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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes 1995 - 1996Ilfi.1l116i1•J64",&.A II+ " , . U16 " .. 14,. M.+ i Wig DRAFT, NOT APPROVED VMBT= PLW C0=88IGW Jaauaz7 11, 1993 R*C= 2403 - 7:30 P.N. MMELt3 PRESENT: R. Kobold, V. Kretchmer, M. Norkett, S. Prout, D. Raffensperger, K. Rielley, T. Stafford, S. Stegemoeller, J. Wallack ASSOCIATZ ER PRZOMIT: D. Anderson : D. Raffensperger STAFF PRESZNT: D. Marino, J. Wolfensperger The minutes were approved without comment. II. PDNLIC 3==2 A verbatim transcript regarding case ZPC 94-0007-T, a proposed text amendment to change the definition of "Lot" is on file in the City of Evanston Zoning Office, Room 3702 of the Evanston Civic Center. gggnnointment of Associate Member D. Raffensperger stated that, according to the Rules and Procedures, Associate Members need to be reappointed annually. He continued by saying that D. Anderson is currently the only Associate Member that needs to be reappointed. The Commission voted unanimously to reappoint D. Anderson as an Associate Member. D. Raffensperger encouraged the Commission to recruit additional Associate Members. D. Raffensperger asked that the Comprehensive General Plan Committee consider membership as an item for discussion at their next meeting. J. Wallack noted that the Rules state that a member of the Planning and Development Committee is also supposed to be an ex-officio of the Commission. He stated that this may improve communications 1 =r +n ,,.: r., e- r.�i+Y= ,,.;k .�l? `Mo..�.ry=t, afS'i r`.+Ij, �. gia'oil+.iraiii` Y `r .,..*�-'wlr.,*^nY�ll�ln'*-.. �,�'.r"r n., • vu�r`--,gr`Ie.p;-;r-,,. '..... "�.'+ S'1 do f•• JA e' between the Commission and the Council. J. Wallack explained that according to the Rules, the Chair is obligated to notify the Mayor if a member has missed four or more consecutive meetings. He continued by saying that the Commission may want to reconsider this provision if they would like to make this action discretionary. J. Wallack suggested that the Rules be reviewed to ensure that they do not conflict with the practice of the Commission. D. Raffensperger asked all Commission members to review the Rules and submit any comments or suggestions to staff. V. Kretchmer indicated that the attendance rules are not clear as to whether attendance includes or excludes Committee meetings. The Commission also noted that it is not clear in the Rules who serves as Chair if the Chair and Vice -Chair are both absent. Discussion of Annointmenta D. Anderson asked staff to investigate the terms that members are being appointed. She said that they seem to be inconsistent with the Rules and Procedures. J. Wolfensperger responded by saying that she will investigate this issue and report back to the Commission. Discussion of Annual Retreat The Commission agreed to hold their annual retreat on March B, 1995 at 6:30 P.M., in Room 2403. Jgi.nt Meeting with the Planning gnd Develo=ent Committee D. Raffensperger informed the Commission that the Planning and Development Committee has requested a joint meeting with the Commission to discuss "specialty food stores" on February 9, 1995, at 7:30 P.M., in Room 2403. D. Raffensperger explained that representatives from Evmark and the Chamber of Commerce were also asked to attend. D. Raffensperger said that he would meet with the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee to discuss the agenda for this meeting. D. Anderson asked if the meetings of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) will, in the future, conflict with the Plan Commission meeting dates. D. Raffensperger responded by saying that the EDC has recently been meeting twice a month to discuss the 2 9,fal,kY y�yw�h!�d.i1,�LHWs4,�1.+Ce�i�ir . . Research Park. He stated that this meeting schedule is unusual. D. Anderson suggested that the Commission consider changing their meeting date when a conflict arise. T. Stafford reported that the Planning lmd Development Committee is recommending that "parking areas" containing more than fivo s aces be listed as a special use in the T1 and T2 Districts. He continued by saying that this item was continued for discussion to their January 23, 1995 meeting. M. Norkett reported that the Neighborhood Planning Committee has been making progress. He said that the City is also considering a workshop for small business owners to educate them about marketing in today's business climate. V . OLD-HVSIIS There was no Old Business. VI, AD2QMWN= The Committee voted to adjourn at 8:55 P.M. g" e, Wolfen erger Zoning Planne to 3 DRAFT, NOT APPROVED EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION ltnmmzS February 8, 1995 Room 2403 - 7130 P.M. MMMERS PRESENT: R. Kobold, V. Kretchmer, M. Norkett, S. Prout, D. Raffensperger, K. Rielley, T. Stafford, S. Stegemoeller, J. Wallack ASSOCIATE ER PRESENT: D. Anderson PRESIDING: D. Raffensperger ALDRRMM PRESENT: S. Engelman, A. Heydemann, A. Newman STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, D. Rasmussen, J. Wolfensperger D. Raffensperger explained that this meeting is not a public hearing, but public comment will be accepted. He asked the Commission, Jonathan Perman, from the Chamber of Commerce, Terry Jenkins, from Evmark and Aldermen Engelman, Heydemann and Newman to begin discussion on the topic of food related businesses. D. Raffensperger directed their attention to a memorandum written by staff dated December 21, 1994. Alderman Heydemann began the dialogue by stating that she believes clarification of food related definitions contained in the Zoning Ordinance is warranted. She continued by saying that it is very difficult to differentiate between food related uses. Alderman Heydemann said that she is concerned with the proliferation of what she calls businesses that provide "food episodes" rather than meals. Alderman Heydemann said that these kinds of establishments being introduced into Downtown Evanston are upsetting the balance of variety of businesses Downtown. Alderman Heydemann stated that she believes zoning is one tool to influence the atmosphere of any given area. J. Wallack said that one of the goals stated in the Comprehensive General Plan is to provide balance. He stated that the Zoning Ordinance is a tool to implement the Plan. K. Rielley agreed that clarification of the definitions of food related uses is needed. He said that he is somewhat nervous with 1 the idea of using the zoning ordinance to without knowing what problems are associated accomplish balance Ll r with these uses. Alderman Engelman responded by saying that not all food episodes are'equal. He continued by saying that harms created by some uses are not the same as the traffic, litter, etc., created by other uses. D. Raffensperger pointed out that the food related definitions seem to be divided into two groups: one where food is consumed on the premises and the other where food is not. Dr. Stafford stated that the problem with food related uses is exaggerated in the Downtown because of the Downtown's proximity to Northwestern University. He continued by saying that our -Downtown is influenced by the college ambience which attracts the fast food restaurants and lower scale shops. He suggested that Type II Restaurants be regulated by a special use. J. wallack asked the Alderman to articulate the problems associated with these uses. He asked if the issues dealing with litter and traffic congestion are planning issues. He asked if the unregulated environment for food uses drive out the destination type shops? Alderman Newman said that he is striving for a variety of uses in the Downtown. He said that Downtown cannot survive with only small fast food business. Alderman Newman said these uses create a lack of parking and these uses are driving each other out. He said that the special use process allows the City to discuss issues such as parking and litter pickup with potential business owners. Alderman Newman said that he favors a more restrictive approach to regulating these uses. Alderman Heydemann said that destination type shops are desirable. She said that many of the fast food restaurants located in Downtown provide a service to workers who are already in Downtown. V. Kretchmer said that she believes the question of fairness and equity between how businesses are regulated is very important. She asked Evmark to comment on the current mix of businesses in the Downtown. She said that all business located in the Downtown need to deal with employee parking. V. Kretchmer continued by saying that she does not see the Zoning Ordinance as a tool to achieve balance because market influences are very strong. She concluded her remarks by saying that she believes that Northwestern is a positive influence on the Downtown and Downtown does not have to be either student or non -student related. T. Jenkins explained that successful Downtowns are Downtowns that have a sense of place, a sense of community and provide services such as a bank or post offices and where business owners remember your name. He said that variety is important. He continued by `a - �ar�i <� � � � 4r•t+yam .wwh� r:M►y,::.d,r r'S�' L��, � �n`?��.�."1tMhE'r�"+�i � .`•�'�'� �. - saying that Downtown Evanston has become the food court of the Northshore. T. Jenkins stated that the vacancy rate is Downtown is approximately seven (7%) per cent which is almost double the rate from three years ago. Mr. Jenkins said that until recently, large spaces needed to attract some other types of desirable businesses have not been available. He said that the mix of uses is not perfect but it never will be because of shopping malls. Mr. Jenkins said that the vacancy rate is an important indicator. He continued by saying that Northwestern, office workers in the Downtown and residential uses in the Downtown are all contributors to the success of the Downtown. Mr. Jenkins handed out statistics regarding Downtown. . Alderman Engelman said that imposing too strong of restrictions to generate a mix is as bad as not having any restrictions. Dr. Stafford asked Mr. Jenkins if the vacancy rate quoted is only ground floor space? Mr. Jenkins responded in the affirmative. T. Jenkins said that demand for space is high. He said that bringing tenants and building owners together is a significant challenge. Alderman Newman agreed that Northwestern is a valuable asset to the Downtown. He reiterated that requiring a special use only allows the City an opportunity to discuss and negotiate issues such as parking. Requiring a special use will not mean that there will not be any specialty food stores. He continued by saying that it allows the City to look at cumulative affect. J. Perman thanked P&D and the Downtown merchants for participating in this meeting. J. Perman provided the group with a list of vacancies. He stated that they have solicited the view of several dozen merchants with respect to what they would like to see in the Downtown. He said that issues relating to vacancy rates, a mix of businesses and uniqueness of Downtown, the ability to provide a clean and safe environment and consistency in the zoning lawn were discussed. Mr. Perman summarized all of these issues and concluded by saying that using a carrot instead of a stick approach is desirable. He stated that the Zoning laws are confusing and need to be clarified. Mr. Perman suggested that two categories be established with specific standards for business that have wait = staff and those that do not. He asked that if the Commission and 3 Council choose this route that existing businesses be grandfathered from any new regulations. D. Anderson asked if the average and medium age in the Community had dropped. It was the consensus of the participants that it had. She said that many people complain that they cannot find a dress in the Downtown and there is no grocery store in the Downtown. T. Jenkins said that he does not envision a grocery store locating in the Downtown. Ira '�-..i�'• - - - -_ -, , _ �: �• h�---. , . - � J- -. , � ? ... -- +m per �-• RTn� f"�''Y�rn -:l,i r �f*�R �c�u°�'-ni,,-•d;n+ar'-3-^�..r�-n1';�"r*� _ .. y 1J Y D. Anderson pointed out that Sherman and Orrington Streets appear y to be the most desirable spots for businesses. She asked if the proposed Buck development will spur development on Chicago Avenue, T. Jenkins responded in the affirmative. Dr. Stafford asked if an overlay zoning district would be appropriate. D. Rasmussen said that he does not like the idea of an overlay. He continued by saying that the Ordinance needs to be clarified and adding an overlay district may complicate the issue. S. Prout stated that after the initial reference was made to the Commission, no one except the Chamber, attended either the public hearing or the informational meeting. He said that he had not heard any evidence suggesting what problems, if any, exists. Mr. Prout said that the market indicates that food related uses are the trend. If parking is an issue for business owners, they will address the issue with their employees. He concluded by saying that he does not want to see vacant storefronts. Alderman Newman said that the City has talked to business owners about employee parking, but the problem of employees plugging the meters still exists. Alderman Newman stated that everyone agrees that the Zoning Ordinance needs to be clarified and the Plan Commission is the starting point to accomplish this. J. Wallack asked if Evmark does an exit survey of businesses leaving Downtown. He continued by saying that he is disappointed that a vision for Downtown is not being discussed. He asked what are the goals? Alderman Heydemann said that she does not see an inherent conflict between vision and the market place. She continued by saying that you cannot rely on the carrot alone. Alderman Heydemann said that the special use process will allow the City to examine the mix of uses. Alderman Newman said that some of the recent vacancies were created because the landlords did not renew their leases. Alderman Newman said that a lot of money will be spent on the Downtown in the near future. He said that he would like to see an entertainment = establishments such as Northlight Theater or a movie theater, locate in the Downtown to create a week night presence. Alderman Newman said that he would also like to see more clothing stores in the Downtown. K. Rielley said what developers want in the Zoning Ordinance is predictability and consistency. He said that the definitions in the Zoning Ordinance are confusing. K. Rielley said that eliminating the definition of specialty food store and placing these uses into - either restaurants or retail goods establishments makes sense. K. A a �. ;.-. er :e u..y?w c'.,.., JI«.i... l,.ii.:a. � xr 6 iId .- !y1le i, .i:J,:..1 wa..t _5 �a4,v�•Vl d'3 1 Se- 1-Fl?f A . A'Fti. Rielley said that zoning is intended to deal with articulable impacts. J. Wallack said that the Commission needs to know what the plan is before changing the zoning Ordinance. M. Norkett said that the key to a successful Downtown or shopping center is maintaining the mix. He said that you need a tool to accomplish this. Mr. Norkett suggested that percentaging the space out like shopping centers do would help maintain a mix. M. Norkett said that he has developers looking for large spaces in Evanston. V. Kretchmer asked if having another bookstore is appropriate? She continued by saying that determining the appropriateness of mix is very difficult. T. Jenkins said that Evmark's mission is directed by the Comprehensive General Plan. He continued by saying that anchors like Restaurants, Coffee Houses, Book Stores and Art related business attract people to the Downtown-'. Mr. Jenkins stated that restaurants make up approximately twenty-three (23t) per cent of the total businesses located Downtown and twenty-seven (27V) per cent of the tax revenue. J. Perman said that many of the restaurants are destination type businesses. D. Raffensperger asked that members of the audience who wished to speak do so at this time. Mr. Wherby, the owner of Bresler's Ice Cream said that he is concerned with the cleanliness of the sidewalks, the parking problem, and safety issues relating to the homeless population wandering the streets. Mr. Woods, owner of Subway Sandwiches, said that he is thankful for the number of people walking around Downtown. He continued by saying that Downto•ini was not as busy ten years ago. Mr. Woods stated that many of his clients are pedestrians and he too is concerned with the perception of an unsafe atmosphere. Mr. Woods said that he had to get a special use and he feels that eliminating = specialty food stores and making some of those uses Type II restaurants makes sense. Tim Gorham, owner of the Margarita Inn, asked if anyone knows why businesses are leaving town? T. Jenkins said that Evmark tries to speak to each tenant who leaves. Mr. Jenkins explained that the reasons are varied. J. Perman said that predictability and fairness is important as is the speed at which a petitioner can get through the zoning process. a 5 1 S. Stegemoeller observed that the list of standards of the special use section of the Zoning Ordinance are very subjective. She said that predictability is uncertain. S. Stegemoeller said that she has had a problem trying to find the rationale for establishing and regulating specialty food stores differently from restaurants. Alderman Engelman explained that when the Zoning Ordinance was developed there was a belief that certain social harms, such as parking, were associated with some uses, but not others. He continued by saying that certain uses such as Baskin Robbins were to be encouraged while other uses were not. Alderman Engelman said that the special use process is lengthy and hard to maneuver for thinly capitalized, small entrepreneurial type businesses. He continued by saying that national chains have the resources to get through this process. He said that not all specialty food stores should be lumped into the Type II Restaurant category. Alderman Engelman said that you cannot close all loop holes but the definitions can and need to be clarified. Ben Radish, developer of 1723 Benson Avenue, said that as an owner of vacant space, the length of time it takes to get through the special use process is concerning. He continued by saying that discussion of a moratorium on restaurants is very alarming. M. Norkett asked what incentives the City is using to attract businesses. He said that there are too many restaurants in the same block. D. Anderson asked if the concerns expressed by the Alderman relating to food related businesses go beyond the Downtown to other business areas of the City? Alderman Heydemann said that at this point, she would like to limit the discussion to the Downtown. She said that P&D has not discussed this issue beyond the Downtown. D. Raffensperger stated that a new reference is in order to further investigate this issue. Alderman Newman said that he has not heard the same concerns - expressed with food related uses in other areas of the City. He continued by saying that he would like to see the special use process sped up. Alderman Newman suggested ways in which to accomplish this goal. Alderman Engelman said that the proliferation of fast food restaurants and specialty food stores is confined to the Downtown. D. Anderson stated that she is concerned with piece-mealing the Ordinance and placing a band aid on the Downtown and encouraging a breakout out to the other business areas. 6 -20 'X' -.- r:= -?'ram .. i„ .. - , .. ,ti,r ,-., �?=rrr,n..+te r'"ily*M "'�R.�`+rt•'^�r�"M"A'r�, ., .•r.. f,. i rlr• Alderman Engelman agreed with Ms. Anderson. D. Raf f ensperger said that he knows that Alderman Kent also has concerns with some uses in his ward. D. Raf f ensperger asked D, Rasmussen if handling special uses by using a different process would be desirable. D. Rasmussen responded in the negative and explained that special uses should not be processed administratively. Alderman Engelman said that discussions regarding the length of time for processing applications for special uses, building permits etc. have been ongoing. He said that he favors reducing the amount of time it takes to get through the special use process but does not feel that a distinction should be made between the Downtown and other business areas. Alderman Newman said that he is willing to listen to any ideas to speed the process. Alderman Newman said that any attempt to reduce the amount of time it takes to process a request for a special use would be a positive. Frank Wheeby, a Downtown Building owner, said that he usually walks to Downtown restaurants and he does not think these uses create parking problems. Regarding employees who plug the meters, Mr. Wheeby said that the City enforces the two hour limit at the meters. He said that after a couple of tickets, this behavior will change. Mr. Wheeby said that Downtown will never be what many people remember it as. He concluded by haying that Evanston residents need to patronize their businesses and Downtown Evanston is very alive. Mike Rogers, owner of Earth Dwellers, said that after the remodeling of Old Orchard, they saw their business revenues drop. He said that mix is important, as is the quality of businesses locating in the Downtown. Mr. Rogers said that at this point, any more fast food restaurants will prove to be a detriment to the Downtown. Dr. Stafford stated that there are many good reasons to require special uses to be processed through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Alderman Engelman pointed out that Mr. Rogers stated that Starbuck's Co€fee was a positive influence on his business, whereas Taco Bell was not. Alderman Engelman explained that Starbuck's is a specialty food store currently not required to obtain a special use, but Taco Bell is a Type II Restaurant that would be required to go through the special use process. J. Wallack stated that it is impossible to split hairs. He said that he thought the initial reference asking whether or not specialty food stores should be a special use in the Downtown Zoning Districts was appropriate. He suggested that the City 7 S.- „: m -��-�-:.�..#�-,iC�rr^r5•.w+^inrh^"'i'irt�xXr'f':"'xti-''t'Nrt� ;P,1�"'rP+7'2 ..�� - , �� s l - iwd 4. Council consider a separate reference to explore amending the Ordinance to speed the special use process. D. Raffensperger thanked those present for attending the joint meeting. + ► • " � . • • ��l•1��: : • sly The minutes were approved without comment. J. Wolfensperger highlighted the article transmitted in the packets regarding "big box retailers". She thanked V. Kretchmer for giving her this article. ,TV. . NEW BIIZU=: D. Raffensperger asked the Zoning Committee to meet and discuss all food related uses defined in the Zoning Ordinance. K. Rielley, Chair of the Zoning Committee, agreed. D. Raffensperger informed the Commission that a petition had been filed for the regular March meeting that will require a public hearing. He suggested that the Commission schedule an April date for their retreat. Because a number of members will not be able to attend the April 12, 1995 meeting, the Commission agreed to cancel this meeting date and schedule April 26, 1995 for the retreat. The retreat will begin at 6:30 P.M. D. Raffensperger asked the Commission to think about topics to be discussed at the retreat. D. Marino said that David Barber, Director of Public Works, would like to make a presentation to the Commission on the Downtown improvements. The Commission agreed to schedule Mr. Barber for their March meeting. + .I Kt There was no old business. T. Stafford reported that P&D had reviewed the Commission's recommendation on parking areas and had voted to list parking areas containing more than five (5) spaces a special use in the T1 and T2 Districts. He also reported that P&D had approved two (2) plats of consolidation and voted two (2) to two (2) on the Research 'park S :rwGddivUr#aafI.Ar��ALI�.Yi�d21.� �tih.��r.cryL di�i--,.i�ir4, ;OA i s *W"Ilne �•h,.`�+rl��+�l�i"..r�l<. u:r-'f'�..� ,.riM �t.ki:':•'•- substation certificate of special merit. The Committee voted to adjourn at 10:40 P.M. The next meeting of the Plan Commission is scheduled for March B, 1995, at 7:30 P.M., in Room 2403 of the Evanston Civic Center. ,4nice Wolten a -er Zoning Plann a7 9 Date / 0 �J \J r DRAFT, NOT APPROVED EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION "tuAdws March 8, 1995 Roam 2403 - 7%30 P.M. UMBERS PRESENT: R. Kobold, V. Kretchmer, M. Norkett, S. Prout, D. Raffensperger, T. Stafford, S. Stegemoeller, J. Wallack ASSOCIATE MmmER PRESENT: D. Anderson PRESIDING: D. Raffensperger STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, J. Wolfensperger, J. Wolinski D. Anderson indicated that the February 8, 1995 minutes, page three, the fourth line, incorrectly refers to "three years". The correct reference should be "three months". With this modification, the minutes and the communications were approved. .rs� • : •as _: t,• 7-:xL1 t • !ti1�H ' �i':!; i 1 : • � � .�;•t` ' •�!_.r�i:s:1F ;��}� � .• Ali• • � t_+�• ' •�,l=?::?=.��M Qjga.ao and Nort w Clayton Weaver, from Metra, and Gil Walendy and Thomas Hoepf, from Teng and Associates, were presented to discuss the proposed Chicago and Northwestern Railroad improvements along Green Bay Road. Mr. Weaver began by stating that it is Metra' s intent to update the Central Street station to make it handicapped accessible and repair the existing facilities. Mr. Weaver continued by saying that work will begin sometime this summer and will be a two-phase project with work beginning at the south -end of the station first. He stated that the station will remain open throughout the renovation. Mr. Weaver introduced Mr. Hoepf. Tom Hoepf, architect, presented the Commission with plans and explained that a ramp will be added to provide accessibility. Mr. Hoepf stated that new stairs will be installed and landscaping will be added to the embankments. Mr. Hoepf indicated the placement of new canopy structures. He stated that the specific design of the 4 -- � �.. nr.n nr - - rn rr.r.M au.. Yr-�A INfr-nf+.,�T'�i�Tl�—��r.Y•,��-.r-n.n��^-�-.rTr-Y�-'�...I �r w'Y'f-�'lY� t --,';:tF: r� a •.Y Ley, i ,y��.•.t. .i ,��':ei`�i,� �•°d�'Y �: Ir Y^.:l lkt• :.w: ' a- canopy has not yet been selected. In response to a question from V. Kretchmer, Mr. Hoepf stated that a canopy and sidewalk will be installed at grade level at Central Street and Green Bay Road to provide shelter for those people r waiting for buses. D. Anderson asked if the amount of the sheltered area on the platform would be increased. Mr. Hoepf responded by saying that two new shelters on -the in -bound section will be added. The amount of shelter on the out -bound side of the tracks will remain about the same. Ms. Anderson encouraged Metra to consider adding more sheltered areas. Mr. Hoepf stated that the existing station will be renovated by tuckpointing, painting and replacing windows. S. Stegemoeller asked if any of the off-street parking areas will be disturbed during construction. Mr. Hoepf stated that staging has not yet been determined, but every effort will be made to accommodate packers. V. Kretchmer asked if traffic on Green Bay Road will be affected. Mr. Hoepf stated that some lane closures can be expected during the retaining wall repairs and landscaping installation. R. Kobold asked if the retaining wall and plant materials will be compatible with the recent Green Bay Road improvements. Mr. Weaver responded by saying that Metra has been working with the City and the proposed materials will be compatible. Mr. Weaver concluded by saying that they have budgeted $4 million dollars for this project and every effort will be made to make it consistent with the City's improvements. D. Raffensperger introduced David Barber, Director of Public Works, Mr. Barber began by saying that both the Green Bay Road and the Downtown improvements plans were developed by the Plan Commission some time ago. He continued by saying that a corridor study for Green Bay Road was conducted in the mid 1980, s that recommended specific improvements. In 1990 a consulting firm was hired to implement the plan. Mr. Barber presented the Commission with a model of the proposed improvements along Green Bay Road. He continued by explaining that a portion of the wall and landscaping 2 -_ .--_ air- ,� ..i � -._ _ wi i.�;r� �r'�� • �.r � _. � � �-- - - ."�t .. .,- -c.�,� - -n a�.�,-' 4 �-- •a have been installed, and work is almost complete on the portion of Green Bay Road between Central Street and Isabella. The cap stones on the wall and landscaping will be finished when the weather improves. Mr. Barber stated that the improvements between Central Street and Isabella Street should be completed early this year. The second phase of the project will include landscaping improvements between Central Street and McCormick and will not be as dramatic as the north end of the project. The third phase of the project will stretch between McCormick and an far south along Green Bay Road as money will permit. This phase will consist of landscaping improvements and the cleaning out of overgrowth on the embankment. Mr. Barber said that the City's goal is to complete the entire corridor improvements in the next year and one-half. He continued by saying that both State and Federal funds have been used to implement this plan. With regard to the Downtown improvements, D. Barber explained that in late summer of 1989, the Plan Commission sponsored an all day Downtown planning session that was attended by Downtown business owners, Plan Commission members, as well as other people interested in the Downtown. Out of this meeting, plans were developed for improvements to Downtown. Evmark took the lead in establishing the Special Service District and hiring consultants to develop detailed plans for these improvements. The Special Service District was established to pay for the improvements to the streetscape. Mr. Barber stated that the Core area of Downtown, around Fountain Square, will get the most dramatic improvements. New traffic signals, new lighting fixtures, landscaping, banners, sidewalks, trash containers, ramped sidewalks, and street furniture will be included in the improvements. Mr. Barber stated that these improvements will, be constructed over a two year period with construction commencing this summer. D. Barber stated that changes to on street parking on Clark Street between Orrington Avenue and Sherman will be changed to relocate the existing angled parking on the north side of the street to the south side of the street. On Oak Avenue, angled parking will be added to both sides of the street by the Post Office and Oak Street Market. In addition, angled parking will be developed on Benson Avenue, on both sides of the street, for the two blocks north of Church Street. Changes to the entrance of the parking garage on Sherman Avenue will also be made so the entrance is at grade. Glass panels will be installed in the stairwells to give them a more open and light feeling. Mr. Barber stated that the City has discussed relocation of the buses from Sherman Avenue to the Transportation Center with the CTA. Mr. Barber stated that the CTA is surveying their passengers to see if this will be possible. Mr. Barber concluded by saying that a field office has been established at 1630 Orrington and all operations and meetings will be conducted at this location. J. Wallack inquired as to the plans for facade improvements. 