Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee

Village of Arlington Heights Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee Planning Department Conference Room, 2nd Floor Arlington Heights Village Hall 33 S. Arlington Heights Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 February 24, 2015 6:30 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Minutes 1/20/15 IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Comprehensive Plan Update - PC#14-020 V. NEW BUSINESS VI. OTHER BUSINESS VII. ADJOURNMENT Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact David Robb, Disability Services Coordinator, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005, (847)368-5793 (Voice), (847) 368-5980 (Fax) or drobb@vah.com.  Item: Minutes - 1/20/15 Department: Planning & Community Development ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Minutes 1-20-15 DRAFT Minutes  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS PLAN COMMISSION HELD AT VILLAGE HALL ON: January 20, 2015 Project Title: Comprehensive Plan Update Petitioner: Village Of Arlington Heights Attendees: George Drost, Chairman Jim Tinaglia, Village Board Trustee Mary Jo Warskow, Plan Commissioner John Sigalos, Plan Commissioner Joe Lorenzini, Plan Commissioner Bill Enright, Deputy Director Planning and Community Development Chairman Drost convened the meeting and asked for approval of the December, 2014 meeting minutes. Those present at the December meeting approved the minutes. Meeting Discussion: B. Enright introduced the draft outline for a sustainability section for the Comprehensive Plan. The draft includes more defined goals and specific policies, as well as action items, related to sustainable development. It is suggested that this section include examples of sustainable development in text and graphic format. Commissioner Warskow thought it was a good idea to have action items in the Plan as it’s more direct. Chairman Drost asked if the Plan should encourage LEED development? B. Enright indicated that at our previous meeting the Subcommittee discussed that LEED is not necessary but that all development should consider some of the sustainable practices of LEED certification. He suggested that Planning could develop a list of sustainable development practices to provide developers if they elect to incorporate into their development. Trustee Tinaglia agreed that a list to hand out to developers to encourage sustainable practices would be a good step. Commissioner Ennes thought that incentives should be used to promote sustainable development and that they don’t necessarily have to be financial they can include zoning incentives. B. Enright indicated that within TIF districts financial incentives could be offered, but for the most part density bonuses, etc could be utilized. Trustee Tinaglia mentioned that more and more young persons are informed and conscientious about sustainability and green practices. Commissioner Warskow suggested that maybe there could be bonuses in impervious surface coverage if sustainable practices are incorporated into residential development. Try to encourage permeable pavers, etc. Trustee Tinaglia added that flooding is a primary issue in certain residential areas and reducing impacts of development will only help to reduce those impacts. M:\COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE\2015\February\MinutesJan2015.doc  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE B. Enright added that about 75% of the Village’s land area is single family, so development on those lots have a large impact. Trustee Tinaglia suggested that the Subcommittee look at historic preservation as part of the Comprehensive Plan. There are certain buildings that should be preserved including residential and commercial buildings. Commissioner Sigalos asked if there is anything that would prevent buildings from being torn down. B. Enright indicated that in the downtown and on single family lots we do require a development plan being approved prior to tear downs, but there is no preservation ordinance to preserve worthwhile buildings. The Comp Plan goals and objectives can be reviewed to see if it adequately addresses historic preservation. If not maybe there could be additional goals and policies suggested. Commissioner Lorenzini asked if we have a list of buildings? Also what are the State’s historical preservation qualifications. Commissioner Ennes added that we need to consider property owner rights in any discussion of historic preservation. Some owners may not like to be designated as historic. Trustee Tinaglia agreed that there could be some disagreement, but he would like to explore the issue to see if there is a desire to do something. B. Enright then introduced the topic of corridors by presenting a framework for updating the Comp Plan regarding corridors. One objective is to update the Plan which identifies which corridors to study and to prioritize the corridors. Commissioner Ennes suggested we look at lighting, storm water issues, landscaping among others when reviewing corridors. B. Enright added that the goals for corridors could be expended upon to include sustainability issues. Trustee Tinaglia had concerns with power lines in certain corridors which are costly to bury underground, but it is something to look at as a longer term element with possible funding. In addition, the UP railroad right of way, in particular near Euclid and Northwest Highway, looks very poor and is used as an