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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/2026 P&Z Minutes (PZ-04-26) / 852 Feehanville Dr / CU: Unique Use - Intermediate Service Center and Young Adult Academy1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION CASE NO. PZ-04-26 PROPERTY ADDRESS: PETITIONER: PUBLICATION DATE: REQUEST: MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Hearing Date: March 26, 2026 852 Feehanville Drive North Cook Intermediate Service Center (April Jordan) March 11, 2026 Conditional use approval for a unique use to operate an intermediate service center and young adult academy Joseph Donnelly Walter Szymczak William Beattie Richard Rogers Donald Olsen Ewa Weir Michael Fricano Fay Costa STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: JasonShallcross— DirectorofCommunity&Economic Development Antonia Lalagos— Development Planner Ann Choi — Development Planner INTERESTED PARTIES: Dan Miletic, Representative for the Petitioner April Jordan, North Cook Intermediate Service Center, Petitioner and Property Owner Chairman Donnelly called the meeting to order at7:01 PM. Commissioner Olsen made motion seconded by Commissioner Szymczak to approve the minutes from the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on February 26, 2026. The minutes were approved 5-0, with two Commissioners abstaining. After hearing one item of New Business, Chairman Donnelly introduced Case PZ-04-26, 852 Feehanville Drive, a request for conditional use approval for a unique use to operate an intermediate service center and young adult academy. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 Ms. Choi presented an overview of the petitioner's request fora conditional use fora unique use to operate an intermediate service center and young adult academy that would serve students in the North Cook County school districts. Ms. Choi stated that the proposed use would provide comprehensive professional learning, operational and compliance resources and public educational services including alternative public -school programs for the property located at 852 Feehanville Drive. Ms. Choi further stated that the proposal requires Village Board approval to approve the conditional use request fora unique use. Ms. Choi presented the background of the subject property and indicated that the subject property was annexed into the Village in 1980 and is located within the Kensington Business Center, southeast of the intersection of Business Center Drive and Feehanville Drive. Ms. Choi stated that the subject property is zoned 1-1 Limited Industrial District and includes portion of stormwater detention pond located east side of the existing building. Surrounding properties are also zoned 1-1 Limited Industrial District and include Bishop Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to the north, Avery Dennison Corporation to the south, Camelot Therapeutic School to the east, and Cummins Allison to the west. Maple Trails Park is also located to the west of the Subject Property. Ms. Choi also stated that Village records indicate that the Cummins Allison Corporation, a manufacturer of coin and currency handling solutions occupied the existing building since 2006. In February 2026, the North Cook Intermediate Service Center (NCISC) purchased the property and submitted a building permit application for a complete interior renovation of the building and some minor site improvements. Ms. Choi explained that the NCISC currently operates an intermediate service center in Des Plaines and plans to relocate to the Mount Prospect facility in late August 2026 following completion of construction. Ms. Choi presented the proposed site plan which would not change from the existing conditions, except that a ramp will be installed to accommodate the easternmost accessible parking spaces and the east parking lot will also be striped. An existing sanitary service will also be replaced. Ms. Choi went on to present the overview and services of the NCISC and explained that the facility serves as a regional support hub for schools across North Cook County and acts as the link between the State Board of Education and 41 local school districts and organizations. Ms. Choi stated that their work focuses on professional development for educators, operational and compliance support for districts, and student -focused services like transportation training and truancy support. Ms. Choi noted that the NCISC is also expanding services to include a health center, a food pantry and resource store, a Pearson Testing Center, and flexible community space to serve as a comprehensive resource for the Village. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 Ms. Choi further explained that the NCISC directly serves students through the North Cook Young Adult Academy, or NCYAA. Ms. Choi stated that this program provides alternative education for students in grades 6 through 12 who are referred by their home school districts, and that the NCYAA supports students who face academic, behavioral, or social - emotional challenges, with smaller class sizes and individualized instruction to help them stay on track for graduation. Ms. Choi noted that the program is expected to start with approximately 40 students and has a capacity of 120 students over time, while maintaining strong connections with each student's home district. Ms. Choi explained that the NCYAA includes two primary programs. The Alternative Learning Opportunities Program, or ALOP, supports students who benefit from a more flexible and supportive learning environment. Ms. Choi noted that the Regional Safe School Program, or RSSP, serves students who are suspended or facing expulsion and need a more structured setting. Ms. Choi stated that both programs focus on individualized instruction, behavioral support, and helping students continue to progress academically, with the goal of transitioning them back to their home schools when appropriate. Ms. Choi presented the floor plan noting that the NCISC proposes to remodel the existing building to operate the NCISC, including the NCYAA, and stated that the NCISC would occupy the entire approximately 63,000-square-foot building. Ms. Choi stated that the western half of the building will be occupied by the offices of the NCISC and the eastern half will be occupied by the NCYAA. Daily operations are anticipated to occur primarily during normal business and school hours, with traffic, noise, and parking demand expected to be comparable to office uses currently permitted in the 1-1 Limited Industrial District. Ms. Choi stated that construction is anticipated to occur from April through August 2026, with operations expected to begin at the start of the 2026-2027 school year on August 21, 2026. Ms. Choi stated that from an operational standpoint, the NCISC has experienced relatively limited incidents at its current Des Plaines location and that most of these incidents were student -related and were addressed through administrative actions and support services, and there were no reported incidents during the most recent school year. Ms. Choi further stated that the program has established standard operating procedures, including secured single -point entry with monitored access control, staff supervision during all transitions, immediate administrative notification and parent or guardian contact if a student attempts to leave without authorization, incident documentation and behavioral follow-up planning, and coordination with sending school districts and local authorities when necessary. These procedures would be carried over to and adapted to the Mount Prospect facility, with staffing and supervision increasing as enrollment grows to maintain safety standards. Ms. Choi presented a five-year summary of Emergency Service Calls at their existing facility in Des Plaines. Ms. Choi pointed out that two incidents have occurred in the past 5 years Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 4 where students have left the premises without authorization, and zero incidents occurred between 2024-2025 school year. Ms. Choi noted that the NCYAA operates at a relatively modest enrollment of 34 students at its Des Plaines location. Ms. Choi stated that at the proposed Mount Prospect site, enrollment is expected to increase to about 40 students in the first year, with gradual growth to just over 100 students within the next five years. To support that growth, Ms. Choi explained that the program will scale its operations accordingly, including maintaining a low staff -to -student ratio, adding support staff, and introducing staggered arrival and dismissal times as enrollment increases. Ms. Choi added that additional supervision and security measures will also be implemented as the program approaches full capacity, and Longer -term, some students may be served through virtual programming options. In terms of staffing, Ms. Choi stated that the program is designed to scale gradually alongside enrollment. At opening, the NCYAA is expected to have about 16 staff members, with an additional 26 administrative staff supporting NCISC operations. As enrollment increases, NCYAA staffing will grow proportionally, reaching approximately 35 to 40 staff at full capacity and an additional 36 administrative staff. Ms. Choi indicated that the program maintains a low staff -to -student ratio of about 1:3, which helps ensure strong supervision and individualized support. Overall, the staffing model is structured to expand in step with enrollment while maintaining service quality and safety. Ms. Choi explained that students will be transported by their home school districts using licensed taxis and minivans, and students will not be driving themselves or dropped off by parents. Drop-off will occur between 8:45-9 AM and pick-up will occur 3:25-3:40 PM. All drop-off and pickup activity will occur on -site within the southern parking lot, using a controlled circulation pattern to manage traffic flow and queuing. At opening, the site is expected to generate about 57 daily trips, increasing to approximately 146 trips at full enrollment. Ms. Choi stated that the site is designed to accommodate vehicle queuing on - site, and as enrollment increases, staggered arrival and dismissal times will be implemented to ensure traffic remains contained within the property and does not impact surrounding roadways. Ms. Choi reviewed the safety and security measures and stated that the facility will operate as a secured environment with controlled access and 24-hour camera surveillance. Visitors to the NCYAA are by appointment only and subject to identification procedures, and staff are trained in emergency response, including CPR, AED use, and non-violent crisis intervention. The program also follows established school safety protocols for situations like lockdowns, evacuations, and reunification. On a day-to-day basis, students remain indoors and are supervised at all times, including during arrival and dismissal, and middle and high school students are kept in separate groups. Ms. Choi noted that these measures will be implemented at the Mount Prospect location in coordination with local emergency responders to ensure a comprehensive safety plan is in place. