Plan Commission

Village Hall Village of Lombard 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Plan Commission Donald F. Ryan, Chairperson Commissioners: Ronald Olbrysh, Martin Burke, Ruth Sweetser, Andrea Cooper, Stephen Flint and John Mrofcza Staff Liaison: William Heniff Monday, May 20, 2013 7:30 PM Village Hall - Board Room Call to Order Chairperson Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:30 p. m. Pledge of Allegiance Chairperson Ryan led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairperson Ryan requested a moment of silence for the Moore, Oklahoma victims. Roll Call of Members Present 7 - Donald F. Ryan, Ronald Olbrysh, Martin Burke, Ruth Sweetser, Andrea Cooper, John Mrofcza, and Stephen Flint Also present: William Heniff, AICP, Director of Community Development, Jennifer Ganser, Assistant Director of Community Development, Matt Panfil, Sr. Planner, and George Wagner, legal counsel to the Plan Commission. Chairperson Ryan called the order of the agenda. Mr. Heniff read the Rules of Procedures as written in the Plan Commission By-Laws. Public Hearings 130252 SPA 13-02ph: 2860 S. Highland Avenue - The Dump (06-29-308-016) Requests Site Plan Approval for the following signage deviations from the Lombard Sign Ordinance for property located within the B3 PD Village of Lombard Page 1 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 Community Shopping District, The Highlands of Lombard Planned Development: 1. A variation from Section 153.505 (B) (19) (a) (i) to allow for two (2) exterior wall signs (south and west façades) of up to 300 square feet in area for a commercial property with a single tenant; and 2. A variation from Section 153.505 (B) (19) (a) (ii) to allow for two (2) exterior wall signs per street front exposure (east and south façades). (DISTRICT #3) Mr. Mehdi of Architech Design & Development Inc., in 1055 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77042, was sworn in. He was representing The Dump. The Dump is America’s number one furniture outlet store. Key word is furniture outlet. It is open only three days a week for 27 hours, Friday and Saturday from 10 am - 8 pm and Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm. This store is in other markets but cannot attest to what the final hours will be in this market. It is an affiliate of Haynes Furniture Company. The concept behind The Dump is the company is over 100 years old and used to overstock store merchandise, put it in the warehouse and had the sales from there, hence the name of The Dump. There are 13 stores throughout the country. This is the first store in Illinois and they choose Lombard because of its location. He represented The Dump in the architectural capacity and as construction and project manager. He has been working on their expansion plans in different markets for the last 8 years. Mr. Mehdi referred to the PowerPoint featuring the stand alone building that use to be the Great Indoors. They have been studying the planned development and it is important for them to respect the criteria. He wanted to blend in with the existing neighborhood and not put a big box store thrown in the middle of a village. He wanted to keep the look and context of the architecture. This is very different than what they have done before. The design intent was a main street facade broken down in different pieces to step away from the big box store. They didn’t want to alter the footprint but are trying to enhance the facade to make sure it has their branding. The Dump hasn't left any market they have entered. They are a destination store; it draws traffic from a 50-60 mile radius. Our traffic count in some markets is 18,000 to 22,000 shoppers per weekend. Therefore, they want to create their own identification and enhance the building, keeping in mind the overall architecture and be in compliance with the master plan. On the 2nd slide Mr. Mehdi noted the front of the building is 2/3 similar to the previous facade. The burgundy and orange brick will stay the Village of Lombard Page 2 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 same. They added metal louvers and extrusions to the sides and entrance, they will be painted black. Their color theme is yellow and black. The efface is all new and will be painted to original color on the entrance to create a new look while not deviating from the neighborhood. The windows will also be painted black. They added their sign which is 300 square feet in size over the entrance which complies with Lombard code. On the south elevation the stucco will be painted black and adding The Dump sign for visibility from Butterfield Road. All existing trimming, awnings and window frames will be painted black. The burgundy and orange brick is to remain the same. The signage on this elevation is our request for variance. The sign is 300 square feet to match the front sign. By code and ordinance they are supposed to be half of the front sign. The two main changes are on the east and south end. The majority of the work is on the east elevation. Lastly, the west elevation has the loading dock and ramp. The brick will stay the same and they will fix the paving. The third Dump sign will be on the corner. This sign is the second part of the variance request. The reason for it placement is that the corner is visible from Butterfield Road prior to Highland Avenue exit, so people can identify the building to catch the exit. This is a destination space and spends close to $5,000,000 a year in advertising. It is important to identify the location and to find the store easily; otherwise they lose customers. In every market they only have one store. It would be much appreciated for the signage for the two additional signs. As far as the traffic, they have a remote warehouse in Addison. They have a customer pickup location on the north side. Nobody will queue over there to cause traffic congestion, they will be paged. Only two customers at a time are allowed to pick up merchandise. The traffic is only for shoppers and customers. Chairperson Ryan asked if anyone is to speak in favor or against the petition. There was no comments from the public. Chairperson Ryan asked for the Staff report. Matt Panfil, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Staff prepared IDRC report and submitting into public record in its entirety. He