Planning and Zoning Board

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 The Niles Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Kanelos asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Present along with Chairman Thomas Kanelos and Village Attorney Joseph Annunzio was Vice-Chairman Karen Dimond, Commissioners Thomas Surace, Angelo Troiani, Barbara Nakanishi, Robert Schulter and Morgan Dubiel. Also present was Charles Ostman, Director of Community Development and Richard Wlodarski, Assistant Director of Community Development. Chairman Kanelos asked if there were any additions, clarifications or corrections to the minutes of October 3, 2011. There was one (1) correction. Commissioner Nakanishi stated on page 1 under NEW BUSINESS, 11-ZP- 16, in brackets it says [LLC Law]; it should say [LCC Law]. There being no other corrections, Chairman Kanelos entertained a motion to approve the corrected minutes. Vice-Chairman Dimond moved to approve the October 3, 2011 minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Dubiel, on roll call the vote was: AYES: 7 Dimond, Surace, Troiani, Nakanishi, Schulter, Dubiel, Kanelos NAYS: 0 There being seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS 11-ZP-20 Kyong Lee 8934 W. Heathwood Circle Niles, IL 60714 Requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(ss) to operate a secondhand store at 8526 W. Golf Road #Q, Niles, IL 60714. Page 1 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 11-ZP-21 Iqbal Ali Jackson Ave Subs, Inc. 120 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60603 Requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(z) for a full service restaurant and to Appendix B Section X (B)(10)(nn) for parking credits at 7165 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL 60714. 11-ZP-22 Tom Moran, Director of Finance Blast Fitness 50 O’Connell Way Taunton, MA 02760 Requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(1) and to determine parking requirement per Section X (B)(10)(mm) to operate a fitness center at 8526 W. Golf Road #T, Niles, IL 60714. Chairman Kanelos called for the first item on the agenda. 11-ZP-20 Kyong Lee 8934 W. Heathwood Circle Niles, IL 60714 Requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(ss) to operate a secondhand store at 8526 W. Golf Road #Q, Niles, IL 60714. Richard Wlodarski stepped to the podium. Legal notice was published for all cases in front of the Board tonight on October 20, 2011 in The Bugle Newspaper. Letters were mailed out to all properties located within 250 ft. of the subject properties. This is case 11-ZP-20, subject property 8526 W. Golf, Unit Q. This particular business is no more than a retail store. It is a second hand store which requires a Special Use per zoning. The main reason for a Special Use is in case the police department wanted to add conditions for an electronics store or jewelry store. In this case it really is just a retail fashion store. This case has been reviewed by the department and they have no objections to it. This Board is a recommending Board to the Board of Trustees on this case. Commissioner Dubiel requested to add the packet as Exhibit I. Page 2 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 Chairman Kanelos stated so noted for 11-ZP-20. Mr. Wlodarski had one correction for the packet. The site plan is correct but the aerial is not. The aerial must have been placed in there accidentally. There were no other questions from the Commissioners for Mr. Wlodarski. There was one comment from the audience. Eric Cha, 8526 W. Golf Rd. Unit R, same mall, stepped to the podium and was sworn in. This was not specifically defined as to what kind of second hand shop it is. He is right next store and runs a department store. He objects to the secondhand retail store. That is his statement. At this time the petitioner stepped to the podium and was sworn in. Kyong Lee, 8934 W. Heathwood Circle, Niles, IL 60714 said she wanted to add this would be a women’s fashion resale boutique. She knows her next door neighbor worries about what she would be selling. It is mostly women’s retail clothing, costume jewelry, shoes and accessories. She has been to his store and doesn’t think there is a crossover in any way. Vice-Chairman Dimond asked where the clothes are coming from. Are they on consignment? Ms. Lee said most of the things are handpicked from resale stores. Right now they would be just reselling. In the future, either buy outright from different customers or consignment. It has not been fully decided yet. Chairman Kanelos asked if there were any other questions from the Commissioners or the public. There were none. At this time he entertained a motion. Vice-Chairman Dimond moved that 11-ZP-20 - Kyong Lee, 8934 W. Heathwood Circle, Niles, IL 60714 - requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(ss) to operate a secondhand store at 8526 W. Golf Road #Q, Niles, IL 60714 be granted and in conjunction with this motion they find this Special Use is necessary for the public convenience; that the public health, safety and welfare will in no way be jeopardized by this store and that it will not cause substantial injury to the value of other property of the neighborhood in which it is located. Seconded by Commissioner Dubiel, on roll call the vote was: Page 3 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 AYES: 7 Dimond, Surace, Troiani, Nakanishi, Schulter, Dubiel, Kanelos NAYS: 0 There being seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. Chairman Kanelos called for the second item on the agenda. 