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Home My WebLink About04/08/2025 COW MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect Village Board Workshop and of the Committee of the Whole Tuesday, March 11, 2025 / 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoefert called the Village Board Workshop to order at 6:20 p.m. in the Board Room at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St. ROLL CALL 2.1. Village Board Planning and Zoning Commission Members present upon roll call by the acting Village Clerk, Alex Bertolucci: Mayor Hoefert, Trustee Vincent Dante, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee Bill Grossi, and Trustee Colleen Saccotelli. Absent: Trustee John Matuszak Planning and Zoning Commission: Chairman Donnelly, Commissioner Beattie, Commissioner Szymczak, Commissioner Rogers, and Commissioner Fricaco. Absent: Commissioner Olsen and Commissioner Weir WORKSHOP 3.1. Discuss visions for redeveloping the property at the southeast corner of Busse Avenue and Emerson Street (111 E. Busse Ave). Director of Economic and Community Development Jason Shallcross introduced the discussion regarding the redevelopment of the Busse and Emerson site and introduced the Community Development team: Ann Choi, Antonia Lalagos, and Charlie Hogan. Mr. Shallcross explained the RFP (Requestfor Proposals) submittal requirements and process. For context before the discussion, Mr. Shallcross provided an overview and brief analysis of downtown parking that includes two parking decks and four surface parking lots. He informed that Village staff are in the process of updating the 2018 Downtown Parking Study. He provided a site overview of the 2.15-acre property at Busse and Emerson, including a vacant six -story building, a surface parking lot for 122 parking stalls, and a rooftop lease for a cellular tenant that expires in 2065. Mr. Shallcross provided a brief site history and potential visioning for the property. He discussed the reuse process, new construction options, and different considerations for this site. He shared the proposed timeline for this project, beginning with a proposed RFP release date on March 28 and concluding with a developer selection tentatively planned for July 2025. Mr. Shallcross answered questions from the Board. Board Comments: • Wants unique development but open to all suggestions • The project must include parking alongside new, innovative dining options. • Substantial investment; needs to be more than just green space • Looking forward to hearing from residents • Large parcel and key property in downtown; numerous opportunities to incorporate various options Mayor Hoefert opened the floor to residents who shared their ideas, comments, and suggestions regarding the redevelopment of 111 E. Busse: Resident • Asked a question regarding parking and existing downtown residential development vacancies Mr. Shallcross responded that all residential developments are stabilized in the first year (95-97% occupancy). BL Pelicore 112 S. Owen • Pleased the Village is soliciting citizen input regarding this development, shared feedback and ideas from Mount Prospect Facebook groups posts Mitch Kenoe 17 S. Maple • Multi -purpose athletic fitness center; combination of indoor and outdoor space Kathleen Schalk 645 Maple • Senior housing so those who grew up and raised a family here can stay here; decisions should be people -focused, not money -focused. Nathan Britsch 211 S. William 0 Expressed traffic concerns Frank Styzek 811 S. Maple • Green space for public gatherings, concerts, playgrounds, and walking paths Robin • Would like native plants and trees planted to promote a healthy ecosystem, a public gathering space, and a music venue Brian Demski 220 S. Louis • Public green space, native plants, and trees with benches, trails, and a water feature. Incorporate the historical building on Maple; possibly relocate the Farmers Market. Mark Lattner 705 Can Dota • Suggested retail space on the northeast corner, a mix of office and residential space, and commercial space on the southwest corner. Green space should also be included. The buildings should be set back to allow for wider sidewalks. Nancy Winkler Maple Street • Consider green space; building another residential and commercial development would be a wasted opportunity to create an open, public gathering space. Jamier N. Russel St. • Would be in favor of anything that would reduce property taxes; in favor of mixed commercial use; also suggested an indoor farm to promote sustainability initiatives Margaret Geppert 211 S. William • Questioned where downtown festivals would be held if this space is redeveloped; would like these uses built into the plan along with space for the Farmers Market. Bo Graham 310 S. WaPella • Suggested a main street idea, park or downtown plaza; would support taller building if it created more space for the community and more pedestrian friendly Joe Stecher 400 block of S. Pine St. • Would like more space for events; include green space with a mixed -use building Sara Raymond 19 N. Emerson • Balance of retail and green space; maintain a sense of neighborhood Joe Alaimo 221 Dawson • Suggested a museum or an activity/entertainment center Liz F. North Maple St. • Does not want another mixed -use or residential building; this is a unique opportunity to build something that attracts people to our Village; traffic calming should be included in the plan. Jason Raymond 19 N. Emerson • Retain a neighborhood feel; find a balance between green space and development Bettina Heller • For those that live downtown, consider traffic and day/time impact; the project needs to blend neighborhood residents with the downtown residents. Steve Polit 601 N. Wilshire • Consider underground parking with a one -level retail on Emerson and a second -floor green space. Carole Martz • Underground parking poses safety concerns Jennifer VanWakeman 400 S. Pine • Would like green space and a buildingwith a rooftop bar, city museum Jeff Nejdl 303 N. MacArthur • Space for downtown events and parking Wayne Zediker 410 N. Maple • Some portions of the property should remain green space; the current structure is not suitable for re -purposing. Eileen Kowalczyk 11 S. Maple • It is important to have green space in the area, and a survey was suggested for residents to rank three or four of the top ideas. Terri Cortese Marcella St. • Green space; keep the small-town feel Linda Lawrence Russel St. • Wants to promote friendliness and plant a lot of trees as we are a designation Tree City. No further comments. Mayor Hoefert stated that this is not the last time residents can provide input. There will be more opportunities to do so. Mayor Hoefert thanked everyone who attended and provided their thoughtful ideas and comments. Mayor Hoefert called for a short recess at 8:06 p.m. and will reconvene to the Committee of the Whole meeting. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Mayor Hoefert reconvened the Committee of the Whole meeting at 8:12 p.m. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Vincent Dante, second by Bill Grossi to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting:. Yea: Vincent Dante, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: John Matuzsak Final Resolution: Motion Passed Discussion ofthe'Triangle Valet Pilot Project' The Director of Community and Economic Development presented the Triangle Valet Pilot Program. He stated the Village has provided complementary valet services in the downtown triangle since March last year, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. A need was identified because there are 63 parking stalls for seven businesses and three full -service restaurants, stressing parking availability. Mr. Shallcross displayed a map of traffic patterns in the area. He added that aside from a few stalls reserved for ultra -luxury vehicles, most cars are parked in the west Metro lot. The Emerson Street parking deck serves as an overflow lot. Since the Village initiated the pilot program in March of last year, an average of more than 100 vehicles utilize the valet program per weekend. The peak was when The Prospect reopened after taking a winter break, parking 85 cars in a single night. According to the parking service used forth is program, Five Star, this location is three times busier than the next highest location in their portfolio. Mr. Shallcross stated that this program, utilizing FiveStarVa let, costs $310 per night for two attendants, totaling $48,360 annually. Funding for this program comes from the Village's General Fund. The Village received quotes from V.I.P. Valet Services for $370 per night, or $57,720 annually, and FC Valet for $395 per night, or $61,620 annually. Mr. Shallcross stated that the Village has received positive feedback from the participating restaurants. Comments indicate that it is a valuable asset for both the restaurants and their patrons. Mr. Shallcross answered questions from the Board. Representatives from Station 34 and The Prospect spoke about the positive impact valet parking has had on their businesses. Public Comment: Steve Polit 601 N. Wilshire • Residents should be reminded that enhancements to the pedestrian crossing have increased safety; promote use of the parking deck • Adding cameras to the parking decks to address safety concerns was suggested. Carole Martz Mount Prospect resident • Asked how much the Village is paying for leasing the St. Marks lot. Mr. Shallcross responded, stating approximately$2,000 permonth or$24,0001year. • Offered other options for valet services that would reduce the use of Village funds. Mayor Hoefert provided closing statements. Village Manager Cassady requested and received Board approval to extend the pilot valet parking program for one year. With no additional business to conduct, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Saccotelli, seconded by Trustee Grossi, motioned to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the March 11, 2025, Village Board Workshop and Committee of the Whole meeting adjourned at 8:56p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Agoranos Village Clerk