3 -- , .. .. ... � ,. . A , . , - .� , r .: „ . _ ;� ,. „ , . , • ... `„ „ .,. r �, . �, •rF� ;�.,� r. gym;,=„ �' ,. R� - �-, D. Barber responded by saying of this plan, but merchants City's facade program. k. that facade improvements are riot part will be encouraged to utilize the I J. Wallack said that he is disappointed that all of this money will be spent but many of the facades may remain the same. Dr. Stafford asked about the funding for these improvements. D. Barber stated that the total dollar amount spent on the improvements will be $10 million dollars with approximately 49 percent of it coming from EVMARK through the Special Service District and the remaining 51 per cent funded through general obligation bonds. Dr. Stafford expressed concern with the angle parking proposal. He continued by saying that Davis Street west of Maple is terrible to negotiate on the weekends. Dr. Stafford stated that people double park behind the angled parking. He suggested that the City reconsider this recommendation. D. Barber stated that the Traffic Engineer has studied this issue and feels the parking plan is workable and safe. D. Raffensperger asked if the paving bricks proposed to be installed will be similar to those used on Main Street, D. Barber stated that they will more closely match those bricks used in front of the Library. D. Barber explained that as you get closer to the core of the Downtown, less clay inf ill and more brick will be used. In response to questions from V. Kretchmer, D. Barber stated that there is a marketing component of this plan which will include updates and information to both the merchants and users of the Downtown. Mr. Barber stated that no streets will be closed, but parking may be disrupted one block at a time. R. Kobold expressed his concern with the lack of funds available to improve facades. He stated that facades are very visible and the City needs to encourage the occupancy of some of the vacant buildings located in the Downtown Core. R. Kobold also expressed concern relating to the safety of angle parking. The Commission thanked Mr. Barber for his presentation. A verbatim transcript regarding case ZPC94-0008-T, a petition by Boys Hope Inc., is on file in the Zoning Office, Room 3700 of the Evanston Civic Center. 4 •^�A '%iY `l. `� rf l�':: :��`�'l.Y •Si.'." tit ' r �.�• 1 11 1j . I This case was continued to April 5, 1995. IV, KW.BU0=SSz The Commission agreed to reschedule their regular meeting date from April 12, 1995, at 7:30 P.M., to April 5, 1995, at 7:30 P.M. None. D. Raffensperger reported that the Economic Development Committee (EDC) is continuing their discussions on the Research Park. Also, the EDC has established three working groups to elicit feedback from community business owners. T. Stafford reported that the Planning and Development Committee is considering a reference to amend the zoning Ordinance to make the Zoning Hoard of Appeals the recommending authority on variations in the Downtown. Currently, the ZBA is the final authority on all variations not involving parking or loading. The Commission voted to adjourn at 10:45 P.M. The next meeting of the Plan Commission is scheduled for April 5, 1995, at 7:30 P.M., in Room 2403 of the Evanston Civic Center. --.4 A'P A'- Z -1 4/,ane lfens rgdrng Planner `f 3 Date - 5 . m DRAFT, NOT APPROVED EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION April 5, 1995 Rooms 2403 - 7:30 P.M. HERS PRESENT: D. Hart, R. Kobold, M. Norkett, D.Raffensperger, K. Rielley, T. Stafford, S. Stegemoeller, J. Wallack ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Anderson PRESIDING: D. Raffensperger STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, J. Wolfensperger The minutes from the March 8, 1995, meeting were approved without correction. A verbatim transcript of the public hearing regarding cases ZPC 94- 0008-T, a petition by Boys/Girls Hope Inc., to provide for the regulation of Child Residential Care Homes, and ZPC 95-0001-T, a reference from the City Council regarding regulation of food related uses, are on file in the Zoning Office, Room 3700 of the Evanston Civic Center. None. ZV. OLD HIISINEss D. Marino stated that staff has developed a list of topics for the retreat. He briefly reiterated this list and asked the Commission for other suggestions. J. Wallack suggested that the Commission discuss the idea of coordinated planning with other planning entities in the area. R. Kobold asked if discussion on the effectiveness of the Plan Commission would be reviewed relative to the amount of time that is spent on zoning issues. 3 � -`� �' .S.s,w�-�-�P��'�'j�F�.., yis ts #��+b• ��}e� �9 r-,T' r -fi��.. 3 �}-'�» s -�+ � -F�, ¢ .� rt - � - a ��.. .4 � � �'',''�� r4is �, y � •-t ' rY,-t' a . ;�i r- � � .t�s-• .j "" �.t✓I •, at °1.�Yt '''•I'I t.-11/i1.� `'�. .mot. �� .+. •.: _ � it ''x.1 .:�i.: . � a - 1 Da. Marino and'D. Raffensperger responded in the affirmative. T. Stafford said that he has developed a very specific list of items. He asked D. Marino to include this list in the next packet. S. Stegemoeller said that she would like to discuss the update of the Comprehensive General Plan. D. Raffensperger stated that, as he understands it, the General Planner will be responsible for the update of the Plan. He suggested that the Commission discuss the methodology for updating the Plan. D. Raffensperger said that he would like to establish a Committee to work with the General Planner on this project. S. Stegemoeller said that she would like to continue discussion on this topic. She said that she would like to see a long range mission statement addressed in the Plan. In response to a request from D. Anderson, D. Marino said that he has placed an order with the American Planning Association for two publications geared toward Plan Commissions. He stated that excerpts from these publications will be transmitted to the Commission. D. Raffensperger suggested that members of the Commission contact staff, if they have any additional ideas for the retreat. The Commission agreed to reschedule their retreat from April 26, 1995 to May 10, 1995, at 6:30 P.M. T. Stafford reported that the Planning and Development Committee (P&D) had met twice since the Plan Commission's March meeting. March 20, and March 27, 1995. At these meetings, the P&D Committee discussed height variations and the Zoning Board of Appeal s charge to be final authority on these types of variations. In addition, the P&D Committee also discussed special uses in the Central Business District. T. Stafford stated that P&D is exploring the idea of hearing special uses in the Central Business District. T. Stafford concluded by saying that the Committee voted to repeal the annual sign fee for 1995 and they also voted to disapprove the Certificate of Special Merit to demolish the old Commonwealth Edison Substation. M. Norkett reported that the Neighborhood Planning Committee is making progress. He commended staff for their work with the many neighborhood organizations. 2 7 t'l!yyyy''�,�7''rt•/y�i?� �� kn'�hy�h.srs ..i;t, r.3f, + _'•"3` Py 7'L.e .r ��iI ,,� F. 4 e .... T�� r , .. :.•.: � ... -V .� „SiyF�' �S�A`.�y r. M. Norkett instructed staff to include copies of communications transmitted to the Committee members to the full Commission. D. Raffensperger informed the Commission that the Economic Development Committee had met to discuss their plans for meetings with various business leaders. He explained that the Committee has categorized businesses into three groups; merchants, industrial and institutions. D. Raffensperger stated that members of EDC will meet with representatives from each of these groups to talk about the business climate in Evanston. r •1�l:.al::0:44M The Committee adjourned at 8:47 P.M. The next meeting of the Plan Commission is scheduled for May 10, 1995, at 6:30 P.M., in Room 2403. Xl'� ice of nsperger oning Pla er Date 3 . �-. f42x; r- DRAFT, NOT APPROVED EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES, ANNUAL. RETREAT May 10,1995 Aldsrmanic Library - 6:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Hart, S. Stegemoeller, M. Norkett, V. Kretchmer, T. Stafford, J. Wallack, R. Kobold, D. Raffensporger ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Anderson PRESIDING: D. Raffensperger STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, C. Wonders I. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES The minutes from the April 5, 1995, meeting were approved without correction. 11. COMMUNICATIONS The members discussed the memo transmitted from Community Development Department Director, Jim Wolinski, which Asked for their comments on the Impact upon services of the department reorganization over the previous year. Members agreed that the Community Development Department is working well. D. Anderson stated that the reorganization Is a success. Members also commented favorably on the binder of reading materials sent in preparation for the retreat. V. Kretchmer asked that staff names be attached to the positions shown on the Planning and Zoning organizational chart. S. Stegemoeller inquired about the extent of interplay between the different Boards, Commissions and Committees that are involved in Community Development functions. D. Marino explained that energy planning and historic preservation will clearly be aspects of the future Comprehensive General Plan (CGP) and will, as such, bring the Energy and Preservation Commissions into contact with the Plan Commission. There were no further comments regarding communications. ' .: 3. '1. :'•" I i�efi� a.,w�. ,. .._.'AT!I _,R .Or i aO —L 11 La., A_WJ ML �b1.64M i9.l Lr"2 t,.-j C--&AAcwclr ` ti1nL�FV,. -ti... 2 III. ANNUAL RETREAT D. Refferisperger stated that the remainder of the discussion would be an open dialogue. .. A. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PLAN COMMISSION PER ORDINANCE D. Raffensperger asked members for their thoughts regarding the addition of public hearings for zoning amendments to the Commission's responelbllftles and how that has changed the Commission's workload. J. Wallack stated that, in his opinion, the Commission has three functions: zoning map and tent issues and planning. He suggested that, If the Commission Is unable to perform all of these functions due to time constraints, then perhaps committees could be established to handle any one at a separate meeting time. The group discussed the advantages and disadvantages of dividing the workload and delegating responsibilities, particularly public hearing functions, to sub -groups. Several members stated that they would prefer hearing testimony in person rather than having it reported back to them by other members. T. Stafford stated that the City Council Planning and Development Committee emphasizes speed and efficiency. A hearing sub -committee would slow down the process. D. Raffensperger agreed, stating that such a system would require an additional two to three weeks wait for a petitioner to be given a decision. S. Stegemoellersuggested that, rather than scheduling a second monthly meeting devoted specifically to planning issues, the current meetings could be scheduled to meet earlier with a block of time devoted at the beginning of the meeting for planning. Members agreed to this proposed solution. J. Wallack pointed out that, If such a format were to be adopted, all future meetings would have to be announced as "special meetings" as the regular meetings are scheduled for the remainder of the year at 7:30 p.m. B. PLANNING PRIORITIES FOR EVANSTON D. Raffensperger reviewed the status of efforts to update the CGP. Prior to the addition of its public hearing responsibilities, he explained, the Commission had reviewed nearly half of the current CGP. As several months have passed since any further work was done on the plan, Raffensperger asked if the other Commissioners felt a more substantial rewrite of the document would be appropriate. i. .. . rur. .. AMn � F£, .rTnY ". i,h-^�:`+"".�,.w:,.� k`r'^r�,-.Gs•�'.+"'r"\7�'I,"P!�►•�:'�'r��"Sy�a.� .. � f'.�' ,.i �r� �, .r .��'v- .:a. i.'-'rc,i�,+�-rgay.�s�;r�� S. Stegemoeller stated that, If a complete rewrite were to occur, she would like to see examples of comprehensive plans from other communities In order to gat a better sense of how to proceed. She asked if there was any need to set an immediate deadline for completing the projecL D. Marino explained that the current document, completed in 1086, Is almost a decade old, Normally Comprehensive Plans are updated after a ten year period. Ho also stated that seeking other comprehensive plans for comparison may be dncuit as the number of communities which parallel Evanston in character is very small. D. Hart suggested that bringing in an outside consultant to do the work may be helpful because he or she may bring along knowledge of other communities that could be relevant. D. Raffensporger mentioned the Importance of soliciting community critique and feedback throughout the process. He followed by asking for general consensus on the need to review the current CGP. All agreed. D. Raffensperger started the discussion of planning priorities for Evanston by emphasizing the need for continued neighborhood planning. He went on to explain that the Economic Development Committee is currently assessing the needs of neighborhood commercial development. Feedback from this work should interface with the Plan Commission's efforts. He suggested another possible issue to consider will be the Chicago Avenue corridor and the future of its current businesses. T. Stafford stated that Evanston needs to emphasize "destination sites" in its economic development. Emphasizing distinctive markets, such as the oriental rug market, will underscore reasons for shopping in Evanston. V. Kretchmer stated that land use and zoning should be considered with reference to how information technology changes the nature of doing business and of the workplace continuum. She also suggested that there are sites in the area of Church Street east of the high school that could be potential redevelopment sites in the future. T. Stafford remarked that an issue of great concern for the City is its high proportion of non - tax generating properties. S. Stegemoeller expressed her opinion that North/South economic disparity is an Issue that will be of increasing importance in Evanston's future, She added that perhaps neighborhood planning is the best way to deal with this. - - ,. ., ,+7 �.,.. .•irnr..w,r.�,r�w �.i.:F-qr�i.�,-�,.. m�Tr.-,.-,R�,.,rw„��y,��^ir',t"".�+r_ 'i «. . �Y,� :'1' y tr�.:__l � 7�- t +y} i r -!•.. 'r ,� ir. •'.r,..' n.. i• r 'l ti.F . : ?} ly ,r � �r;%'� -?,J �� `st� ,:v tt.MSr • �,� k �� ", p '�''Y .1.. ''-�, 4 V. Kretchmer also added that there Is need for the Plan Commission to recruit members from a more geographically diverse background. Minority representation on the Commission is critical, she stated. All. . D. lensperger mentioned that he had two applications for associate membership. He �r asked the other members for their Input on deciding how many associates should be allowed at any one time. R. Kobold stated that any associates should be able to participate In committees. S. Stegemoeller asked if committees could be expanded to include non-members. D. Anderson stated that the current rules are silent on this matter, J. Wallack disagreed, stating that, although he had not checked the rules specifically for this question, he believed that they limited committee participation to those with membership status. V. Kretchmer returned to economic development issues stating that, due to the uncertainty many feel with regard to school districts in Evanston, attracting middle Income home owners to the City is more challenging. D. Anderson discussed the need for economic alternatives for preserving the nature and quality of large historic properties, particularly those in the Sheridan Road area. She fears that, due to economic realities, many of these properties could be in ;eopardy of subdivision in the future. D. Raffensperager replied that this issue could be best handled by the Preservation Commission. In response to a question about this issue, D. Marino stated that staff would clarify the role of the Preservation Commission concerning homes in the historic districts which are not landmarks. M. Norkett initiated a conversation around the topic of economic development strategies in the City with particular regard to the negative effect high taxes are having on the viability of local businesses. Once tax generating businesses leave Evanston, he continued, home owners take on the burden of making up the difference. Norkett emphasized the need for addressing the "economic structure of the City." D. Raffensperger clarified the role of the Plan Commission regarding economic development issues. Through the CGP, the Commission can help provide the structure and land availability for retail and other commercial enterprises. M. Norkett suggested that the demand for townhouse condo development far exceeds the current supply. The Commission should help facilitate this type of development D. Marino stated that this is a need that could be expressed through the CGP, but that, as with most policy decisions the Commission might consider, time should be spent discussing the lave! of implementation the Commission can feasibly undertake. D. Anderson expressed her concern for the lack of grocery shopping to accommodate those who live in Downtown Evanston. She also stated the need for evaluating property standards among privately owned rental housing units near northwestern University and the need for equitable access to gas stations in the City. D. Raffensperger discussed the changes in demographics in Evanston. The aging population and change in socio-economics could precipitate an increase in the demand for certain City services. M. Norkett responded by saying that economic development plays an important role in this issue. V. Kretchmer stated that there are a number of agencies already existing, such as Inventure and EVIViark, whose missions revolve around economic development. D. Raffensperger restated that the Plan Commiss?on's role is to provide the structure and framework for economic development to happen. Kretchmer replied that perhaps the number one priority for the Commission should be to focus efforts on bringing these types of groups and other Committees and Commissions together to discuss the interrelationship of their work. D. Raffensperger added that, with regards to the CGP, he sees value in producing a document with a higher level of specificity than the existing one. T. Stafford responded by suggesting the need for a strategic plan to implement the comprehensive plan. In closing, D. Raffensperger asked for final consideration on Me two applications for associate membership. Members agreed to wait while the Commission sought application from members of minority groups in the City in order to bring different viewpoints to the conversation. S. Stegemoeller moved that the next meeting take place at 7:00 pm with one hour set aside for planning. D. Hart seconded the motion. All members were in favor. N. ADJOURNMENT The Commission adjourned at 9:47 p.m. The next meeting of the Plan Commission is scheduled for June 14, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. May 19, 1995 Christopher onders Date General Planner �^t-.. -- - --. �. .. i, nr-.,.. 'gym..-. �.�,.J�rr.r,-,—.. ��i.n-ar�r.r ��! .. .�s:� - - _r�1q.y�u�.r•�Asr77'q!."y��p"..��'�'r'*�R�'.'�„�11. , � 1�} .1� '1��`�^FA� •�i tin �ii ui i h. rf DRAFT, N•APPROVED Minutes EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION June 14, 1995 Room 2403 - 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Wallack, R. Kobold, V. Kretchmer, D. Raffensperger, D. Hart, M. Norkett, K. Rielley, T. Stafford MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Stegemoeller ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Anderson STAFF PRESENT: PRESIDING: I. CALL TO ORDER D. Marino, C. Wonders, J. Wolfensperger D. Raffensperger, Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m., a quorum being present. If. CONSIDERATION OF MAY 10, 1995 MINUTES The minutes from the May 10, 1995 meeting were approved without correction. III. COMMUNICATIONS In reference to the list of highlights from the annual retreat, T. Stafford suggested that the tenth Item on the list {"Economic alternatives forpreservation of large historic properties, particularly those in the Sheridan Road area's be expanded to Include historic properties along Ridge Avenue. There were no further comments regarding communications. IV. PLANNING Commission members reviewed Issues covered at the May 10 annual retreat and, In general, reacted enthusiastically to the discussion that had taken place. When asked to - - - .. w-�..a,-s,�+r- - --rcr^•�,-y:i�r,+,..,�-a.�-�sr�-.:.,_if-�i FL;,,t�.,M.1.•.'n-+. r1..:.,,n {_'.�-+€ . Z'..r�r�s:-<., �.. i_:�r-��- • -- ... _- - - � - - � - -- -- .-.- - _ -. - r i - � �i.- - . .. r� mil. - •ate •1..-{e t'�.1�-�•�' jf�."�A�� i�� • a - � - - - ��T�ZSR?4iy'• Aalu .. .i• .r. 2 prioritize the twenty-one issue list generated from the dialogue, they generally agtoed that updating the City's Comprehensive General Plan (CGP) should be a priority. Additionally, several members reiterated the importance of diversity among Commission members to best reflect the community especially during the comprehensive planning process. V. Kretchmer emphasized that the CGP Is important because it Is one activity that is clearly a unique function of the Plan Commission. Broad issues, such as economic development, can be addressed through cooperative efforts with other organizations and committees in the City. J. Waliack suggested that the best way to proceed with comprehensive planning would be through a community -based visioning strategy that would take the Commission to various locations around the City. Citizens from each area would be Invited to Join In a dialogue with the Commission regarding their own visions for Evanston's future. Members supported Wallack's idea and considered the manner In which the City could be divided to equally cover all areas in the comprehensive planning process. J. Wallack stated that simply following ward boundaries might be ineffective as these divisions are frequently transcended by the issues the CGP would address. D. Marino said that similar efforts in the past have divided the City into roughly six sub -areas, adding that demographic variations tend to fall along such lines. Members considered how to proceed with developing a focus for the CGP project. D. Raffensperger suggested that the work be coordinated through a Comprehensive Plan Committee, adding that the committee structure of the Plan Commission be reviewed at the next meeting to allow assignment changes. V. ZONING: PUBLIC HEARING A verbatim transcript of the public hearing regarding Case 95-0002-(T), a reference from the Planning and Development Committee to consider amending the Zoning Ordinance to create a notification process for as -of -right construction, is on file in the Zoning Office, Room 3700 of the Evanston Civic Center. VI. NEW BUSINESS D. Raffensperger announced, with regret, that the July meeting will be his last with the Plan Commission due to his departure from the Evanston area. As the Commission rules allow for the Vice -Chair to perform the duties of the Chair in the Chair's absence or disability (Article V, paragraph E), D. Raffensperger stated that the V oe-Chair should became Chair for the remainder of the current term. He added that a new Vice -chair should then be elected. . _t .., ;p - fTwY�f%YrSff'r.', fC.�Li. ��.R'3b t_ Aar�.x}'Sfi f ,/?/-.. I'.�.. 7�-�•:.. f. ixa �!}W`•'!ra:s� , if --t+•a+. h - s - - t� 3 T. Stafford motioned that the Vice -chair, V. Kretchmer, become the now Chair. Kevin Rielley seconded. The members unanimously supported the motion, Regarding the Vice- chales position, J. Wallack explained that the rules do not address the issue of electing a Vice -chair at the midpoint of the term. T. Stafford nominated J. Wallack for the position of Vice -chair for the remainder of the term. All voted In support. D. Raffensperger asked that staff draft an amendment to the rules to address this situation should it arise in the future. J. Wallack also asked that the rules be modified to provide the Commission with procedures for naming an acting chairperson In the event that both the Chair and Vice -chair are absent. VIi. OLD BUSINESS J. Woifensperger explained that a planned development proposal was expected to be submitted to the Zoning Division in the near future. Planned developments must be processed by the City according to a very specific time frame. As such, the proposal will not be ready for the regulaErly scheduled July Plan Commission meeting but will require a special meeting later in the month. She requested the Commission's flexibility in scheduling the meeting. The members agreed to change the meeting time from July 12, 1995 to July 26, 1995, at 7:00 P.M. D. Marino outlined two ordinances regarding the planned unit development proposed for the Washington National site in downtown Evanston. Ordinance 53-0-95 extends the deadline for the commencement of construction for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days until October 1, 1995. Ordinance 54-0-95 amends the redevelopment agreement between the City and the Buck Development/Washington National partnership for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days. By no later than July 15, 1995, the developer must have provided a letter of intent regarding financing for the project. In other old business, J. Wolrensperger explained that the issue of regulation of food - related use has yet to be concluded by City Council, She went on to outline some of the minor changes that have been made to the Plan Commission's recommendation including the elimination of the definition of liquor store and the addition of language prohibiting seating for on -site food consumption at food stores. --i �•. ky- y1 -f vn �-'.N"�f :Yk`+.'+Rs�Y4•Ys�'�'f-z={. �s��`r'�"HK1' d.:+i4 F�=�► R-r ar+R-.Y�+�-'v+aiun :a .2 _- �� .- - -' �'i,. � r-�t' 4� r�`.'S .-s to .fir-r,rwr�s� ,. ;^i�.A:.a.e .+e.[v •Stt f +��:.+ -f -,.f.' t.-'i - - - _ _ _ ••, i d ,,.J.L.1.610L a ,L.,m,k" .14,'AlirIt 9W -.i r e��ia.,.att�e a8 iiaeLLsiaMi - ' ! YY • 1 ay�'i�.jT��ye� '{IH,'jq��y`p'(:SI�.,�.�7S�)• f � � , .� a ... - i � r � ` � 1:1 l 1. AN 4 VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS Planning & Development T. Stafford stated that, with regards to the Boys and Glris Hope proposal, the Planning and Development Committee Is considering the child residential care facility to be a special use In residential districts. However, the Committee is awaiting'a Supreme Court opinion on payment in -lieu -of taxes as a condition of that particular special use. J. Woffensperger added that the City Council did vote to approve the text amendment listing the project as a specie1 use in residential districts. Corporation council recommended not making payment in -lieu -of taxes a standard of the special use process but rather by requiring it through covenant with each individual case. Neighborhood Planning V. Kretchmer stated that the neighborhood planning process is moving along well, The City's Internal Neighborhood Planning Support Team has set up a test for new street lighting in the target neighborhood. The Howard Street Redevelopment Committee Is to be formed by late July and will have equal representation from both the Chicago and Evanston sides of the street. The primary focus for the Committee will focus primarily on the area between the Howard Street El Station west to Ridge Avenue. D. Marino stated that, following the second consensus building meeting in the neighborhood held on June 14, '1995, the process can move toward implementation bringing the internal and external planning efforts into closer contact. Economic Development Committee D. Raffensperger revisited the discussion regarding the Committee's planning activities. Breakfast meetings will take place with neighborhood merchant organizations, industry specific focus groups and institutional focus groups to form the Economic Development Strategy. The Plan Commission's EDC liaison will staff the neighborhood merchant portion of the breakfast schedule. He added that agendas will be furnished to the Plan Commission to allow members to take part if they so desire. IX. ADJOURNMENT The Commission adjourned at 9:04 p.m. The next meeting of the Plan Commission is scheduled tentatively for July 26, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. G rist e A. p Wonders 64te General Planner -. - -, - . .+ � �j:.+tTr•._f4�Xt��xtfii�e�_ l+i�+i+�...•,�-'.:� ..... - a ti- , :.r,� +.�� wr. .- - - - ^..y+w•+1�.:��.i..