11-ZP-21 Iqbal Ali Jackson Ave Subs, Inc. 120 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60603 Requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(z) for a full service restaurant and to Appendix B Section X (B)(10)(nn) for parking credits at 7165 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL 60714. Mr. Wlodarski presented case 11-ZP-21. Subject property 7165 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL 60714. Staff has been working with the petitioner to get documentation there would be no negative effects for parking concerning the other tenants, being Starbucks and the Vein Center currently in Fountain Plaza. They did submit some information that is in the packets. They were hoping for more detailed information and also working with the landlord who was to deliver information from Starbucks to ease the concerns they may or may not have had. At this time the department does not feel comfortable making a recommendation for approval. But the petitioner said they will be able to provide more information that is not yet in the packet. Hopefully the petitioner will put your mind at ease from this point forward. The department has reviewed it and feels comfortable. The department wanted that extra information they will hopefully provide you tonight. This Board is a recommending Board to the Board of Trustees. Commissioner Schulter asked how much time do you feel the Village needs in order to get this information regarding the parking issue. Mr. Wlodarski said if they would present everything they are required to tonight, he feels there could be a favorable recommendation made right away. Commissioner Surace said he is looking at the layout for all the parking. There are sixteen (16) parking spaces with three (3) more stores to move in. The problem will always be parking and what kind of tenants will apply. Page 4 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 When it snows comes down, you will lose some parking. It would busy with Subway. It is going to be tough. It will be busiest in the afternoons and at night. He sees big problems ahead. Right now sixteen (16) spots does not seem like enough for the workers and others. Mr. Wlodarski said the whole idea behind shared parking is to share while certain stores have peak hours. Chairman Kanelos said let’s ask Mr. Wlodarski questions that are specific to him. When the petitioner comes to the microphone, we can ask those questions specific to the petitioner. Vice-Chairman Dimond verified that Mr. Wlodarski and his staff have not received the detailed information they were waiting for prior to tonight’s meeting. They hope to get this information when the petitioner approaches the podium, correct? Mr. Wlodarski said correct. Vice-Chairman Dimond also said it was mentioned Starbucks has no issues in regard to parking and they were going to send a letter detailing such. Have you received the letter? Mr. Wlodarski said they are working closely with Subway and the landlord. The landlord knows Starbucks well and said he would get a letter or have them here tonight to say basically they have no concerns regarding parking. There was not enough time to get everything together before the Commissioners’ packets went out. Commissioner Troiani wanted to verify the Vein Clinic is going to be at the corner of this center. At the front of this there are only two (2) spaces for handicapped parking. That would normally equal four (4) spaces. He doesn’t think that two (2) handicapped spaces will take care of three (3) stores and the Vein Clinic. Mr. Wlodarski stated it is still the Vein Clinic going in at the corner. Per ADA issues they meet all the requirements for handicapped parking. The petitioner is not going to address any handicapped issues but according to state regulations they are well within their means. Page 5 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 Chairman Kanelos said perhaps we will get these answers from the petitioner. Commissioner Dubiel would like to have the packet the Commissioners received read into the record as Exhibit I for 11-ZP-21. The date on the packet is October 11, 2011. Today is November 7 so a lot of time has elapsed since this packet was put together. To clarify the state rule, as they are granting additional parking variations, does the state rule allow for those to be reduced? As we say we are giving you a free overage – 17% last time with Starbucks. Does this have any effect on handicapped parking per state regulations? Mr. Wlodarski said no. The amount of spots is the amount of spots. Chairman Kanelos asked if there were any other questions for Mr. Wlodarski from the Commissioners or from the audience. There were none. At this time he called the petitioner to the microphone. The following four (4) individuals stepped to the podium and were sworn in. Christine Fink, District Manager, Starbucks, 3317 N. Wolcott, Chicago, IL. Murad Favad, Subway, 124 W. Chicago Ave., Downers Grove, IL. Iqbal Ali, Subway, 8457 N. Drake, Skokie, IL. Paul Kolpak, Attorney, 