open storage area for UP. He would like to see the Village work with UP to landscape this highly visible area. B. Enright indicated that a few years ago Planning initiated talks with UP to landscape the area and we requested about 20 feet but UP only agreed to 3 feet parallel to Northwest Hwy. Trustee Tinaglia suggested that the Village work with UP on moving their storage areas to the south side of the tracks maybe further east towards Ridge so it’s not so visible, and then landscape the more visible area are Euclid. B. Enright passed out the preliminary concepts for the Rand Road/ Palatine Road corridor. These concepts were developed by Teska Associates and are being refined. The corridor enhancement plan would provide aesthetic improvements to the area and give the area a unique identity. The plans are subject o review by the Board in the near future. B. Enright then opened discussions on conducting a survey of the public to obtain input on the Comp Plan update. We need to soon think about types of questions to ask in an on line survey. We recently did a survey for our housing plans and received about 500 responses. The idea would be to get the word out by posting a link to the survey on Facebook and Twitter. The survey would be on the Village web site. Commissioner Ennes asked who would be responding if its open to anyone on line? Also we need to develop focused questions related to the Comp Plan. M:\COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE\2015\February\MinutesJan2015.doc  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE B. Enright indicated that the survey can ask what town each respondent lives in to determine who are citizens of the Village. Commissioner Warskow suggested that we first review the corridors further at the next meeting in February and then the survey in March. This way we don’t try to do too much at one meeting. All agreed. The Subcommittee agreed to meet again on February 20, 2015 at 6:30pm. RECOMMENDATION None at this time. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. George Drost, Chairman Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee Bill Enright, Recorder M:\COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE\2015\February\MinutesJan2015.doc  Item: Comprehensive Plan Update - PC#14-020 Department: Planning & Community Development ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Staff Memo Memorandum Arlington Heights Rd - Central to Wilke Exhibits Arlington Heights Rd - I90 to Noyes Exhibits Arlington Heights Rd - Sigwalt to Park Exhibits Northwest Hwy - East Arlington Hts Rd to Exhibits Waterman Northwest Hwy - West Chestnut to Wilke Exhibits Rand Rd - Oakton to Hintz Exhibits  Memorandum To: Chairman Drost and Members of the Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee From: Bill Enright, Deputy Director Planning and Community Development Date: February 20, 2015 Subject: Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee Meeting: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 6:30 PM Planning Department Conference Room - Second Floor Comprehensive Plan Update Please find as attachments the following: 1. Minutes of the January 20, 2015 Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee meeting 2. Corridor Study Areas (maps, aerials, street view photos) Corridor Study Areas Corridors are areas along arterial streets that were developed incrementally over time with various land uses and are showing signs of age. Corridors are separate from Redevelopment Plan areas, but they do sometimes overlap. Redevelopment Plans are area specific, whereas Corridor Plans are typically linear and adjacent to major thoroughfares. I propose establishing a new section in the Comprehensive Plan focusing on Corridors. This section would include maps, aerial images, photos of each corridor and include new specific goals for each corridor. Also, illustrations of types of improvements such as landscaping, signage, etc. would be included. This new section would serve as a guide for more detailed future corridor specific plans developed over time and according to a recommended priority schedule. Current Comprehensive Plan The current Comprehensive Plan includes a Corridor Plans Goal with four Objectives as follows: Corridor Plan Goal: To improve upon existing conditions which detract from the overall functioning of the corridor. Objective 1: Develop a strong and positive image and appearance which establishes a unified image and sense of place which reinforces and supports commercial and economic activities along the corridor. 1 Comprehensive Plan Update: 2014/15  Objective 2: Create a system of on and off street parking facilities which adequately serve the needs of commercial uses within the corridor in a safe and functional manner. Objective 3: Promote a safe and effective traffic circulation system which adequately accommodates the varied types of traffic movement utilizing the corridor. Objective 4: That development activities within the corridor be compatible with adjacent non residential and residential uses. Currently there are 5 corridors designated on the back of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map as future corridor study areas as follows: ▪ South Arlington Heights Road: Central Road to I90 ▪ Northwest Highway East: Dryden Place to Waterman Avenue ▪ Northwest Highway West: Chestnut Avenue to Wilke Road ▪ Rand Road: Oakton Street to Dryden Avenue ▪ Arlington Heights Road: Sigwalt Street to Park Street Regarding