HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1990i
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MEMBERS PRESENT:
EVANSTON PLAN COMM15SION
MINUTES
DRAFT NOT APPROVED
Wednesday,
January 10,1990
Room 2401 - 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER
Belmonte, Foster, Petterson,
Currie, Prout, Marston
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
PRESIDING OFFICIAL:
STAFF:
Blue, Rieiley
Nevel, McCarthy
Belmonte, Chair
Carter, Borys, Clarke
I. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 13, 1989 MINUTES
Seidman, Darragh,
Mr. Darragh moved for approval of the minutes for December 13, 1989. Seconded by Mr.
Currie. The motion passed. No nays.
[I. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
Ms. Seidman, Chair of the Nominating Committee, reported that the Nominating Committee
had recommended Mr. Belmonte for another term as Chair and Mr. Nevel for another term as
Vice Chair. Ms. Seidman moved for approval and the motion was seconded by Mr. Petterson.
Motion passed with no nays.
III. COMMENTS ON DOWNTOWN FORUM
Mr. Belmonte welcomed Ms. Allison Barkley, President of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Jerry Murphy. Executive Director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, and Air. Alan
Goldberg, a representative from the Chamber, to the Plan Commission meeting, and thanked
them for attending. Mr. Belmonte began the discussion by briefly presenting the need for a
downtown forum. He stressed the planning process as being inclusive. He also said the forum
would be a means for coalescing the ideas and missions of all who have a stake in the welfare of
the downtown into a coordinated and self -directed plan. He then asked Air. Darragh to discuss
the logistics of a forum and to elaborate on the planning process through the forum.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes January 10, 1990
Page Two
Mr. Darragh began by explaining that as the draft plan for the downtown was being reviewed, it
became clear that four things were needed before any positive results could be realized. First
there ought to be an avenue for collection of ideas on what would be a desirable downtown.
Then, there should be a definition of actions to be taken and programs to be implemented in
order to get to the envisioned result. Third, an organizational structure needs to be created to
effectively tap the necessary and available resources. The fourth item required would be the
consensus of those affected and concerned that the decisions being made regarding the
Downtown are, in fact, the right ones. He suggested that a forum would be an effective way to
implement the planning process just as outlined.
Mr. Darragh suggested the forum could be a phased event, with sessions scheduled at differing
times over a two day period. He further stressed the point that the forum, would be a way to
obtain a plan for th- Downtown that includes the input from all interested parties. He
emphasized thd: a consensus is the result that is desired from the forum. He also stated that
the proposed plan for Downtown would only serve as a discussion document and not as a
document to be ratified by the consensus. Mr. Darragh said that in order for the forum to be
successful, skilled facilitators will be needed to lead the discussions. He said commitment from
the participants to not only attend the sessions, but also to invest the appropriate resources,
including time, is also integral to the success of the forum. ,Mr. Belmonte added that the forum
would be an excellent route to obtain issue identification, resolution, and implementation, but
that it should be a joint effort between the City and the Evanston business community.
At this point, fir. Jerry ,Murphy stated the Chamber liked the idea behind the forum and would
participate. He suggested though, that the sessions should probably be shorter than one full day
so that the business owners could attend the forum as well as take care of their own daily
business. He suggested the possibility of four to eight sessions of 2 112 - 2 hours a piece. He
further suggested that sessions scheduled for th early morning or lunch time hours might work
the best for the majority of the retailers. Mr. Darragh stated that the session must be long
enough to foster discussion and the possibility of a smaller working committee of not more than
30 individuals should be considered. Mr. Belmonte added that he believes there is an optimum
size for the working group, and 30 sounds right. Mr. Murphy suggested the consideration of
evening sessions to attract residents to bring their concerns and ideas to the forum as well. It
was agreed by the group that it would be very constructive to get the residents and the business
people of Evanston working together, as the Downtown "belongs" to both. Vs. Barkley stated
that although an optimum sized working group may be necessary, other interested parties should
be keep informed if not actively involved. Otherwise, she warned of the possibility of their
alienation and the decreased changes for the consensus being sought. Mr. Darragh said that
there Is a need for a time frame to be established so that the forum and its participants do not
lose momentum and that participation is carefully organized so that recommendations do not
become so numerous as to be overwhelming and results unfocused.
Mr. Carter suggested that what might be needed was a 2 tiered process: a core working group;
and an outreach group to information and work with parties and individuals interested in _-
participating in the forum in some fashion. Ms. Barkley questioned what the next step after the
forum would be. Her question was answered by Mr. Darragh and Mr. Carter who told her that a
action plan, complete with assignment of tasks and responsibilities. would emerge encompassing
the desires, issues and resolutions of everyone concerned with the health of the Downtown.
They reassured her that the forum is a way to formulate an agenda for development of the
Downtown and a plan of action and that the existing proposed plan is merely a starting point for
which identification and discussion of the issues can occur and finally decisions on action to be
taken and who will take them.
rf_
x
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes -January 10, 1990
Page Three
Based on further suggestions from the Chamber representatives, the group agreed it would be
beneficial to invite some developers who have had experience with Downtown revitalization to
attend the Forum in order to bring In new information and ideas. In this way, the discussion
could be itself "revitalized" with fresh new and objective Information. ills. Barkley also
suggested talking to Inventure about the development of their proposed market analysis for the
Downtown and including, this information in the discussion sessions.
The discussion then focused on the activities of the Zoning Commission and its agenda for the
Downtown. After some discussion, Ms. Barkley asked if the flan Commission would make a
request to the Zoning Commission to hold off on making any recommendations for zoning
changes to the Downtown until after the forum. She emphasized that this would show "good
faith" on the part of the Plan Commission that they will take the results of the forum seriously.
She said this strategy would help to enlist the support of potential forum participants, and bring
about the consensus we are seeking. Air. Petterson said he did not think any decision or
recommendations from the Zoning Commission is imminent and that the Zoning Commission is
eager to obtain all the information it can before any recommendation is made. Therefore, he
agreed that there would be no problem if the Plan Commission requesting the Zoning
Commission wait until after the forum before their recommendations are finalized.