6767 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL. Mr. Kolpak stated both the landlord and the Village attempted to reach out to Starbucks to get the information but they were not able to get anything in writing. However, tonight they have Ms. Fink who can answer for Starbucks. He also looked into Starbucks testimony of June 6, 2011. Mr. Kolpak then started the questioning of Mr. Favad. Murad Favad is a partner with Iqbal Ali and they own twenty-five (25) Subway stores. The nearest stores are in Niles on Waukegan Road and Harlem and Touhy in Chicago. The Subway at Touhy and Harlem is in a strip center. There are approximately thirty-eight (38) parking spaces. In addition to Subway there is a Mexican restaurant, a Thai restaurant, a Dunkin’ Donuts, a cell phone store, a deli shop and mail box place. They have done well at that location. The location at Touhy and Milwaukee is a better location than where they are now at Touhy and Harlem. The ingress and egress is better for their consumers than the existing location. Parking is ample. Starbucks parking is typically utilized in the morning and they Page 6 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 have a drive thru. They are not worried about opening next to Starbucks. He feels they help each other out. Starbucks is busiest in the morning; Subway at lunchtime and early evening. Typical Subway hours are from 7 a.m until midnight. Subway used to open at 9 a.m. and they would staff people earlier to bake the bread, cut the vegetables, etc. Corporate made a business decision to start opening at 7 a.m. and offer breakfast since the store is already staffed. They don’t necessarily do a lot more business in the morning; but it gets them ready for the lunch business. It also gives them some catering business in the morning for later day delivery. They have maybe four to ten (4-10) customers in the morning. Not many at all. There would be approximately fifteen (15) employees. There are between four to six (4-6) at any one shift. Employees typically come from within the area. They anticipate $500,000 annually in sales. Chairman Kanelos said you stated there are approximately four to ten (4-10) customers in the morning. However in the letter we received it states Monday through Friday breakfast customers typically number thirty-two (32). Mr. Favad said that would be thirty-two (32) sandwiches. A typical customer comes in and gets more than one (1) sandwich. It is not necessarily one customer per one sandwich. The same thing applies to lunch and dinner. Commissioner Dubiel verified they are moving the Chicago store [Touhy and Harlem] to Niles [Touhy and Milwaukee]. Is there any employee parking policy at the existing store? Mr. Favad said their policy is if the store is in a strip center, the employees should park the farthest away from the store so customers can park in front. However, the majority of the employees take public transportation. Commissioner Troiani said the Village staff was requesting more detailed information on hourly count and breakdown of carryout vs. sit-down business. Do you have that information? Mr. Kolpak said he thought that was more of a Starbucks issue. That is what they are waiting for. Mr. Wlodarski said there was more of a concern the way it was broken down; it was kind of vague from 11 to 12 noon, 12 noon to 1, 1 to 2. Most parking Page 7 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 studies he reads are broken down by the hour along with what percentages would be carryout or sit-down. Sit-down is more crucial than carryout. Mr. Favad said the busiest time is typically 12 to 1:30 – lunch is their peak time. 70% of their business is carryout. Seating is minimal – approximately eighteen to twenty (18-20). Between 12 to 1:30 is about 30% of their business. The next busiest time would be between 5:30 and 7:30. That would also be about 30%. The rest is scattered throughout the day. The early morning is a lot of catering business. A typical size catering order is a platter – could be seven (7) sandwiches or a party sub, depending on how many people they are feeding at the office. That would bring it to about eighteen (18) sandwiches per catering order. Then they have chips and drinks. It is not an order they get every day, but at least three (3) times a week. Commissioner Dubiel asked Mr. Kolpak about the letter from Subway’s leasing agent, Marina Kontogiannis. She gathered the information from Subway’s experience in general. On page 2 they list thirty-two (32) customers, one hundred thirty-five (135) customers, sixty-five (65) customers but Mr. Favad said the count really isn’t customers but a sandwich count. Mr. Kolpak stated yes, that is correct. Commissioner Dubiel had another question regarding Starbucks. In our packet it says specifically you were going to get a letter from Starbucks saying they had no issues. Mr. Kolpak said that is why Christine Fink is here. This is because no one could get any information in time for tonight’s meeting. He then stated on June 6, 2011 Starbucks was before this Board and said approximately 65% of their business is drive thru. It was also said the peak time was between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and approximately 50% of their business is done during this time. Ms. Fink said