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 5 Ms. Choi then reviewed the parking and site capacity and stated that the property includes 205 parking spaces, which is sufficient to support both daily operations and ancillary uses. At full enrollment, staffing is expected to reach around 76 employees, and the available parking can accommodate that demand even if all staff arrive by personal vehicle. The site can also support occasional activities, such as training sessions or gymnasium use, without exceeding parking capacity. Ms. Choi stated that staff is confident that the existing parking supply and layout are adequate and no additional parking improvements are needed. Ms. Choi noted that no changes to the site layout are proposed, and improvements will generally be limited to interior renovations. The existing access, parking, and infrastructure are adequate to support the use. Ancillary services like a health center, food pantry, and testing center may operate by appointment, and the facility may also be used for community activities during evenings or weekends. Ms. Choi stated that these uses are Low -impact and can be accommodated without any additional site improvements. Ms. Choi explained that the proposal is also consistent with the Village's Comprehensive Plan, supports several key planning objectives identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Choi further stated that the objectives include the adaptive reuse of an existing industrial building, the introduction of a large institutional user within an established business park, and the addition of a civic -oriented use that supports workforce development and community services. Ms. Choi reiterated that the proposal is consistent with the Plan's goal of promoting a diverse mix of employment supporting uses in these areas. Ms. Choi also reminded the Commission that the agenda packet includes 15 letters of support received from Mount Prospect school district superintendents (Districts 57, 26, 59, 23, 214), school district superintendents in North Cook, and some of the NCISC Governing Board members (also school district superintendents in North Cook in Wheeling, Wilmette, Evanston); three state representatives; and from neighbors of the Des Plaines ISC, as submitted by the petitioner. Ms. Choi concluded her presentation with staff's recommendation to approve the conditional use, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report (restated below). Ms. Choi requested that the Planning and Zoning Commission make a motion to adopt staff's findings as the findings of the Planning and Zoning Commission and recommend approval of the following motion: 1. A conditional use permit for a unique use to operate an intermediate service center and young adult academy, for the property located at 852 Feehanville Drive (Case No. PZ-04-26), subject to the following conditions: a. Development of the site in strict conformance with the following Approved Plans, excerpts of which are attached as Exhibit B: Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 i. Zoning Site Plan, (1 sheet), Sheet C0.01, prepared by raSmith, bearing an issue date of February 17, 2026. ii. Floor Plan (1 sheet), Sheet R1.1, prepared by Arcon Associates, bearing an issue date of February 17, 2026. iii. Civil Engineering Plans (9 sheets), titled "Civil Engineering Plans for NCISC Renovations", prepared by raSmith, bearing an issue date of February 27, 2026. b. Compliance with all applicable Village Code requirements, including, but not limited to zoning, fire, building, environmental health, sign, and other Village Codes and regulations. c. The North Cook Intermediate Service Center (NCISC) and the North Cook Young Adult Academy (NCYAA) shall implement and maintain written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) utilized by the NCYAA addressing student safety, including procedures related to unauthorized departure and transportation refusal. At a minimum, these SOPs shall include the following: i. Secured and controlled entry points with monitored access control; ii. Staff supervision during all transitions during arrivals/dismissals; iii. Interior camera monitoring; iv. Clearly defined supervision assignments; v. Immediate administrative notification and parent/guardian contact if a student attempts to leave without authorization; vi. Incident documentation and behavioral follow-up planning; vii. Coordination with sending school districts and, if necessary, local authorities. d. Enrollment, Growth and Operational Intensity: i. Enrollment at the facility shall be limited to students participating in the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) and/or