Ms. Barkley stated that a mission statement be developed for the forum which identifies the
Purpose of the forum, its plan of action, the need to build a consensus, and the commitment
behind the recommendations developed at the forum. She said that if the Plan Commission were
to prepare such a statement, the Chamber would support the forum and be a participant. Mr.
Belmonte agreed that a mission statement should be prepared and thanked the Chamber for
their support and attendance at the meeting.
IV. SOUTHWEST INDUSTRIAL ROADWAY PLAN
Air. Belmonte reminded the group that at the last Commission meeting staff had been asked to
prepare a short analysis of the Southwest Industrial Corridor and right-of-way proposed for the
area. The Commission was given some time to read the narrative then distribute and to review
the included maps of the area. After some brief discussion, Mr. Belmonte asked for a motion
that the Commission approve the proposed ROW for the area. The Motion was passed
unanimously with no nays.
V. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
Nis. Marston briefly reviewed her presentation given at the last Green Bay Road Committee.
She described Wilmette's experience with cleaning up the railroad right-of-way and how
Wilmette handled the entrance ways to their City. Mr. Carter explained that the Committee is
in the process of gathering information and expects to have project recommendations prepared =_
for inclusion in next years Capital Improvement Program. At the next Committee meeting, Mr.
David Barber, the Public works Director, will be invited to discuss construction issues and z
associated costs and scope of work for the rehabilitation and treatment of the adjacent
retaining wall.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Borys alerted the group that at the next Plan Commission meeting, in February, the
Commission will be asked to review a proposed planned development presented by the Childrens'
Home and Society located at 836 N. Ridge. Although details on the proposal were sketchy due
to the large amount of information submitted. Mr. Carter said he would request a synopsis of
the proposal be submitted by the Childrens Home.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - January 10, 1990
Page Four
VII. OLD BUSINESS
None discussed
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The group reconfirmed its January 18, 1990.breakfast in honor of Jtils. Breslin's service to the
Commission. The breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. at La Peep's.
Nis. ilorys reminded the group that a General Comp-PIan meeting is scheduled for 3:30p.m. on
Wednesday, January 17, 1990. She also told the group that a Sign Committee meeting is
schr(hiled for 8:00 a.m. also on Wednesday, January 17, 1990.
',Ir. 1lelmonte told the group that the Commission had been invited to attend an Evmark board
rnecting on January 18, 1990 at 3:30 p.m. He said that although the Commission would not be on
the agenda, anyone who would like to attend would be welcomed.
Mr. Cnrter told the group that Mr. Darragh's nomination as a full Plan Commission member was
introduced to the City Council at their last meeting. Mr. Darragh received the welcome and
congratulations from the group.
Mr. Belmonte asked Mr. Prout to be the next guest at next week's General Comp. Plan meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
STAFF:
DATE:
7Y62/63
F/
EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
DRAFT NOT APPROVED
Wednesday,
February 21, 1990
Room 2401 - 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT: Belmonte, Nevel, Currie, Foster, Petterson, Darragh, Prout,
Seidman
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT:
Blue
MEMBERS ASSENT:
PRESIDING OFFICIAL:
McCarthy, Marston, Reilley
Belmonte, Ghair
STAFF: Carter, Borys, Clarke .
I. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 10, 1990 MINUTES
Mr. Belmonte asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes from the January
10, 1990 meeting. There were none and he called for a motion to approve the minutes. Motion
passed with no nays.
II. CHILDRENS HOME AND AID SOCIETY OF ILLINOIS PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Belmonte welcomed Mr. Roy Wiebolt a trustee of the society, John Kelsey of Skidmore and
Owings and Merrill the project architect, Bill Martone, Director of the Children's Center at the
site, and Robert Best the attorney representing the society. Mr. Best gave the presentation, and
began by describing the site location and surrounding area. The site occupies 826 Ridge and
1 107 Washington. The Society purchased the site in 1926 and has been operating a child care
institution there ever since. Primarily the Society's programs deal with children with emotion
or stress related problems. In 1968, the Society introduced a program for pre-school children
and their families who are affected by emotional trauma or who are overstressed. The objective
of the program is to help these children and their families deal with their problems so the
children can deal with normal stress levels they may encounter when they begin elementary
school. The program is unique to Evanston and 97% of the clients are Evanston residents.
Primary program funding is from the Society, donations, and grants. Only 22% of the funding is
from the Mental Health Board. Thirty children live at the facility and the Early Childhood
Development Center deals with about 55 families.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - February 21, 1990
Page Two
Mr. Best reviewed the present layout of the site which consists of one single family residence, a
two flat, several other larger brick facilities, and two prefabricated buildings used for school
rooms. He pointed out an north/south alley which runs through the property at an irregular
angle and noted that in addition to the Planned Development, the society has requested the
vacation of the portion within the site layout. As a procedure separate from the planned
development, he said he has been told by city officials that the portion of the alley in question
will most probably be approved for vacation without trouble.
,tor. Best used a landscape plan to help the Commission visualIze the new development as he
explained the details. The exterior of the building at 1 107 Washington will remain the same, but
the use will change from a two family dwelling to classrooms to accommodate programs
dislocated during the construction period. A 3-story structure will be built on Washington Street
to be used as a school with a library, gymnasium and auditorium, and offices. A building on the
corner of Washington and Ridge will be used to accommodate administrative offices, the nurses
facilities, and general administrative activities. The residential portion of the development will
be located along Ridge Avenue to the north end of the site and will be accommodated by 2 and 3
story structures. There will be five wings with room for eight children each. The buildings are
situated on the perimeter of the site to provide an interior courtyard play area for the children,
that is protected and secure. The development also has provided about 10 off-street parking
spaces and a new on -site loading facility alongside to where the new kitchen will be located.
Mr. Best said that they have incorporated the existing trees, especially along Ridge Avenue, into
the site plan. He assured the Commission that during construction every effort will be made to
protect the trees and replacements will be planted as necessary. Furthermore, he pointed out
the additional trees and landscaping that will be added as part of the site.
Mr. Best reviewed the architectural rendering prepared by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill which
portrayed the new development from the corner of Washington and Ridge. The main entrance to
the facility will be off Washington Street and will be controlled access to protect the children.
