenant specifically, there was high interest in the subject property, and that the phasing of the construction will assist in attracting customers. Commissioner Fitzgerald asked for clarification about what TUR Ventures is, which was referenced in the submittals. Mr. Burnette clarified that is was the entity which purchased the property. Commissioner Mizwicki asked whether the proposed site would employ a private security force and if they would be assisted by the local police department. Mr. Burnette noted that the petitioner has been working closely with the local police department and will employ private security guards at both non -emergency accesses. Commissioner Beattie asked about emissions from generators and how often they are expected to run. Mr. Burnette noted that the generators are a backup if the power from ComEd goes out and are expected to run very rarely. He stated that there is a system which reduces their emissions when they do run. Hearing no further comments or questions, Chairman Donnelly closed the hearing and asked for a motion. Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Mizwicki to recommend approval of the following motion: 1. A final plat of subdivision titled "Planned Unit Development Mount Prospect Technology Campus Final Plat of Subdivision" 2. A Conditional Use for a final planned unit development (PUD) consisting of three (3) data centers, each totaling a gross square footage of five hundred sixty six thousand seven hundred sixty seven (566,767) square feet, three hundred forty five (345) parking stalls, and a ComEd operated substation, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. UPON ROLL CALL AYES: Szymczak, Fitzgerald, Beattie, Mizwicki, Donnelly NAYS: None The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0, with a positive recommendation to the Village Board for the scheduled meeting on June 21, 2022. After hearing 2 additional cases, and seeing no citizens to be heard for non -agenda items, Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak and the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM. Emily Ir Planning Intern MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION CASE NO. PZ -10-22 Hearing Date: June 9, 2022 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 320 S School Street PETITIONER: SFP Mount Prospect, LLC PUBLICATION DATE: May 25, 2022 REQUEST: ZMA: 1-1 to B-5, CU: Final PUD, Plat of Resubdivision MEMBERS PRESENT: Joseph Donnelly William Beattie Donald Olsen Norbert Mizwicki Walter Szymczak Tom Fitzgerald MEMBERS ABSENT: Ewa Weir Donald Olsen STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Connor Harmon, Senior Development Planner Antonia Lalagos, Development Planner Nellie Beckner, Assistant Village Manager INTERESTED PARTIES: Lawrence Friedman, Attorney, Ash Anos, Friedman, & Logan David Schwartz, Principal, SFP Properties Chairman Donnelly called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak to approve the minutes from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 12, 2022. The minutes were approved 5-0. After hearing one item of new business, Chairman Donnelly introduced case PZ -10-22 320 S School Street, which is a request for a Zoning Map Amendment from 1-1 Limited Industrial to B-5 Central Commercial, a conditional use for a final planned unit development (PUD), and a final plat of resubdivision. The case is Village Board final. Mr. Harmon explained the existing conditions of the subject property, which is currently an office building with approximately 50 parking stalls that went up for sale in 2021. Mr. Harmon explained that the petitioner is proposing to redevelop the property into 29 rowhomes. He stated that all units would be market -rate rentals, each consisting of a 3 -bedroom unit with a rooftop balcony and a two -car garage. Mr. Harmon explained that a full time management company would maintain the site. Mr. Harmon described the modern aesthetic of the proposed buildings, noting that they would consist of a mix of masonry and panel cladding. He explained that the proposed buildings would range from 28' to 40' in height and the elevations are similar to previously approved adjacent rowhomes. Mr. Harmon described the proposed landscaping, which exceeds code requirements. He explained that the landscaping would include a pergola in the center of the property as well as a fence to the north of the property. Mr. Harmon stated that the A.C. Units are proposed to be installed on the rooftops of each unit, improving ground aesthetics. Mr. Harmon explained that the existing lot features a north -south utility easement running through its center and consists of two existing lots of record. He noted that the petitioner proposes to consolidate the two lots into one, vacate the center easement, and install a blanket easement along the foundations of the six buildings. Mr. Harmon stated that the project is consistent with past long-range plans approved by the Village, such as the Comprehensive Plan, which recommended the property as multi -family housing. Mr. Harmon explained that the proposed conditional use and zoning map amendment requests meet the standards of the Village Code, and that staff recommends approval of the following motion: 1. A final plat of Resubdivision titled, "School street Rowhomes Resubdivision" 2. A zoning map amendments from 1-1 Limited Industrial to B-5 Central Commercial; and 3. A conditional use for a planned unit development (PUD) consisting of 6 principle buildings, 29 rowhomes, and 4 guest parking stalls, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. He stated that the Village Board's decision is final for this case and opened the floor for questions. Commissioner Beattie asked whether the increased density from recent multi -family unit developments had provided increased or measurable benefits to Mount Prospect's downtown. Mr. Harmon answered that while there is not a measurable benefit that is able to be determined at the moment, the general sense from the public was one of increased downtown activity. Commissioner Beattie asked Mr. Harmon to clarify how he came to this conclusion. Mr. Harmon explained that in interactions with business owners in the downtown district, they had expressed noticing a difference in foot traffic. Chairman Donnelly swore in the petitioners, Lawrence Friedman, 95 Revere Drive Northbrook, IL and David Schwartz, 3190 Doolittle Drive, Northbrook, IL. Mr. Schwartz explained his background in commercial property development. He explained that the rowhomes are attempting to address a gap in the rental market for larger units in suburban communities. Mr. Schwartz described the situation of the site near other rowhome projects and that similar zoning map amendments were approved for these projects. He explained that the town homes facing School Street are rear -facing, while the buildings on the north and west are front loading, with all cars accessing garages from interior access points. Mr. Schwartz showed a typical floor plan and stated that units will be between 2 to 3 stories and include roof decks. He then noted the building materials, including masonry, cast stone, and fiber cement. Chairman Beattie asked the petitioner how many people will be utilizing the common entrance and whether there is concern for congestion, along with the estimated rental prices of the units. Mr. Schwartz answered that all units will use the same entrance, but he is not concerned about congestion. He went on to say that the units will most likely rent between $3,200 and $3,300 per month, which is consistent with similarly sized units. Commissioner Fitzgerald asked the petitioner to describe the roof decks. Mr. Schwartz explained that the roof decks were set back from the front of the three-story buildings and are behind a parapet wall. He then clarified that the roof deck is an enclosed spot of the roof bordered with hand rails, but with access to other parts of the roof such as the air conditioning units. Hearing no further comments or questions, Chairman Donnelly closed the hearing and asked for a motion. Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Mizwicki to recommend approval of the following motion: 1. A final plat of resubdivision titled, "School street Rowhomes Resubdivision" 2. A zoning map amendments from 1-1 Limited Industrial to B-5 Central Commercial; and 3. A conditional use for a planned unit development (PUD) consisting of 6 principle buildings, 29 rowhomes, and 4 guest parking stalls, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. UPON ROLL CALL AYES: Szymczak, Fitzgerald, Beattie, Mizwicki, Donnelly NAYS: None The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0, with a positive recommendation to the Village Board for the scheduled meeting on June 21, 2022. After hearing 1 additional case, and seeing no citizens to be heard for non -agenda items, Commissioner Beattie made a motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak and the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 PM. Emily Be tier Planning Intern