the number is actually higher. They expect it to be 75% drive thru business. And the peak time percentage could be 60% by 9:30 a.m. There really is no next busiest time. It is from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. when they have two hundred (200) cars going through the drive thru. The rest of the day is scattered. Page 8 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 Mr. Kolpak asked if Starbucks has a problem being next door to Subway. Ms. Fink said they would not be considered a rival. She views it as more complimentary. A typical Subway customer would come to Starbucks afterward to get a coffee or a treat. Subway would not interfere at all. Chairman Kanelos said they are not really concerned if Subway and Starbucks are in competition. The Board’s concern is just parking. Ms. Fink said she does not see a problem with Subway’s parking. Commissioner Surace said these things take time and one car is parked there and goes into the other store – this could really be a backup. Mr. Kolpak said Niles has always been very good at this the concept of shared parking. That is why it is important to have Starbucks here tonight. They say 75% of their customers are going to go through the drive thru. The bulk of their business is between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m.; Subway will have their smallest customer count at that time. Commissioner Surace is concerned about winter coming. Snow is on the ground; there are snowbanks. It is a very narrow area and if someone is lingering and their car stalls, what will you do. Both businesses will be affected. He needs more clarification. Commissioner Schulter directed his question to Ms. Fink. Starbucks has been open one (1) month. How many people are actually on staff from open until closing? Ms. Fink said in the morning there are about six (6) people; after that between three and four (3 - 4). Commissioner Schulter then asked Mr. Favad how many are on his staff. Mr. Favad replied during lunchtime there would be four to six (4 - 6) people. In the morning, one to two (1 - 2) people. Commissioner Schulter said that since this corner is so new for these types of businesses, they really need to analyze the parking situation. He feels parking could be a complete nightmare. Page 9 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 Mr. Kolpak said the problem is you can’t get a parking study because there is nothing to count. Commissioner Schulter asked if there were video cameras on the building. Mr. Kolpak said not on the outside. If they went to Gewalt Hamilton and asked for a traffic analysis for a store that is not open and one that is open, he doesn’t know how they could do that. Commissioner Dubiel said in Mr. Kolpak’s defense having gone by Starbucks at all hours of the day, the drive thru is heavily used but not a lot of cars parked. He then asked Ms. Fink how many stores she was in charge of. She replied thirteen (13). Is this situation unique or common to others? Ms. Fink replied in her district there are only two (2) in Des Plaines which are a different customer base. It is a lot of commuters going to the airport. But they do have locations with Potbelly’s next door and there is no real issue with parking. Commissioner Dubiel said when they developed the 65% estimate for that morning business you were surprised that number was too low for the drive thru. Ms. Fink said in her experience in her district they are between 50 and 55% drive thru at the peak hours but knew this would be higher because of the location of Touhy and Milwaukee. It has exceeded expectations. Commissioner Dubiel once again asked if she thought Subway would cause Starbucks any problems in terms of parking. Ms. Fink said no because most of their own business is drive thru. If they do come in it is a quick visit. They are open until 10 p.m. By 1:00 about 75% of the business has already been in. Very little parking is used by Starbucks customers. Vice-Chairman Dimond said Starbucks serves sandwiches and salads, correct? Ms. Fink said yes but it is not their biggest sellers. They have the food Page 10 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 delivered so it is not prepared fresh like Subway. Vice-Chairman Dimond asked the Subway people about anticipated revenue. Is it correct it would be over $500,000 for the year for this new location? What is the revenue for the current location at Touhy & Harlem? Do you expect a comparable increase in traffic at this new location? Mr. Favad said $300,000. It is safe to say an increase, yes, but probably not quite double. In regard to parking at the old location, he said there are about thirty-eight (38) spaces for eleven (11) shops. Commissioner Surace once again expressed concern over the drive thru and if a car were to get stuck. Chairman Kanelos stated the drive thru is what it is; that was settled when the permit was given to Starbucks. He then clarified: Starbucks – 65% of their business is in the morning; 75% is drive thru. There are six (6) employees in the morning hours – four (4) park on site and two (2) take public transportation. Subway – two (2) employees maximum in the morning; 10% - 15% of business in the morning with the majority of the business in the afternoon. Therefore Subway will be doing 90% of their business