11r. Best continued that the current facility not only is in constant need of repair, but obsolete
for its present uses. There are meandering hallways and a lot of hiding places that make it
difficult for staff to monitor the children and floor activities. He added that the new
development not only is visually attractive, but also is functionally more appropriate for the
Society's programs and levels of usage.
Based on the type and amount of zoning changes, allowances and special use requests, the
Society had been advised by City staff to apply for a planned development and ask for
allowances that would permit the use of the architecture proposed and for the site layout
design. Basically, established set back requirements were requested to be reduced but not so
much as to alter the characteristics of the neighborhood. The use of reduced setbacks allows
the building area to be accommodated on three floors with a court yard whereas if the setbacks
were to remain as required, the building would have to be designed to be much more massive and
compressed, with four floors and no interior courtyard. There will be 10 off-street parking
spaces available through this developement. The current Society facility does not provide any
off-street parking at all.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - February 2I, 1990
Page Three
Mr. Best proceeded to address the compatibility of the plan with the planning goals and
objectives of the Comprehensive General Plan and the planned development ordinance.
Under land use and site characteristics, he said that the new development added
architectural excellence and Interest in the neighborhood.
2) For historical significance, .although the present structure has been operating as a
child care facility since it was built almost 80 years ago, it is new functionally
obsolete and in need of much repair and maintenance.
3) Use of design, landscape, or architectural features to create a pleasing
environment, was addressed by Mr. Best by pointing out the the new trees and
plant material that will be added, the existing trees that will be saved, the
creative use of setback requests to allow for an interior courtyard, and the design
of the facade and structure itself.
4) For provision of a variety of housing units, the development will provide a type of
housing unique in Evanston.
5) For the provision of recreational facilities for residents, the developments will
provide a play area in the interior courtyard which will be monitored, secure and
safe.
6) With the elimination of a blighted structure or an incompatible use, the structure
that will be moved, although not blighted, is obsolete.
7) Business or economic benefits to strengthen the tax base was the last
requirement. Although this point may not be applicable to the Planned
development, other benefits will be experienced such as the continuation of the
programs offered by the Society as well as the attractive new architectural
addition to Ridge Avenue.
41r. Best reviewed the section of the Comprehensive General Plan dealing with institutions and
compared the development against its recommendations. The goal for institutions was to
integrate institutions with the community. He said he felt that Society was in keeping with the
objectives outlined. He further explained that teachers from District 65 would be teaching the
programs offered at the Society schools, thereby alleviating some of the overcrowding felt at
the school by providing classes for special education at another facility. stir. Best noted that
although the Society does not pay real estate taxes, the Society provides relief in other ways,
such as providing alternative classroom space. He also said that the Society is providing a
service through private sources that would be extremely costly for the public if Evanston were
to start up and operate the same type of program.
Mr. Prout asked about the number of parking spaces that will be needed as a opposed to the
number that will be provided. Mr. Best said that although the facility will be made larger, staff
size will remain constant. He also said that many of the staff use public transit. By the
vacation of the alley proposed, on -site parking will be provided where none exists now. He
further noted that because of the transient nature of the visitors to the facility and doctors
attending to patients it is difficult to obtain the exact number of vehicles present at the site at
any given time. He said however, that the major parking congestion in the area occurs in
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - February 21, 1990
Page Four
the evening when people are returning home from their jobs. Also because of the nature of the
programs, the Society will not need as many off-street spaces during the congested evening
hours . The Society has also employed a traffic engineer who will be.. providing traffic counts for
the area at various times of the day.
Mr. Prout asked if the roof material could be kept in the present red tile. Mr. Kelsey said that
although that would be a nice effect the cost would be prohibitive.
Ms. Seidman asked if the noise from P Idge Avenue would be a problem for the residential unit
located there. ;Nir. Kelsey answered that double glazed windows would be used and the units will
be centrally heated and cooled.
kir. Carter congratulated the Society on their development. He said that it was unusual for a
new development to be done in such close context with the original neighborhood and that the
superior design of the building does not make it look "institutional". Mr. Foster also commended
the Society for the programs they offer as well as the development planned. Mr. Belmonte
requested a motion to approve the development. Mr. Nevel made the motion, his. Seidman
seconded the motion. The motion was approved with no nays. Mr. Petterson abstained from the
vote on account that the firm he is affilliated with frequently has business with Mr. Best's firm.
fir. Belmonte added that this planned development was a model development and truly lies in
the spirit of the ordinance. He added further that the allowances requested made a much better
planned development than if the rules had been abided as written. Mr. Best then added that he
and the Society had received a lot of good advice and cooperation from the City staff in the
past six months. He also added that the project is estimated to have a 5-year build out schedule
(18 months per each phase).
III. LAKE/ASHLAND PARK
Mr. Relmonte invited Air. Alike Molinaro from Evanston Friends of the Park to present the parks
plans. Mr. Molinaro started his representation by reading two letters, a letter from Mayor Barr
and one from Don Wirth, his organization had received expressing delight in the proposed park
and the manner by which it was developed. Mr. Molinaro said both the community and the City
has reviewed and accepted the layout. He said that an architect from the Leathers group would
be meeting with them for a final review of the playground equipment layout . Construction
dates have been set for June 6-10.
11r. ;Molinaro then proceeded to describe the park layout and the surrounding area around the
site. The eastern edge of the site is about u feet higher than the center area. As a result the
location of the equipment was difficult to establish. Through a number of meetings with City
officials the present location was chosen. The elevation at this location is more stable for
construction ease. The eastern part of the site will remain open space.
The low swing area for tots will be located in its present spot for maximum site usage and to
maintain a generous space between the younger children play area and the street. He pointed
out the location designated for a piece of pubic art which has not yet been contracted. A
drinking fountain will also be provided.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - February 21. 1990
Page Five
There will be a 4-foot chain link fence erected between the play area and the alley mainly to
keep the children from running out of the area. Bollards will be erected at the alley juncture to
prevent cars traveling at high speeds who may miscalculate the turn, from crashing through the
fence into the play area. To further accommodate alley traffic, the park deslgn has
incorporated a 10 foot set -back from their property line and the park development.
