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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2006-2008CITY OF EVANSTON CITY -NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2006 Members Present: Alderman Wollin, Robert Atkins, David DRAFT Schoenfeld, Gene Sunshine, Ronald Naylor Staff Present: James Wolinski Others Present: Alderman Tisdahl, Lucille Krasnow, Bill Smith, Bob Sidenberg Presiding Official: Alderman Wollin DECLARATION OF A OUORUM Alderman Wollin declared that a quorum was present and called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The minutes of the meeting of November 10, 2005, were moved, seconded, and unanimously approved. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Alderman Wollin began the meeting by asking Mr. Sunshine if he could provide any updated information for the Committee. Mr. Sunshine stated that under agenda item #1 there was no new items to discuss, but that under agenda item #2, he wished Mr. Naylor to respond to a new project. Mr. Naylor stated that the University was in the very early planning stages of expanding the student health center at the Searle building. A 15,000 square ft. addition at the east end of the health center was being considered. The addition would be approximately two and one half levels above grade. The University had just hired the architectural firm of OWP&P, but at this time, there were no plans or drawings to present. He stated that somewhere between 16-20 parking spaces would be lost due to the addition being constructed over existing parking. Mr. Naylor emphasized that the University was adding 200 more parking spaces east of Sheridan Road at the site of the former observatory. Mr. Atkins asked who used the spaces that would be eliminated. Mr. Naylor responded that they were used by faculty and staff. He further stated that he did not believe that a variation would be needed. Mr. Atkins questioned Mr. Sunshine if the University was interested in the acquisition of the Kendall College property. Mr. Sunshine answered no. He further stated that Kendall College had come after the University hard to purchase the Kendall site, as did the current owner Smithfield. Mr. Sunshine reiterated that the University had no interest in the Kendall property. Mr. Atkins and Mr. Schoenfeld both asked about the Roycemore school site. Mr. Sunshine responded that that the lease on the Roycemore property was not up until 2014, and that the University had not conducted any studies or had any plans for the site at this time. Mr. Schoenfeld asked if the University had talked conceptually about Roycemore? Mr. Sunshine stated that whatever use contemplated would be compatible with the neighborhood. Mr. Atkins asked about the current use of the Transportation Center. Mr. Sunshine responded that the Center's use was being used within the uses permitted by the zoning ordinance. Mr. Naylor stated that the classroom was only used by executives, not students. Mr. Atkins asked if University officials had discussed any zoning changes in the T1,T2, or U1 Districts with any elected City officials. Mr. Sunshine responded that he did not recall any discussions. Mr. Schoenfeld asked if any discussions took place with City officials concerning the aforementioned zoning districts. Mr. Sunshine responded no. Mr. Schoenfeld stated that at their last meeting Mr. Sunshine had mentioned that the University would make an announcement in December of 2005, concerning a possible parking deck east of Sheridan Road. Mr. Sunshine responded that there had been no announcement, and that the increase in construction costs was the reason for the delay. Discussion then turned to the possibility of some additional parking being added in the vicinity of the tennis courts on Sheridan Road. Mr. Sunshine responded that the Parking Committee had brought this issue up, but he responded that the University had not seriously considered this. The issue of Long Field was raised. Mr. Sunshine stated that long Field would remain a baseball, soccer, and recreational field. There being no further discussion, Mr. Wolinski stated that the committee's next scheduled meeting is May 18, 2006. Mr. Naylor requested that that meeting be moved to June, because he expected to have further information on the health center addition at that time. The Committee agreed to move the meeting to June 22, 2006. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm. Respectfully Submitted, James M. Wolinski CITY OF EVANSTON CITY -NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF JUNE 22, 2006 Members Present: Alderman Wollin, David Schoenfeld, Gene Sunshine, Peter Lobin, and Ron Nayler Staff Present: Carlos D. Ruiz Others Present: Alderman Tisdahl, Jeanne Lindwall, Eli Wolf, Mimi Peterson, Bill Smith, and Bob Seidenberg. Presiding Official: Alderman Wollin DECLARATION OF QUORUM Alderman Wollin declared a quorum of five committee members present (Wollin, Schoenfeld, Sunshine, Lobin, and Nayler) and called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Ron Nayler moved for approval of the March 20, 2006 minutes with the correction of the spelling of his last name. Gene Sunshine seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 5 ayes, 0 nays. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Committee Members Term Limits David Schoenfeld asked about setting term limits for neighborhood representatives as members of the City/Northwestem University Committee. Alderman Wollin said this issue was discussed at two public meetings of the Rules Committee (March 6 and April 3, 2006). She added no discussion took place about term limits in closed session of the City Council. I. The University's proposed demolition of existing structures on, and/or new construction of plans for, the University's current T1 and T2 District properties and the Universities current U1 District properties. Gene Sunshine informed the Committee there is little to report in regard to the expansion of the Searle Health Center. Ron Nayler said the Student Affairs Office is in the process of re- examining the project, reason why the architect's work is currently on hold. A decision is expected sometime in September or October 2006. In response to a question from Jeanne Lindwall, Mr. Nayler said the University is considering extending parking on the east side of Sheridan Road. Mr. Sunshine said the University is considering the construction of a multi -level parking garage west of the Aquatic Center on the University campus and close to a concentration of University offices. The new garage would have approximately 1,500 parking spaces. Peter Lobin asked if the University had any plans for parking on Maple and Foster. Mr. Sunshine said the University had no immediate plans for a new garage in the referenced area. Regarding parking needs, Alderman Wollin said there are limits established for student parking. Mr. Nayler said students, faculty and staff living between Sheridan on the east to Sherman on the west, Central on the north and Lake on the south, are generally not allow to park in the University parkins designated areas during normal business hours. Mr. Lobin asked how many parking spaces would be eliminated for the construction of the new garage. Mr. Nayler said between 350 to 400 parking spaces. The new garage foot print could include 200 surface parking spaces, but the new garage will accommodate 1,200 to 1,400 new parking spaces. II. Any other issues relating to planning, land use, building and zoning pertaining to the University's current T1 and T2 District properties and the University's current U1 District Properties. In response to a question from Mr. Schoenfeld, Mr. Sunshine said that the University would use the newly acquired building at 1945 Orrington for staff family housing. There are no plans to tear the building down, nor any other future plans. Mr. Schoenfeld maintained that 1945 Orrington should be part of the discussion in the spirit of the Consent Decree. Mr. Sunshine disagreed and listed three reasons why: 1) It is not in the purview of the Consent Decree 2) The former owner of the property speci fically asked NU not to talk about it publicly at all, and 3) Future acquisitions are not covered in the Consent Decree. Mr. Schoenfeld disagreed with Mr. Sunshine's understanding of the Consent Decree. Alderman Wollin said the City's Corporation Counsel legal opinion is that future acquisitions are not covered in the Consent Decree. Alderman Tisdahl agreed that disclosure of future acquisitions could improve CityfUniversity relations, but concurred with Alderman Wollin's comment about the issue. Mr. Lobin asked Mr. Sunshine how the University and the neighbors could build more trust of each other. Mr. Sunshine said there are many other ways the University is building the community's trust. Mr. Sunshine maintained that the Consent Decree is a legal document and as such could not be altered. Mr. Schoenfeld believed the University could be more forthcoming with information affecting the neighborhood. Committee members disagreed on the scope of the Consent Decree. Mimi Peterson said the University should disclosed future acquisitions in the Tl and T2 districts. Alderman Wollin said the Consent Decree establishes that there is no need to disclose future acquisitions. Eli Wolf of 634 Foster said he could not believe the former owner of 1945 Orrington was not able to talk about the sale of the property. He said that his property would be adversely affected by the University's acquisition of 1945 Orrington. Mr. Sunshine told Mr. Wolf that the University will be a good neighbor. Mr. Nayler added the University has taken care of Mr. Wolfs wife concerns about its property. Mr. Wolf acknowledged that was true, but he maintained that as an Evanston resident he was not being treated fairly. Mr. Schoenfeld said the University is consolidating lots in the T1 and T2 districts and that falls under the Consent Decree. Mr. Sunshine disagreed with Mr. Schoenfeld. Committee