when Starbucks is doing 35% of theirs. Commissioner Dubiel asked Mr. Favad for his experience during the winter. It is a concern the Board had previously in this parking lot. How was it for him at his current location? Mr. Favad said in the winter months their sales dip down because of serving cold sandwiches. During spring, summer and fall is when they do the majority of their business. They don’t have a lot of traffic during the winter months. They do more catering business during that time because of Christmas and football season. Commissioner Dubiel asked to speak to the owner of the mall in regard to snow removal. Jim Kozonis, 1715 Sunset Ln., Bannockburn, IL stepped to the podium and was sworn in. The maintenance and snow removal will be handled by him. They have bobcats and trucks to move the snow off site if necessary. He cannot afford to block parking spaces with snow. He maintains and manages Page 11 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 over seventy-five (75) locations; that includes landscaping, snow removal, sealing of the parking lots every year, maintaining roofs and HVAC units. Vice-Chairman Dimond said there are still three (3) other units at the corner out-building of Touhy and Milwaukee that are vacant. Do you have any potential tenants? Chairman Kanelos corrected Ms. Dimond saying the Vein Clinic is taking two (2) spaces so that will leave only one (1) unoccupied. Mr. Kozonis said there is nothing signed yet. Chairman Kanelos asked if there were any questions from the public. There were none. Vice-Chairman Dimond asked Mr. Wlodarski if Midwest Vein received any variance on the parking. He said no. It was only Starbucks that needed the variance. Mr. Ostman said his only reservation was a sense of comfort with Starbucks. He wanted to cover all bases and that is why he didn’t put in a recommendation. He was unable to get documentation and a letter from Starbucks in advance. However, he is very comfortable with the testimony that was offered tonight in granting this Special Use for Subway at this location. Chairman Kanelos entertained a motion. Commissioner Dubiel moved that 11-ZP-21, Iqbal Ali, Jackson Ave Subs, Inc., 120 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60603 - requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(z) for a full service restaurant and to Appendix B Section X (B)(10)(nn) for parking credits at 7165 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL 60714 be approved. The Special Use is necessary for the public convenience. The public health, safety and welfare will in no way be jeopardized; that the Special Use will not cause any substantial injury to the value of other property in the neighborhood in which it is located. Page 12 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 Seconded by Commissioner Surace, on roll call the vote was: AYES: 6 Dimond, Surace, Nakanishi, Schulter, Dubiel, Kanelos NAYS: 1 Troiani There being six (6) affirmative votes the motion carried. Chairman Kanelos called for the final item on the agenda. 11-ZP-22 Tom Moran, Director of Finance Blast Fitness 50 O’Connell Way Taunton, MA 02760 Requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(1) and to determine parking requirement per Section X (B)(10)(mm) to operate a fitness center at 8526 W. Golf Road #T, Niles, IL 60714. Mr. Wlodarski presented case 11-ZP-22, subject property 8526 W. Golf Rd., Unit T. This is to operate a health club type of business. There is no indication in the zoning code for anything to do with parking for this type of business. The department felt a parking study was in order due to the make up of this mall. There are a lot of different businesses including WalMart and a lot of outbuildings. Manhard Consulting did a parking study for this particular mall. When it was all said and done, the Village feels very comfortable with the study. There is shared parking with all these different businesses and it seems to work very well. There is also a substantial amount of parking behind this proposed facility. It is pavement, unmarked and unstriped but in the future could be used if necessary. The department feels very comfortable with this case. This Board is a recommending Board to the Board of Trustees for this matter. Chairman Kanelos asked if there were questions for Mr. Wlodarski. Vice-Chairman Dimond asked if the additional parking is to the north of the site. Mr. Wlodarski said yes. Vice-Chairman Dimond asked if there is an entrance or exit planned on the north side of the building. Page 13 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 Mr. Wlodarski said he believes there is a rear exit. This is just an observation should there be parking issues down the road. Chairman Kanelos requested this packet be entered into the record as Exhibit I for 11-ZP-22. There were no further questions from the Commissioners for Mr. Wlodarski. There were no questions from the public. The Chairman called for the petitioner. Steven J. Borghie, 70 Timber Ridge Rd., Alton Bay, NH stepped to the podium and was sworn in. He said they run a full functioning health club facility with treadmills, cardio, select rise equipment, group classes for yoga, pilates, daycare, women’s only areas, locker rooms with showers, saunas and spinning. Their market goes from