On the other side of the park there will be decorative 2-3 ft. split rail fence to act as a small
barrier between the street and the perk. Decorative and shade trees will be planted within the
site by the City; however, one large willow existing where the play equipment is to be located
will be removed, also by City forces. The site is about 50,000 square feet. The play area will
take up about 11,000 although the structure itself will take up about 7,500 square feet. The
remalrider Will be open space.
There was concern over the density of the structure and consequently security. As a result the
structure was designed to be more spread out then most, and the dowels on the railing,-t were
spaced from 3/4 inch to 3-4 inches apart. The structure is also designed to be low at the
northern edge and rises up to the back, to provide as much supervision from the patrol cars as
possible. Lights will also be installed yet their locations have not yet been determined. In
addition 40% of the structure will be accessible to handicapped children. Sidewalks will also be
replaced.
The structure will be built by the community and it is made from wolmanized lumber. City
staff has reviewed the structural stress points and has suggested modifications such as the use
of screws rather than nails at all stress points. The Friends of the Park will be responsible for
maintenance of the park for one year after construction. After that, responsibility for park
maintenance will be turned over to the City.
,fir. Carter confirmed that all of the groups involved in this park's development were extremely
cooperative. He further stated that the concerns expressed by the Plan Commission; the Police
Department and other agencies have all been appropriately handled. He then congratulated the
effort and all those involved. Mr. Petterson asked if the gaps left in the rails would pose a
safety hazard. Mr. Molinaro replied that in fact the park codes and standards had been
followed. He said a six-inch ball could not pass through the dowels, simulating a small head, and
3-4 inches was a safe amount of space.
sir. Molinaro also responded to Mr. Nevel's question as to whether there was sufficient funding
for the project. fir. Molinaro replied that besides the CD grant EFOP had received, and the
services donated by the City, they had raised $47,000 of the $60,000 required. He said EFOP
fully anticipates raising more than they need by the time construction begins, through
fundraisers and carnivals.
Mr. Petterson inquired as to the play area surface. Mr. ,Molinaro said the surface would be
covered in 3-12 inches of pea gravel to be donated by the Crown family. As the pea gravel
disappears the City will replace the surface material with mulch. Mulch will not be initially
used because the Leathers group does not approve mulch as a surface cover. The entire area
that will be covered by the play area will be sprayed with "Round -Up" - a herbicide - one month
prior to construction, but no tarp or impermeable layer will be placed between the pea gravel
and the ground.
Mr. Currie asked if there would be seating available at the site. ,fir. Molinaro said that as part
of the design of the structure there would be ample seating. There will also be a puppet stage
built in the structure and it will provide seating as well.
Mr. Belmonte asked for a motion to approve the plan. Mr. Petterson moved to approve and the
plan was approved with no nays.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - February, 21,, 1990
Page Six
IV. DOWNTOWN FORUM
Mr. Belmonte said although the "core group" had not yet met, he had attempted to meet with
Ron Kysiak and Jerry Murphy to further discuss the Forum. Ms. Borys reported that she had
contacted moderators from the University of Illinois Center for Urban Economic Development.
Dr. Wim Welwel the Director, and Dr. Rob Mier. She also contacted Dr. Charles Orlebecke of
the University of Illinois who has ample experience in both economic development issues and
workshop moderation and presentation. She received resumes, but requested they send more
information regarding their moderating and workshop experience. Mr. Darragh suggested that
another potential moderator could be a senior vice-president from the Palmer.group to talk
about their experience with office development. The advantage here would be that this
individual would have actual development experience In downtown Evanston. But Mr. Darragh
also stated that there were still tensions among potential forum participants and now may be a
difficult time for a forum to take place. Mr. Darragh described the events of the last Economic
Development Commission meeting where zoning changes proposed for the downtown were
discussed and debated. The Commission members discussed the situation further and decided
that it was a difficult time. The Commission also discussed the current likelihood of second and
third party sponsorship of the Forum.
Mr. Petterson reported that at the Zoning Commission meetings, FARs were discussed. He said
that the Zoning Commission suggested that for all FARs of 0-5.0 everything would be the same.
However, if a building were to fall within a FAR range of 5.0 to the existing 7.0, then a planned
unit development would be required. Mr. Petterson suggested that maybe this concept would be
more palpable to current discontent felt by some downtown activists. Mr. Carter suggested the
Commission continue planning for the Forum irregardless of the present climate. He suggested
that the Comprehensive Plan Committee act as the Steering Committee for the forum rather
than set up a new committee. Mr. Belmonte agreed. Mr. Belmonte said he was concerned about
the agenda and tone of the forum. He said although there is a real need for the fourm, he felt
that if it is necessary that there be a tone of cooperation and new ideas in the forum discussion.
He suggested that there may be some other members of the downtown organizations willing to
take a more active interest in the Forum and its intended result. Mr. Currie said the
organization of the Forum would be a key factor in the success. He felt that the forum may be
a way to forge new power bases for downtown support. He and Mr. Carter agreed that the
participant list will be very critical to the success of the forum. Mr. Blue added that for the
forum to be effective, some ground rules have to be established. He suggested that the goals of
the forum and the downtown must be articulated and all participants will have to "agree to
agree" on those objectives. Air. Carter agreed and said the rules and the agenda has to be
established ahead of time. Mr. Curry reiterated the importance the guest list will play in
keeping the Forum broad based and not single -issued. Mr. Belmonte said the Comprehensive
Plan Committee will meet to further discuss the forum logistics in one week at 8.00 a.m. on
February 28. Mr. Prout who invited to attend.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1"r. Darragh reported on the Economic Development Committee and the current status of the
Southwest Industrial Area. The Commission went into executive session to discuss the details of
the current status of this project.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - February 21, 1990
Page Seven
Mr. Borys reported on the Green Bay Road Committee In the absence of the Chair, Mr.