+Wn...3�Y1.:..W..rIM_ • - iJ L . .. ui. . y Minutes -'�ris�? DRAFT, NOT APPROVED EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION July 26, 1995 Room 2403 - 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Stafford, S. Stegemoeller, D. Hart, K. Rlelley, V. Kretchmer, D. Raffensperger, J. Wallack MEMBERS ABSENT: R. Kobold, M. Norkett ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Anderson STAFF PRESENT: PRESIDING: D. Marino, C. Wonders V. Kretchmer, Chair 1. CALL TO ORDER j The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., a quorum being present. 11. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, JUNE 14,1995 The minutes from the June 14, 1995 meeting were approved without correction. Ill. COMMUNICATIONS Members discussed the current committee structure of the Commission as outlined in Currvnt Status of Committees and liaison Positions. D. Hart Inquired to what extent the reorganization of the City Council standing committees would affect the Plan Commission's committee structure. V. Kretchmer responded that only the Planning and Development Committee (P&D) observer would be potentially affected. T. Stafford explained that this position was still relevant as P&D topics are discussed under the Committee of the Whole agenda. Stafford proceeded to summarize the recent Committee of the Whole meeting In which, among other things, the reference for notification for as -of -right construction was considered. D. Marino explained the recent changes in the City Council's Committee structure by which the Standing Committees will now meet as a Committee of the Whole. IV. PLANNING V. Kretchmer suggested that the Issue of committee membership be moved to the Planning portion of the agenda to be followed by discussion of tho Comprehensive Plan Committee. Members proceeded to list the committees with which they wanted to work. T. Stafford stated that he Is currently on the Zoning Committee and the Steering Committee and is a liaison member of the Housing and Community Development Act (CD) Committee. He recommended that a second member of the Commission serve on the CD Committee to laam how that group operates. Stafford said that he Is willing to remain In these positions as well as in the positions of P&D observer and of Chair of the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Public Place Names. D. Hart said that he would like to be a member of the soon -to -be formed Comprehensive General Plan Committee. S. Stegemoeller said that she will remain on the Zoning Committee and will also join the Neighborhood Planning Committee. K. Rielley stated that he will stay with his current positions and will also join the Comprehensive General Plan Committee. D. Anderson will remain on the Zoning Committee and will join the Comprehensive General Plan Committee. J. Wallack said that he will stay on the Steering Committee and would like to become the new Plan Commission member on the Economic Development Committee. V. Kretchmer explained that she will remain on the Steering Committee and will choose between either the Neighborhood Committee or the Comprehensive General Plan Committee. In her conversation with Ron Koboid earlier that day, Kobold expressed interest in remaining on the Neighborhood Planning Committee. D. Marino stated that staff is currently waiting for Associate Membership applications which, once received, will be directed to the Commission for consideration. He added that staff has also been in touch with the City Clerk's Office periodically to learn of individuals who may be interested in serving as Associate Members of the Plan Commission. Regarding "the process for revising the Comprehensive General Plan, Marino briefly outlined the preliminary work staff has done in gathering plans from other communities comparable to Evanston. He stated that staffs goal is to see the establishment of a Comprehensive General Plan Committee which could meet before the next Commission meeting to begin working on the project. A • h 1 J. Wallack stated that an essential component of the process will be making sure that the new Comprehensive General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance be consistent with each other. Members scheduled the first meeting of the Comprehensive General Plan Committee for 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 1995. V. NEW BUSINESS J. Wallack outlined the proposed changes to the Commission's Administrative Rules and Procedures. Wallack had proposed amending certain provisions that seemed problematic, Including how the rules did not provide for the absence of both the Chair and Vice -Chair at a regular meeting. Both substantive changes and tech nicaVg rammatical changes were suggested. According to the rules, the Commission will vote to adopt amendments at the meeting following their written introduction. T. Stafford requested that the Word "and" be removed from Article V, Paragraph D, line four as a grammatical correction. D. Hart asked that Article XI, Paragraph L, Section 1 be rewritten to correct an apparent omission. VI. OLD BUSINESS D. Anderson inquired about the Zoning Analysis Status Report, specifically regarding the location of the deck construction proposed for 810 Grove Street. D. Marino stated that staff would check into this matter and report back. Anderson also asked if the addition to the automobile repair service at 1701 Howard Street involved the used car lot the Plan Commission considered earlier. Marino responded that he believed this was a different property and that he would follow-up. In response to a question raised by T. Stafford about the status of the Washington National/Buck Development, D. Marino stated that the City has received a copy of a letter of intent for financing from the Buck Development Company that will be considered at a special meeting of the Economic Development Committee on August 9, 1995. VI1. COMMITTEE REPORTS T. Stafford summarized the .discussion of the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Public Place Names. The Committee is considering a petition to name a park in the Custer Street area after a woman who was killed in a "automobile -pedestrian interaction." The Committee is waiting for more Input on that topic before making a decision. 1 y - - - Fier, fYl, i�•IIIt- - - - - -'__- J'WY ue .ai _ _ � - _ _ Stafford proceeded to his report on the Planning and Development Committee which had revisited the issue of sidewalk cafe regulations. Sidewalk Cafes were approved as a special use for Type 11 restaurants. The question Larose as to whether or not sidewalk cafes are better regulated when processed through the City Manager's office with annual licensing. Currently, Type 11 restaurants, In order to have a sidewalk cafe, must have a special use permit and a permit from City Manager's office. D. Marino commented that, from an economic development point of view, sidewalk cafes have been encouraged as long as they do not interfere with the right-of-way and are managed appropriately. Stafford stated that a reference may be sent to the Plan Commission regarding ways in which the City could monitor sidewalk cafes, vis-a-vis location and other aspects. No other committee reports were given. V1111. ADJOURNMENT The Plan Commission adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Its next meeting is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on August 9, 1995. DatV - - ...n .. r ... n� ,s� ,��„ � n, � m� ,�, .. i ,ry r e'tl'" 'p� •-n��k�ur-T .T`n�rr��-r�' DRAFT, NOT APPROVED Minutes EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION August 0, 1995 Room 2403 - 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Hart, T. Stafford, M. Norkett, V. Kretchmer, J. Wallack MEMBERS ABSENT: R. Kobold, K. Rielley, S. Stegemoeller ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Anderson STAFF PRESENT: PRESIDING: I. CALL TO ORDER D. Marino, C. Wonders V. Kretchmer, Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., a quorum being present, Il. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, JULY 26,1995 The minutes from the July 26, 1995 meeting were approved without correction. Ill. OLD BUSINESS The Commission adopted the amended Rules and Administrative Procedures which had been corrected according to the discussion of July 26, 1995. Members discussed the purchase of more durable name -plaques, similar to those used by the Zoning Board of Appeals. J. Wallack made this proposal in consideration of the Commission's appearance at community meetings in the future. D. Marino stated that staff would investigate the procedure for acquiring such plaques. IV. NEW BUSINESS Members discussed the applications for associate membership submitted by Stephon Knutson and by Richard Cook. V. Kretchmer presented both gentlemen's applications for Commission consideration. J. Wallack stated that, in earlier discussions on the topic of membership, the Commission had agreed to a maximum number of three associate members. The Commission also made a priority of diversifying membership, he continued, In terms of professional background, geography and race. He tlien asked If voting "yes" on these applicants would result In three associate members and thus prevent further efforts at diversification. V. Kretchmer responded that there is another opportunity for diversification In the mayor's nomination of someone to fill the vacancy left by Dennis Raffensperger. D. Anderson stated that, In the past, the Commission has had more than three associate members and that, if it was deemed worthwhile, more could be added In the future. J. Wallack asked if the mayor had nominated anyone yet to fill the current vacancy. D. Marino stated that he was not aware of any nominations at that time. V. Kretchmer asked Mr. Marino if he had discussed the vacancy with the mayor. Marino stated that he had not, adding that it would not be Inappropriate for the chair to discuss this matter with the mayor, D. Hart asked about the purpose of associate membership. V. Kretchmer responded that further membership will be helpful in sharing the workload of the Commission, including neighborhood planning and revising the Comprehensive General Plan. D. Marino stated that associate membership is also helpfu' in expanding the base of professional knowledge and expertise within the Commission. V. Kretchmer said that she still wanted to hold minority membership as a goal for the Commission. M. Norkett suggested that the Commission defer voting on the applicants until the Mayor nominates someone to fill the current vacancy. At that time, Norkett continued, the Commission can assess the diversity issue. Members agreed to postpone voting on the applications until the September meeting. V. COMMUNICATIONS C. Wonders indicated a correction on the Community Development Department Organization Chart Under Property Standards Enibmement in the Property Standards Division, the last name on the list should read Martha Pierre. D. Marino summarized the case of a pawn shop relocation currently being considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Marino explained that the communication from Jan Wolfensperger outlining this case was presented to the Plan Commission in light of its neighborhood planning interests. The case has involved a high level of neighborhood opposition to the proposal. VI. PLANNING V. Kretchmer gave an overview of the worts of the Comprehensive Plan Committee at its first meeting on August 3, 1995, including its Statement of Purpose and possible major elements of the revision process. D. Marino stated that a deadline for completion of this project has been tentatively set for November 1996. M. Norkett stated that such a time frame is well conceived as it will allow time to monitor the impact of the Old Orchard shopping center on Evanston's businesses, both in the downtown and in neighborhood areas. He further stated that, as the Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park development nears its tenth anniversary, the revision of the Comprehensive General Plan will be an opportunity for an assessment of its progress and plans for its future. D. Anderson, while not objecting to the November 1996 deadline as a goal, urged that this date not be imposed in such a way as to inhibit a complete process. Members discussed the current Comprehensive General Plan, agreeing that much of it is still pertinent and requires only minor updating. It was suggested that other issue areas having experienced a great deal of change since 1986 should be targets for more aggressive rewriting. M. Norkett compared the Comprehensive Plan to a business plan designed to preserve and enhance assets. As such, the plan needs to consider regional economic issues that could negatively impact the quality of life in Evanston. V. Kretchmer asked that, for the next meeting of the Plan Commission, members read the current Comprehensive General Plan for discussion. She also invited other members to the Comprehensive Plan Committee's next meeting to take part in that discussion. VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS T. Stafford summarized the discussion from the CD Committee that focused on neighborhood planning efforts. He commented on the high degree of cooperation among different groups in the South Evanston/Rogers Park area, stating that this is very encouraging. Vlll. ADJOURNMENT The Plan Commission adjourned at 8:23 p.m 13, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. Chnsto .Wonders, General Planner 3 Its next meeting is scheduled for September S 4.f Dat DRAFT, NOT APPROVED Minutes EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION September 13, 1995 Room 2403.7:00 p.m, MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Stafford, D. Hart, S. Stegemoeller, V. Kre.chmer, R. Kobold, J. Wallack MEMBERS ABSENT: M. Norkett, K. Rielley ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Anderson STAFF PRESENT: PRESIDING: I. CALL TO ORDER D. Marino, C. Wonders V. Kretchmer, Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m., a quorum being present. il. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, AUGUST 9,1995 The minutes from the August 9, 1995 meeting were approved without correction. III. COMMUNICATIONS D. Anderson raised a question about Article IV.D of the Administrative Rules and Procedures regarding term reappointment schedules. She stated that the City Clerk's office appointment procedures apparently do not match what is outlined in the Plan Commission's rules. D. Marino responded that staff would consult with the Clerk's office to clarify the procedures for appointing commissioners. Anderson also inquired about the relevance of article IV.A which calls for an ex-officio member from the Planning and Development Committee, a committee that was made part of the larger Committee of the Whole in July 1995. D. Anderson requested that the date for the beginning of the fiscal year be added to article IX.E. She asked for clarification of article XIII.G.2 with regards to the phrase "regular members of the minority." 3 � -nu - tauroa�we x� i i T. Stafford suggested that article XI.L.1 ba rephrased to read as folkxm: "The staff shag Identify all m1e yan documents which were on file when the notice was published and any which were offered subsequently." Regarding the zoning issue surrounding the proposed pawn shop relocation to 1123 Howard Street, C. Wonders stated that the case was scheduled to go before City Council on the evening of September 18, 1995. IV. OLD BUSINESS V. Kretchmer announced that D. Anderson had been nominated for full membership In order to fill the vacancy left by Dennis Raffensperger in July. The final vote on her membership will be taken at the subsequent City Council meeting scheduled for September 18,1995. Ki etchmer continued that this development provides the opportunity for the commission to vote on the associate membership applications of Steve Knutson and Richard Cook. D. Anderson commented that, with regards to minority membership, the aldermen in wards with large minority populations should be approached to recommend persons who could contribute to the Plan Commission's activities. V. Kretchmer stated that she had written a letter to the mayor regarding the commission's opening adding that recommendations for associate members were desired. The view of the commission, she continued, is that the diverse population of the city should be reflected in the membership of the commission. Kretc`imer pmcceded to introduce Stephen Knutson and Richard Cook for associate membership consideration. She moved that the commission vote to approve the applicants. D. Anderson asked about the commission's conclusion regarding the diversity of professional backgrounds among commissioners. Kretchmer responded that, while the overall goal is a diversity of perspective, there is no problem with having two more architects on the Plan Commission. S. Stegemoeller inquired as to whether either of the two applicants would be involved in projects that could bring them into a conflict of interest with their commission duties. Kretchmer said that anyone having a conflict of interest should excuse themselves from the matter at hand. Stegemoeller responded that this works if the conflict is occasional but wondered if the nature of their work, being architects in the community, would frequently bring them into conflict. Kretchmer replied that, as associate members, neither would have voting privileges anyway. J. Wallack drew the commissioners' atterition to article VIA of the rules which addressed conflict of interest situations. He stated that at no point does the rule specify regular members and therefore extends to all members of the commission. -2- T. Stafford asked if any other applications for associate membership had been received, and, if not, if it would be Visa for the Plan Commission to continue to wait on the two applications In question. V. Kretchmer responded that the commisolon was gaining little by waiting and that, since it was agreed at an earlier meeting that more than two associate members could be accommodated, accepting the two current applicants would in no way limit the commission In future attempts at greator diversity. J. Wallack seconded Kretchmer's motion for approval. The motion carried unanimously. V. PLANNING The planning portion of the agenda was devoted to visioning for the comprehensive plan, V. Kretchmer began the discussion by outlining her personal perspectives on the City of Evanston. Her outline went as follows: From a regional basis, Evanston is no longer In a central location to the regional growth around Chicago, nor is it easily accessible via the region's expressway system. Compared to twenty or thirty years ago, a smaller share of the region's jobs are located In downtown Chicago making Evanston's proximity to the central city of less significance in the region. Public transit service to Evanston is unmatched by other Chicago suburbs, an attribute that could be exploited more for job and business development especially regarding efforts to reduce auto congestion. The regional reputation of Evanston as having high housing costs belles the truth that the city has a very wide range of housing prices, wider than many other suburbs. People can start out in Evanston and stay here throughout the changing income levels in their lives. Property taxes are high, however this can be offset by the high quality of services the city offers. The ambience of Evanston is a major selling point for the cihj. The neo-traditional, pedestrian urban character that many planners are currently promoting nationally can be found already existing in Evanston. Despite pockets of deterioration that are worthy of concern, the overall standard for housing and property maintenance is extremely high in the city. The lakefront is another attribute that distinguishes the city from many other suburban communities. Overall, Evanston is not just another suburb. Kretchmer's vision includes maintaining the historical, traditional character of the city. Evanston should build upon some of its strengths such as Northwestern University, a highly educated population, a high proportion of residents who walk to wort:, residential communities in walking proximity to shopping districts, and a high level of community service. The city should loos: at underutilized areas for possible compatible development/redevelopment, such as along the Chicago Avenue corridor and in Research Park. Likewise, downtown Evanston should continue to be a high planning priority as it often symbolizes to people the character of the city. .. . A... Al. Ai .,.saws � . .. . . W W.� ., - .W no. T. Stafford agreed with much of Kratchmees vision, stating that the difficulty in following through with them lies in the details. R. Kobold asked if there were any way to assess the last comprehensive plan to determine how well it accomplished Ita goals. Stafford responded that the new comprehensive plan should include a chapter reflecting on the accomplishments of the 1906 plan. D. Marino explained that the process of revising the comprehensive plan will involve such consideration as wall as an effort to highlight new Issues that were not previously addressed. D. Anderson asserted the need to revisit the visioning process when the comprehensive plan Is completed to consider what had been learned. J. Wallack said that the vision process has to start out by understanding Evanston In its regional context before discussing how the city and its constituent parts are viewed intemally. An element not included in the previous Comprehensive General Plan Is a comparative analysis between Evanston and other communities as a technique for defining what Evanston is. Certain elements of Evanston's past character may no longer apply as a result of a regional Evolution of economic function. Wallack listed several of his own Issues that included the effects of external economic forces on economic and residential development and the power of taxes as an anti -competitive force. He considers Evanston a cosmopolitan alternative to Chicago despite concerns such as the quality of education, crime and the lack of extensive entertainment in the downtown area. The 1986 Comprehensive General Plan discusses the need for new cultural facilities in downtown but failed to achieve many of the objectives aimed in this direction, he added. Such goals need to be reemphasized in the new comprehensive plan as the diversity of cultural options and economic options are perhaps Evanston's most attractive features. S. Stegemoaller referred to several of the issues addressed earlier in the discussion. Separating infrastructure planning from social issues is difficult, she said, even though Infrastructure and land use make up the larger part of the commission's responsibilities. Stegemoeller considered the problem of having the commission develop a vision for Evanston even though it may not be a body that is fully representative of the larger population . She asked at what point in the process community input will be solicited. She underscored the importance of establishing early what avenues are explored by the comprehensive plan in order to focus the discussion with the communities. D. Marino explained that focus group discussions will be an essential portion of the comprehensive planning process in order to draw different perspectives into the process. The commission's function will be to synthesize what is learned from such discussions into general issues for the comprehensive plan. Public hearings, while an effective starting point, by themselves may not get sufficiently into the depth of all issues. D. Hart asked if it is unreailsbc to expect the plan to take positions on social issues such as education and crime. Marino responded that these issues can be addressed in the plan, but, with particular regard to education, there must be recognition of the differences in local units of government and their respective responsibilities. -4- J. Wallack stated that important groups to talk to about a comprehensive vision Include the mayor, aldermen and neighborhood leaders. Marino suggested that, before scheduling meetings with outside parties, the commission should assess one or more chapters of the Comprehensive General Plan and finalize procedural matters for the rewrite. He proceeded to outline a proposed detailed work schedule for the project which had been developed through the Comprehensive Plan Committee. The work schedule would set a completion date for November 1998. Members considered the existing Comprehensive General Plan's chapter on housing Issues to the extent that it can exemplify what procedural and technical changes should occur in the new plan. J. Wallack commented that, while updating the factual information provided in the comprehensive plan is essential, the most important task for the commission to prepare is a community vision that will lend a unifying context to the final document and all of the included issues. V. Kretchmer added that the process should be both a function of editing the existing document and directing its focus on what makes sense for Evanston's future. S. Stegemoeller observed that the current Comprehensive General Plan addresses the topic of social service planning but proceeds to limit its scope to the physical elements of the city, and in so doing presents a report on the status of Evanston in 1986 without setting strong goals for the future. Wallack added that a comprehensive general plan needs to be a statement about what the city intends to do and to be in the future. The discussion moved to the topic of community surveys as a tool for formulating visions to be embedded in the comprehensive plan. D. Marino explained that implementing a broad survey is challenging in a city as diverse as Evanston. R. Kobold and J. Wallack agreed that a survey of this nature should contain an external component to draw out the outsider's impressions of the city. Marino responded that such a study should especially focus on areas of Chicago known to traditionally be a starting point for people who eventually move to Evanston. Likewise, it should incorporate those who have recently left the city. Kretchmer added that a survey of local realtors would be another worthwhile component. Marino added that staff will come back to the Comprehensive Plan Committee with a prioritization of the issues that had been discussed. Vl. COMMITTEE DEPORTS Economic Development Committee J. Wallack summarized the EDC activities which in a special meeting focused on finalizing the financing of the Washington National/Buck project. He explained that the 3 EDC is discussing broader economic development planning activities which leads to an intended interplay between the EDC and the Plan Commission. EDC's work with the community will involve talking to commercial and industrial stakeholders while the Plan Commission will be going to residents. These parallel efforts will contribute to the -5- ,Y W0�9��+4""ii'."tlQllfrrra..-�Kr.�rm�r-Fr.."��'1-- comprehensive plan process. D. Marino said that EDC is on a six month schedule, beginning in October, to complete its process of determining ways in which the city can be of assistance In retaining existing businesses and attracting new enterprises. Neighborhood Planning Committee R. Kobold explained that the committee has recently evaluated its progress so far with a focus on. what resources will be available to enact meaningful change in the neighborhood. S. Stegemoeller added that much of the discussion has centered on economic development for Howard Street. Many of the issues there are a function of participation among property owners and, and for this reason, the planning strategy will involve stimulating their interest. D. Marino added that the successful efforts at organizing community interest and participation made in the residential areas will make similar efforts In the commercial area possible. He added that the $500,000 available through federal Home Program funds will be helpful in leveraging affordable housing development. A broad based group of community leaders and private sector experts have been meeting to discuss strategies for using this money to address issues such as rehabilitation and ownership transfer of several deteriorating properties in Evanston, including South Evanston. VII. ADJOURNMENT The Plan Commission adjourned at 9:07 p.m. its next meeting Is scheduled for October 11, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. Chris-loprWonders f -- Date General Planner J _ ,- r -. ,,�5_�F'ti r'�rK.�M.��t"''a`��^ � -i''� 3 _.i-i ' _, .. C�-' �-'1'�-.. � � -sue _-. 7- �- ti i 3 i yr,n � �#<'r�f-`-'=�'"..i '.t.• -Fr-.-�-:a-irs�';, f , MINUTES DRAFT, NOT APPROVED EVANs9TQN PLAH COMMISSIQN Meeting of Wednesday, October 11, 1995 Civic Center, Room 2403 - 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Hart. R. Kobold, D. Anderson, V. Kretchmer, J. Wallack, S. Stegemoeller, M. Norkett, K. Rielley, T. Stafford ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Knutson ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: R. Cook STAFF PRESENT: PRESIDING: 1. CALL TO ORDER D. Marina, C. Wondem, J. Wolfensperger J. Wallack, Vice -Chair V. Kretchmer, Chair In the absence of V. Kretchmer, Vice -chair J. Wallack called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., a quorum being present. !I, CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 13,1995 The minutes from the September 13, 1995 meeting were approved without correction. Ill. OLD BUSINESS J. Wallack introduced several amendments to the Admrnistradve Rules and Pmcedures. K. Rielley asked if the proposed amendment to Article IV.D, regarding appointments and terms of office, was in conflict with the current rules of the City Council, C. Wonders explained that this amendment was intended to bring the commission's rules into conformance with those of the City Council. With no further discussion or objections, the commission, in accordance with article XV.A of its rules, agreed to vote on the amendments at the following meeting. M. Norkett raised a concern that, in previous discussions, no definitive resolution had been made to incorporate economic development priorities into the framework of the comprehensive plan. J. Wallack responded that the economic development planning ti7i♦ ';Y�•?