explained the reason for the variance was determined by property lines. The second variation is for the quantity of signage. He mentioned the comparison of previous signage. The west signage is necessary due to the unique intersection of Highland & Butterfield. Village of Lombard Page 3 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 Staff finds the proposal compatible with surrounding uses, planned development and comprehensive plan. Chairman Ryan opened the meeting to the Commissioners for comments and questions. Commissioner Olbrysh said he has no problem with the lack of free-standing signage. He wanted to know what type of advertising they are going to do when they come into a new area to explain the store. Mr. Mehdi noted they have high end furniture and the message is the savings we get we pass it on to you. This is our price and this is what you are saving. They create a sense of urgency, as the merchandise may not be here next week. Mr. William Heniff, Director of Community Development, addressed the Commissioners concern regarding the lack of free-standing signage. They wanted to get them open as soon as possible. Staff is aware of perimeter issues and if they address it at some time in the future, it will come back to the Plan Commission. Commissioner Cooper approved of the signage and thought it is compact and in a good location. She noted the site plan improvements with 22,000 customers in three days. She questioned the parking lot and wanted to know about safety of the pedestrians. Mr. Mehdi explained the footprint of the sales area is much larger than their other stores. The sales floor has 110,000 square feet and the parking count is sufficient. The entry doors are more than what they wanted. There are no carts or ticket driven purchases. They studied foot traffic and parking count. They are restriping and there will be pedestrian cross hatch. The driveway will have hash marks. There will be no more than 450-500 cars at a time. The store is open 9-10 hours and with the weather they experience more flow in the summer. They looked at circulation and don’t anticipate anything more than they have had in the past. From previous studies and experience the circulation is fine. They are adding a fire lane on the right, loading dock is located in back. Mr. Heniff added they are maximizing and restoring the underground parking. All the employees will be parking underneath. This will free up a lot of parking and accommodate their needs. Commissioner Sweetser was concerned with some of the materials being used. When metal is next to concrete it seems to rust or run and wondered if that was something that was thought about or will it Village of Lombard Page 4 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 be mitigated. Mr. Mehdi noted they have done static painting in the past and it is more costly than normal - It is part of their budget. They have contacted three reputable general contractors in the area. They are comfortable with it and they will have to maintain the exterior and image. Commissioner Mrofcza referred to the drawings in the packet noting the south elevation showed the sign over the center of building and a tagline underneath. In the depiction of the south elevation it shows the primary sign to the right with no tagline. Will the tag line be under the primary sign? Mr. Mehdi noted this was correct and is a change. Commissioner Mrofcza noted the tag line on the west elevation wasn’t shown. Mr. Mehdi noted on the west side the tag line was taken out because of cost factors and distance. The drawings are the most current; the packet was done over one month ago. Commissioner Mrofcza noted the front entrance on east side and wanted to know will the tag line be under the sign. Mr. Mehdi explained it will be on the canopy. Commissioner Mrofcza suggested moving it up. Mr. Mehdi explained they did that, but because of the gaps in the louvers, it would get lost in the reflection and needs a solid surface. When they added the canopy they added it there, so it has a bigger contrast. Commissioner Burke asked because this is different than what is in the staff report how do we get this approved. Mr. Heniff answered condition #1 be further amended and updated by the petitioner and was submitted to reflect the public hearing record and insert a date of May 20, 2013. George Wagner suggested if Commission intends to approve #2, it should be worded otherwise it makes is sound like a future sign. Commissioner Burke wanted to know if the revised standards for conditional uses are part of this. Village of Lombard Page 5 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 Mr. Heniff noted that staff prepared additional items for the record which supplements what the Petitioner originally submitted. Commissioner Burke moves the Plan Commission to accept SPA 13-02 ph subject to the three conditions and staff report. A motion was made by Martin Burke, seconded by Ruth Sweetser, that this petition be approved subject to amended conditions: 1. The petitioner shall develop the site in conformance with the (a.) Sign Plan, prepared by prepared by Starlite Sign, LP and dated 2/8/2013 as well as the amended building signage exhibits updated by the petitioner dated May 20, 2013 and submitted at the Plan Commission public hearing; (b.) Elevations, prepared by Architech Design & Development, Inc. and dated 4/3/2013; and (c.) Site Plan, prepared by Taylor Scott Architects, Inc. and Allen L. Kracower & Associates Inc. and dated 10/13/2000 and modified by Architech Design & Development, Inc., undated and submitted 4/24/2013, and the relief shall be limited as follows: a. The variation from Section 153.505 (B) (19) (a) (i) to allow for two (2) exterior wall signs of up to 300 square feet in area for a commercial property with a single tenant shall be limited to the signs identified on the aforementioned plans as Side (South) Elevation and West Elevation with Channel Letters; and b. The variation from Section 153.505 (B) (19) (a) (ii) to allow for two (2) wall signs per street front exposure shall be limited to the signs identified on the aforementioned plans as Front (East) Elevation and Side (South) Elevation. 