the 5 existing corridors, I propose splitting the South Arlington Heights Road corridor into two: 1) Arlington Heights Road from Central Road to White Oak Street and 2) Arlington Heights Road from Noyes Street to Interstate 90. These two segments are vastly different in their characteristics thus warranting separate studies and goals. Splitting also breaks down this long corridor into two more manageable corridors. Discussion Items At this month’s meeting I would like to review each of the 6 proposed corridors and identify characteristics and issues for each. I have provided a PDF file for each of the corridors which contains aerials, street views, and the current Land Use Map. Also included in this memo is a spreadsheet for each corridor which outlines characteristics and issues to facilitate the discussion. Feel free to add ideas as you review. We can begin to formulate specific goals for each area as well, and prioritize the corridors as either 1 for highest, 2 or 3. We can certainly spend more than one meeting on corridors, and the intent is once the survey is conducted, the Corridor section can be finalized for review by the Subcommittee at a later date. Next Steps / Meeting March 24, 2015 is the next scheduled meeting date. The focus of this meeting will be development of a community survey, focusing on the corridors and sustainability. C: Charles Witherington Perkins 2 Comprehensive Plan Update: 2014/15 Corridor Priority Characteristics Zoning Comp Plan Level Arlington Heights Road: Sigwalt to Park 1 or 2 or 3 ▪4 lanes with center turn lane; B-2 Commercial ▪Buildings close to street, 1 to 2 floors height; High Density MF ▪narrow sidewalks; Single Family ▪West side lot depth small. Arlington Heights Road: Central to White Oak 1 or 2 or 3 ▪lack of landscaping older commerical; B-1; B-2: OT Commercial ▪minimal depth for landscaping; Offices Only ▪multiple sign poles; ▪multiple traffic lanes; ▪Mostly 1 floor buildings. Arlington Heights Road: I90 to Noyes 1 or 2 or 3 ▪Large roadway pavement 6-9 lanes; B-2; B-3; OT Commercial; Offices Only ▪Overhead utilities; STAR Line Plan ▪Lack of identity; ▪Buildings various setbacks, 1 to 5 floors height. Rand Road: Hintz to Oakton 1 or 2 or 3 ▪Vast right of way Rand Road: B-1, B-2, B-3 Commercial ▪subject to current corridor study; R-6; OT Moderate Density MF ▪Mostly Commericial, but Multi Family to west; Offices Only ▪Multiple driveways; Teska Study ▪Haphazard border to east with Prospect Heights. Northwest Hwy East: AH Road to Waterman 1 or 2 or 3 ▪4 lanes' with turn lanes at certain cross streets; B-2; B-3; R-6 Hickory Kensington Plan ▪mix of old and new; Rec Park Expansion Plan ▪older building close to street ; Commercial; Offices Only ▪lack of landscaping. Parks mostly 1 floor, 2 to 3 floors for MF Moderate Density MF Northwest Hwy West: Chestnut to Wilke 1 or 2 or 3 ▪Newer development well landscaped; B-2; B-3 Commercial ▪older auto repair sites lack of landscaping; R-3; R-6 Moederate Density MF ▪UP railroad ROW storage area east of Euclid Single Family poor visually. Commerical 1 floor, auto repair; MF 2 floors Central Looking South from Central Looking South approaching Magnolia Looking South at Magnolia Strip Center East Side AH Road at Magnolia East side of AH Road south end strip center across from Magnolia South along AH Road at SD 25 to right and offices to left Comp Plan Looking North at I90 and AH Road AH Road and Algonquin Road Intersection looking North Looking North at driveway entrance to Mitsuwa Looking North in front of the former Wellington site In front of hotel and Dunkin Donuts to left. Looking North in front of OSHA offices In front of Johhnys Beef and Fire Station to left Golf and AH Road Intersection Comp Plan South St. Park Street AH Road looking North at Park St Looking North just south of South St Looking North at Grove Street (7-11 to right) Just North of South St looking North Looking North at George St Looking North just south of Sigwalt St AH Road and Sigwalt St Comp Plan Looking East at AH Road and NWH Looking East approaching Pine Ave Looking back, west at Pine Ave Looking West near Rec Park Looking East again, at Kensington Road Looking back West just east of Kensington Road Looking East toward Dryden Place in front of Walgreens Looking East at Carlyle Place / Townhomes Looking East from Windsor Dr New Strip Center/ Culvers at NWH/ Waterman Ave Comp Plan Illinois Ave Yale Ave Princeton Ave Wilke Road Looking West at Chestnut Looking back East at NWH / Ridge Ave Looking West towards Euclid Ave just west of Ridge Looking West near Kennicott Ave Looking West at Chicago Ave Looking West towards Wilke Road at Race Ave Comp Plan Looking West Rand at Oakton/ Camp McDonald Looking West in front of Target and Roto Auto Looking West towards Dryden Looking West towards Beverly Looking West at Rand and Beverly Looking West in front of Southpoint Shopping Center (at right) Looking West at Rand and Palatine Road intersection Looking West on Rand in front of Northpoint Shopping Center Looking West just West of AH Road in front of the Annex Shopping Center (left) New landscaping at The Annex Looking West just West of The Annex Looking West approaching Chestnut Ave West Rand in front of Stonebrooke Apartments (right) and condominimums (left) Looking West towards intersection with Kennicott) Rand at Kennicott Rand looking towards Hintz Townhomes at Rand and Hintz (left) Cross and Crown church (at right) Comp Plan: East Rand Road Comp Plan West Rand Road