^�"T,t��ar�'��.�r 'lP.rj1 ' ":x.'4:ti `. , • 1! �j �1 yq�. ^ri •v �. r 'ri,�ti�4t: 1 iF i• s ..5}��!y��P�� i:'. [ a activities undertaken by the Economic Development Committee of the City Council should dovetail with the comprehensive planning project. D. Anderson asked for clarification of the EDC's timeframe for its citywide economic and business assessment. D. Marino explained that the committee would be conducting a series of meetings with various industry and business groups as well as area development organizations. Those meetings will be preceded by a survey to be sent to nearly all businesses in Evanston and will be designed to get a sense of the key issues that should be discussed at the meetings. The final goal of the entire project, which should take place over a four to six month period, will be an update of the city's 11986 economic development strategy. M. Norkett expressed his continued concern about the city's economic future. J. Wallack contended that, in his opinion, it Is not the role of the Plan Commission to address economic development strategies specifically. He stated that it will be up to the commission and its Comprehensive Plan Committee to consider the place of this issue In the comprehensive planning process. T. Stafford suggested considering the City of Evanston, within the region, as a North Shore equivalent to other Para -city development areas like Naperville, Arlington Heights and Schaumburg. D. Marino concurred that part of the comprehensive plan's responsibility is to consider the regional role Evanston plays. M. Norkett stated that part of this process should be centered on how to bring more business to the city. J. Wallack suggested that the discussion move to the committee reports N. COMMM EIE REPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE T. Stafford summarized the activities of the Committee of the Whose that had occurred since the last Plan Commission meeting. Among other issues, the committee addressed plans for the Miller School redevelopment. A special sub -committee was _. established to consider this topic and will meet on October 16, 1995. The committee also discussed enforcement of fees for signs as well as a sidewalk cafe for the St. Louis Bread Company in Downtown Evanston. The latter issue will be discussed further by the Committee of the Whole in November. CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PLACE NAMES T. Stafford outlined the committee's decision to name a park in the south of Evanston after a woman who had played an important community development role in the neighborhood. The committee's recommendation will be presented to the Committee of the Whole. -a- a r �' -+ "`�'S�?�e3� �-. y`. t._=.�„-- ..„�sf- ,t r? _ ' . ., ... ,. -.I�r.s*--* ^'�'il.. • ,.., i "f1'tr�` �1 lI CD COMMITTEE Y T. Stafford explained that this committee will be considering the applications that have been received by the city for Community Development Block Grant funds. (At this time, Valerie Kretchmer entered the moeting and assumed tine role otpresiding officer.) Stafford continued, explaining that Food Partners, Inc., received a loan of $3,600 from the city to replace a computer that had been stolen. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING In summarizing the committee's discussion, M. Norkett underscored the critical importance of Howard Streets redevelopment for Evanston"s future and the importance of neighborhood planning in order to bridge the gaps between communities on either side of the street. He also drew attention to the importance of better signage for promoting the neighborhood shopping districts. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE J. Wallack explained details regarding the reorganization of the Research Park management structure. The committee recommended approving the consolidation of the holding company and the operating company into one body with the intent of increasing accountability to the city. 'lie operating corporation will be made up of fourteen dirsctors, seven appointed by the Evanston City Council and seven from Northwestern University. The City Council later voted to approve the ordinance that legislated this consolidation. D. Marino added several details of the agreement. Under the terms of the reorganization, both parties will continue to provide $250,000 each per year to support the operations of the corporation, but neither partner is obliged to provide any financial .. assistance for the development of any parcel or group of parcels. J. Wallack interjected that these changes are an effort to improve the development activity within the Research Paris. This new arrangement will allow the city to have more input on development proposals that may come forward. i V. ZONING At 8:00 p.m., the Plan Commission commenced a public hearing on the subject of Case 95-0003-M, a petition by Research Park, Incorporated (RPI) to amend Section 6-12- 2-2 and any other related sections of the Zoning Ordinance to list "single-family attached dwelling units" as a permitted use in the RP, Research Park District. 51 61 `nr'tI to iw1.A11 r:k i �� rJt �► l ■ �► Following the public hearing, the commission moved on to its second zoning issue. V. Kretchmer welcomed Aid. Joseph Kent of the 5th Ward and several constituents from both the 5th and 2nd Wards who were in attendance to discuss concerns they have about the nature of residential development trends within their community. Aid. Kent explained that, due to an ongoing pattern of new multifamily residential construction on lots where single family Domes once stood, the nature of the community was being, adversely affected. Of even greater concern, he continued, is an apparent lack of attention being paid to the quality of the multifamily developments. Due to the zoning of the areas in question, these uses are permitted as -of -right. Affected residents thus have no say in a matter negatively impacting their neighborhoods. For this reason, Aid. Kent suggested that anything other than single-family residential construction undertaken in the R-3, R-4 and R-5 districts of the area in question be made a special use in order to open up the process for community input. D. Hart asked for clarification as to whether Aid. Kent's primary concern was higher density development or the quality of construction. Aid. Kent responded that both issues were problems for the neighborhoods and proceeded to discuss several specific developments that had rscently been completed without any opportunity for citizen comment. He enumerated complaints about the developers and the types of tenants who were moving into the neighborhoods via these new developments. T. Stafford stated that, through the special use classification, projects would have to pass before the Zoning Board of Appeals and the City Council before approval could be granted. Years ago, he stated, there had been an R5a district that classified as special use large scale developments in certain residential areas of the city. He suggested that a similar strategy could perhaps solve the problem outlined by Aid. Kent. D. Hart asked if this problem only existed in the 3th Ward. Cadiss Sutton, a resident of the community, stated that it also exists in parts of the 2nd Ward. Ald. Kent added that it may also occur in the Sth Ward, but not as severely as in the 5th. He added that the proposed "special use" idea was only an idea for solving the problem and that he would be willing to consider other suggestions. J. Wolfensperger asked if there were any incidence of this problem in the portion of the 5th Ward that exists east of Ridge Avenue. Ald. Kent responded that the problem centered west of Ridge to Dodge Avenue, between Simpson and Church Streets. He explained that the problem is not one he sees citywide. For this reason, he understands that the solution should be something that can be applied without affecting development 4— In parts of the city where there may he no problem. T. Stafford reiterated that an R5a designatioo would allow community input before two forums, the ZBA and the City Council. J. Wolfensperger suggested that the issue be sent to the commission's Zoning Committee for more detailed consideration. Onco a possible solution is found, it can be taken to the Committee of the Whole for aldermonlc consideration. A meeting between the Plan Commission and the Committee of the Whola could also take place to discuss the matter. S. Stegemoeller asked for clarification of the "A subdistrict" concept as proposed by T. Stafford. J. Wolfensperger explained that the Rya district had been used in the past as a solution to a different problem. Its use in the districts in question would limit permitted use uniquely to single family residential units. Stegemoeiler asked if a zoning text amendment would be the procedure to enact such a technique. J. Wolfensperger confirmed this. J. Wallack asked what type of construction would be taking place if multifamily development were not occurring on the vacant lots in this area. Aid. Kent responded that no marketing has ever been done to bring in developers who may be Inclined to produce higher quality dwellings. J. Wallack suggested that perhaps the development of questionable structures discourages developers of higher quality housing from entering the market. Elsie Liddel, a resident of the 5th Ward, stated that the low quality, high density construction going into the neighborhood was out of line with the existing community. T. Stafford asked if single-family attached housing would be allowed as permitted uses according with the vision he sees. Aid. Kent responded that he would need time to - consider this possibility. J. Wolfensperger asked Aid. Kent about the lack of notice given to the community before a demolition takes place and if that was part of the problem as well. Aid. Kent confirmed this. D. Anderson inquired if twenty-five foot lots were a standard width for the areas of the ward in question. Aid. Kent believed that lot widths range from twenty-five to fifty feet. Anderson asked if below a certain lot width the city could require special use for anything other than single family construction. J. Wolfensperger explained that the new Zoning Ordinance allows existing platted lots to be developed to encourage development. She added that this aspect of the problem should be considered carefully so as not to inhibit development throughout the city. V. Kretchmer stated that only part of this issue seemed to relate to zoning. Apparently the implementation of building codes, she continued, appears relevant to many -5- IS, - __� _�� r i�41L n� �!�. %:0.Ai r.._i�.�-f�, .. •d1y.93 Lr,il �Si �i➢.,�1�.�3..�11x�il:�dihd.v�� r r of the concerns that had so far surfaced. D. Marino stated that the BGCA Code national building standards are applied In Evanston to all new construction. Likewise the city's property inspections are undertaken on a revolving schedule throughout the city. V. Kretchmer concluded the discussion, stating that a meeting of the Zoning Committee would be scheduled to consider the problems the citizens had addressed. She thanked the alderman and the residents for attending the meeting and for speaking about their concerns. She finalized the meeting by giving a brief report on the past month's Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting in which plans for a citywide survey of residents' opinions was discussed. Staff is continuing to work on this matter, she added. VI, ADJOURNMENT The Plan Commission adjourned at 10:07 p.m. Its next meeting Is scheduled for November 8, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. f r/1 t:h I risWpReWonders Date General Planner DRAFT, NOT APPROVED MINUTES EVANSTON PLAN , &IMISs5l N Meeting of Wednesday, November 8, 1995 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Wallack, D. Anderson, D. Hart, V. Kretchmer, S. Stegemoeller, M. Norkett, T. Stafford MEMBERS ABSENT: K. Rielley, R. Kobold ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: R. Cook, S. Knutson STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, C. Wonders• PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer I. ALL TO ORDER V. Kretchmer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., a quorum being present. Kretchmer welcomed Richard Cook, one of the Commission's newly appointed associate Members. A li. CONSIDERATI N OF MINUI".S• OCTOB R '11,199 The minutes from the October 11, 1995 meeting were approved without correction. Regarding the transcript from the public hearing on case 95-003-(T) (a petition by Research Park, Incorporated, to amend Section 6-12-2-2 and any related sections of the Zoning Ordinance to list "single-family attached dwelling units" as permitted use in the RP, Research Park District), Kretchmer indicated that there were several typographical errors and that her vote on the final motion to approve the proposed text amendment had been omitted from the transcript altogether. D. Anderson registered a complaint about the quality of transcription, stating that important comments were left out of the transcript. The Commission adopted its 1996 Meeting Schedule as requested by the City•Clerk. The Commission will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. In room 2403 of the Evanston Civic Center. The Commission considered the most recent amendments to Re Administrative Rules and Procedures, voting unanimously for adoption. D. Anderson commented that a further amendment should be considered that would specify a timeframe In which minority reports be submitted. T. Stafford stated that, in the past, minority reports were coordinated with the majority report so that both would be present when submitted to City Council. S. Stegemoeller asked if the minority would necessarily intend to submit its own report before it had seen the report of the majority. V. Kretchmer stated that the minority in most cases should be aware of its intent at the time the final vote is taken. Kretchmer asked what amount of time was typically needed to submit a recommending report to the City Council. Marino responded that it is desirable to send the report to Council as soon as the transcripts arrive, usually within two weeks after the hearing. With regard to the October 11, 1995 hearing, for example, the report was sent to the City Council at the end of the first week in November for consideration at its November 6, 1995 meeting. J. Wallack quoted the zoning Ordinance that sets a thirty day deadline for submitting Written recommendations to Council. Marino stated that its goal is to send the _ recommendation earlier, usually as soon as the official transcripts are received in the Zoning Division. Commission members discussed timing issues with regard to delaying the majority report. Wallack stated that the majority report should wait for the minority report if a member of the minority stated that he or she wished to submit a report. D. EWE Anderson added that the value of the minority report lies in its accompanying the majority report. Q. Hart contended that the responsibility of the minority should be to submit its report in 'lime for it to accompany the majority report and that the majority report should not be made to wait. The commissioners agreed to continue the discussion at a later date in order to allow further staff analysis of the issue. COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN COPAM 7EE The draft of a memo to City Council regarding the Plan Commission's proposed revision of the Comprehensive General Plan was discussed briefly. No changes were suggested. D. Marino stated that the memo will be transmitted as a communication for the November 20,1995 meeting of the Committee of the Whole. According to the Committee of the Whole rules, no communication can be removed for discussion during �ni. ntt„rrrti I.. III � � .. I I �...� ,.. •.i. �. •-� "y��pIO��7TTw 1y ,j� P/� /��p commf��lon M�nura8�; r the meeting in which it is first Introduced. If the City Council wishes to discuss the memo, It will be put on the agenda for its December meeting, In such event, Marino suggested that It would be beneficial for a member of the Plan Commission's Comprehensive General Plan Committee to be present at that meeting. V. Kretchmer updated the Commission on the status of the comprehensive plan revision. She stated that discussion has taken place on surveying residents on their feelings about Evanston and that the Chamber of Commerce is considering a similar project. The Committee will consider ways of coordinating efforts with the Chamber of Commerce to minimize the number of times residents are surveyed. The Commission revisited the topic of economic development planning and the extent to which it should be discussed via the Comprehensive General Plan. In order to clarify the responsibility of different City committees in this area, D. Marino gave a brief overview of the mission of the City Council's Economic Development Committee. The Economic Development Committee, he explained, is the body that recommends economic development policy and programs to the City Council. In addition, the Economic Development Committee has been the recommending body for specific redevelopment proposals, such as the shopping center developments completed in recent years and the currently in -progress redevelopment of the Washington National site. Currently, the Economic Development Committee is working on updating the city's Economic Development Strategy, last published in 1986, as part of its responsibility of identifying and addressing the economic issues facing Evanston. Marino concluded that historically the Plan Commission's role in economic development has typically been enacted via the comprehensive plan which recommends land use policies that will shape future development. In the past, there have been occasions when the Plan Commission and the Economic Development Committee have held joint meetings to discuss specific topics such as business area redevelopment plans. M. Norkett stated that the comprehensive plan needs to go further in addressing priorities for the future of the city's economic base. He commented that, in his experience, he has observed the Chicago Avenue corridor to be an area in need of specific attention and planning because it comprises a large area of redevelopable land and because some of its largest establishments, auto dealerships, are in a state of flux. V. Kretchmer agreed that the Chicago Avenue corridor could be a relevant example for comprehensive planning due to its large land area. She explained that the redevelopment parameters can be effectively established through a comprehensive plan that will determine what sorts of uses could be viable for the area as its redevelopment commences. The comprehensive plan can also be a means for Initiating the formulation of a separate strategic plan for that area specifically. II. y' ��' 1>1{ �i 1 1 h I.BOWERY— M. Norkett gave a vision of the future of Chicago Avenue that would include small retail establishments mixed with housing to create a neighborhood ambience. V. Kretchmer compared the corridor to areas In the City of Chicago that create commercial nodes at Intersections broken by housino uses rather than spreading commercial uses along the entire length of the street as Is the current situation on Chicago Avenue. Norkett proceeded to discuss the nature of property taxes In the city and how it affects development. D. Marino stated that, at a point, redevelopment plans such as those discussed, fall into the responsibility of the Economic Development Committee and the City Council, particularly as they involve consideration of tax policies and how thBy affect development. J. Wallack emphasized that the Plan Commission must maintain focus on land use issues as they interrelate with economic development and that the Commission cannot become preoccupied with specific business development projects in the city. The discussion proceeded to touch upon the issue of the potentiality of conflicts of interest between members' private occupations and their public responsibilities as discussions of redevelopment plans evolve. M. Norkett asked if the responsibility of the Plan Commission was not to advise policy makers of what direction is needed for the economic future of the city. D. Anderson said that, while this is true, the commission's responsibility is tied to land use issues. M. Norkett stated that, in his opinion, the Economic Development Committee has been occupied lately with "big box" retail developments and that the Plan Commission needs to take into consideration planning for the smaller components of Evanston's economic base, the small neighborhood retail corridors. V. Kretchmer responded that the Economic Development Committee's surrey will be used in the comprehensive plan and that, to the extent that economic development planning involves broad land use decisions, it will be a component of the comprehensive plan. D. Marino added that the revision of the Economic Development Committee's Economic Development Strategy will probably reach completion before the Comprehensive General Plan does, thus allowing time for the Plan Commission to consider the strategy and to incorporate it Into the land use recommendations of the comprehensive plan. ZoN1NG CommrrrEE S. Stegemoeller outlined the discussion conducted by the Zoning Committee regarding the concerns voiced by Alderman Kent about the type and quality of new construction in the fifth ward. She explained that building permit and zoning administration data do not clearly support the concerns as stated and that changing the Zoning Ordinance would be difficult without more substantive facts. The committee is waiting for specific addresses from Alderman Kent so that staff can investigate the problem and be able to -� better indicate possible solutions. �y 9 Y�i�. ii 5-�•I'��. f' �RTI'� r l'I�N slit 4a_�iY, irru� ®sA ' `� V4K kl`,r �'k�"#�IaY1�rwFt,i•,r!1.1111.ri?li�. ^ rig{ ♦�w�C E i s S �.� 1:.. r.� 7-'! ! CD COMMITTEE T. Stafford distributed his report that prioritized the public facility project applications received by the city for funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The Commission was asked to evaluate his priorities and to respond accordingly. Stafford explained that his prioritization was a combination of both his own opinion of each project's overall benefit to the community and a reflection of the general sentiment of the CD Committee as arose in the committee's discussion 1 applications. He added that the CD Committee's final funding decisions will be made at its November 14, 1995 meeting. D. Anderson asked that Stafford elevate the priority ranking of the "Curb Replacement Program" from lour/medium to medium because of its value in improving the quality of Evanston I's neighborhoods. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COMMITTEE M. Norkett stated that the Howard Street Redevelopment Committee will begin work in January. D. Marino explained that facade improvements were underway on Howard Street and that the redevelopment strategy would encourage such improvements to happen in tandem with facade improvements occurring on the Chicago side of the street. He added that it one of the neighborhood planning process' intentions to have capital improvements in the area completed in collaboration with the City of Chicago to achieve greater unity on the street, EcoNoMIO DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE J. Wallack explained that the Economic Development Committee agreed to recommend that the City Council approve amending the Master Plan of the Research Park to allow single-family attached housing on parcel twelve of the Research Park. The Economic Development Committee also considered the CDBG applications with particular attention to the application for the MBE/WBE Coordinator position and to the facade improvement program application. The Economic Development Committee supported the applications for these items. CQMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE D. Marino stated that the City Council adopted the amendment to the Research Park Master Plan for single-family attached housing on parcel twelve of the Research Park. The proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to allow single-family attached housing in the district was introduced and will be considered for adoption at the November 20, 1995 meeting of City Council. T. Stafford added that a great deal of discussion had taken plane in the Committee of the Whole on the redevelopment of the Miller School at the comer of Dempster Street and Hinman Avenue. Further discussion on the issue will take place at the November 20, 1995 meeting of the Committee of the Whole. The'Ccmmittee also discussed the Issue of the homeless shelter in the Lake Street Church which several residents have requested be moved to another part of the city. A meeting focusing on this topic, Stafford explained, will be scheduled for sometime in the coming months. Vi. Al2JOURNMENT The Plan Commission adjourned at 8:47 p.m.. Its next meeting Is scheduled for December 13, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. st a Wonders General Planner raJ�s Dat6 3 -s -- — +„ter...-=�frYl'n•*"j.R '"+'arTk' '�K�'�Riw"yad"`i",q"K","Y:��r "'T'7k' Y .i�'* .� �,, •i�� r ��.i + c�+q+AROM Mbfir7,..,-"_��o`I:N!t;t}k(r'V'M' ri►' DRAFT, NOT APPROVED - MINUTES E,E VANSTON PLAN COMMISSM Meeting of Wednesday, Docemher 13,1996 7:00 p.m., Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Wallack, S. Stagamoeller, R. Kobold, D. Anderson, V. Kretchmer, D. Hart, K. Malley, M. Norkett, T. Stafford ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: R. Cook ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Knutson STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, C. Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer V. Kretchmer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., a quorum being present. II. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTEa, NOVEMBER�. 1995 The minutes were approved, with a grammatical correction made to line five (5) of the Neighborhood Planning Committee summary, (page 5). = III. QLD DIMNESS There was no old business to be discussed. IV. NEW-13-USINESS The floor was opened for nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice -Chair. T. Stafford nominated V. Kretchmer as Chair and J. Wallack as Vice -Chair. R. Kobold seconded the nomination. No other nominations were made. The Commission unanimously elected V. Kretchmer as Chair and J. Wallack as Vice -Chair for the 1996 calendar year. The next election of officers will take place in December of 1996. The Commission discussed the scheduling of a special meeting at the end of January to be held with the Zoning Board of Appeals. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider a petition for a text amendment that will include professional sports (tennis tournaments) --.M Ianhp.� . m p IfllAl'�+ li^i+�i�•+iM!f 7rl i ,i nM a•1'i F,—. sit txl...hti . 1 A as a special use in the U2 zoning district. D. Marino explained that organizers of the Women's Tennis Association Tour Ameritech Cup have approached Northwestern University and the City to play host to the October 28-November 3,1996 event. He added that the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the matter consecutively on the same night, proposed for either Tuesday, January 23 or Wednesday, January 24. Commissioners concurred that either would be acceptable dates for the meeting but stated preference for Wednesday, January 24. The Commission discussed the proposed amendment to Article XIII, Section (G) of its Administrative Rules and Procedures. J. Wallack explained that the amendment would add greater clarity to the rules regarding the timing requirements for submitting a minority report. D. Anderson suggested that the deadline for submitting the report should be extended as ten calendar days following a Wednesday hearing would fall on a Saturday. The Commission agreed to change the proposed amendment, eliminating specifications for a special meeting to be called by the Chair and the Vice -Chair. J. Wallack moved that the amendment be adopted. T. Stafford seconded the motion. The motion to amend the existing text of Article Xlli, Section (G) was carried unanimously. (At approximately 7:30 p.m., J. Wallack and D. Marino left the Plan Commission meeting.) C. Wonders presented the Proposed Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Year 1996/97. He explained that the document is the official application of the City of Evanston for federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As such, it contains only minor revisions from the Consolidated Plan that was submitted for Fiscal Year 1995/96. D. Hart commented on the Executive Summary's discussion of homeless needs with particular reference to the "supply created demand" phenomenon that attracts non- Evanstonian homeless to the city for its high quality homeless services. He stated that he was opposed to approving the allocation of public dollars for homeless services that serve non-Evanstonians. He added, however, that he realized the difficulty in screening a population that is transient by nature. T. Stafford explained that federal guidelines consider someone who has been in Evanston for a day as being a resident of the city, adding that this issue had been discussed more than once over the years. The Commission discussed homelessness and the difficulties of a homeless shelter's location vis-a-vis its negative impact on surrounding property owners. T. Stafford moved for acceptance of the Proposed Consolidated Plan for forwarding to the Committee of the Whole. K. Rieiley seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. •j,ii i1i ► I PRIN v•1 The Commission discussed the Daily Northwestem article about gentrification in the 5th -_ Y.r2 ward. V. Kretchmer commented that the problems presented to the Commission by Aid. Kent and residents of his ward were characterized more as an issue of substandard housing than of gentrification. The Commission discussed the need for clarification on the exact nature of concerns about housing in the 5th ward. T. Stafford stated that he and the Zoning Committee were of the understanding that Aid. Kent would be reporting back with speck addresses where undesirable development had reportedly taken place. C. Wonders stated that, while the alderman had not made a reference on the issue, he was aware of contact between the alderman and the Zoning Division regarding specific addresses in question. He stated that staff would investigate further. R. Kobold stated that, until something noteworthy was presented, the Commission would be unable to know precisely what the true issues are. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COMMITTEE M. Norkett stated that the Neighborhood Planning Committee had discussed the summary report on the issues raised by residents of the target neighborhood and the policy recommendations proposed by staff. He explained that the report would be presented to the full Commission once finalized, adding that the report would be helpful for Commissioners as they prepare for the open meetings related to the comprehensive plan rewrite. The Commission discussed the cost of addressing resident concerns and the need to prioritize issues in terms of funding availability. COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE V. Kretchmer explained that the Comprehensive General Plan Committee had discussed the open meetings to be held throughout the city for citizen input into the comprehensive planning process. She stated that, white the Plan Commission had previously discussed conducting their monthly meetings at remote sites for the purpose of attracting residents, doing so might be difficult in light of the Commission's zoning responsibilities. As such, the public meetings would have to take place at a special date and time in addition to the usual monthly meeting. Her sense is that the meetings would begin after January allowing the Committee time to lay out specific goals and objectives for the meetings. S. Stegemoeiler stated concern about appearing before the communities to hear concerns and inadvertently raising expectations for solutions to complex problems. K. Rielley replied that the meetings will be important in order to hear what the complex problems are. V. Kretchmer said that, while the comprehensive plan will outline the broadest set of goals and objectives, a proceeding neighborhood plan could function as a way of prioritizing the desires of residents in terms of their ability to be addressed and met. a The Commission also discussed the draft survey that the Committee hopes to use as a basis for gaining further public Input into the vision for the comprehensive plan. V. Kretchmer asked that Commissioners contact staff with any suggestions that they might have on improving the survey. She also explained that the final form cf the survey will be Influenced by the Chamber of Commerce which is also undertaking a residential survey. As was discussed at the previous meeting, the Comprehensive General Plan Committee and the Chamber will consider ways of coordinating efforts to avoid duplicating efforts. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE T. Stafford briefed the Commission on the activity of the City Council Committee of the Whole. The Committee deferred decision on the zoning text amendment for townhomes in the Research Park District until its January meeting. The Committee also discussed the group home matter with specific regard to the licensing procedures as outlined in the City Cade. 031911 M ► Z The Plan Commission adjourned at 8:47 p.m.. Its next meeting is scheduled for January 10, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. l Christophe *Enders General Planner 23 96 Date` 40 i¢� �r if,...'�_'_$.["'r- lr,. IY, it Al.", YYY . ., ., i��.11lulll �,��ir ., , u i.M , r,iY �i a 11 , Y,�• w, YYi, �.11. dc` MEMBERS PRESENT: DRAFT, NOT APPROVED MINUTES Meeting of Wednesday, February 14,1996 7:00 p.m., Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 J. Wallack, R. Kobold, D. Anderson, V. Kretchmer, T. Stafford MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Stegemoeller, K. Rlelley, D. Hart, M. Norkett ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: R. Cook ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Knutson STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, J. Wolfensperger, C. Wr..r^ders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair I. CALL_ TO ORDER V. Kretchmer called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., a quorum being present. It. C-ONPjp9RATION OF MINUTES, DECEMBER 13.1996 The minutes of the December 13, 1995 meeting were approved without correction. Ill. COMMUNICATIONS C. Wonders briefly outlined the communications from both the January and February 1996 packets. He discussed an article on neo-traditional planning, a planning trend that aims to restore traditional character to modem residential developments. The article appeared per the recommendation of the Comprehensive General Plan Committee which had considered the desirability of Evanston (vis-a-vis neighborhood retail areas, public transit access, pedestrian friendliness, and other "traditional" characteristics) in light of this growing national trend. J. Wallack discussed the'wMage" concept as described by the article and mentioned that it is an idea that should be emphasized in the revision of the comprehensive plan. He asked that questions based on this idea be added to the agenda for public meetings on the comprehensive plan revision, IV. OLD BUSINESS J. Wolfensperger briefed the Commission on the public hearing scheduled jointly with the Zoning Board of Appeals for February 27, 1996. She outlined the logistics and the agenda for the meeting at which the two bodies will consider a taut amendment and a special use designation for the proposed professional tennis tournament at the Welsh -Ryan Arena. J. Wallack asked for clarification from staff as to the procedures by which the Plan Commission will close its hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals begins its own. Wolfensperger stated that she would investigate accordingly -- '. ,. - ' •-.,, ..,. Y -i in'hi a. n t nl. .r ,iY�i7n r-,. _�Ir`_'--•M�-r16 "'nYrlr^�,. .. ,. ..r*-"tn•r.. ,.''-'^4-o f*1f-'T'."i V. Kretchmer Introduced the application of Robert Taylor for associate membership. J. Wallack voiced opposition to the application. While he recognized the enthusiasm and credentials of the applicant, he stated that the Commission needs to put on hold the addition of any further associate members In anticipation of minority Involvement. D. Anderson stated that she shared many of Wallack% concerns. Kretchmer stated that she had addressed a letter the previous year to tie Mayor stating the Commission's concerns about the diversity of its membership. She asked D. Marino it this need could be addressed. D. Marino responded that, through the public meetinga for the comprehensive plan project, tine role of the Plan Commission will be made clear to a broader spectrum of Evanston. More membership Interest could be generated at that time. R. Cook asked if it was worthwhile keeping positions open If no minorities apply. Wallack replied that, technically, no formal position (associate or regular) was currently being held open. The application In question would require expanding the number of associates currently on the Commission, he explained. He reiterated that greater diversity of membership on the Commission would equal greater diversity of Interest and opinion reflected by the comprehensive plan. Kretchmer moved that Robert Taylor's application bo accepted for associate membership. The motion was not seconded, On a related membership matter, D. Anderson requested that article IV, item E of the Rules and Administrative Procedures be discussed at a future time In order to address the attendance expectations of Commission members. � as J, Wolfensperger discussed four references from the City Council, two of which should appear before tha Plan Commission at its March 19% meeting. The first reference Is a proposal to amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance to allow retail sales in transitional manufacturing districts (MU, MUE). The second reference pertains to a proposed text amendment that would expand the limit differentiating minor and major variations from 20% of requirement to 35%. Increasing the limit as such would increase the number of cases that can be administered by staff without public hearing. Wolfensperger stated that she would like the Plan Commission's Zoning Committee to examine the third and fourth references before they are scheduled for public hearing. The third proposed amendment would expand ' the provisions for the rights of affected property owners to include others with property interests (e.g. tenants). For this case, the Zoning Committee will need to look at the language In multiple sections of the Zoning Ordinance. The fourth proposed amendment addresses properties that have become non -conforming under the new Zoning Ordinance and that have previously imposed conditions attached to them. The current ordinance establishes no procedure through which property owners can be relieved of these previously imposed conditions. Currently, a petitioner for such relief may have to go through multiple steps from the City Council to the Zoning Board of Appeals and back to the City Council. The proposed amendment would change procedures to flow upward from the start y With regard to the four references, J. Wallack stated that the discussion of any of the topics could take place prior to an official public hearing. He continued that only at the public hearing could an actual vote be taken on the issue. Staff confirmed his point. The Commission agreed that public notice be given for March 13 public hearings on the MUIMUE issue and on the minor variation percentage issue. The other two topics can be heard at the April meeting if the zoning Committee is prepared at that time. The Zoning Committee will look at all Issues prior to the hearing. The discussion moved to the report of the Comprehensive General Plan Committee and the public meeting A outline proposed by staff. V. Kretchmer explained that the proposed outline was examined by the Committee and now input from the rest of the Commission was being sought. J r}3 -,irt 4„ft3*$#f�,�rCt.. "a�`tyy rr: it-e u S J. Wallack asked for clarification of the scheduling of the meetings, with particular regard to the length of time behveen the May and October meetings. C. Wonders explained that the delay was to allow time for staff to incorporate information gathered at the first three meetings and to prepare draft portions of the comprehensive plan for public reaction at the later meetings. D. Marino added that the last meeting, proposed to be hold at the Oakton School, was scheduled later In the year so as not to be confused with the neighborhood planning project currently underway. Kretchmar added that meetings should not be held during summer months because of vacation conflicts. The Commission agreed to hold three fact finding meetings (March 28, April 25, and the first week in Jura) to be followed by a meeting at the end of September and another in December. The latter two meetings would be aimed at getting community reaction to the Commission's synthesis of Issues derived from the earlier meetings. Marino stated that meetings could be scheduled later In the year as deemed necessary and feasible. The Commission then discussed the format for facilitating the meetings. V. Kretchmer stated that free -flowing discussion or even small discussion groups would be a constrictive manner in which to conduct the meetings. D. Marino clarified that the meetings would be public meetings, not formal public hearings. J. Wallack stated that small groups would not be useful as all Commissioners would not be part of the entire dialogue. R. Kobold agreed, stating that he would like to be aware of all points of the discussion. R. Cook explained that small break-out group discussions can work H each group chooses a spokesperson to report back to the larger group. Kretchmer responded that what was important was creating an Informal setting to allow for open dialogue. J. Wallack felt that questions about technology in contemporary living and land use, the role of neighborhood shopping districts, and Individual neighborhood perceptions bo added to the list of discussion topics fir the meetings. T. Stafford stated that group homa issues are likely topics at these meetings and need to by addressed by the comprehensive plan. V. Kretchmer responded that it was not an issue that should be brought up specifically in the meetings, indicating that broader vision oriented questions should be the first order of the discussions. Wallack stated that questions about the city's changing density patterns and height requirements vis-a-vis open space ratios would be important. Being fully developed, Evanston requires planning for increasing open space, he explained, R. Cook stated that the verticality of Evanston's future development to be addressed. D. Anderson remarked that another Issue to be considered is the uncertain future of large homes in the historic district and how the community feels they can and should be redeveloped if and when the need arises. The Commission discussed issues relating to the open space dynam;c with regards to increasing the city's tax base. Stafford and Kretchmer agreed that questions about quality of life issues are the ultimate goal of the public meetings. V. Kretchmer stated that she would like the Commission to host roundtable discussions with professional planners who live in Evanston in order to solicit their Input on the comprehensive plan. D. Anderson suggested holding such a meeting in the summer. Wallack agreed that summer meetings of this nature could be valuable as a follow-up to the public meetings in the spring. He described three seminar type meetings. one with planners from within Evanston, one with planners who live outside of Evanston, and a third with regional planners to discuss regional issues. D. Marino suggested adding a discussion with a group of developers from all markets (residential, commercial, industrial) to gain a private sector point of view on what is attractive/unattractive about Evanston. Kretchmer responded that breakfast meetings would perhaps be easier than evening meetings. V, Kretchmer drew the Commission's attention to the Draft Annual Report for 1995. The report will be submitted to the City Council once approved by the Plan Commission, Members discussed grammatical corrections to the document J. Wallack motioned approval of the document as amended. The motion was u di. _L mi YY6.4, iu Ipb o 0", 1., 1 W, I'14 ,la 4;1�iiySaf�x�y_9.�"ON ETMAIMI) Onfit. "`. ; 4y,.':•�..t. seconded and apprcved without opposition. D. Marino briefly discussed the next item on the agenda, the 1996-2000 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), R. Kobold asked about the expenditures projected for the latter three years of the program. Marino explained that the most definite budget commitments were reflected In the projects that will occur in fiscal year 1996.97. He recommended that the Commission keep the document to mind as It gets further Involved witli the comprehensive plan project. The Commission discussed items of financing capital improvements as outlined by the CIP. V. Kretchmer asked for an update on funds from the Home Depot development that had been earmarked for neighborhood capital improvements In that area. Marino explained that the money derived from sates tax revenue (eighty-three thousand dollars per year for fire years) would be placed In a neighborhood Improvement fund. The specific application of that fund remains undetermined at this time, but a process, to begin In the spring, will clarify the guidelines for using the money In the neighborhood around Home Depot. Vl. COMMITTEE REt Q&U ECONOmic DEVELOPMENT COMMrrrEE J. Waliack explained that recent meetings of the Economic Development Committee have focused on creating a street banner policy. The discussion has centered on freedom of speech issues surrounding the matter. CD COMMITTEE 3 T. Stafford stated that the CD Committee spent its most recent meeting discussing the concentration of social service residential care facilities in parts of the city. He added that Evanston has six percent of the rnentaliy,41I population of Illinois while representing only six tenths of a percent of the states total population. He stated his concern for this matter with regard to Evanston's future. J Walla&. asked for clarification on the Plan Commission's responsibility and ability for addressing community concerns about group homes, a topic closely regulated by fair housing laws. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COMMITTEE D. Marino stated that on February 22. 1996, a joint meeting of the Citizen's Planning Committee and the Internal Neighborhood Planning Committee made up of representatives of nine City departments will take place. The hvo groups will discuss their work from the past year and begin putting together what will become the final Neighborhood Plan for the target area. He added that the Evanston/Rogers Park banners will soon be installed on Howard Street. VII. ADJQURNtMItENT The Plan Commission adjourned at 10,01 p.m.. Its next meeting is scheduled for March 13,1996, at 7:00 p.m. C ns aph iders General Planner 1E Date February 26,1996 Luk,11:1J,i Yi i,YL- .1, ....�. �d � o •, ef�"y':'4' ` i r_r.;4'ii �t�+r s•. is+•rn r 1 - MINUTES EVANSTQN PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, March 13, 1996 7:00 p.m., Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Stafford, K. Rielley, M. Norkett, V. Kretchmer, J. Wal(ack, D. Anderson, D. Hart MEMBERS ABSENT: R. Kobold ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: R. Cook, S. Knutson STAFF PRESENT: A. Alterson, D. Marino, D. Rasmussen, C. Ruiz, C. Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER V. Kretchmer called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., a quorum being present. Kretchmer asked D. Rasmussen, the current Assistant Community Development Director for Zoning, to introduce Arthur Alterson to the Commission. Upon Rasmussen's retirement at the end of March, Alterson will assume # the responsibility of the City's Zoning Division. 11. CONSIDEBA ION OF MINUT $, FEBR ARY 14.1996 The minutes of the February 14, 1996 meeting were approved with one spelling correction. ■ ZONING A verbatim transcript of the public hearing regarding cases 95-0007-T (a reference from the Evanston City Council to consider amending Sections 6-13-2-2, 6-13-3-2 and any other related Sections of the Zoning Ordinance, to list "retail goods establishment" as a permitted use in the Manufacturing Transitional Zoning District and the Manufacturing Transitional -Employment Zoning District) and 95- 0003-T (a reference from the Evanston City Council to consider amending Sections 6-3-8-3 (A) and any other related Sections of the Zoning Ordinance, to increase the percentage of the maximum variation which the Zoning Administrator may grant on minor variation applications from twenty (20) percent to thirty-five (35) percent) is on file in the Evanston Zoning Division, Room 3700 of the Evanston Civic Center. Fallowing the close of hearing, V, Kretchmer asked that D. Rasmussen remain to report to the Commission on the status of Case 95-0004 T (a petition to amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance to list Professional Indoor Tennis Events as a special use in the U2 zoning district) which was heard on February 27, 1996. Rasmussen explained that the result of the Plan Commission's portion of the hearing would be reported to the City Council as "no recommendation." Because the Plan Commission rules require five concurring votes to approve or deny a motion, the three to four vote to recommend approval of the text amendment was insufficient. Rasmussen further stated that, even without a recommendation, the transcript of the hearing, as a record of the Commission's discussion, will be useful to the City Council in their final consideration of the petition. Rasmussen stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals will hear the "Special Use" petition related to this case on March 26, 1996, The report of the Plan Commission will be transmitted to the City Council along with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals once completed. K. Rielley stated that, in the future, the Commission should not close a hearing until a motion, either to recommend approval or to recommend denial, has passed. Wallack requested that staff consider preparing a guide to clarify the procedures of making and acting upon motions that would satisfy the Commission's rules and the Zoning Ordinance. Following this portion of the agenda, D. Rasmussen, A. Alterson and C. Ruiz left the meeting. a PLANNING D. Marino commenced a discussion of the logistics for the public forums. Public forums to solicit public comment and ideas about the issues that are involved in the comprehensive plan will be held on March 28, 1996; May 8, 1996; and June 5, 1996, At the most recent meeting of the Comprehensive General Plan Committee, Marino explained, a format was discussed for organizing the forums. The agenda would begin with an introduction from the Chair to be followed by a brief presentation and slide show to be conducted by staff. The forum would then be open to citizen testimony. During that portion of the meeting, Marino recommended that the Commission facilitate discussion in such a way that focuses attention on matters related to the comprehensive plan. He also recommended that the issue of decorum is a critical one for these meetings and that individual commissioners not debate citizens about their viewpoints. C. Wonders outlined the publicit , strategy for encouraging attendance at the meetings. Mr. Marino stated that, along with planning for the public meetings, staff was in the process of interviewing potential survey research contractors to implement the survey of residents designed by the Comprehensive General Plan Committee and presented to the Plan Commission earlier in the process. D. Anderson drew the Commission's attention to a memo she prepared that recommends the amendment of Article IV, Section E of the Commission rules. The Commission discussed the proposed amendment that would require the Chair to notify the Mayor when a member of the Commission has failed to attend four meetings during a consecutive twelve months, Ms. Anderson stated that the thrust "III ..Wa.:L.tj+'.ii., t i 1 �'�� raj*•�.{A. N�`!' t}fA i! of her proposal was to encourage better attendance. K. Rielley stated that he found the proposed amendment reasonable adding that it would serve the Mayor and the city well to be notified when such absenteeism becomes a problem. He added that, upon notification of a commissioner's lack of attendance, the Mayoras recourse for discipline would Include the refusal to reappointment that member to future terms. The amendment will be presented for consideration at the April 10, 1996 meeting of the Plan Commission. V. COMMUNICATIONS In light of an article from the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission on intergovernmental cooperation, V. Kretchmer stated that the comprehensive planning process underway in Evanston will need to consider the long-range planning activities of other government agencies in the region. D. Marino stated that an important part of the comprehensive plan revision will include meeting with Plan Commissioners in surrounding municipalities and leaders from adjacent Chicago neighborhoods, J. Wallack enquired if the competing business development plans of municipalities precludes regional planning cooperation, particularly with regards to economic development. M. Norkett responded that, in his opinion, towns and villages will need to cooperate in this manner in the future. Mr. Wallack then asked if the Commission should be involved in forming an organization with a regional scope to address the matter of intergovernmental cooperation. D. Marino stated that, through the comprehensive plan process, the opportunity will arise to discuss areas for common action with surrounding municipalities. Certain economic development issues, he continued, will be more difficult than others in terms of reaching agreement. V. Kretchmer stated that her preference Is for the comprehensive plan process to initiate such a movement as opposed to forming a new body at this point. Vl. CO HIJEE REPORTS NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COMMITTEE M. Norkett discussed the report submitted to the Commission from the Neighborhood Planning Committee. The comprehensive report outlines the issues to be addressed through the neighborhood plan and is the result of the intensive efforts of the Citizen's Planning Committee and the City's interdepartmental Internal Neighborhood Planning Team. EcONOMic DEVELOPMENT CammirrEE J. Wallack explained that the February meeting of the Economic Development Committee was cancelled due to lack of quorum. On the agenda were continued discussion of the City's banner policy. D. Marino added that at its March meeting, the Committee would consider the Home Depot project and the certification of extraordinary costs relating to the redevelopment of the Rust Oleum site. This will trigger the initiation of a process for deciding what to do with the neighborhood improvement funds set aside by Home Depot. That process will begin with priority setting by neighborhood residents and culminate in a recommendation to the City Council. ti �>' ., � � Lei- �}.'.L•� ,t 1p.��•i.�:t_LL++'i'..•', _ r � . - l CD COMMITTEE T. Stafford explained that the CD Committee discussed the various housing programs sponsored by the Community Development Block Grant in response to a letter submitted by the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs. The Committee discussed the displacement of low and moderate income families as a result of housing redevelopment. D. Marino stated that displacement due to condominium conversion was a concern recently raised by the Interfaith Housing Center. Mr. Marino continued that he was not aware of this being a significant problem in Evanston. He added that a new, City administered and federally funded multi -family acquisition finance program (known as the HOME Partnerships Program) will aid in improving the conditions of some of Evanston's multifamily rental housing stock while simultaneously minimizing displacement. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE T. Stafford outlined recent discussions of the Committee of the Whole. At the February 12, 1996 meeting, Alderman Kent mentioned the Honorary Street Name Program to be discussed further by the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Public Place Names at its April 17, 1996 meeting, At the February 26, 1996 meeting, the topic of bed and breakfasts was briefly discussed with regard to hotel taxes and licensing. A discussion also occurred centering on the nature of housing programs such as the Boys and Girls Hope programs and their attraction to the housing markets of inner ring suburbs. - i►e 4 1 The Plan Commission adjourned at 9:15 p.m.. Its next meeting is scheduled for April 10, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. pofWondersChristo Genera! Planner Date � - r' i-�n.��. ,... ..., Muir, � .y; �.