members discussed neighborhood/studcnt parking and construction for sewer improvements. Mr. Nayler said the sewer work is scheduled to take place during the school year. Alderman Wollin said overnight parking would not be allowed during construction. Mr. Nayler asked about City plans for a bike plan along Sheridan. Alderman Wallin said she understood that the City would use the public right of away to accommodate a biking path. Committee members agreed that a bike path on Sheridan was a safety issue of concern. Committee members asked staff to check on future meeting dates that might have been set by the Committee. They suggested September 21 or 28 for the next Committee if a date had not been already set, They also requested staff to provide the Committee with the bike route on Sheridan and the overall bike plan for the City. With no further issues to discuss the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Carlos D. Ruiz Date Approved: September 21, 2006 .IWMMI� ,r �,_ :Z ., _ .. -�. _ - - .. '%��'�, S'r,�'rci2-_'.-1.i� s•r-.Ir r14.}�r� CITY OF EVANSTON CITY -NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 Members Present: Alderman Cheryl Wallin, David Schoenfeld, Gene Sunshine, Peter Lobin, and Ron Nayler Staff Present: Carlos D. Ruiz Others Present: Alderman Tisdahl, Jeanne Lind -mall, Lucile Krasnow, and Judy Berg Presiding Official: Alderman Wollin DECLARATION OF QUORUM Alderman Wollin declared a quorum of five committee members present (Wollin, Schoenfeld, Sunshine, Lobin, and Nayler) and called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Carlos Ruiz distributed a draft of the June 22, 2006 minutes and highlighted the corrections received by staff. Ron Nayler moved for approval of the June 22, 2006 minutes as corrected. Gene Sunshine seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 5 ayes, 0 nays. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION David Schoenfeld asked if the University has a designated person for community issues. Mr. Sunshine said Lucile Krasnow is the University's community liaison and that periodically site and other Northwestern University staff held neighborhood meetings, Mr. Schoenfeld asked who are the neighbors being involved? Alderman Wollin said residents from the 50', 7`" and I" wards are represented. Regarding the property at 1945 Orrington Mr, Schoenfeld asked if the University had requested the owners not to discuss the future of the property. Mr. Sunshine said the owners of the property initiated the request not to discuss the issue. 1. The University's proposed demolition of existing structures on, and/or new construction of plans for, the University's current T1 and T2 District properties and the Universities current U1 District properties. Ron Nayler said regarding the Searle Health Center, the Director of Health Services has requested program changes. The architects are on hold to work out the program changes, Peter Lobin asked about the expansion plans for the Searle Health Center. Mr. Nayler said the expansion would include the east end of the existing building; it would then have the same width towards the alley. The expansion would go further north of the existing City -Northwestern University Committee September 21, 2006 — Minutes Page 2 building. The front on Emerson would remain the same. The building height is 11' to 12' (floor to floor) and would not to exceed 36' in height. Mr. Schoenfeld asked if any future plans for 1945 Orrington would be disclosed. Mr. Sunshine said he was not aware of any new plans for the building. Mr. Schoenfeld said Mr. Eli Wolf, the neighbor, needs to know of any future plans. Mr. Sunshine said there are no plans. In fact, University Librarian lives in the house now. He said the University will continue adhering to the Consent Decree in that regard. Ill. Any other issues relating to planning, land use, building and zoning pertaining to the University's current Tl and T2 District properties and the University's current U1 District Properties. Gene Sunshine said he had nothing to discuss on this item. Regarding bike lanes, Alderman Wollin said the City was not ready yet for the expansion of new bike lanes along Sheridan Road. She said there were no plants to expand the bike lanes onto the University's property. Committee members concurred that the likelihood of widening Sheridan Road for bike lanes was unlikely. The Committee discussed potential dates for the next Committee meeting. Mr. Sunshine said he would like to have a meeting if there is content to be discussed. Mr. Schoenfeld said he would prefer to have a meeting regularly and not in another four months. The Committee agreed to tentatively schedule the next meeting on November 16, 2006. Staff will contact all Committee members to confirm the meeting. With no further issues to discuss Mr. Sunshine moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Peter Lobin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Vote; 5 ayes, 0 nays Respectfully Submitted: Carlos D. Ruiz Senior Planner CITY OF EVANSTON CITY -NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF AUGUST 16, 2007 Members Present: Alderman Cheryl Wollin, Ron Nayler, and Peter Lobin Staff Present: Carlos D. Ruiz Others present: Jay Baehr, Jeanne Lindwall, and Diane Korling. Presiding Official: Alderman Cheryl Wollin DECLARATION OF QUORUM Alderman Wollin called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. without a quorum. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION I. Searle Health Center Addition — 633 Emerson Street (Presentation) Jay Baehr of Northwestern University Facilities Management showed a model and drawings of the proposed 3-story addition to the 1963 building at 633 Emerson Street (Searle Hall). He said the addition is to the east of Searle Hail and it will be on the current parking lot abutting Emerson Street. The current parking will be transferred to other nearby Northwestern University parking locations. The proposed addition has an exterior brick finish which is compatible with the architecture and building materials of Searle Hall. The main entrance is on Emerson Street and there is an accessibility ramp to the main entrance from the alley on the cast side. Also, as part of the renovations to the existing Searle Hall they will add shades to its south elevation. The proposed setback on the cast property line adjacent to the alley is 10' (where S' setback is required) with some green areas against the building. Peter Lobin asked what the alley is used for. Ron Nayler said the alley serves to access two garages and a parking lot east of the alley. Diane Korling suggested this is an opportunity to improve access to the kitchen of the Foster/Walker building and clean up the alley. J. Baehr said there are four utility poles that will be moved for construction. Also, there is an underground line for Comcast. He said construction bids are expected in February 2008 and construction is expected to begin in March 2008. R. Nayler said the current functions at 633 Emerson Street will be transferred to the new addition. ',y.4 _ .. - - •, :•v.,,::. .-'e. ,t id'i/:s7'. Tr; �} �tiri.�,?h•;ki � - — , - .. �• a/:f.F�„ r ,�'t i.. ",' ii�t, P. Lobin asked about the functions on the addition. R. Nayler said the l' and 2id floors are for personnel offices and doctors' exam moms. The 3`d floor is for the Life Skills Center functions. D. Korling asked when the construction Mll begin. J. Baehr said excavation is expected to begin in spring 2008. Jean Lindwall expressed concerns %Nith beginning daily construction too early in the morning. She said construction crews have started as early as 5:30 a.m. R. Nayler said to report those incidents to the University if they happen again. I Baehr said the project has been in front of the Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee (SPAARC) for concept review, the zoning application for review has been submitted and they expect to go back to SPAARC for preliminary review in the near future. With no further issues to discuss the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Carlos D. Ruiz Senior Planner Approved: October 23, 2007 TII. 3; , . - — . . ,. . - •; 4': yi + 7.iyi, .yt,rl `cr"�)i: !i CITY OF EVANSTON CITY -NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE CIVIC CENTER _ROOM 2200 MINUTES OF OCTOBER 16, 2008 — 7:30 p.m. Members Present: Alderman Cheryl Wallin, Eugene Sunshine, Ron Nayler, David Schoenfeld, and Peter Lobin Others Present: James Webster, Ricardo Dumont, and Evanston Residents Presiding Official: Alderman Cheryl Wallin Staff Present: Carlos D. Ruiz DECLARATION OF OUORUM Alderman Cheryl Wollin, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. with a quorum of five members present (Eugene Sunshine, Ron Nayler, David Schoenfeld, and Peter Lobin), APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 23.2007 MEETING MINUTES Ron Naylor moved to approve the October 23, 2007 minutes. David Schoenfeld seconded the motion. The motion passed. Vote: 5 ayes, 0 nays, ITEM FOR DISCUSSION I. The University's proposed demolition of existing structures on, and/or new construction plans for, the University's current T1 and T2 District properties and the University's current U1 District properties. Searle Health Center Addition — 633 Emerson Street (Update) Result: Ron Naylor said the project is moving forward, bids were received and a contract awarded. The application for building permit is in process and construction is expected to begin in November 2008. The overhead Comed electric lines have been removed; the parking lot has been vacated. The next step is to move people from their offices to begin the renovation of the building II. Any other issues relating to planning, land use, building and zoning pertaining to the University's current Tl and T2 District properties and the University's current Ul District Properties. 