McCarthy. She told the group that the Committee had at its last meeting met with Mr. Dave
Barber the Director of Public Works for Evanston. She said that the group reviewed a video of
the corridor prepared by Mr. McCarthy. The video was helpful in setting the tone for the
meeting and will be an excellent reference piece. She said Mr. Barber had reviewed the I989
CIP and the 1986 Green Bay Road Improvement Plan in tandem and he pointed out some
discrepancies in funding estimates. He also suggested the program be phased and that the
embankment and retaining wall be the Committee's first priority. He suggested that the
Committee "adopt" those projects such as the retaining wall and embankment that would not be
covered by another existing City prograrn such as street fighting or paving. The Committee
discussed the merit of hiring an environmental planning firm that could assist with the
Implementation of the improvement plan from beginning to end. Ms. Sorys said she is currently
in the process of assembling the information collected from past Committee meetings into an
updated report and proposal. The next meeting of the Green Day Road Committee will be on
March 22. Mr. Carter added representatives from METRA will attend that meeting to further
discuss the condition of the embankment and possibilities for assistance from the railroad for
project funding.
Mr. Petterson recapped his earlier report on the FAR discussion, held at the Zoning Commission
meeting.
Mr. Carter reported that the Sign Committee was moving ahead with the artwork of the new
City entrance sign. He showed the group an artists scale drawing of the sign superimposed on a
photo of one of the proposed locations. He reported that the cost for one large scale monument
sign was almost $10,000, while a smaller scale was close to $6,000. He said that although we do
have some money in the budget for entrance markers, there is not enough available at this time
for three locations. He thought the entire program may have to be phased over a period of
years.
VI. NEW BUSINESVOLD BUSINE55/ANNOUNCEMENTS
There was no discussion pertaining to new or old business. The upcoming meeting schedule was
reviewed with the Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting on February 28 at 8:00 a.m. and the
Green Day Road Committee meeting on March 22 at 5:30. The former Downtown Presentation
Committee was also asked to participate in the Comprehensive Plan Committee's discussion on
the Forum.
Mr. Belmonte circulated 1989 attendance statistics for Commission members at Commission
meetings. He stressed the importance of attendance and participation of the members to the
effectiveness of the Commission's charge.
VII. ADJOURN
With the absence of further business or comment, a motion was made by Mr. Currie to adjourn
the meeting. Mr. Darragh seconded the motion and it passed with no nays. Meeting adjourned
at 9:30 p.m.
,
STAFF:
DATE: 44m,
7Y48Y/54
PLAN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
,Members Present:
AssociateMembers Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
March 14. 1990 - 7:30 p.m.
Civic Center - Room 2403
Belmonte, Chair
Darragh, Currie, Petterson, Marston, Prout
Peilley
Blue. McCarlhy, Seidman, Nevel, Foster
Carter. Eorys, Yonker, Barber
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 22, 1990 MINUTES
Mr. Beimonte asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes from the February
22, 1990 meeting, There were none, and he called for a motion to approve the minutes. Motion
passed with no nays,
II. CD PRESENTATION
At the previous request of the Commission. ,Mr. Chris Yonker, CD Coordinator and ,'N+r. Dave
Barber, Director of Public Works, were present at the meeting to discuss proposed amendments
to the CD process and to review the work of staff and the CD Committee regarding CD funding
guidelines. Air. Pelmonte asked -Mr. Yonker to brief the Commission on where the CD process
was at this time and when would be the most effective time for the Plan Commission to
introduce its proposed recommendations to simplify the process and make the CD program
cost-effective, especially regarding capital expenditures.
Chris Yonker began the discussion by outlining the history of the CD program from its
conception in 1975. He referenced the CD orientation materials that had been sent to the Plar
Commission members in their packets. The materials were those distributed to CD funding
applicants at the beginning of each funding cycle and detailed the requirements of the program
and the funding process. Mr. Yonker said the most important aspect of the CD program, in his
view, is the amount of discretion the grantee is allowed in setting local CCU investment
guidelines and priorities. He said currently Evanston receives about $1.5 million in CD funds,
He also mentioned there may be a chance of a further 5-10`1 cut in the 1990 entitlement grant,
1'r. Yonker stated that the level of C❑ funding spent on capital improvements has historically
been between 11-22`t;. However, he continued, it varies from year to year depending on the
total number and type of applications received for project funding. He stated that now would be
an opportune time for the Plan Commission to develop recommendations for the CD program.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - March 14, 1990
Page Two
Vr. Yonker outlined the qualifications necessary for capital funding. These were 1) direct
benefit to the low -moderate income population (defined by f•IUn as a family of four supported
by an income of less than $34,000); 2) target area benefit; and 3) site -specific projects such as
a park, or street repavement, where at least 5110 of the surrounding or user population is below
the defined low/moderate income level. Mr. Yonker continued to say that in the past, CD
funded capital programs had been done in eligible areas in a more or less comprehensive
manner. That is that an area's capital plant such as streets, curbs and gutters, and housing were
reviewed and repaired as necessary. This has been successful: however, this manner of
investment is still somewhat piecemeal in relation to the capital tweds of the entire City. In
addition, he believes Evanston is petting away from the comprehensive approach. He believes
that even though for the most part, the infrastructure of the target areas is generally in good
condition, money must be spent in these areas for the maintenance of the physical plant to avoid
future system failure resulting in a costly and shortened replacement cycle. He said that in 15
years, Evanston's CD program has funded 23 miles of street paving, repair of over 200
catch -basins renovation of 25 parks, planting of numerous trees, 93 storefront renovations, and
1.3 million pounds of food was purchased for the Food Aid Center programs. He suggested that
capital improvements besides parks, do not really have a constituency and therefore tend to be
neglected during the funding allorations process.
Sir. Yonker then briefly described the seven steps of Evanston's funding process as outlined in
the orientation materials distributed. He added that the CD Committee was generally pleased
with the review of proposed project funding recommendations as prepared by the Plan
Commission because the Commission supplied rationale for its decisions regarding specific
project choices and funding levels.
�fr. Petterson asked Vr. Yonker what proportion of the CD entitlement should Evanston spend
on capital improvements. Mr. Yonker said he was a strong advocate for CD funded capital
improvements. He further acknowledged that he felt the original intent of the CD program had
been the comprehensive neighborhood improvement approach, of which capital projects would be
a major part. He stated that there was a 15% cap on the amount of the CD entitlement that
can be directed at social services.