��M•n.r+. �,��,� , -. .. ,r, ni�'11.,,r �"" „`r_—� EVANSION PLAN QQMMISS.1QN PUBLIC FORUM #1 ON THE COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN Thursday, March 28, 1996 Chandler Newberger Community Center MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: PRESIDING: PART ONE: PRESENTATION T. Stafford, K. Rielley, V. Kretchmer, J. Wallack, R. Kobold, M. Norkett, D. Anderson D. Hart S. Knutson R. Cook D. Marino, C. Wonders V. Kretchmer, Chair At 7:00 p.m., Valerie Kretchmer opened the meeting by welcoming the approximately twenty-five Evanston residents in attendance. After the members of the Plan Commission introduced themselves to the audience, Ms. Kretchmer made introductory remarks about the purpose of the meeting. She explained that the responsibilities of the Plan Commission include recommending revisions to the Comprehensive General Plan before the City Council and recommending to the Council approval or denial of amendments to both the text and reap of the City's Zoning Ordinance. In both areas, the Plan Commission is responsible for conducting public hearings to solicit citizen testimony. The purpose of this particular meeting, she went on to state, was to begin gathering information from residents on issues that have emerged in the past decade and which will be helpful to the Commission in revising the Comprehensive General Plan to address Evanston's future. Dennis Marino, head of the City's Planning Division, outlined the role of the Comprehensive General Plan as a general road map for community goals that establishes a vision and objectives for synthesizing many aspects of the community's land use. He explained that the plan is linked to other policy and regulatory documents such as the Economic Development Strategy, the Downtown Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, and the Zoning Ordinance. Unlike the regulatory specifics of the Zoning Ordinance, however, the Comprehensive General Plan is a broader advisory document that benchmarks the development performance of the City. It is both an inventory of assets and a means of measuring the consistency of individual development proposals with overall City goals. Mr. Marino went on to clarify why the Commission was recommending a revision of the current plan. While still relevant in many ways, being ten years old, the plan is no longer current in terms of the data it addresses. The process upon which the Commission has embarked will update the current plan with more recent information. Marino next drew the audiences attention to several chapters of the current plan to demonstrate the structure of setting goals and objectives and recommending policies for Implementation. Chris Wonders, General Planner in the City's Planning Division, walked the audience through the proposed process that will be followed during the Comprehensive General Plan revision. In the spring, the Plan Commission will host three information gathering forums to invite the public to participate in issue identification and vision formation. These meetings will help the Commission to focus on changes that have occurred and are occurring in the city. Throughout the summer months, the Commisalon and City staff will work to revise components of the Comprehensive General Plan pulling together information gathered in the spring as well as findings presented in the numerous studies undertaken by other bodies within Evanston. These studies cover such topics as parking, recreation and economic development. At the end of the year, in the fall or early winter, the Commission will host two more public forums to present drafts of findings to the community for citizen reaction and feedback. It is the goal of the process to present a recommended revision to the City Council in the first quarter of 1997. Following this presentation, Mr. Marino and Mr. Wonders showed a series of slides that drew public attention not only to the many aspects of land use the Plan Commission will consider via the Comprehensive General Plan but also to trends and opportunities that currently present themselves to the community-aMarge. After the slide show, the Chair of the Commission then opened tho floor to residents asking them to share their thoughts and visions for an Evanston five to ten years in the future. PART TWO: OPEN DISCUSSION Bob Wiegand, a resident of northeast Evanston, commented on the prevalent housing rehabilitation 3 efforts taking place. He stated that the plan should recognize these efforts and encourage more while considering the possible negative implications such efforts may have on property owners, vis-a-vis increased tax burdens. Mr. Marino responded that the issue of property taxes is one that is being addressed by the City and would be considered through the revision of the comprehensive plan. Anne Zitkovich, of 739 Hinman, stated that she felt the plan should recommend restrictions on the future development of high-rise structures in the city. Gerry Carney, of 2207 Wesley Avenue, requested that, in its revision, the plan address the changes impacting Research Park. She stated her concerns for the park's slower than anticipated development and asked if housing development in the park was part of the original plan for the area. Commissioner Wallack responded that, indeed, residential uses were to be a part of the Research Park per its original conception. He also stated that changes in the real estate market have made the speculative development of office structures far more difficult than when the Research Park Master Plan was first conceived. Sharon Lieberman, of 616 Florence, a member of the Evanston Environment Board, stated that the City should think about connecting energy efficiency standards more aggressively to the building permit process. Penny Miller, of 1310 Hinman, a member of the DANE neighborhood group, said that the PAGE -2- _3e�- ��.�.M'"-�a "�,n ..—� �ti TEi"'ry1 M"A�MTr"` -i �,;,i•,�.� �T. a�. re4i "t�,� -i r $5�iiinl P�fl��i �,.� NSA Comprehensive General Plan should strengthen policies on parks and the protection of open space. Commissioner Wallack engaged the audience in a brief discussion of the potential trade- off of less property on the tax rolls for more parks and open space. Establishing priorities along these lines, he explained, will be important points of debate for the Comprehensive General Plan and the future of Evanston. A comment arose regarding the nature of tax revenue in Evanston., The expressed concern of one participant in the discussion was what she perceived as a tendency to rely upon residential development to take the place of other forms of revenue that have been lost. Increase in population density, she stated, puts a strain on resources and the overall quality of life. A further concern about the mix of retail was expressed. Certain types of large stores, such as Crate and Barrel do not locate in Evanston forcing residents to go elsewhere to shop. Commissioner Norkett explained about the nature of retail location prevalent among larger firms. These firms seek locations that maximize market areas. A retail location such as Old Orcnard Shopping Center can draw shoppers from equal distances in all directions, in the case of Evanston, due to its location next to the take, shoppers are limited to the north, south and west. Competition with locations of greater access is thus made difficult. Commissioner Kretchmer added that the nature of retailing has changed a great deal in past forty years. Many communities have lost traditional retail establishments like Marshall Fields department stores. Comprehensive planning involves understanding these changes and managing their impart effectively. A woman in the audience stated that Evanston in the future should encourage public arts and artistic performance by helping artists find the space that they need. She added that the loss of the Northlight Theater to another community is an example of a loss for Evanston that could be prevented in the future through the revised Comprehensive General Plan. Sixth Ward Alderman Edmund Moran enumerated several issues he felt should be considered by the Plan Commission as it revises the Comprehensive General Plan. Fiat, he recommended the consideration of a civic performing arts center in the downtown area as a way of stimulating more nighttime activity in that part of the city. Second, he stated a need for more effective bike paths to assure safe biking throughout Evanston. Third, Moran said that the housing stock of the city needs to be considered with regards to affordability, rehabilitation of boarded -up properties, and the mix of single-family and multifamily structures as well as of rental and owner -occupied structures. Finally, he expressed what he considered to be a need for increased availability and ease of access for parking in Evanston's business areas. David Kraft, who lives at Garrison and Isabella and who is a member of the Energy Commission, brought -up the issue of electric service options as something that fits into the planning process as the utility industry is presently undergoing changes and needs to be viewed comprehensively. Effective planning for energy will have significant impact on economic development in Evanston, he explained. Lower energy costs could yield a means for attracting more employers to Evanston. Evanston should begin a process to determine what it needs from its own energy policy. PAGE -3- "r f" `' - —' .. �.�-�� r a,,. -� , - , ,� .. -.. , fi ��T�nl- e.,-w•-N-n-rt,--'' - , - „ -" � - - -- -' - :- -.-. - - ,�-�- r -��, ' AFP im �a: � •�101'I' �a r`r+.1r1111 f.i �M 'm,. � �yr!�+Mrt�!rypgr,f, i I Cindy Levitt, a resident of northwest Evanston and a member of the Human Relations Commission, stated that the revisod Comprehensive General Plan should address affordable housing. She stated a vision that would involve developing a means for marketing housing in all parts of Evanston to the city's minority population. She also recommended goals and.objectives for enhancing incentives for minority and women owned businesses. Steve Blackburn, a resident of Isabella Street, underscored the importance of a comprehensive plan that protects those things that make Evanston unique from other suburbs. He commented on the vaiue of preserving quiet residential neighborhoods and traditional pedestrian friendly shopping areas. Bob Wiegand said that the comprehensive plan must continue to recognize the asset that Northwestern University is to Evanston. The University plays an immeasurable role in injecting culture into the community, he stated. At 9:00 p.m., Valerie Krstchmer thanked those residents who attended and participated in the evening's discussion. She stated that the Plan Commission will consider these ideas as it deliberates upon revising the chapters of the Comprehensive General Plan in the coming months. The second public forum will be held on May 8, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., in the Robert Crown Center. The third will be held on June 5, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., in the Fleetwood Jourdain Center. LA4+ Christopher Wonders General Planner PAGE 4- NA DRAFT NOT APPROVED MINUTES EUANSTQN [?LAN COMMIs9 N Meeting of W©dnesday, April 10,1996 7:00 p.m., Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Anderson, J. Wallack, V. Kretchmer, D. Hart, T. Stafford, R. Kobotd, M. Norkett MEMBERS ABSENT: K. Rielley ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: R. Cook, S. Knutson STAFF PRESENT: A. Alterson, D. Marino, C. Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair J111111*K-W 0191 i The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., a quorum being present. The minutes were approved without correction. ■ PLANNING The Commission discussed reactions to the Comprehensive General Plan Public Forum held on March 28, 1996. Overall, members agreed that the meeting was productive and that worthwhile information was gathered from those in attendance. Commissioner Kretchmer stated that Commission members should remember their role as a listening body in these forums. The Commission should engage citizens in discussion but should avoid leading the discussion into a debate on policies. R. Kobold said that the attendance of representatives from other boards, commissions, and committees was useful, adding that it would be wise for all of these other groups to .Ltlwa�W�r�kw�=#i'"'�".rsa�SriS4i�0:•°-.�.1�. :ems �r y�i contribute their ideas early in the Comprehensive General Plan revision procalls, Commissioner Stafford stated that at future meetings, participants should be reminded that the Commission is especially interested In broad policy interests as opposed to reactions to specific projects. Commissioner Wallack stated that, In his opinion, the statements of the citizens were not as directed as they should have been. Mr. Wallack continued saying that the Commission needs to more assertively frame the dialogue to draw out broader goals of the city as they relate to the comprehensive plan. He added that he would prefer greater participation from the general public with particular regard to what brought them to Evanston, what keeps them in Evanston, and what, if anything, driven people away. D. Marino stated that the public forums are one of several components of the public participation plan for the Comprehensive General Plan revision. A planned survey of residents and a series of focus group discussions later in the process should provide specific responses to the questions raised by Mr. Wailack• He added that there Is a certain degree of difficulty in getting the public to think about comprehensive planning issues In a fashion of goals and objectives. The process underway will help to educate the public to the role of the Comprehensive General Plan, and the nature of participation will perhaps become more focused over time. The Comprehensive General Plan agreed to meet at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, 1996, to further discuss the format for the future public forams. ■ ZONING At 8:00 p.m., the Plan Commission commenced its public hearing on Case 95-0007-T, a reference from the Evanston City Council to consider amending sections 6-13-2-2, 6-13-3- 2 and any other related sections of the Zoning Ordinance, to list "retail goods establishment" as a permitted use in the manufacturing transitional zoning district and the manufacturing transitional -employment zoning district. At the conclusion of their consideration, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend maintaining the current text of the Zoning Ordinance. A VERBATIM COPY OF THE TRANSCRIPT FOR CASE 95-0007-T IS ON FILE IN THE ZONING DIVISION, ROOM 3700 OF THE EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER. IV. OLI2,13USINM Commissioner Anderson briefed the Commission on her proposed amendment to change the attendance standards for Commission members. Following discussion, she moved that the Commission adopt the amendment as proposed. T. Stafford seconded the motion. The motion to adopt the proposed amendment requiring that notification be sent to the mayor when a Commission member failed to attend four meetings in a twelve month period did not pass, ftfing fir: Andorson, Wallack, and Stafford, mooting aaalnet: Bart, T Kobold, Kretchmer, Norkett. According to Commission rules, five affirmative votes are needed to pass an amendment to the Administrative Rules and Procedures.) w PUaUC PLACE NAMES Commissioner Stafford stated that the Public Place Names Committee will be meeting the following week to discuss the honorary naming of streets after citizens who contributed to their community during their lifetime. t CD COMMIIT'EE Stafford continued stating that the CD Committee will be meeting the following week as well. ■ COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE At the March 25,1996 meeting, the Committee of the Whole recommended that the Plan Commission consider how to approach the issue of group homes and concerns about the density of such agencies in Evanston compared to other suburbs. Stafford explained that this topic may be referred to the Commission at a later date. The Committee of the Whole voted not to allow bed and breakfasts in coach -houses at the same meeting. At the April 9, 1996 meeting, the City's banner policy was discussed. ■ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Commissioner Wallack stated that three topics were discussed by the Economic Development Committee at its March meeting. The first was the referral of the banner policy recommendation to the City Council. The second topic discussed related to the Home Depot Sales Tax Revenue neighborhood improvement fund. Mr. Wallack suggested that the Plan Commission's Neighborhood Planning Committee become involved in this issue. D. Marino added that the Economic Development Committee authorized staff and the two aldermen representing the target area to begin meeting with residents to identify priorities for the use of those funds. That process will begin in the coming months, and its eventual recommendations will go to City Council, with the Plan Commission having an opportunity to comment. Thirdly, Wallack reported, the Committee discussed design ideas for the City garage located on Sherman Avenue in Downtown Evanston. The Economic Development Committee and the Parking Committee are considering a range of possible redevelopment and redesign Ideas for the facility's future. � : a ■ ZONING COMMITTEE Commissioner Wallack requested that the Zoning Committee at a future time consider tha current Zoning Ordinance with regard to changes in technology that may cause certain zoning regulations to bo unnecessarily prohibitive. Wallack specifically referenced the regulations on satellite dishes, a product that has grown much smaller in size since the time of the current ordinance's adoption. f • M ►aj►i The Plan Commission adjourned at 9:10 p.m.. its next meeting is scheduled for May 8, 1996, at 7:00 p.m., In the Robert Crown Community Center. Y _ Christopher Wonders Genera! Planner aa2. U4`rs IC",, r,Q1r APPROVED MINUTES EVANSION PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wodnosday, May 8, 'l996 7:00 p.m., Robert Crown Community Cantor MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Hart, K, Rielley, R. Kobold, J. Wallack, V. Kretchmer, T. Stafford, D. Anderson MEMBERS ABSENT: M. Norkett ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Knutson ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: R. Cook STAFF PRESENT: D. Marino, C. Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m., a quorum being present. Valerie Kretchmer opened the meeting by welcoming the approximately thirty Evanston residents in attendance. After the members of the Plan Commission introduced themselves to the audience, Ms. Kretchmer made introductory remarks about the role of the Plan Commission. She explained that the responsibilities of the Plan Commission include recommending revisions to the Comprenensive General Plan before the City Council and recommending to the Council approval or denial of amendments to both the text and map of the City's Zoning Ordinance. In both cases, the Plan Commission is responsible for conducting public hearings to solicit citizen testimony. The purpose of this particular meeting, she went on to state, was to begin gathering information from residents on issues that have emerged in the past decade and which will be helpful to the Commission in revising the Comprehensive General Plan to address Evanston's future. Dennis Marino, head of the City's Planning Division, led the audience through the basic structure and contents of the Comprehensive General Plan. He described the role of the Comprehensive General Plan as a general road map of community goals that represent a synthesis of factors and policies affecting the community's land use patterns. l4nother function of the plan is to consider Evanstan's past, present- and future role within A ' r.:,...: i'"'r..r,a"7,i',7r':.i: E a".i.:. a1 ...:.:.�Nl ::$".r:i ."i�'..`r_:c7rr.':5.. ,',1� .4y.,y.(iY� .: �.: ].5'�'�a:�K,i.. the greater Chicago region. He stated that the plan is linked to other policy and regulatory documents such as the Economic Development Strategy, the Downtown Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, and the Zoning Ordinance. Unlike the regulatory specifics of the Zoning Ordinance, however, the Comprehensive General Plan is a broader policy document. It inventories the community's assets and priorities for improvement. As a tool, the Comprehensive General Plan Is used to evaluate development proposals and their consistency with the city's goals. Mr. Marino went on to clarify why the Commission was recommending a revision of the current plan. While still relevant in many ways, being ten years old, the plan Is no longer current in terms of the data it addresses. The process upon which the Commission has embarked will update the current plan with more recent information. As a good plan draws upon plans that came before it, he said, the revisions to the current Comprehensive General Plan will reflect recent studies and plans completed since 1986. Chris Wonders, General Planner, outlined the proposed process that will be followed during the Comprehensive General Plan revision. In the spring, the Plan Commission will host three information gathering forums to invite the public to participate in issue Identification and vision formation. These meetings will help the Commission to focus on changes that have occurred and are occurring in the city. Also in the spring, a telephone survey of residents will be conducted for the Comprehensive General Plan. Throughout the summer months, Wonders continued, the Commission and City staff will work to revise components of the Comprehensive General Plan pulling together information gathered in the spring as well as findings presented in the numerous studies undertaken by other bodies within Evanston. These studies cover such topics as parking, recreation and economic development. At the end of the year, in the fall or early winter, the Commission will host two more public forums to present drafts of findings to the community for citizen reaction and feedback. It is the goal of the process to present a recommended revision to the City Council in the first quarter of 1997. Following this presentation, Mr. Marino and Mr. Wonders showed a series of slides that drew public attention not only to the many aspects of land use the Plan Commission will consider via the Comprehensive General Plan but also to trends and opportunities that currently present themselves to the community -at -large. Ms. Kretchmer invited members of the audience to share their priorities for future development, commenting on what they thought Evanston should took like in the future. She asked that all participants introduce themselves and mention where they live in the City. i y 3 �rWirls.�a�`8.rirs...it.1h�..i�1J.s - - �rFrla.Me loYri IIK�1- S ," r. Richard Marberry, 2150 block of Sherman Avenue, stated that many of the recreation facilities in the city are overcrowded and in need of maintenance attention. The Recreation Board, of which he Is a member, has recently surveyed recreation attitudes and interests of Evanston residents. Mr. Marberry encouraged the Plan Commission to consider the information gathered through the Recreation Board's work as it prepares revisions to the Comprehensive General Plan. Lee Schroeder asked about the future impacts the Research Park will have on the church located on the north side of Emerson Street in the Park's vicinity. Mr. Marino responded that Research Park activities are to be concentrated in the area south of Emerson and would not impact the church directly. Sharon Lieberman, 616 Florence Avenue, spoke as a representative of the Evanston Environment Board. She suggested that the comprehensive plan endorse site plan review that will enforce landscape planning for noise pollution control. Furthermore, the Environment Board would like to see policies that limit herbicide use; that support the use of energy efficient materials whenever possible through the building permit process; that reduce air -pollution from large vehicle exhaust be requiring contractors bidding on city contracts to use trucks meeting exhaust standards; that call for the placement of recycling receptacles on street corners; that enforce litter laws in the vicinity of fast food restaurants and other shopping centers; that mandate bid specifications for the most environmentally sound materials and services purchased by the city. Ms. Lieberman concluded by asking that all City departments participate in environmental policies as the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has successfully done in recent years. George Cyrus, Chairman of Cyrus Realtors, shared his personal view that the existing comprehensive plan has worked very well and that any changes to the plan be minimal. In his experience, there is a high level of satisfaction among Evanston residents. A recent study conducted by his firm shows that, during a period of fifteen months, nearly forty-eight percent of Evanston homebuyers were already residents of the city. Property values, he continued, are keeping up well with those of surrounding markets. In his opinion, these are indications that the city is operating well under the current Comprehensive General Plan. Mr. Cyrus added that the revision of the Zoning Ordinance recently worked well with the existing plan. His vision for Evanston would emphasize the large range of lifestyle choices between urban and suburban present in the small land area of the city. Mary Rozinski, 1729 Chancellor, stated that auto traffic control needs to be studied in the Central Street and Green Bay road areas to improve pedestrian traffic flow. She also recommended that plans address the need for new equipment in the city parks. Frank Himmel also addressed recreation needs. He stated that there is a great deal of . III I'Y I10 A�Iw IM.II, .... .1, . difficulty in finding enough space for his youth recreation program, suggesting that scheduling time during which existing fields can be used involves competing with a large number of other activities. More effective planning is needed to assure that everyone gets equal time, he concluded. David Ramsey, 1827 Wesley Avenue, addressed what he considered a housing crisis In Evanston. Due to the rate of inflation, a dual Income family in many cases cannot afford to buy into the Evanston's housing market. His fear Is that eventually, Evanston's population will begin to include only higher income individuals who can afford to live here and that much of the city's diversity (one of its greatest assets in his opinion) will be lost. Solutions need to be found for finding moderate income housing alternatives. He suggested the co -housing model which provides individual dwelling units linked to a common -house where residents share many daily activities. In most cases, this provides an affordable alternative and one that builds a strong sense of community. Junad Rizki, a member of the Property Services Board, suggested that social policies addressed by the plan need to be factually supported. He recommended that revisions address crime and the schools more than the existing plan does. Irene Gregory, South Blvd. and Sheridan Road, asked that plans be designed and implemented to build a refrigerated, outdoor ice skating rink that would not be affected by fluctuations in the winter temperatures. Gabe Val, Church and Hinman, added to the point made by Frank Himmel about the difficulty in finding space for youth recreation programs. He suggested that many of the people using City recreational facilities are non-Evanstun residents and that, in light of this, it is all the more troubling that local programs were unable to find space in Evanston. Melanie McCaffrey, a new resident, suggested a technique for future meetings whereby those in attendance could write their input on color copies of city maps and thus locate areas where their suggestions are most relevant. She is also involved with the co -housing group discussed earlier by Mr. Ramsey. She stated that while co - housing appeals to people from a financial perspective, it is also a very innovative and successful means for integrating personal and community living. Richard Lehner, the Chair of the Evanston Preservation Commission, stated that historic preservation is well reflected in the 1986 plan. He enumerated the wide ranging values of historic features that are assets to Evanston's community. Included in these assets are the U-shaped, three-story walk up apartment buildings that are so prevalent in Evanston that they were recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a thematic historic district. Mr. Lehner suggested that the revisions 61 n 14 ',n. to the Comprehensive General Plan Integrate all Evanston's historic value and distinctiveness throughout its chapters. John Byrne, northwest Evanston, stated that the type of community to preserve in Evanston is one that continues to offer a diversity of housing values and neighborhood types. He stated that many people are attracted to Evanston because it offers an alternative to the high density and congestion of the center city without giving the opposite extreme of the low density suburbs being built today. This part of Evanston's character needs to be recognized and enhanced, He continued that Evanston is a community centered around its children and that the urban/suburban mix is a healthy environment for raising children as long as it's diversity is maintained. The lower density of Evanston, especially compared to places like Edgewater and Rogers Park in Chicago, should be preserved. Overall, Mr. Byrne continued, the current comprehensive plan Is working well at protecting Evanston's strengths. Frances Seidman, South Boulevard, voiced her concern about the diminishing diversity among businesses in Evanston. She explained that the vacant storefronts in Evanston are troubling to the extent that they are an indicator of small businesses being forced out of the market by larger retail chains locating in Evanston. Mary Nelson, a teacher at St. Athanasius school, stated that Evanston is at a crucial point with regard to development of the North Shore Channel and that many people may not be aware of the development currently being considered for that area. Currently, the lack of development along the canal allows for a healthy range of wildlife to exist unintruded upon. She urged that thoughtful planning and decision making take place and include the input of all the different jurisdictions and groups that are impacted. Irene Gregory stated that fences should be considered along the banks of the canal to prevent tick -carrying deer from entering Evanston. Alderman Anny Heydemann, 4th Ward, explained that the free market has the most say on what businesses locate in Evanston. She added that the City did make fast food establishments a special use in the downtown area so the community can have some zoning control over what types of restaurants become prevalent in the area. For the comprehensive plan, she stated that the downtown be emphasized as a destination point. Statistically, downtown Evanston has a vacancy rate of about 4%, or approximately one-half the national average, Ald. Heydemann stated. She concluded by suggesting that the comprehensive plan revision address the possibility of enhancing the commercial/light industrial corridor between Oakton and Main Street from Home Depot to the Main Street Commons. Irene Gregory stated that street pavement Improvements were needed along Sheridan Road to increase safety for bicycle riders. Debbie Hillman, of the Nichols neighborhood, stated that she was compelled to speak on the matter of infiil development removing open and green space. She recommended that the City take into account that Evanston cannot afford to lose any more open space. She suggested the alternative to developing more dense housing in some areas of the city to allow the establishment of more green space in others. On another matter, she urged the creation and enforcement of recycling regulations for apartment buildings and a more environmentally conscious attitude overall. Ralph McCullom stated that bicycle regulations be enforced to allow safety for riders of all ages. Following the final comment, Ms. Kretchmer thanked all participants for their thoughts. She reminded everyone in attendance than, further ideas are welcome and can be directed to the Evanston Planning Division. IV. BIQJOURNIEff The Commission adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for June 5, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. Christopher Wonders General Planner -m 'bi 1r P1m ',qrpi•rP�'' { § ..14 {1i�4� . u •. w.iw JV �� y �. � N au a�i Y.Y{ .