2. Installation of any signage on the subject property approved by this petition shall require a building permit. Said permit will be reviewed in connection with the aforementioned conditions; and 3. The petitioner shall satisfactorily address all comments noted within the Inter-Departmental Review Committee Report. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Ronald Olbrysh, Martin Burke, Ruth Sweetser, Andrea Cooper, John Mrofcza, and Stephen Flint Business Meeting The business meeting convened at 8:09 p.m. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Mrofcza and seconded by Flint the minutes of the April 15, 2013 meeting were approved by a 5-0 vote with Commissioner Village of Lombard Page 6 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 Olbrysh abstaining. Public Participation There was no public participation. DuPage County Hearings There were no DuPage County hearings. Chairperson's Report The Chairperson deferred to the Director of Community Development. Planner's Report Mr. Heniff has a number of new individuals he would like to introduce. Tami Urish is filling the Planner I position; she presented one or two petitions in the past. Matt Panfil comes from the Village of Tinley Park and prior to that Teska and Associates. He is filling the Senior Planner position. Jennifer Ganser will be the new Assistant Community Development Director; she worked for Choose DuPage and previously was with the City of Des Plaines. Her specialty is in economic development activities that many are communities facing. Matt has plan commission experience and zoning petitions. In addition, Janet Downer is moving into the Business Licensing Specialist position and Tamara Nowakowski is taking over the activities Janet did in the past. Chairmen Ryan welcomed everyone. Unfinished Business There was no unfinished business. New Business There was no new business. Subdivision Reports There were no subdivision reports. Site Plan Approvals There were no site plan approvals. Village of Lombard Page 7 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 Workshops Mr. Heniff introduced the workshop regarding the Inter-Departmental Review Report Format Update. This is an alternate format for discussion purposes. Staff is trying to amend staff reports to the Planning Commission in a matter that makes it user friendly to find things quickly and make it much more appropriate for the members. Mr. Heniff asked Mr. Panfil to please walk us through some of the changes and then staff will look for direction from the Plan Commission. Mr. Panfil discussed the concept is to make the most important items stand out and provide graphics and other content. A picture speaks 1000 words; staff would like to use graphics as much as possible. The introduction page introduces existing conditions and why the variance is required as well as the background information of the property and petitioner. The existing condition of the site is on the next page and describes the context at the site and the surrounding area. Also, included are analysis of land zoning in a table format, as well as background information on the side, the documents submitted and lot and building requirements. Following that is the review from Village departments and the IDRC committee. Staff will expand on in the future, provide graphic or more detail to help understand information. Next, are the general comments from the Planning Division to include access and circulation, design and materials, structural design, landscape, signage, and zoning ordinance. Finally, staff reviews the zoning ordinance regulations to make sure petitions have caught everything and no additional variations are required while providing the most detailed information on our findings and recommendations. Commissioner Mrofcza noted these are like the Planning Commissions cliff notes; he likes it. Commissioner Sweetser said the report is pleasing to look at because the information is more logical. She added that if the drawings get shrunk down too much technology could be applied to make it more readable. Mr. Panfil noted they can present a PowerPoint detailed image or attach a handout. Village of Lombard Page 8 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 Commissioner Sweetser liked the image but as long as it’s legible. Commissioner Olbrysh liked the format noting it is Commissioner friendly. He liked the graphics and the color. Specifically, he referenced the 1st and 2nd page with the bullets. Looking for the square footage in the staff report he had to go to the attachments to find information, the new format made it much easier to find. Commissioner Flint liked the format. Commissioner Cooper thought the format was outstanding. Commissioner Burke liked the format noting it is easy to follow with all the pictures. He referred to the location of the map on the first page. The map is missing information - no north arrow and roads are not labeled. This is a key part of the process. He enjoys the reports because they always come with some background information but didn’t see this in the sample. He would like to see history. He is all for the new format as long as it comes with a condensed procedure and presentation along with the report. Commissioner Sweetser asked should we consider the conditions attached with this month’s actual report as part of this format. The conditions in the original format, and the responses to the standards were not included. Mr.Panfil said those reports would be included on any future reports. Commissioner Mrofcza noted there is no background information in the original report; perhaps that is why it wasn’t included in the sample. In the staff report the background information is useful to have. Mr.Panfil noted project history will be added in the future. Mr. Heniff summarized the Commissioners review and discussed a new format for all Inter-departmental Review Committee Reports. The Commissioners unanimously supported the proposed new format and offered a few additional suggestions as to the materials they would have to have in such reports. Staff will incorporate the Commissioners comments and will implement in the new format. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Village of Lombard Page 9 Plan Commission Minutes May 20, 2013 ________________________________ Donald F. Ryan, Chairperson Lombard Plan Commission ________________________________ William J. Heniff, AICP, Secretary Lombard Plan Commission Village of Lombard Page 10