Vr. Felmonte asked where the approximately $9 million of CD money that the City has invested
in its housine rehab loan program goes when the loans arc paid off. Mr. Yonker said once the
money is returned to the City. it goes directly to the housing rehab loan program and is not
available for other alternative uses. He said this cycle is a result of a City Council policy and
cannot be altered unless City Council changes the policy. Mr. Delmonte suggested that since
the repaid loan money is not actively being used, then could it be used for the new funding
year's housing rehab program. thus freeing up money for capital expenditures. 11r. Yonker said
this has been an ongoing issue in both the CD Committee and the Council because in the past
., w vears, no new money had been allocated to the housing rehab program. There is, however.
only a small unspent balance in the rehab revolving loan fund.
�'r. Carter expressed concern over how the Commission could stress the importance of
maintaining percentages of investment for each category, especially capital improvements, in
advance of the hearings.
Evanston Plan Commission
i1'inutes - March 14, 1990
Page Three
He said that this would assist in the preparation of the CIP. He also stated the CIP is approved
by individuals present on both the CD Committee as well as the City Council. However,
projects identified as CD funded In the CIP do not always receive CD funding approval later on
by the CD Committee. Mr. Yonker said that It would help to include in the CIP realistic project
priorities and to get away from including everything and anything that may be eligible for CD
funding, regardless of the cost level of need. Mr. Carter stated that projects Included in the
CIP are all needed and the CIP is not merely a wish -list. &1r. Yonker then said that this needs to
be translated to the CD Committee so that they can understand the need of all these projects.
They Both agreed that this is where the Plan Commission would be helpful in assuming the role
of advocate for capital project funding through the CC program.
Mr. Belmonte said he felt a part of the problem is that the CD program has been viewed as an
endless source of dollars, but in fact, it is or will be finite. Mr. Belmonte further stated that it
may be helpful for the Committee to make their recommendations based on the assumption that
the present year is the last year CD money would be available. Nfr. Eelmonte and Mr. Yonker
both agreed that the end of the CD entitlement is a possibility. Mr. Yonker said he felt that the
Committee's recommendations would be very different if the Committee adopted this scenario
for project appraisal. He further stated that currently the City funds 100% of the operations of
two CD recipient agencies. He said that shared funding, or leveraging, such as the funding
structure by which the Friends of the Park received their grant could be instituted across the
board in an effort to get the most out of the CD grant.
Mr. Yonker said the Committee adopts "guidelines" for expenditures every year, however these
guidelines are not referenced come project funding selection time. Mr. Pelmonte stated that
although the Plan Commission could put together recommendations for funding for the CD
Committee, the charge could have more impact coming from Council. ,Vs. Varsten added that
even with the issues just discussed, Evanston deserves a lot of credit due to the integrity by
which it has implemented its CD program. She said Evanston has truly shown a good faith effort
to follow the guidelines and intent of the CD program. She asked whether it was politically
feasible to request City Council find alternative funding sources for their social service
programs. Air. Yonker said that historically the CD Committee and the Council have just barely
been able to adequately fund these programs, at the expense of new programs being included in
the program, even though they may be run more efficiently and effectively than the existing
funded ones.
11r. Belmonte asked if staff was preparing a statement for the Council which requests that cuts
made to capital projects be done so with some rationale and not arbitrarily. Mr. Barber stated
in reply that although 23 miles of curb repair sounds like a lot. in comparison to the 300 miles of
curbs, it is not very much. Fie added he felt that the City can do a better job of justifying its
project recommendations and "selling" them to the Council and CD Committee. He said the
Council needs to be advised why there is a need to invest in public infrastructure, what are the
consequences of a lack of investment and what are the greatest priorities and needs. He said
the Council also needs to know the extent and status of the problems. He said that a little bit
of money basically gets thrown into large projects. He said it would be more effective to group
the funding into a more significant amount and direct it into one area to make a substantial
change its status of repair.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - March 14, 1990
Page Four
He felt that once the Council has a better understanding of the current condition of the
infrastructure, reasons for future capital investment, and where the City stands In the
replacement cycles, capital projects would have a better chance at receiving funding approval.
He suggested that the capital improvements category should receive about 28% of the funds
each year. Mr. Barber said that some of the capital programs currently funded through a
diminishing CD program could be funded through other more prosperous sources, such as the
Motor Fuel tax return. He also ! paid that projects could be coordinated to gain more
cost-efficient expenditures, ie. only fix curbs when we fix streets, rather than do patch work on
a piecemeal schedule. In general, a more coordinated approach would in the long run save both
time and money. Mr. Barber briefly described the sewer repair program that will be
implemented this year in an effort to alleviate the problem of basement flooding. He suggested
that the street replacement program be coordinated with this program. He also suggested that
all money for sidewalk replacement be combined into one program. Currently Evanston has a
50150 sidewalk replacement and a CD sidewalk replacement program. He said if the two were
combined, the City could pay their 5010 of the replacement cost with CD money in eligible
areas. He said that the City could pay 10010 for those areas or property owners that are: well
below the low-income level. In this way the CD program could aid those people in need of
assistance living outside of the target areas.
He said he is proposing a new program this year whereby a certain amount of CD money is set
aside for eligible residents of the area who are required to pay no more than 2/315 of the cost
!with a cap of $112 per foot?. In this way, those who can afford to pay are not given additional
assistance through full funding of the project. The alleys could also be repaired in a manner
similar to the new special assessment/CD funded program. Vr. Barber said he felt selecting
project priorities could be more effective if there is a target amount by which to work .
Ms. Marston added that maybe a larger debt service needs to be considered by the City Council
in order to pay for the needed capital projects. Dave Barber replied that due to the new sewer
replacement program. the debt will already be increased substantially. Mr. Barber added that
the City's street system is really not in bad condition. He further commented that with access
to a GIS and condition inventory, the streets system should be able to be properly maintained.
He said that each year the City already goes into debt as far as it responsibly can, to pay for
work programmed in the C1P.
Mr. Belmonte asked where the CC Committee is currently in the process. Mr. Yonker said that
April and Nllay is the "reflective period" when the Committee reviews the previous year's
accomplishments and begins to refine its objectives for the upcoming cycle. He added that now
until June or July is a good time for the Plan Commission to extend its assistance to the CD
Committee in defining the program goals, however, he added the early the better. Mr.