eighteen (18) year olds to nineties. They run a $10 model which is high functionality. For $10 a month you get to use all the cardio, all the select rise equipment. For $20 a month you get to use all that plus group exercise, spinning, tanning, half off cooler drinks and you get to bring a friend for free. They target the forgotten majority – folks coming in that can’t afford $40 or $50 per month. They aren’t a sales model. They don’t get you in there for $10 or $20 and chase you around to try and sell a better package. They are in the service business, not the sales business. Their culture is unique to the industry. To work there you have to be happy. The staff has to smile, say hi, be friendly. Each person who works in the day care area is CPR certified. Typically it is one (1) or two (2) staff members. It can increase to three (3) on a Monday or Tuesday night which are the busiest times. Daycare is spacious. There are windows so people can see their children. All employees have background checks. There are staff meetings on a bi-weekly basis so they all know what is going on in daycare. They expect the clientele [because of the price point] to travel from ten to twelve (10 to 12) miles away. This model is built on the east coast and is unfamiliar to this area. But you will find it will become more popular as they expand in the Chicago area. The first one opened in the Chicagoland area was in Bridgeview in August, 2011. It is doing extremely well. They have ten (10) clubs ready to develop by January, 2012; then about twenty to twenty- five (20 – 25) within the next year. They look to Chicago as about one hundred to one hundred twenty-five (100 – 125) clubs in the area in the next five (5) years. They are open twenty-four (24) hours. There is always staff on duty. Even though they don’t get that many people during the night, they stay open for fire and police personnel. 68% of the members are women. It is not an aggressive place; there are rules and regulations. No grunting; no offensive language; no chalk; no slimming weights; none of the dumbbells are Page 14 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 over eighty (80) pounds. It is not a gym, it is a health club. Typically there are sixty to seventy (60 – 70) employees meaning about fifteen (15) employees per shift. They like local employees. There are camera systems in place for safety, especially during overnight hours. The doors are not locked; they never have a woman work the night shift. Commissioner Troiani asked if he realized there is an exercise place at nearby at Maryland and Milwaukee Avenues. Mr. Borghie said yes. Commissioner Troiani asked if there are classes. Mr. Borghie said yes, approximately fifty (50) classes per week. It is a different clientele; no one is competing for body building. They aren’t looking for model programs; it is more health conscious. Commissioner Surace told Mr. Borghie he is a physical specimen and looks like a bulletin board for fitness. He likes the plan and thinks it will be extremely popular in this area. Commissioner Dubiel asked how many stores they have on the east coast. Mr. Borghie said thirty (30). They’d like to open over one hundred (100) stores in this area in the next five (5) years. Right now they are looking to develop on the west coast as well. Commissioner Nakanishi had a question regarding the locker rooms. In the plans you show benches in the men’s locker room but don’t show any in the women’s locker room. Chairman Kanelos said that is just informational purposes. Mr. Ostman will take that up when they go through compliance of all the codes. Commissioner Surace asked how wide are the lockers. Mr. Borghie said they are good size. Chairman Kanelos asked if there were any other questions from the Commissioners or the public. There were none. He then entertained a Page 15 of 16  APPROVED MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLAN COMMISSION AND ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VILLAGE OF NILES COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS November 7, 2011 motion. Commissioner Dubiel moved that 11-ZP-22, Tom Moran, Director of Finance Blast Fitness, 50 O’Connell Way, Taunton, MA 02760 - requesting approval of a Special Use to Appendix B Section VIII (B)(3)(1) and to determine parking requirement per Section X (B)(10)(mm) to operate a fitness center at 8526 W. Golf Road #T, Niles, IL 60714 be approved. This Special Use is necessary for the public convenience. The public health, safety and welfare will in no way be jeopardized; that the Special Use will not cause any substantial injury to the value of other property in the neighborhood in which it is located. Seconded by Commissioner Surace, on roll call the vote was: AYES: 7 Dimond, Surace, Troiani, Nakanishi, Schulter, Dubiel, Kanelos NAYS: 0 There being seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. Chairman Kanelos then entertained a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Dubiel moved to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Surace, on roll call the vote was: AYES: 7 Dimond, Surace, Troiani, Nakanishi, Schulter, Dubiel, Kanelos. NAYS: 0 There being seven (7) affirmative votes the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Kathleen Janessa, Recording Secretary Page 16 of 16