{w . •tl.Y . IL {y' EVANSTON FLAN COMMISSION PUBLIC FORUM #3 ON THF, COMPPEII1,r1VSIVE GCNLi* d'ALI FLAN Wednesday, June 5, 1996 Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Stafford, D. Hart, V. Kretchmer, J. Wallack, R. Kobold, M. Nurkett, D. Anderson MEMBERS ABSENT: K. Rielley ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Knutson, R. Cook STAFF PRESENT: D. Madno, C. Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair PART ONE: PRESENTATION At approximately 7:10 p.m., Valerie Kretchmer opened the meeting by welcoming the twenty- seven Evanston residents in attendance. After the members of the Plan Commission introduced themselves to the audience, Ms. Kretchmer made introductory remarks about the purpose of the meeting. She explained that the responsibilities of the Plan Commission include recommending revisions to the Comprehensive General Plan before the City Council and recommending to the Council approval or denial of amendments to both the text and map of the City's Zoning Ordinance. In both areas, the Plan Commission is responsible for conducting public hearings to solicit citizen testimony. The purpose of this particular meeting, she explained, was to gather information from residents on issues affecting land use that have emerged in the past ten years and which can bye anticipated to emerge in the approaching decade. Dennis Marino, head of the City's Planning Division, outlined the role of the Comprehensive General Plan as a general road map for community goals that establishes a vision and objectives for synthesizing many aspects of the community's land use. He explained that the plan is linked to other policy and regulatory documents such as the Economic Development Strategy, the Downtown Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, and the Zoning Ordinance. Unlike the regulatory specifics of the Zoning Ordinance, however, the Comprehensive General Plan is a broader advisory document inventorying assets and opportunities. It is also used as a means for measuring the consistency of individual development proposals with overall City goals. Mr. Marino went on to clarify why the Commission was recommending a revision of the current plan. While still relevant in many ways, being ten years old, the plan is no longer current in terms of the data it addresses. The process upon which the Commission has embarked will update the current plan with more recent information. Mr. Marino drew the audiences attention to several chapters of the current plan to demonstrate the structure of setting goa13 and objectives and recommending policies for t��;.t *3•�>.'r Y -Sa. '[r' ei,. .k _ . 5 Y�.ii��aa��y�� Implementation. Chris Wonders, General Planner in the City's Planning Division, walked the audience through the proposed process that will be followed during the Comprehensive General Plan revision. In the spring, the Plan Commission has hosted three Information gathering forums to Invite the public to participate In Issue identification and vision formation. These meetings will help the Commission to focus on changes that have occurred and are occurring in the city. Throughout the summer months, the Commission will continue evaluating the current plan and prepare to revise it for the future. This phase will draw upon Information gathered at the spring forums and further research. later in the process, the Commission anticipates hosting additional public forums to present drafts of findings to the community for citizen reaction and feedback. It is the goal of the process to present a recommended revision to the City Council in the first quarter of 1997. Following this presentation, Mr. Marino and Mr. Wond& s showed a series of slides that drew public attention not only to the many aspects of land use the Plan Commission will consider via the Comprehensive General Plan but also to trends and opportunities that currently present themselves to the community -at -largo. After the slide show, the Chair of the Commission then opened the floor to residents asking them to share their thoughts and visions for an Evanston five to ten years in the future. PART TWO: OPEN DISCUSSION Lola Himrod, Dodge and Dempster, recommended that the City work to anticipate opportunities so that it may be more proactive than reactive toward development proposals as they come forward. She cited the success the Village of Skokie had in converting a former school site into townhomes as an example of proactive development policies. She added that developments on consolidated lots be required to integrate with surrounding architecture. Ms. Himrod stated that the comprehensive plan should review the city's existing sidewalks and aim to increase pedestrian friendliness around developments that currently emphasize automobile access (e.g., Evanston Plaza). Hal Meade, Maple and Noyes, said that the comprehensive plan should closely evaluate the city's energy use. He stated that more effective bike laws should be enacted that would allow better bicycle circulation in the downtown area. He also commented on pedestrian needs, stating that the city's newer retail developments too frequently are fronted by a "sea of asphalt" that is pedestrian unfriendly. likewise, accessing stores along Green Bay Road can be dangerous for pedestrians, particularly for the handicapped, because of poorly configured or non-existent sidewalks. Alien Goldberg, Elks Park Neighbors, explained that as technology changes so too will the demand placed upon communications infrastructure. If new power lines, cable lines, and telephone lines are submerged underground in the future, a strategy should be implemented to coordinate simultaneous trench digging in order to minimize above ground street disturbance. Mr. Goldberg continued by stating that housing policies of the comprehensive plan and of the City overall should PAGE -Z- - 1/f/M/W�wrlr" r��'1 t• ' ,I• .fir . ~•� �`{ k��' .'y.,�,�,�-.��'-;fl ,��.;�:E�' � ,,? - work to abate problems relating to the aver -concentration of subsidized housing whenever and wherever it occurs. Mary Roslnski, Chancellor Street, suggested that the City develop ways to streamline notification to the public about community meetings and public policies. She continued by stating that, in her opinion, the services provided by the branch libraries need to be improved. Finally, she Inquired about the development of a grocery store in the downtown, stating that a basic food store Is needed and will be even more so as the population density of the area increases. Linda Buch, of the Evanston Property Owners' Association, explained that her organization will submit its ideas on revising the comprehensive plan's housing objectives in writing at a later date. She wondered about ways of maintaining the health of Evanston's shopping districts, some of which are faring better than others. While these shopping districts are a vital part of Evanston's Identity, she continued, perhaps the land use of several of those areas which are not functioning well under commercial designations should be revised. She also suggested that the special service district model used in the downtown to fund improvements for that area and EvMark, an agency organized specifically around downtown issues, should be copied in other business areas. She observed that the deterioration of Howard Street and parts of Chicago Avenue have bean going on for many years, stating her hope that the comprehensive plan revision process will enable to the city to get ahead of problems like these and prevent them in other areas before it is too late. Finally she suggested research be done to track firms graduating from the Research Park's incubator and to determine what power local jurisdictions have against federal rulings, such as the one deregulating the placement of satellite dishes, Yvi Russell, northwest Evanston, Urged that the comprehensive plan somehow address the need for greater communication between large corporations, the City, and residents regarding corporate development plans. She cited both the recent actions of ComEd that removed trees from a power line area without adequate notification of residents and the departure of firms and organizations (e.g. Northlight Theater) from Evanston. Ms. Russell also stated that priorities be reevaluated regarding expenditures on beautification projects (such as along the Green Bay Road embankment) rather than on projects that may be more greatly needed in the city. Dennis Marino, Assistant Community Development Director for Planning, responded to her concerns. He explained that the departure of Northlight Theater came about despite significant City efforts to find adequate performance space for them. With regards to the Green gay Road improvements, Mr. Marino outlined the multi -level funding sources (federal, state, and local) that were making the work impossible. He concluded that the City Public Works Department is very committed to making the ,.:c for the corridors landscaping worts and, accordingly, will monitor it closely. Carol Wells, Eastwood Avenue, stated that highrise development taking place along Chicago Avenue is slowly changing the nature of that corridor. She asked if there were height restrictions in the area which limit further highrise development. (Mr. Marino responded that the Zoning Ordinance does set height requirements.) Finally, she expressed concern about the loss of open space. In PAGE -3- . •�€•Yv � _ _,� - - g S�k ��? �g.�s e- �n�'t.��'`�`��.�t �s 3' 1rti-.{�� _ � � � �J - � ; __ ; y `rF "` m*.4�3�r= � 'L♦ �� (�.'.r `y �f _- ��'+_ 1 �r�T,r- - ' ",a.�4�� *a�, -- t1 .�' � ;_ -{ Ira! irlI t her opinion, the city's communities would benefit from increased open space Kathy Hamrick, Housing Vpiions for the Mentally !il in Evanston, asked that the revisbm ..vi j 1N1 �j jarjUsvej plan state a maintained openness for housing options for people with disabilities. Ed Noonan, Hinman Avenue, explained that the decline in business vitality in the Chicago Avenue corridor results In the need for a neighborhood -based planning effort to consider land use changes in that area. He expressed concern over the contention that arose around recent zoning cases in that part of Evanston and fears the same will take place between R1 and C1 zones along Chicago Avenue. He suggested that the Comprehensive General Plan process should clarify ambiguous terns, such as "family" as related to the group home debate, in order to avert confusion and animosity in the future. Mr. Noonan also stated that the City be more aggressive in identifying firms that are considering leaving Evanston and work to retain them. Finally, he stated that, by prohibiting the conversion of garage space into residential units in R1 districts, the current zoning ordinance eliminates one alternative for retiring owners of large homes who would like to keep their property but who no longer need the same amount of space they did in the past. Commissioner Anderson responded to Mr. Noonan's comments, stating that definitions for many terms are spelled out succinctly in the definitions section of the zoning ordinance. Jeannie Zimmer, northwest Evanston, commented on the need to improve participation in the Comprehensive General Plan revision process. She suggested that Plan Commissioners attend monthly meetings of neighborhood groups around the city to increase awareness. Ms. Zimmer further stated that more information is needed generally about Evanston property taxes in order to shape a more educated discussion on the Issue. Lastly, she raised a concern about the nature of Evanston's housing stock, wondering if it will continue to meet the demands of changing demographic realities. Pauline Williams, a resident of the fifth ward, inquired about the Commission's efforts to recruit minority members. Commissioner Kretchmer, Chair, responded that the Commission has sought minority membership for many months and has discussed the need for minority representation with the Mayor. Ms. Kretchmer added that the Commission would appreciate members of minority communities helping to develop interest in volunteering for Commission participation. Ms. Williams stated that the comprehensive plan must emphasize people with particular attention for community safety. Jim Lynch, north Evanston, stated that the Comprehensive General Plan should emphasize the value of communities, urging residents to dedicate themselves to their neighborhoods for a long duration of time. He suggested that the plan also emphasize automobile alternatives such as bike paths and walkways. The close fink between Chicago and Evanston is epitomized by the public transit system. This system needs to be maintained and strengthened, Mr. Lynch stated. He continued, saying that new retail developments should be designed to integrate with the existing community environment. Mr. Lynch concluded that the plan analyze both the affect of converting PAGE 4- -- - _ - ---. ��"�S`F�•- . � •. `i,,s. i`+.GS•!.'•, '?•.:�i •r7.}..;'a it._i��ii e�$a,-;, R'..�,:.-%t.�.�;• :i-r.:;�i�t-„pryy+f. l.}.3.,'L.L`S:..�;,'. �y � 't, `�, fir3t 1d•,}`ya�Sjij;• �'�A .�%. "•�p.�6�` !• '�F�:+•'•.4 > �•y'. fi ,�.•,� �t i J151611M "_0 land Karen Telsen, southwest Evanston, praised the zoning ordinance's support for home based businesses. She stated concern for the methods by which parking Is enforced In the city. She suggested an alternative that would have residents pay an annual fee for unlimited parking access metered parking areas in Evanston. She concluded by urging the Commission to address policies that will lead to solutions for the problem of drug dealers and drug houses in Evanston neighborhoods. Yvi Russel stated concern for small Evanston businesses and their ability to compete with big corporations. Ed Noonan said that the Comprehensive General Plan could recommend forming a special task force to study the phasing -in of a tax status for tax exempt property. Linda Buch asked that the Plan Commission consider the social service debate touched -off by the Girls Hope zoning case. She explained that Evanston people are looking for a social service policy to address what seems to be an unfair burden placed upon Evanston tax payers. Overcoming the lack of understanding about this issue, she concluded, will help to ease much of the anger present in the community. Commissioner Kretchmer asked if there were any further comments. Hearing none, the Plan Commission adjourned its third public forum on the Comprehensive General Plan at approximately 9:00 p.m. Submitted: June 20, 1996 Christopher Wonders General Planner PAGE -6- YAW." — . u rl1 .i — .. Wiwi, . . ,.i .. "I I ,. .4 " , . w ... — .. �fi�•�; '.� 14 *w r.�$; � } •`,�r�•��:<.•C:�ntss�f r �'..�`C�•.;1,,,- �r. •e;.. �++5 � �}'_��;tiy;+y, r r' �,>, tORAFV, NOT &PU61110YED MINUTES EVA►NSTON PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, July 10, 1996 1 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT: Doralne Anderson, David Hart, Kevin Rlelley, Martin Norkett, Valerie Kretchmer, Thomas Stafford MEMBERS ABSENT: Ronald Kobold, Jerry Wallack ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Knutson ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Cook STAFF PRESENT: Dennis Marino, Christopher Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER 1 DECLARATION OF QUORUM The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., a quorum being present. II. COMMITTEE REPORT - NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING Commissioner Norkett stated that, in the past month, a great deal of work had been accomplished towards the completion of the Neighborhood Plan and the initiation of the Howard Street Redevelopment Committee. Norkett anticipates further progress in the coming months. D. Marino explained the activities of the Howard Street Redevelopment Committee which is comprised of forty members (twenty from the Evanston side of the street and twenty from the Chicago side). One of its subcommittees will work on image, identity, and physical improvements along the corridor while another will address and promote retail development and retention. A third committee will address public safety concerns. Mr. Marino stated that there is significant participation among citizens, businesses, institutions (including banking institutions), and government agencies. He concluded by stating that the Howard Street redevelopment efforts will work in conjunction with the Neighborhood Planning strategy taking place in south Evanston. Marino stated that he and Lisa Lyon, the Neighborhood Planning intern, had taken over the staff work for ihe Neighborhood Planning project following the departure of the Neighborhood Planner, Tony Halford. Commissioner Anderson asked if Chicago Alderman Stone's ward was part of the Howard Street redevelopment target area. Commissioner Norkett explained that Ridge Avenue divides Alderman Moore's ward to the east from Ald. Stones. While the Howard Street Redevelopment Committee focuses on the corridor east of Ridge, D. Marino stated, Ald. Stone works closely with the Devon-Northtown Association and has encouraged that group to work on Howard Street redevelopment issues as well. i PAGE 2lPL.aN �;oha_�ohMrnr ,�,J1i0/9B Marino discussed the status of the Neighborhood Plan. The sixty-five items presented in the draft Neighborhood Plan are currently being finalized in terms of neighborhood approval. Following that step, the plan will be presented to the Plan Commission, the Housing Commission, the Housing and Community Development Act (CD) Committee, the Economic Development Committee, and finally the City Council for final approval. Commissioner Norkett complimented staff on their work to date, 111. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES The minutes from the March 28 public forum on the Comprehensive General Plan, the April 10 regular meeting of the Plan Commission, the May 8 public forum on the Comprehensive General Plan, and the June 5 public forum were all approved without correction. IV. COMMUNICATIONS I ANNOUNCEMENTS Chris Wonders briefly discussed the communications that were transmitted to the Plan Commission. He started by stating that the City Council had approved the appointment of Robert Taylor to the Plan Commission. An updated Commission roster had been transmitted to reflect the change in membership. Wonders continued giving an overview of several communications sent to the Plan Commission from citizens regarding the Comprehensive General Plan revision project. Per the inquiry of Commissioner Knutson as to the plan for reporting back to various boards and commissions, Wonders stated that each would be contacted throughout the process as their issue areas arose. Furthermore, he stated that he has encouraged all those interested to attend regular meetings of the Plan Commission in order to continue their involvement. Wonders highlighted several other communications, articles dealing with topics including the Dodge Avenue business corridor, the Parks and Recreation interest survey, and technology issues and planning. Commissioner Stafford stated that he had attended a conference at the Chautauqua Institute in New York on the topic of America's electorate and various aspects of modern society. Attendees discussed the sense of community in municipalities in light of changes in telecommunication, neighborhood security, and other issues. He stated that the vision statement of the Comprehensive General Plan should address such topics. The Commission discussed how technology and telecommunication changes can affect community living, working and shopping patterns. Before moving to new business matters, Chris Wonders reminded Commissioners that on the morning of Thursday, July 18, 1996, the Plan Commission's Comprehensive General Plan Committee will be hosting its Planner's Breakfast meeting. At that meeting, professional planners who live in Evanston will discuss their visions for Evanston's future in a forum similar to that conducted in neighborhoods this spring. (Attendance note: at approximately 7:30 p.m., Dennis Marino left the meeting.) VI. NEW BUSINESS - COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN DISCUSSION V. Kretchmer began the discussion of the Comprehensive General Plan work by drawing the Commission's attention to the preliminary analysis of the Comprehensive General Plan Survey of Residents. D. Anderson asked if the survey map's division of North Evanston from Central/East Evanston along Elgin Road and Claris Street erroneously separated downtown from part of its immediate �'dr.'�,r+*.?°��:$u`rs�� s�s�r;±a53."� e'f ��*-'�-.—�.'��3....- ....� � t-:�_ • - .° - - - ^' - - -nufis�tr�� market area. She inquired if this division would skew the results of questions pertaining to shopping patterns and frequency of visits to downtown. Commissioner Rielley responded that he did not think that this would be the case due to the fact that, of the fifty telephone Interviews taken from the North Evanston area, not enough would have been concentrated within the area in question to significantly affect the results. C. Wonders highlighted the methodology used in the telephone survey and several of the preliminary findings that the Comprehensive General Plan Committee had found particularly compelling. Among these, Wonders noted the high number of people who make frequent visits to downtown Evanston relative to the lower number who make frequent visits to regional shopping centers. T. Stafford asked if staff had any sort of control group of cities though which it could be determined that the number of frequent visitors to downtown were high relative to other cities. He suggested cities such as Shaker heights or Birmingham. C. Wonders responded that such a comparison had not presently been done, but that it could be performed. Stafford suggested that such an analysis would be necessary in order to make the survey results worthwhile. V. Kretchmer contended that the results were worthwhile because they compared downtown to regional shopping centers. M. Norkett raised concern about the sample size of the survey and how representative it was of the city population overall. C. Wonders acknowledged that the sample size was small but that the research firm which implemented the survey had assured staff that it was large enough for reliable results. V. Kretchmer added that, by virtue of being a telephone survey, there would be a better degree of representation than a mail survey that is comprised of self-selecting respondents. She stated that the level of confidence does diminish somewhat for the fifty person sub -areas but that the analysis of total respondents is reliable. Kretchmer suggested that the results of EvMark's survey of downtown shoppers should be considered along with the analysis of Plan Commission's survey for more detailed focus on downtown shopping. C. Wonders explained that the original purpose of the survey was that it be a part of the public issue identification for the Comprehensive General Plan revision. The survey results, he continued, can ultimately be used in conjunction with the ideas gathered at the three public forums and future focus group discussions as the Plan Commission prepares a revised vision for the comprehensive plan. (Attendance note: at approximately 8:15 p.m., Commissioner Rielley left the meeting.) V. Kretchmer then asked the Commission members to consider the information gathered through the public forums, the survey of residents, and the Commission's own discussion with the goal of establishing a list of priority issues to be addressed by the Comprehensive General Plan revision. M. Norkett stated that he would like to see the Plan Commission hold several more retreats such as the one the Commission held in May of 1995. He stated that he found the retreat format productive in that it allowed a larger block of time to focus on planning issues. D. Anderson requested that one such meeting would focus on technology issues and the impact technology has on land use planning. She also suggested that improving public amenities, such as benches at bus stops and in the downtown, be given specific attention. The Commission considered, at a future date, conducting one of the Comprehensive General Plan Committee meetings in the evening for other Plan Commissioners to attend. C. Wonders stated that the value of the list of priority principles is that these issues could become part -_ - - _7•�-= _ - §; - - r r-�4�.. .Mr��. � �r:t �,ry� ,� .� s' i,��y,� y_t�.r5„�y� �'� _1 _ _ _ e � �.� � a;a h..�i'ir�4-,: ��,. � •.-�':W�L"'�'.-vCX.�'"fF,J� tz��:1, -'%� �-"'r t . PAI /P AN COMMISS19tiM11VLJLEL7/I M _ of subsequent discussions on each of the chapters of the current Comprehensive General Plan as they are considered for revision. (Wonders briefly outlined the projected work schedule for the Comprehensive General Plan project for the remaining six months of 1996, During that times, it was suggested that the Commission and its Comprehensive General Plan Committee focus primarily on the Land Use component of the plan.) V. Kretchmer asked other Commissioners to comment on the Comprehensive General Plan Committee's preliminary list of priority issues. Commissioner Knutson stated that he agreed with the comments of several participants at the public forums who suggested that little be changed from the current Comprehensive General Plan. He said that the Commission's greatest charge in the project was to prepare a plan for protecting Evanston's assets, reflecting upon the large amount of money spent on restoration vis-a-vis that which is spent on new construction. T. Stafford agreed, but added that changing technology needs to be integrated into the historical context of Evanston's built and natural environment. M. Norkett stated that the plan must address concerns about the future economic viability of large historic properties in Evanston. Knutson replied that, while he has heard people voice such concerns for many years, his experience indicates that these properties are not truly endangered. There will always be someone willing to purchase homes of such character and quality, he said. D. Anderson stated that the plan still needs to assure the protection of the architectural integrity of such properties. M. Norkett stated that the Commission should consider society's changing household economics and the fact that fewer people can afford the costs associated with these properties. Knutson responded that if the plan establishes a sense of fear about the future for the historic housing stock of Evanston, it could inadvertently hasten inappropriate adaptive reuse. T. Stafford added that the plan's responsibility is to protect Evanston's desirable character from those changes that threaten its ambience. Knutson concluded, stating that retaining what Evanston has should be the highest priority and that the plan should not exclusively be about change. Members agreed. T. Stafford stated that the vision statement of the plan should address ultimately the goal of preserving Evanston's strengths. Members then discussed technology and its changing nature. S. Knutson suggested that the Commission needs to speak with persons who are experts on the matter before creating policies to address its impact. Members discussed how information technology affects land use by potentially changing the demand for office space, transportation, and shopping centers. VII, ADJOURNMENT The Commission adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for August 14, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. Christopher Wonders General Planner JI:Ay,�LLJr$1 V . Mi Ila1Wi+Id11II1JY Y. R u 1Y I iAl I Ill IA All 6' wo IWIIM., tIlli h+Ali Li ,1[1. •J Y. �� .. ii�.. �W � m„ . �. ..,. .. MINUTES EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, August 14, 1996 1 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Taylor, Doraine Anderson, David Hart, Valerie Kretchmer, Kevin Rielley, Martin Norkett, Thomas Stafford MEMBERS ABSENT: Ronald Kobotd, Jerry Wallack ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Knutson, Richard Cook STAFF PRESENT: Arthur Alterson, Jan Wolfensperger, James Wolinski, Christopher Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., a quorum being present. 11. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, JULY 10,1996 The minutes were approved with correction of one typographical error. 4i III, NEW BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARINGS The Commission commenced its hearing of Case ZPC 95-0009-PD/M, a petition by Cos 111, an Illinois Limited Partnership as beneficiary of Bank One Trust #TWB-0932, property owner, for a planned development to redesign and expand the existing parking - area located at 2500 Ridge Avenue. Following the petitioner's presentation, Mr. Gordon McGrew, of 2505 Ridge Avenue, requested a continuance to allow time to prepare his rebuttal. The Plan Commission scheduled the continuation of this case for the evening of Wednesday, September 11,1996. The Commission then commenced its hearing of Case ZPC 95-0010-T, a petition by JFMC Facilities Corporation to amend Sections 6-15-3-3, 6-18-3 and any other related Sections of the Zoning Ordinance, to add a definition of "Strident Meeting House" and list this use as a Special Use in the T1, Transitional University Zoning District, Following the testimony, the Commission voted six (6) in favor and one (1) against the motion to recommend to City Council the addition of "student religious organization meeting house" to the definitions of the Zoning Ordinance. The Commission then voted six (6) in favor and one (1) against the motion to recommend to the City Council the listing of "student religious organization meeting house" as a special use in the T-1 Zoning District. COPIES OF VERBATIM TRANSCRIPTS FOR CASES 95-0009 PDIMAND 95-0010-TARE ON FILE IN THE ZONING DIVISION, ROOM 3700 OF THE EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER. VII. ADJOURNMENT The Commission agreed to move consideration of other new business {a discussion about the Comprehensive General Plan project} to a subsequent meeting. The Commission adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for September 11, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. 