P+elmonte stated the Commission would like to submit an outline of policy recommendations for
CD fund expenditures. Vr. Belmonte suggested the creation of a subcommittee to prepare such
a proposal and asked ;fir. Currie. the Commission's CD Committee liaison, to chair the
subcommittee. Mr. Currie agreed and asked for other volunteer members from the Commission. -
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - March 14, 1990
Page Five
Mr. Carter and Ms. Borys said they would assist in the proposal recommendation, h1r. Belmonte
said that we need to give more emphasis to capital improvements and agreed with Mr. Barber
that new approaches and funding techniques must be developed to get the most out of the City's
coffers. Mr. Belmonte asked if the Commission members could meet with the CD Committee at
some point. Mr. Yonker said that he thought that would be very acceptable to the Committee.
Mr. Currie added that the Committee is relatively new and may not know the past CD
experiences of previous years, but also may not be adverse to directing or shaping the program
into a more structured one. He said that the Committee extensively used the materials supplied
to them by the Commission, in their discussion regarding specific project funding. Even though
capital projects in the end did suffer funding cuts to save other social services. He said that
there_ really is no constituency for the capital projects especially when social service agr_ricies
are presenting their case to the Committee directly. He said that a plan for CD expenditures
would aid in more effective investment that would balance back to some sort of commitment to
program and implement appropriate capital improvements. Mr. Prout suggested the Commission
present actual percentages of the total CD entitlement that should be spent on various areas
supported by justifications. Mr. Currie.said this would be very useful especially within the
context of the capital plan.
Sir. Belmonte said he would like to draft some recommendations for the CD Committee by the
next Plan Commission meeting so that they can be reviewed and forwarded to thr. CD
Committee by May. Mr. Belmonte thanked Sir. Barber and Mr. Yonker for attendinh this
meet ing.
M. SIGN COMMITTEE
Mr. Carter reported that a full-scale mock-up of a monument type sign has been
constructed and Mr. Tyler, the staff artist, will begin painting it by the end of the week.
In about one week, he hoped that it will be ready to be placed on site to see how it will
look when final construction occurs. He said another sign with the same lettering will also
be made to be placed at the entrances where a full-scale model would not be appropriate.
He said the new signs will give a much more dignified and organized look than the present
condition of our entranceways.
IV. ANNUAL REPORT APPROVED
14r. Belmonte said that once approved by the Commission, the annual report will be
submitted to the Planning and Development Committee at their next meeting, probably by
March 26, 1990. Mr. Relmonte asked if there were any questions regarding the report.
There was some discussion of the 1989 committee structure, but the report was approvers
without amendment. The report will be transmitted to P&D at their next meeting and Mr.
Belmonte asked other Commission members to also attend.
V. DOWNTOWN FORUM - COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Belmonte said that the Committee had reviewed the Concept Plan for the Forum. He
said the Committee anticipates sending the proposal to PAD Committee to establish a
time line for the Forum. Pe said June is the target date, but it is still undecided. 10r.
Darragh said he had met with Lambda Alpha and explained to the group that this land
economics fraternity may be able to provide assistance and panelists for the Forum.
However, it may be necessary to wait until September to organize their assistance. _=
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - March 14, 1990
Page Six
Lambda Alpha sponsors Community Assistance Panels, which will prepare a report for the
community regarding certain issues. They have done work for the Chicago Park District with
the lakefront development issues and Broadway Avenue landuse within the Rogers Park
neighborhood. He said that most of the work the Assistance. Panel has done has been within
Chicago and they would be very interested in doing something in the suburbs. %1r. Darragh said
they would be a good group to provide an objective viewpoint and to introduce some very
respected and knowledgeable people for Forum participation. Mr. Darragh said he spoke: with
the president of the association and said it would be a perfect situation for their group's
assistance. Mr. Darragh also spoke with the Chair of the assistance panels. He said that the
Chair would like to review a proposal for the Forum to get it better idea of the expectations of
the Forum. He said he would like to also meet with the Commission members to further discuss
the Forum and what will be the charge of the panelists. h1r. ❑arragh said many of the people we
have talked about as potential panelists belong to Lambda Alpha. Mr. Darragh said he also
spoke to other potential panelist if we decided we cannot wait until September to hold the
Forum. Mr. Darragh said he did not believe there was a fee for their help.
The group agreed that there were many benefits to waiting until September for Lambda Alpha's
assistance. Nis. Borys asked if we could select members for panelists. X'r. Darragh said he
wasn't sure, but we could ask certain people for their participation ahead of time. Alr.
Felmonte said he thought we should pursue Lambda Alpha's assistance and that it would be
worth the wait. Mr. Belmonte said Lambda Alpha's participation will lend a lot of credibility to
the Forum and that it should help with the response the Forum will receive.
Mr. Darragh said the next step is to send the Chair of the Assistance Panels a copy of our
proposal, Mr. Darragh said he would alter our original proposal to serve this purpose. The Chair
would then need to meet with the Commission. Mr. Carter said the Downtown Committee
would be more appropriate because we would have more time flexibility there. Mr. Darragh said
the proposal would have to be changed to reflect Lambda Alpha's participation.
Mr. Belmonte said that we do have to get back to P&D and that the current proposal will be
modified to incorporate Lambda Alpha.
Vl. COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Green Bay Road Committee will meet Thursday, Nlarch 23. at 7:30 p.m., with
representatives from VETRA to discuss proposal improvements to the embankment and possible
funding assistance, Mr. Carter reported. Mr. Carter said Vs. Borys had completed a Green Bay
Road action Plan which incorporates older and new information collected regarding
improvement to the Corridor, Mr. Carter added that if ,METRA is able to give some funding
assistance to the proposed improvements, more money may be leveraged out of the Capital
Program.
Vii. NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next Downtown Forum Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Varch 21, 1990 at
7:30 a.m. in room 2404. The Green Say Road Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday,
March 22 in Room 3650.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes- March Ik, 1990
Page Seven
Mr. Carter told the group that Instead of packets being sent to the Commission filled with
minutes, agendas, etc., from other Committees and Commissions, this information will be
available at the meeting for those interested in taking copies. The group agree this was a good
system and said they would only like to receive information pertinent to the Plan Commission's
work in their mailing packets.