Regional Safe Schools Program (RSSP) administered by the NCISC pursuant to the Illinois School Code. No residential program or overnight accommodations shall be permitted at the Subject Property. ii. As enrollment increases, the NCISC/NCYAA shall implement operational adjustments to maintain safe and orderly site operations, including, but not limited to, the following: iii. Any increase in the maximum on -site student enrollment beyond 120 students shall require review and approval by the Village through an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit. iv. Staffing shall be maintained at a 1 adult to 3 student ratio, adjusted as enrollment increases. v. When student enrollment reaches 90 or more students, expanded support staffing, additional supervision posts, and enhanced security coverage shall be added; Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 vi. Security cameras shall be maintained inside and outside the building at all enrollment levels. vii. Regular NCYAA program hours shall occur between 9:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday (student drop-off and pick-up could range from 8:40 A.M. -3:40 P.M.), unless otherwise approved by the Village. viii. Regular NCISC office hours shall occur between 8:00A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday with the exception of NCISC approved weekend events (i.e. contracted use of the gym or professional Learning spaces), unless otherwise approved by the Village. e. Transportation, Traffic and Site Operations: i. All students attending the NCYAA program shall be transported to and from the Subject Property exclusively by licensed school transportation providers, including taxis and minivans that comply with the requirements of the Illinois School Code. Students shall not be permitted to drive themselves to the facility, and parents or guardians shall not drop off or pick up students at the Subject Property. ii. All student pick-up and drop-off activities shall occur within the southern parking lot of the Subject Property. No pick-up or drop-off activity shall occur within the public right-of-way of Feehanville Drive or on any adjacent private property. iii. Vehicles transporting students shall enter the southern drive aisle of the Subject Property, circulate in a counterclockwise direction through the southern parking lot, and form a queue along the northern curb adjacent to the eastern entrance of the program building for the purpose of dropping off and picking up students. iv. Upon reaching an enrollment of 75 students, the NCISC/NCYAAshall implement the following staggered start and dismissal times between grades 6-8 and grades 9-12 to ensure that vehicle stacking associated with student transportation remains on -site: 1. Arrival Wave 1: 8:40 A.M. — 8:50 A.M. 2. Arrival Wave 2: 8: 50 A.M. — 9:00 A.M. 3. Dismissal Wave 1: 3:15 P.M. — 3:25 P.M. 4. Dismissal Wave 2: 3:25 P.M. — 3:40 P.M. v. If Village staff documents vehicle stacking associated with student drop-off or pick-up operations extending onto Feehanville Drive on three (3) occasions within any ninety (90) day period, the Village may require the Petitioner to implement staggered start and dismissal times prior to reaching full enrollment and/or revise the pick-up and drop-off operations plan. Any revised traffic operations plan shall be subject to review and approval by the Village Engineer. Measures Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 8 shall be taken by the NCISC/NCYAA to loop the queue line farther east through the easternmost parking lot. vi. During morning drop-off operations, only the first three (3) vehicles in the queue shall permit students to exit their vehicles at the curb adjacent to the eastern building entrance. vi i. During afternoon pick-up operations, students shall remain inside the building until the transporting vehicle arrives at the designated curbside pick-up location. viii. Staff shall supervise student arrival and dismissal operations to ensure safe and orderly vehicle circulation and loading activities. f. Safety and Security Measures: i. The NCISC and NCYAA shall remain a controlled -access building at all times during operating hours. All exterior doors shall remain Locked, and visitors shall be admitted only through designated building entry points after verification by staff. ii. All visitors to the NCYAA shall check in at the main office and present valid identification prior to entering the building. The facility shall maintain a visitor management system that records visitor entry and exit. iii. The facility shall maintain a 24-hour video surveillance system that monitors building entrances, exits, and interior common areas. Video monitoring shall be available to staff on -site and remotely. iv. Exterior lighting within the parking areas and building entrances shall be maintained in good working order to ensure safe evening access to the facility. v. The NCYAA shall maintain written emergency response procedures consistent with the I Love You Guys Foundation Standard Response Protocols (SPR), Standard Reunification Method (SRM), and follow the Incident Command System (ICS) including procedures for lockdown, evacuation, shelter, secure perimeter, and reunification. vi. Prior to occupancy of the facility, the NCYAA shall update its Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Standard Reunification Method (SRM) plans to reflect the layout and operational needs of the new facility, incoordination with local emergency response agencies and the program's safety consultants. vi i. The Petitioner shall maintain sufficient staffing levels, including administrative staff, paraprofessionals, and support staff, to ensure student supervision and facility security consistent with the operational needs of the program as enrollment increases. g. Parking and Site Capacity: i. The Subject Property shall maintain a minimum of two hundred five (205) off-street parking spaces as depicted on the approved civil engineering plans. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 ii. Parking areas and drive aisles shall be maintained to accommodate student transportation operations, including taxi and minivan pick-up and drop-off circulation, without reducing the number of required parking spaces or interfering with safe vehicle circulation within the parking lot. iii. Workshops, training, testing activities, food pantry, and similar ancillary uses conducted at the facility shall not exceed the parking capacity of two hundred five (205) parking spaces provided on -site any one time. The gymnasium may be used outside of regular program hours with a maximum bleacher seating capacity of one hundred fifty (150) persons. All such uses shall be conducted in a manner that ensures parking demand can be accommodated within the two hundred five (205) parking spaces provided on -site. iv. Parking spaces shall not be converted to storage, outdoor activity areas, or other uses that would reduce available parking supply. v. If the Village documents parking associated with the Subject Property occurring within the public right-of-way or on adjacent private property on three (3) occasions within any ninety (90) day period, the Village may require the Petitioner to implement additional operational controls, including but not limited to reduced event capacity, modified scheduling, or the provision of on -site traffic management personnel. In addition, the Village may prohibit or limit ancillary uses, including but not limited to facility rentals, community events, and other non -primary uses of the property, until such time as the Petitioner demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development, that parking demand can be accommodated entirely on -site in compliance with this condition. h. Ancillary and Secondary Uses: i. Ancillary services conducted at the facility, including but not limited to the Health Center, Food Pantry, Pearson Testing Center, and similar support services, shall operate by appointment only. ii. Ancillary uses shall remain secondary to the primary educational operations of the NCISC/NCYAA program and shall be conducted within the existing building. iii. The gymnasium and rentable professional space may be made available for community use outside of regular NCISC/NCYAA program hours beginning no earlier than 4:00 P.M. and ending no later than 10:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Weekend use of the gymnasium may be permitted provided that such use does not conflict with NCISC/NCYAA program operations. iv. Outside events utilizing the gymnasium or rentable professional space shall occur only when NCISC/NCYAA students are not present in the building. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 10 v. Any outside organization utilizing the gymnasium or rentable professional space shall provide proof of liability insurance and enter into a written facility use agreement with the NCISC governing the terms of use, including event scheduling, facility capacity, setup and cleanup, parking, and equipment use. vi. A facility representative, administrative staff member, or custodian shall be present during all outside events to oversee building operations and ensure compliance with facility rules. vii. All activities conducted at the Subject Property, including but not Limited to NCISC/NCYAA program operations, ancillary services, and any rental or third -party use of the gymnasium or other interior spaces, shall be managed such that all parking demand is accommodated entirely within the two hundred five (205) off-street parking spaces provided on -site, as depicted on the Approved Plans. At no time shall parking associated with the Subject Property occur within Feehanville Drive, any public right-of-way, or on any adjacent private property not under the control of the Petitioner. The Petitioner shall be responsible for scheduling, managing, and, if necessary, limiting facility use or event attendance to ensure compliance with this requirement. The Petitioner shall also provide on -site staff or traffic management measures during higher - attendance events, as necessary, to prevent off -site parking and maintain safe vehicle circulation. If the Village documents parking associated with the Subject Property occurring within the public right-of-way or on adjacent private property on three (3) occasions within any ninety (90) day period, the Village may require the Petitioner to implement additional operational controls, including but not limited to reduced event capacity, modified scheduling, or the provision of on -site traffic management personnel. In addition, the Village may prohibit or limit ancillary uses, including but not limited to facility rentals, community events, and other non -primary uses of the property, until such time as the Petitioner demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development, that parking demand can be accommodated entirely on -site in compliance with this condition. i. Outdoor student activities shall be supervised by staff at all times and shall occur only within designated areas of the property as determined by the Director of Community and Economic Development. These areas shall be designated as part of the building permit submittal. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 11 j. Upon request of the Village, the Petitioner shall provide an annual summary of enrollment levels, staffing levels, and transportation operations to confirm compliance with the conditions of the Conditional Use Permit. k. The Petitioner shall operate the facility in a manner that maintains the safety and welfare of students, staff, and the surrounding area. If, in the reasonable determination of the Village, the operation of the facility results in safety concerns related to student supervision, site security, traffic operations, or emergency access, the Village may require reasonable operational modifications to address such concerns. Any required modifications shall be implemented by the NCISC/NCYAA within a timeframe established by the Village. The Village may require the Petitioner to appear before the Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board for review of the Conditional Use Permit. Ms. Choi stated that the Village Board's decision is final for the case and concluded her presentation. Commission's Questions for Staff Vice Chairman Beattie inquired about the nature and intent of the proposed conditions of approval, particularly whether the operational requirements reflected new Village - imposed standards or existing practices of the petitioner. Director Shallcross explained that the conditions were primarily derived from the petitioner's own operational procedures as demonstrated at their existing facilities. Director Shallcross emphasized that extensive coordination occurred between staff and the petitioner, including multiple iterations of draft conditions, to ensure that the final conditions accurately reflect how the facility currently operates while maintaining appropriate oversight. Director Shallcross further noted that the intent was not to impose unnecessary operational constraints, but rather to formalize the petitioner's stated practices into enforceable conditions. Vice Chairman Beattie also asked whether any concerns had been raised by surrounding property owners or businesses within the Kensington Business Center. Ms. Choi indicated that no formal concerns or inquiries had been received. Director Shallcross explained that the subject property is located within a business park that already contains several institutional and service -oriented uses, including facilities serving individuals with disabilities and youth -oriented training programs. Based on this context, Director Shallcross stated that the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area and consistent with the existing character of the business park. Commissioner Weir raised additional questions regarding hours of operation and site activity. Ms. Choi clarified that standard operational hours are proposed from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with student drop-off and pick-up occurring shortly after and before those times. Director Shallcross added that limited after-hours activities Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 12 may occur, including extracurricular or community -oriented uses such as gymnasium use, which would be restricted to between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Commissioner Rogers inquired about outdoor activities associated with the facility. Director Shallcross explained that outdoor activities would be minimal in nature and generally limited to small, supervised group activities. Occasional larger gatherings, such as ice cream socials, may occur in designated areas such as the parking lot on a limited basis. Director Shallcross indicated that final locations for outdoor activities would be reviewed and approved at the Director's discretion during the permitting process. Chairman Donnelly swore in the civil engineer and representative for the peitioner, Dan Miletic of raSmith, 375 Shuman Blvd, Naperville IL, and the petitioner, April Jordan, 1001 E TouhyAvenue, Des Plaines IL. Petitioner Presentation Mr. Miletic introduced the request and expressed appreciation for staff's thorough review process and collaboration throughout the application. Mr. Miletic stated that the proposed facility would provide a valuable service to the region and emphasized that the conditions of approval were developed cooperatively with staff. April Jordan, Executive Director of the NCISC, provided an overview of the organization and its role within the regional education system. Ms. Jordan explained that the NCISC is one of a limited number of regional offices of education in the State of Illinois and serves approximately 39 school districts and two