Plan Commission

APPROVED: 11/21/2024 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Date: November 7, 2024 Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, Council Chambers PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Paul Luke - Chair Jeff Burman, Vice-Chair, Sigalle Shpayher, Scott Berman, Erica Crohn-Minchella Cindy Franklin, Vijai Gupta, and Ross Mathee PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Tali Gevaryahu STAFF PRESENT: Tyler Kobylski, Asst Corp. Counsel, Kate Portillo, Planning Manager, Mike Voitik, Planning Coordinator, and Marlene Bargamian, Admin Asst (I) CALL TO ORDER A quorum being present, Chair Luke called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. As Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director, was not present, Kate Portillo, Planning Manager was acting as staff liaison. (II) APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2024 meeting was made by Commissioner Scott Berman and seconded by Commissioner Jeff Burman. Ayes: Unanimous voice vote. The motion passes. (III) RULING ON NOTICE Assistant Corporation Counsel Kobylski determined that notice was proper and correct. (IV) CASE DESCRIPTIONS Case 2024-35P – Site Plan Approval: 9300-9310 and 9440 Kenton Avenue Trustees of Schools Township 41 North Range 13, on behalf of School District #68, requests site plan approval in order to construct an addition to Old Orchard Junior High School that will serve as the new location of the Early Learning Center for Skokie School District 68, along with new drop and pick up lanes on # 623107 Plan Commission meeting minutes November 7, 2024  APPROVED: 11/21/2024 the east and west sides of the addition, stormwater detention, and reconfigured surface parking lots in an R1 Single-Family zoning district, and any relief that may be discovered during the review of this case. PINs: 10-15-116-014-0000 and 10-15-116-015-0000 Mr. Scott Kuehn, architect from STR Partners, presented the case. He introduced Mr. Steve Gregory, civil and landscape engineer, and Dr. Scott Grens, Superintendent of School District 68 who were available to answer any questions from the commissioners. The school population at the existing early learning center within Old Orchard Junior High School has increased and is above capacity. In order to meet current and future needs, they are proposing a 1-story addition at the north end of the building. The addition will be comprised of 7 new classrooms; 5 of which will be returned for use by the junior high students (STEM/Make-It Lab, multipurpose room, admin & teacher services space and a common area for collaborative learning). Other site improvements will be a new playground for the new Early Learning Center, stormwater management, site lighting and reconfigured parking. As there are no changes to the use of the site, minimal changes to the traffic patterns are contemplated. There will be an increase in parking spaces with separate drop-off areas for private vehicles and buses on the west side for the junior high school and a separate main entrance on the east side for drop off & pick-up for the early learning center. An audio problem at the podium was discovered that needed attention. A short recess was called at 7:38 pm to resolve the issue. Back on the record at 7:40 pm and Mr. Kuehn was asked to repeat his presentation. Scott Berman questioned if the addition would negatively affect the number of parking spaces. To the contrary, there will be an increase of 8 parking lot spaces north of the admin building. There will also be an increase in bike parking racks near the front entrance of the junior high school building. Mike Voitik, Planning Coordinator, requested the staff report be accepted into the record as written. Staff is supportive of the project and reviewed their recommendations and positive findings of fact. Ordinance 18-10-Z-4414 from a past site plan approval case regarding the installation of ground signs will be repealed with pertinent conditions and drawings carried over to a new ordinance. In their written comments, Forestry is requesting the applicant consider planting additional shade trees in various areas; 5 shade trees along the north side of the addition; 3 trees on the west side of the new playground; and along the west side of the Old Orchard Junior High building. # 623107 Plan Commission meeting minutes November 7, 2024  APPROVED: 11/21/2024 Scott Berman asked about stormwater detention. For this project, the stormwater detention will be located under the new parking lot. In closing, the petitioner believes that the project will have a positive impact on the neighborhood and be a resource for the community. Dr. Grens stated they will consider the additional plantings and Mr. Gregory added that they will work with staff on best locations for the trees. Kate Portillo added that there were no public comments received. (V) RECOMMENDATIONS AND VOTING Case 2024-35P A motion was made to approve the request for site plan approval in order to construct an addition to Old Orchard Junior High School that will serve as the new location of the Early Learning Center for Skokie School District 68. Motion: J. Burman Second: C. Franklin Ayes: 8 Nays: 0 (VI) ITEMS FOR COMMUNICATION The next Plan Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:30 pm. (VII) ADJOURNMENT Chair Luke adjourned the meeting at 8:06 PM. Respectfully submitted, Marlene Bargamian, Administrative Asst. # 623107 Plan Commission meeting minutes November 7, 2024