629 Haven Street (Update) Result: Ron Naylor said the project to renovate the house to be used as office space (special use) is on hold. They are currently looking at the structural conditions of the building and the financing of the proposed renovation. 111. "Presentation of its Framework Plan by the Evanston Campus Planning Advisory Committee of Northwestern University." Result: James Webster, Northwestern University's faculty member, with the School of Communication. J. Webster said the planning process began in 2002 with the participation of faculty, staff and administration personnel. The Evanston Campus Planning Advisory Committee produced a report in 2004 outlining a number of principles for the plan, including: • The plan should be pedestrian friendly • Parking to be located at the perimeters of campus • Provide clear access corridors from the west to the Lake with consideration of the environment • Hiring experts in campus planning (Sasaki Associates has worked on forty university campuses around the country) • How to develop a long term (50-year) plan for the Evanston Campus James Webster introduced Ricardo Dumont of Sasaki Associates who presented the Evanston Campus Framework Plan Draft. R. Dumont said the planning process included the participation of the people who work and live at the university campus. The plan considers the Lake, the City of Evanston and the University as the greatest assets within the context of the plan. Ricardo Dumont presented an overview of the history of the campus development beginning with the 1850s and the significance of the Oak trees crescent; the 1900s and the significance of Sheridan Road; 1950s with the construction of new buildings on campus and the need to acquire more land; the 1960s with the Lake fill with 90 acres of land and the creation of the cooling pond; the 1970s with the construction of new buildings such as the two -level parking deck; the Allen Center; and the (Seeley G. Mudd) Science and Engineering Library; and the 2000s and the relocation of ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Carlos D. Ruiz Senior Planner/Preservation Coordinator Date: October 24, 2007. t -- -. -'' - .:ys.. j,,•.yy«r.i}^i:}yk�a.y?�8^Ji�i'4 ty ;fir:-'i�.t`'V CITY OF EVANSTON CITY -NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE CIVIC CENTER — ROOM 2200 MINUTES OF OCTOBER 30, 2008 — 7:30 p.m. Members Present: Alderman Cheryl Wallin, Ron Nayler, David Schoenfeld, and Peter Lobin Staff Present: Carlos D. Ruiz Others Present: Ricardo Dumont, Jeanne Lindwall, and Evanston residents Presiding Official: Alderman Cheryl Wallin DECLARATION OF OUORUM Alderman Cheryl Wollin, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. with a quorum of four members present (Ron Nayler, David Schoenfeld, and Peter Lobin) APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 16, 2008 MEETING MINUTES The Committee did not take action on the October 16, 2008 minutes. ITEM FOR DISCUSSION "Public Comment Session for the Framework Plan by the Evanston Campus Planning Advisory Committee of Northwestern University." This was a follow up meeting to the October 16, 2008 meeting to continue the discussion on the Framework Plan by the Evanston Campus Planning Advisory Committee of Northwestern University. Ricardo Dumont of Sasaki Associates was present. The Committee and the public discussed the following items: • The potential move of parking structures • Tl and T2 Districts: including Foster/Walker; residential zone on Orrington; the potential move of historical houses on Sheridan to Orrington • The ratio of on campus housing vs. off campus housing • Increasing the living and social activities on campus • Northwestern University and the community working together on mutual problems and seeking solutions �'1 ., � .. � �'�� - ':?�, -.-r; - :5�- - '_Orr'�'-�•..>r:=av•v,.�i•4dw�:�w.7 • The plan is focused on a better blend of strategies to help businesses in downtown Evanston. What is good for NU is good for the City. • Residents expressed generally favorable reaction to the plan. However, there seems to be a disconnect to the Lake, the park system, and the bike path • Alderman Wollin said that space for a bike path would be available on the NU campus, but it could not be called `public land.' • The plan should include Sheridan Road as an important connector between the City and the NU campus; it should aim at building bridges and establishing a visual gateway by using the lakefront. • The plan should highlight public transportation opportunities particularly the `L' line proximity to campus for the use of faculty, students, residents, visitors and personnel • The plan provides a long term framework for the University; it addresses the priorities to act within the context of the plan (annual capital budgets, housing) • The plan has yet not been adopted by the University • The plan does not call for a new Kellogg School building • The University is collecting public comments about the plan through its website ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Carlos D. Ruiz Senior Planner/Preservation Coordinator n