1 Christopher Wonders General Planner I MINUTES EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, September 11, 1996 / 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Taylor, Doraine Anderson, David Hart, Valerie Kretchmer, Ronald Kobold, Jerry Wallack, Martin Norkett, Thomas Stafford MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Rielley ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Knutson ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Cook STAFF PRESENT: Arthur Alterson, Dennis Marino, Jan Wolfensperger, Christopher Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair 3 I. CALL TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., a quorum being present. Il. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, AUGUST 14,1996 3 The minutes were approved without correction. IN Ill. NEW BUSINESS Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan Commissioner Kretchmer welcomed members of the Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee as well as Eighth Ward Alderman Jacobi. She commended the participants in the neighborhood plan for their significant accomplishment. She invited a member of the group to discuss the plan with the Commission. Judith Treadway, a member of both the Southeast Evanston Citizens Planning Committee and the Elks Park Neighbors, asked others present who had been a part of the neighborhood planning process to introduce themselves, Those present included Alan Goldberg (Elks Park Neighbors), Joan Hall (Brummel Park Neighbors), Yvonne VandenAven(Brummel Park Neighbors), Anna Boekstegen, and Karen Frazier (Progressive Evanston Neighbors). a, .4},� ��A .,. _4• ifs. PAGE 2 Z PLAN QMMIs$roN M guTEs. 9/1141G Ms. Treadway briefly outlined the nature of the neighborhood planning process, Including it collaboration with the City's internal planning team. She stated that the purpose of the plan was to improve communication within the community and with the City and also to affect change in the neighborhood. Ms. Treadway explained that the plan provides comprehensive, proactive measures for attaining goals In five areas (housing; economic development; public safety and security; public works and aesthetics; recreation; and image, marketing, and perception). She concluded by inviting the Plan Commission members' questions and comments. Commissioner Taylor addressed the Landlord School Included in the housing portion of the plan. He underscored the importance of widespread publicity of the school to maximize attendance. Alan Goldberg stated that the framework of the plan is designed to be comprehensive and to recognize the interrelation of the myriad issues and priorities present within the neighborhood. Commissioner Stafford stated that the Neighborhood Plan and the process through which it was produced should be looked upon as a model that the Comprehensive General Plan, currently in revision, can include and recommend for use in neighborhoods throughout the city. Commissioner Kretchme, emphasized the value of reaching consensus on goals and strategies at the neighborhood level at a time when the Plan Commission is facilitating a similar process at the city level through the Comprehensive General Plan revision, D. Marino recognized the uniqueness of the neighborhood planning process stating that it was a demanding process for all involved. The final product functions as strategic plan to the citywide Comprehensive General Plan. Commissioner Norkett, Chair of the Plan Commission's Neighborhood Planning Committee, commended the work of the neighborhood planners on a job well done. Ms. Treadway acknowledged the high degree of assi:-itance that was needed to make the plan a success. In particular, she recognized the generosity of James Stack of St. Francis Hospital in helping throughout the process. Mr. Norkett moved that the Commission recommend acceptance of the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan by the City Council. The Plan Commission unanimously endorsed the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan which will eventually be presented to the Evanston City Council. ZPC 95-0009-PD/M The Commission reconvened its hearing of Case ZPC 95-0009-PDIM, a petition by Cos 111, an Illinois Limited Partnership as beneficiary of Bank One Trust #TWB-0932, property owner, for a planned development to redesign and expand the existing parking area located at 2500 Ridge Avenue. The case had been continued from August 14, 1996. By a vote of five (6) to two (2), a motion to recommend City Council's approval of the petition with amendments to the landscaping plan was approved, The Commission then commenced its hearing of Case ZPC 96.0011-T, a petition by Albany Bank and Trust Company, Land Trust #115157, to amend Section 6-15-2-2, 6- 15-4, and any other related Sections of the Zoning Ordinance, to permit residential dwelling units In existing structures located in the 01, Office Zoning District and require minimum lot area of 300 square feet per dwelling unit. The Commission voted six (6) in favor and two (2) against the motion to recommend listing multifamily dwellings as a special use in the 01, Office Zoning District and requiring a minimum lot size of 5000 square feet and 400 square feet of tot area per unit. COPIES OF VERBATIM TRANSCRIPTS FOR CASES 95-0009-PDIM AND 96-0011-T ARE ON FILE IN THE ZONING DIVISION, ROOM 3700 OF THE EVANSTON Civic CENTER. VII. ADJOURNMENT The Commission agreed to move consideration of other business (the introduction of associate members for reappointment and the monthly committee reports) to a subsequent meeting. The Commission adjourned at 11:50 p.m. Its next meeting is a special meeting scheduled for September 25, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Christopher Wonders General Planner y 147 • -- I ., •. _, i . ! lil IiJ� � IW I •I'�.i �M nf.L �L Il.l I_i. _r�.,. al r i. i� . �J� H�i7Wl�r 1L:...��y�L �1� 1 J� y1._l�t�k� . i! (D1v+1FT, MOT A1;vil P.VVf ED MINUTES EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, September 25, 1996 1 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, City Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Doraine Anderson, Robert Taylor, Martin Norkett, Thomas Stafford, .ferry Wallack, Valerie Kretchmer, Ronald Kobold, Kevin Rielley MEMBERS ABSENT: David Hart ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Cook, Steve Knutson STAFF PRESENT: Arthur Altersoll, Christopher Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER I DECLARATION OF QUORUM The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., a quorum being present. II. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 11, 1996 t k The minutes were approved without correction. III. COMMUNICATIONS I ANNOUNCEMENTS The communications and selected readings were received without discussion. IV. NEW BUSINESS ZPC 96-0011-T The Commission commenced its hearing of Case ZPC 96-0012-T, a petition by Frank Clesen and Sons Incorporated to amend Section 6-8-2-4 and any other related Sections of the Zoning Ordinance to list "Truck Gardens, Nurseries and Greenhouses" as a Special Use in the R1, Single-family Residential Zoning District, The Commission voted six (6) in favor and one (1) against the motion to recommend denial of the petition. (Commissioner Norkett left the meeting prior to the vote,) COPIES OF THE VERBATIM TRANSCRIPTFOR CASE 96-0012-T ARE ON FILE IN THE ZONING DIVISION, ROOM 3700 OF THE EVANSr4N CIVIC CENTER. xl•:r f 4 .1Y - VII. OTHER NEW BUSINESS REAPPOINTMENT OF ASSOCIATE MEMBE 3 The Commission voted unanimously to reappoint associate members Richard Cools and Steve Knutson to second one-year terms. COMMITTEE REPORTS In open discussion, members referenced several issues that should be studied by the Zoning Committee. Included were the following: antenna regulations vis-a-vis the development of new, smalier satellite dishes; the fence ordinance and the permitted use of plastic fences in some di: tricts other than the industrial districts; burying utility wires; analysis of alternatives for the 01 district located at Ridge Avenue and Green Bay Road. Members discussed the Zoning Ordinance with consideration of the heavy volume of applications for variation. The discussion focused on the issue of balancing enforcement of the ordinance with the need to support development proposals that will benefit the city. Commissioner Kretchmer then asked members who were not part of the Comprehensive General Plan Committee if they had any comments on draft chapters on Population and Housing. Hearing none, Ms. Kretchmer stated that at some point the Commission will need to have a meeting focused solely on the Comprehensive General Plan revision project and on the work it has produced to date. Commissioner ltobo!d commented on the Neighborhood Planning Committee. He stated that, with the completion of the plan, the next area of concern will logically be implementation. Participants in the neighborhood planning process will now be working to enact many of the changes outlined in the plan. VIII. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Commissioner Rieiley, the Plan Commission adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Its next meeting is scheduled for October 9, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in room 2403 of the Evanston Civic Center. General Planner . , � r.. w r ,xi ^ I �� ;inr°�"�KT�- , •1,P�M�4. 'ill �f�l[ � � r - - - � -� - -- � .' � -. - - - '.-- --- - - }� 010. WO.., fir• V. 41 t:, T- .-' .; � ," MINUTES AGDPROWU.1�1? ttRV-W EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, October 9, 1996 1 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, City Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Doralne Anderson, Robert Taylor, Martin Norkett, Thomas Stafford, Jerry Wallack, Valerie Kretchmer, Ronald Kobold, David Hart MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Rielley ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Knutson ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Cook STAFF PRESENT: Arthur Alterson, Dennis Marino, Christopher Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair OTHERS PRESENT: none I. CALL TO ORDER 1 DECLARATION OF QUORUM The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m., a quorum being present. 3 II. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 11,1996 Commissioner Stafford moved approval of the minutes with the addition of the phrase "addressing the deficiencies of the 1993 Zoning Ordinance" to the list of items to be studied by the Commission's Zoning Committee (Page 2, Other New Business). Commissioner Anderson seconded. The minutes were approved as amended. III. NEW BUSINESS Due to a defect in public notification of the hearing of case ZPC 96-0013-M [a petition by Centrum Properties, Incorporated, contract purchaser, to rezone the property located at 910 Dodge Avenue (currently zoned R4, Multi -family Residential Zoning District) and the westernmost 30 feet of the property located at 900 Dodge Avenue (currently zoned R2, Single-family Residential Zoning District) and the adjacent easthvest alley to C1, Commercial Zoning District) the hearing was postponed to October 30, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. IV. COMMUNICATIONS I ANNOUNCEMENTS A� The communications were received without discussion. �� - - r. w • m m 14--� ti.,r-�n^•rt�-r-ir'�'n"�"R ., iv . ,.r ,ipr- a ', • � i .•n.`° �54'?wF`-/+i nn '�1m.�MdARI.,e.�#". --'�'PSF9'' . -- - { 41 PA GE21PLAN 0WESSJUNMIN(f95. i0N9/g6 V. COMMITTEE REPORTS COMPREHENsivE GENERAL PLAN CommirrEE S ��fl�•I'�Y. fir , ^ .,' i:�:' _ � .ty .- .�.. '•y . I,F�i. }°r�4 !; f J r.ti-i+L1 xr v r l C i '- _ � . w.. I Ms. Kretchmer opened the floor for discussion of preliminary draft revisions to the Comprehensive General Plan's housing and population chapters. Mr. Kobold recommended a policy for promoting, where appropriate, the adaptive reuse of non- residential properties as housing. Mr. Knutson suggested that the language recommending a policy to support affordable alternatives to the ownership and upkeep of large historic properties be removed. In his experience, Mr. Knutson stated, there is little reason to anticipate the demise of these properties as single-family housing. Ms. Anderson concurred, stating that such a policy could be misused in support of development proposals that would disrupt the integrity of such properties. Mr. Wallack suggested that language strongly supporting State reform in school financing be included in the housing chapter to partly address the issue of property taxes. He suggested that the plan recommend that the City act as a clearinghouse for subsidy programs for housing assistance. Dr. Stafford stated that school financing is and should remain principally a local issue. State financing of schools would, in his opinion, weaken local control of schools. Mr. Wallack then stated that the housing chapter should be more forward looking and promote housing as an alternative use in areas of potential redevelopment. He cited the example of the co -housing model proposed at one of the spring forums on the - Comprehensive General Plan as an example of creative ideas that should be generally accepted by the plan. 3 Commission members discussed allowing better mixing of uses (i.e., commercial and residential) in the downtown, in transitional districts, and along corridors such as Chicago _ Avenue and Howard Street. Mr. Kobold stated that the plan does not need to propose specific zoning redesignation but rather to support future ideas and uses that may presently be foreseen. Mr. Kobold stated that the current and future economy may not support old uses, adding that long-term vacancy in commercial or industrial areas indicate saturation and readiness for change of use. Mr. Wallack stated that the Comprehensive General Plan has the ability to allow or discourage greater openness to ideas than the Zoning Ordinance. He recommended that the plan encourage the creativity of the private market with regard to housing and mixed uses in transitional areas. Mr. Knutson described Evanston as an attractive location for townhomes and condominiums. The trend toward the increased development of such urban housing types is a good one, he stated, that should be recognized as such in the plan. Mr. Taylor added that the trend toward live/work space and home -based businesses should also be recognized as beneficial for Evanston's future, Al rH ,Y.aJ'skL�_lLdw-6:aY.6,.:,N�.r"..ddY�:..Lc�si►i+- .LJt�.I.-A. r : ". . .. , ... : .1_ ,. 1 . .1 f� Y l i•'i Mr. Norkett requested that the Commission meet in a retreat format, after revisions were made, to revisit the housing chapter due to its importance. Dr. Stafford responded that proceeding in this manner would further delay the process. C. Wonders suggested that a retreat might be useful following completion of the land use portion of the plan which will cover chapters on neighborhoods, housing, institutions and businesses. Members agreed. Wonders stated that completion of the first drafts of the land use segment of the plan should occur near the end of December with revision of subsequent segments to occur In the first quarter of the new year. Mr. Taylor recommended that housing figures and greater detail on rental sub -markets be included when the plan approaches publication. He also stated that the Commission should take a strong public position on the need for a multi-plex theater in the downtown. No discussion in support of this idea ensued. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING CQMMITTEE Mr. Norkett discussed the Howard Street component of the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan. He discussed the details of the "Gateway Projecr, proposed for the Chicago side of Howard Street between Clark Street and the CTA tracks. Dennis Marino outlined membership of Howard Street Redevelopment Committee. R. Kobold stated that the Committee discussed the need to set a future course for itself and has debated the usefulness of tracking further action on the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan versus moving on to another planning area. il D. Marino responded that some actions in the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan have already been undertaken and that implementation and monitoring meetings for that plan can be done perhaps on a quarterly basis. He continued stating that the internal process for neighborhood planning support is in place and could be replicated in other areas. However, each neighborhood is different and will require developing a unique external neighborhood planning process for each. On the question of suggesting a new target area, Marino stated that, at this time, staff capacity limits the ability to devote more time for a new process, given the substantial ongoing implementation requirements of the Southeast Evanston plan. Mr. Taylor suggested that the next neighborhood planning target area should focus on the triangle of mixed uses (residential, commercial, industrial and warehouse) north of Emerson Street in the 5th Ward. Mr. Marino replied that the area is a dynamic one and would involve fact-finding to determine the nature of existing community organization. He reminded the Commission that the target area north of Howard Street was chosen for neighborhood planning because of strong neighborhood group structures around which the process could take place. In response to a question, he stated that the conservation district planning taking place in the 5th Ward involving the Preservation Commission is working to designate culturally significant events and locations in the area. Members then discussed the lack of minority representation on the Commission and underscored the 73 r: moil e i L l.: IF J W a Jf L.. Fill- L�,Y . Ill. i tl_ a i iINNOR19AMW. I n. i, . n a n+ww�wnr[r�.eraaaf�aw�s<mPnc tl!,MMti� 01, . importance of that issue for any future planning effort in a heavily minority populated community. Commissioner Kretchmer asked that Planning Division staff look at the many areas where neighborhood planning could take place and to draw up a list of areas that would be viable for such an effort. Mr. Marino stated that this would be worthwhile and would be undertaken at a point in the future. Mr. Taylor proposed the formation of a special group for tracking the growth of not -for -profit agencies in Evanston to better understand the number of properties being taken off the tax rolls. He stated the urgency of establishing a data base to monitor this trend which Is undermining the city's tax base. Mr. Hart stated that the issue was important but that addressing it is not within the purview of the Plan Commission. D. Marino stated the need for greater clarification of those not -for -profits that were being discussed adding that Evanston's largest employers were considered not -for -profits but were an asset to the community. He commented on the tax exempt property analysis done in 1995 which suggested that smaller not -for -profits agencies amounted to only a small portion of the tax- exempt land in Evanston. Ms. Kretchmer stated that the Plan Commission is not the entity to be undertaking this issue considering their already heavy workload. Members agreed. D. Marino stated that the matter is controlled by the state and county, not the City. Commissioner Wallack added that it is the role of the City Council to discuss issues of a political nature such as this one. OTHER COMMITTEES Mr. Wallack stated that the Economic Development Committee was conducting its breakfast meetings for gathering input from local businesses on the Evanston Economic Development Strategy. A request -for -proposals had been initiated to seek ideas for the redevelopment of the Sherman Avenue garage. Ideas may include retail and entertainment as a portion of its redevelopment. Mr. Wallack added that he will not seek reappointment to the Commission following the end of his current term at the end of December. VI. ADJOURNMENT On the motion of Commissioner Hart, the Plan Commission adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for November 13, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in room 2403 of the Evanston Civic Center. General Planner �I _ _ ,L�.l �.� ,.� _!, a,[IAtl�L..IY d(I'Ni,l Yilh 4.11` I"1•I:aL.h6Y. IJ�s'tlYlRlllil'Yii[ fLirll'4Gi1U' U , NOT 4ilPPV'6OM MINUTES E'''6TANSTON PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, November 13, 1996 1 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, City Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Doraine Anderson, Robert Taylor, Martin Norkett, Thomas Stafford, Valerie Kretchmer, Ronald Kobold, David Hart, Kevin Rielley ' MEMBERS ABSENT: Jerry Wallack ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Cook ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Knutson STAFF PRESENT: Arthur Alterson, Dennis Merino, Christopher Wonders PRESIDING: V. Kretchmer, Chair I. CALL TO ORDER 1 DECLARATION OF QUORUM The meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m., a quorum being present. 11. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, OCTOBER 9, 1993 Dr. Stafford sought to amend the minutes with corrections and a more detailed reflection of the property taxation/school financing discussion that occurred during the Comprehensive General Plan Committee report. Ms. Anderson moved approval. Mr. Norkett seconded. The minutes were approved as amended. Ill. COMMUNICATIONS 1 ANNOUNCEMENTS The communications were received for the record. Ms. Kretchmer drew members Y attention to the adoption by City Council of the Southeast Evanston Neighborhood Plan. The Plan Commission had recommended the adoption of the neighborhood plan at its September 11, 1996, meeting. IV. OLD BUSINESS: ZPC 95-0013-M The Commission reconvened its hearing of case ZPC 96-0013-M, a petition by Centrum Properties, Incorporated, contract purchaser, to rezone the property located at 910 Dodge Avenue (currently zoned R4, Multi-fdmily Residential Zoning District) and the westernmost 30 feet of the property located at 900 Dodge Avenue (currently zoned R2, w, z , 4F-p e—++ nNfi—v—rf*TTM a �e i��'1 - s. '3•��'.. i' Is S s"s,•: rixr `le ` _ 'Y ! -f : 7"�: s. P4 r 1&4NGOMMJS&QNMINUTES, IVIJ B Single-family Residential Zoning District) and the adjacent east/West alley to C1, Commercial Zoning District. The case had been continued from October 30, 1998. By a vote of six (6) to two (2), a motion to recommend City Council's approval of the petition (conditioned upon the City's vacation of the east/west alloy) was approved. (Voting In favor: Taylor, Rielley, Hart, Norkett, Stafford, Anderson. Voting against: Kretchmer, Kobold.) A COPY OF THE VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT FOR CASE 96-0013-M IS ON FILE IN THE ZONING DIVISION, ROOM 3700 OF THE EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER. V. NEW BUSINESS: ZPC 96.0014-M The Commission then commenced its hearing of case ZPC 96-0014-M, a petition by Frederic Wertymer, property owner, for a Zoning Map amendment to rezone the property located at 2111 Dewey Avenue from 131, Business District to MUE, Transitional Manufacturing -Employment Zoning District. The Commission agreed to continue the hearing of this case to the December 11,1996 meeting. VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS Dr. Stafford highlighted the recent discussion and actions of the City Council. Ms. Kretchmer informed the Commission that a previously discussed reference regarding retail uses in the transitional manufacturing -employment (MUE) district has been referred back to the Commission for further consideration. Mr. Alterson stated that the Council is looking for a clarification of the Commission's decision to not recommend allowing retail uses in the MUE district; added that he will investigate the matter further to determine the most efficient manner for the Commission to respond. 1111. ADJOURNMENT On the motion of Mr. Rielley, the Plan Commission adjourned at 11.00 p.m. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for December 11, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. in room 2403 of the Evanston Civic Center. ChristopherWthders General Planner M Dgu4n" NOT [16°i RVkf0.) MINUTES EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION Meeting of Wednesday, December 11, 1996 / 7:00 p.m. Evanston Civic Center, Room 2403 MEMBERS PRESENT ................................. Doraine Anderson, Robert Taylor, Martin Norkell, Thomas Stafford, Valerie Kretchmer, David Hart, Kevin Rieliey MEMBERS ABSENT ................................................. Ronald Kobold, Jerry Wallack ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT ................ . . . .............................. Steve Knutson ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT ...................... , ............................ Richard Cook STAFF PRESENT ................................. . ........... Arthur Alterson, Christopher Wonders CALL TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM In the absence of Commissioner Kretchmer (chair) and Commissioner Wallack (vice -chair), Commissioner Rielley was selected to preside over the meeting. The meeting was called to order at 7:05, a quorum being present. Commissioner Kretchmer joined the meeting at approximately 8:30. y At Mr. Rielley's suggestion, members agreed to consider the minutes of the previous meeting following the conclusion of the public hearings. II. OLD BUSINESS: ZPC 96-0014-M The Commission reconvened its hearing of case ZPC 96-0014-M, a petition by Frederic Wertymer, property owner, for a Zoning Map amendment to rezone the property located at 2111 Dewey Avenue from B1, Business District to MUE, Transitional Manufacturing -Employment Zoning District. The case had been continued from November 13, 1996. Commissioner Stafford moved to recommend approval of the petition. Commissioner Norkett seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. A COPY OF THE VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT FOR CASE 96-0014-M IS ON FILE IN THE ZONING DIVISION, ROOM 3700 OF THE EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER. NEW BUSINESS: ZPC 96-0015-T The Commission commenced its hearing of case ZPC 96-0016-T, a petition by Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Evanston, an Illinois Not for Profit Corporation, to amend the text of the 1I.1. A 1 ,, 6i,hA. Iu 41�L. i— s■ 6.6.11, L.,l..i 1—,1i ,.ILj-im, wAj i1.f N�:LJNY�.'fllal. i:ai.'�4 Lf1YOY��Ys�:,.�9 bYMja'�i�Nll�� 2 ! ELAN COMMISSION MfNiriFS 12111196 Zoning Ordinance to list "religious institutions" as a permitted use or, in the alternative, as a special use in the 01, Office Zoning District, Commissioner Hart moved to recommend listing "religious institutions" as a special use in the 01, Office Zoning District. The motion passed by a vote of five to one, with one abstention. Voting in favor: Stafford, Rlelley, Kretchmer, Hart, Taylor. Voting against: Anderson. Abstained: Norkett. A COPY OF THE VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT FOR CASE 96-0015-T IS ON FILE IN THE ZONING DIVISION, ROOM 3700 OF THE EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER. IV. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES, NOVEMBER 13, 1996 'rhe minutes were approved without correction. Commissioner Stafford requested that, In the future, staff provide Commission members with copies of Plan Commission reports that are sent to the City Council. Commissioner Anderson requested that the Zoning Division's waakly case records likewise be transmitted to the Commission members in monthly packets. V. OTHER NEW BUSINESS The Commission discussed the draft amendments to the HUD Consolidated Plan for fiscal year 1997-98. Dr. Stafford stated that the CD Committee had already discussed the plan and recommended its adoption. Following a brief discussion of individual projects outlined In the documents Action Plan, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend its adoption. The Commission moved on to the election of Chair and Vice -Chair for 1997. The report of the Nominating Committee recommended the election of David Hart as Chair and Martin Norkett as Vice -Chair. Commissioner Anderson moved acceptance of the Nominating Committee's recommendation. Commissioner Rielley seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Kretchmer acknowledged the valuable efforts that Commissioner:, Rielley and Wallack had made during their tenures on the Commission. She stated that they would be missed. Ms. Kretchmer then introduced the Commission to Ms. Sydney Grevas whose name had been introduced for Council approval to fill the seat vacated by Mr. Rielley. Likewise, Associate Member Richard Cook had been nominated to fill the seat of Mr. Wallack. Both names were to be considered for approval at the City Council meeting on December 16. VI. COMMUNICATIONS I ANNOUNCEMENTS The communications were received without discussion. VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS The Comprehensive General Plan Committee reported that it had conducted a meeting with real estate developers and managers in November. A summary of the discussion was prepared by staff and included in the packet materials. Ms. Kretchmer stated that the opinions . - . , .,��-'kurd#,...s�.s�rw.r�,,.aa�aru'�`1'�3�i��`+t,�+&.,ye-.'s�ri��r,�,a�..sr� �m�3.lE�'�.�i � ,.�� r> �.�_ _-. -� - _ ' - - � • - - -- -- - ry,.`'��Z�F.1�,�c�i%.}ry�lyi;.-�T.•.7�' �i" -��•1r`i;�- a 3 / PLAN COMMMION MINVPES. 12/11/9R of those in attendance at the breakfast meeting were generally favorable toward developing real estate In Evanston. VIII. ADJOURNMENT The Commission adjourned at 10:09 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Evanston Plan Commission Is scheduled for January 8, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. in room 2403 of the Evanston Civic Center. Genera! Planner - - s 1 f- � �� i�� - - Iv_ _�,_ L - -•= K '_ ._ -_-- _- _# ____ _ j� '� - � �'�} - Asa Yam! ��: S7�r �: ,.e it rra ,ty �� f`- '�- q�. {, ,f •��--1 �1 •r=�" .;� s is 4ti i6� s-�=v�; � }.,g �- r s� x=}r