education cooperatives and over 130,000 students. Ms. Jordan stated that the organization provides a range of services including professional development for educators, administrative support, and specialized student programming. Ms. Jordan clarified that the facility is not solely a traditional school, but rather a combination of administrative offices and specialized educational programs. Certain programs, such as the Regional Safe School Program and Alternative Learning Opportunities Program, provide temporary placements for students who require additional support beyond what is available in their home districts. Ms. Jordan noted that these programs are designed to help students recover credits, improve attendance, and ultimately transition back to their home schools. Commission Questions for the Petitioner Commissioners asked several questions to better understand the operational characteristics of the facility. Chairman Donnelly asked if the other schools would stay active and this would be a relocation of the school. Ms. Jordan clarified that the NCISC is an office first as the Regional Office of Education (ROE) and the ROE would offer programs for the students that are within their school districts. Ms. Jordan stated that the NCISC is Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 13 an extension of the school for a temporary period when students need support that might supersede what is already offered at their home school. Vice Chairman Beattie inquired whether the proposed facility would function as a full -day school where students attend throughout the day, or if it would operate on a partial -day basis where students come in for specific classes or services. Ms. Jordan explained that the North Cook Young Adult Academy includes two programs: the Regional Safe Schools Program and the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program. Ms. Jordan explained that students typically attend on a temporary basis to recover credits or receive additional support and most students attend the program for the full school day, although some may Leave early for employment or internship opportunities. Ms. Jordan further noted that the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program primarily serves students experiencing chronic absenteeism or credit deficiencies and draws participants from multiple school districts. Vice Chairman asked what happens if the need is greater than the 120-space capacity offered. Ms. Jordan stated that the facility would operate with a maximum enrollment of approximately 120 students, and stated that if demand exceeds capacity, placement decisions would be coordinated with individual school districts, and alternative arrangements would be identified. Ms. Jordan also noted that not all students are appropriate for placement within the program, and some may be referred elsewhere depending on their specific needs. Commissioner Weir inquired whether the NCISC is a publicly funded entity affiliated with public school districts, and whether students from private schools are also eligible to participate. Ms. Jordan responded that the NCISC serves only public school districts within the North Cook region through intergovernmental agreements and a special education cooperative. Ms. Jordan noted that the organization functions as an extension of the Illinois State Board of Education, with funding derived from a combination of State support, tuition from participating school districts, and other supplemental funding sources secured by the organization. Commissioner Weir inquired about student transportation to the facility and whether students travel from their home schools. Ms. Jordan clarified that students are transported directly from their homes to the facility and back to their homes by certified transportation providers, such as taxis or vans, arranged through their home school districts. Ms. Jordan confirmed that students do not physically attend their home schools during the day. Commissioner Weir asked how students are separated by age group and whether classroom instruction is organized strictly by grade level or based on individual academic needs. Ms. Jordan responded that students are generally grouped by age, with middle school and high school students primarily separated; however, some limited co -mingling may occur based on academic needs. Ms. Jordan explained that student placement is determined through pre -assessment and review of academic records/transcripts, allowing Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 14 instruction to be tailored to each student's current level, with flexibility to adjust placement as needed. Chairman Donnelly reiterated that students attending the program are typically behind academically and placed in appropriate classes to help them catch up, with the goal of returning to their home schools. Ms. Jordan confirmed that many students enter the program needing academic support and are placed in classes suited to their instructional level to help them make progress. Ms. Jordan added that the program also serves high - achieving students who may lack support in traditional settings, noting that the small class sizes allow for more individualized instruction and attention. Commissioner Weir restated that the facility functions solely as a school and also includes administrative offices, and asked how the program is structured at the State and regional Level. Ms. Jordan explained that the facility includes both program space and administrative offices, and that the NCISC operates as part of a broader statewide system of Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Service Centers. Ms. Jordan noted that the Regional Safe Schools Program is a legislatively required program offered by each region but emphasized that the NCISC serves only students from the North Cook region. Vice Chairman Beattie inquired how the proposed program compares to other alternative education facilities, such as Forest View School, and whether it serves a similar or complementary role. Ms. Jordan explained that while some larger school districts, such as District 214 served by Forest View, have the resources and facilities to provide their own alternative education programs, not all districts have that capacity. Ms. Jordan noted that the NCISC program serves as a resource for districts that lack the space or staffing to support such programs independently. Commissioner Rogers asked whether the facility would include any outdoor recreational or activity spaces for students aside from the gymnasium. Ms. Jordan responded that the facility will primarily utilize indoor spaces, including the full-size gymnasium. Ms. Jordan noted that while most student activities will occur indoors, limited outdoor activities may take place on -site, such as small group activities near the pond or occasional events in the parking lot such as ice cream socials or Cinco de Mayo Day, which may be used periodically for gatherings. Chairman Donnelly asked how lunch service would be handled at the facility. Ms. Jordan explained that the facility will include a warming kitchen rather than a full -service kitchen. Ms. Jordan noted that, initially, meals may be provided through outside vendors or local restaurants, with the potential to expand food service options as enrollment increases. Ms. Jordan also clarified that both administrative and program functions will be relocated to the new facility while continuing to serve students. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 15 Commissioner Weir asked whether the facility is being leased or owned. Ms. Jordan responded that the NCISC has purchased the property in Mount Prospect. Vice Chairman Beattie also asked whether the petitioner had reviewed and agreed to the proposed conditions of approval. Ms. Jordan confirmed that the conditions accurately reflect their current operations and are not considered burdensome. Public Comments Hearing no further questions from the Planning and Zoning Commission, Chairman Donnelly swore in the following individuals: • Mary Kate Smith, District 214, Director of Student Services, 2121 S Goebbert Rd, Arlington Heights, IL • Arlen Gould, CCSD21 — Board of Education, North Cook Managing Board of Directors Ms. Smith spoke in support of the NCISC, describing it as a valuable partner that assists school districts in addressing challenges such as student attendance, behavioral support, and services for at -risk youth. Ms. Smith stated that locating the NCISC in Mount Prospect would provide a centralized and accessible resource for educators and staff, strengthening regional support services and operations. Mr. Gould spoke in support of the NCISC, emphasizing its critical role in supporting local school districts. Mr. Gould noted that NCISC provides essential services that individual districts may not be able to offer independently, enabling improved educational outcomes for students. Mr. Gould added that investment in such programs yields long-term benefits and cost savings and expressed appreciation for the Commission's consideration and support. Chairman Donnelly expressed support for the proposal, noting his familiarity with special education placement considerations as he had two children use facilities outside of their district, including the importance of identifying the least restrictive environment for students. Chairman Donnelly stated that having a facility within the district provides an important local option for students with varying needs, reducing the need to place students outside the district and supporting better educational outcomes through appropriate placement. Hearing no further comments from the Commission, Chairman Donnelly closed the public hearing and requested a motion. Vice Chairman Beattie made a motion to approve the conditional use request with the conditions listed in the staff report, and Commissioner Szymczak seconded the motion. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26 16 UPON ROLL CALL AYES: Szymczak, Weir, Olsen, Beattie, Rogers, Fricano, Donnelly NAYS: None The Planning and Zoning Commission gave a positive recommendation (7-0) for the next Village Board meeting to be held on April 7, 2026. After hearing no additional items of new business, Chairman Donnelly asked if there were any citizens to be heard. Hearing no further discussion, Commissioner Rogers made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Szymczak, and the meeting was adjourned at7:56 PM. J/00 e- 7q04 Ann Choi, Development Planner Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting — March 26, 2026 PZ-04-26