Vill. OLD BUSYNESS
There was no old business brought up for discussion.
The inceting adjourned at approximately 7:30 p.m.
STAFF:
DATE:
CS/mec
7Y29/35
l
EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
DRAFT NOT APPROVED
Wednesday. May 9, 1990
Doom 2402 - 7:30 P.M.
EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT: Nevel. Currie, klarston, Darragh, Prout. Foster. Seidman,
Petterson
-N4EAARERS AFSENT: Belmonte, McCarthy, Reilley, Blue
PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Nevel, Chair Pro Tern
STAFF: Carter. Borys, Yonker
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE MARCH 14, 1990 MEETING
Ftr. Nevel asked if there were any comments on the minutes from the ,March 14, 1990 meeting.
Mr. Darrah said the meeting adjournment time should be changed from 7:30 p.m. to reflect the
correct time. A motion was called to approve the minutes with this change. Motion passed with
no nays.
IL STATUS ON DOWNTOWN WORKSHOP
Mr. Darragh reported that the Downtown Workshop Subcommittee has been meeting every
Wednesday morning for the past several weeks to organize the Workshop. The Workshop will be
held on Fridav, June 29, all day from 8:00 - 4:00 p.m. He reported that the Chamber of
Commerce. Inventure. and Evmark are all in support of the Workshop. The Committee has come
up with an invitee list of approximately 60 names which includes downtown business people, land
owners, brokers, developers, and employers. He said the highlight of the workshop will be a
panel discussion from the Lambda Alpha, an international land economics fraternity. He said
the Chicago Chapter has a Community Assistance program. where 5-10 members will present an
objective viewpoint regarding the Plan and the issues facing Evanston's downtown, through a
panel discussion. �qr. Darragh said the exciting thing about Lambda alpha is that its
membership includes some of the leading personalities within the Chicago area in the land
economics and development field. The panel will include developers, zoning attorneys, traffic
engineers, retailers, and community development experts and will provide a good cross section
of professional advise and experience. 1!r. Darragh said that the committee has established a
tight schedule between now and the workshop date. He said together the Chamber of
Commerce and Inventure believe they have the ability to raise enough money to pay for the
Workshop, therefore the City would only have to provide in kind donations. He said that by
acquiring outside funding the City Council would not necessarily have to give approval to the
korkshop and this would streamline Workshop planning activities. Mr. Darragh then briefly
reviewed a copy of a draft letter to the Mayor and Council regarding the Workshop and also a
briefing letter to the Planning and Development committee. He said these notices would help
enlist the support of the Council so that we could go forth with the organization of the
Workshop.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - May 9, 1990
Page Two
,Mr. Prout asked if the moderator had been selected yet. Mr. Darragh said no, however, we are
looking for one who has an emphasis on facilitation rather then on economic development
issues. He said we have a number of possible candidates. including people from the University
of Illinois, the institute of Cultural Affairs and some ideas for moderators from Eton Kysiak. He
said the Committee should make their selection for moderator within the next week or so.
Invitations should go out soon after.
He said after the Workshop, the summer will be used to document the meeting events and
develop an "Action Plan" based on the Workshop decisions and recommendations. The
participants will be asked to reconvene in September to approve and adjust the plan if necessary
and then the Plan will go to the P&D Committee and Council for their approval. Mr. Nevel
added that it is vary encouraging to have the support of the Chamber of Commerce. Air.
❑arragh added that Don Haider had been recommended by the Chamber of Commerce as a
possible moderator. However, the Committee is looking at other opportunities in which Air.
Haider can participate in the Workshop, including the September reconvening. Ms. ,Marston said
she had recently heard Nir. Haider speak about Evanston's government at luncheon. She said he
did an excellent job of crystalizing the issues and putting them into perspective.
Ais. Borys then added that other Plan Commissioners were welcomed to participate in the
logistical preparations for the Workshop.
111. REVIEW OF PPOPOSED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT INVESTMENT
GUIDELINES
Mr. Neves asked ,Mr.Currie to review the proposed CD guidelines. Nlr. Currie said the CD
Subcommittee had met to go over some ideas on how to more effectively implement the CD
program and as a result had prepared these guidelines to be presented to the CD Committee for
their review and discussion. Air. Currie then asked ,1is. Borys to go over the guidelines with the
Commission, %Is. Borys explained that she had prepared the proposed guidelines based on
comments and discussions held at the CD Subcommittee and Plan Commission meetings with
Dave Barber. Director of Public Torks. and Chris Yonker, CD Coordinator. in attendance. She
said the Subcommittee was interested in developing more CD emphasis on infrastructure issues.
and propose the use of these guidelines for guidance in the project selectionI process. Mr. Nevel
asked if we should go over each of the guidelines separately so that the Commission could
provide comment an specific items. ,fir. Currie asked ,kir, Yonker what about timing for the CD
Committee and if there is adequate time before the next CD Committee meeting_ for the
Commission to review and if necessary redraft the guidelines. Mr. Yonker said the next CD
Committee meeting is scheduled for June 12th, and that would be the best time to present these
guidelines. Mr. Currie then suggested the Commission go through the issues outlined in the
proposal to get a consensus on the guidelines or at least how to modify the document to
accurately reflect the Plan Commission's thoughts.
In summary the Plan Commission approved the following guidelines to be forwarded to the CD
Committee.
1) the development of a tong -range plan for the CD program that identifies long range
goals. objectives and achievement milestones:
2) division of the program into separate categories: (i.e., Housing; Community
Improvements: Social Services: Economic Development) with predetermined funding
percentages of the total entitlement.
3) set aside a certain amount of the program for general City capital improvements,
to ensure that infrastructure and community improvements needs wlll be met:
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - May 9, 1990
Page Three
4) administrate the CD program as a "challenge grant" program to encourage current
recipients to develop other funding sources;
5) establish consistent goals and objectives for each project request and measurable
points of progress that will measure progress towards achieving these goals.
Mr. Currie added that the primary issues expressed in this proposal are that the CD program was
intended to acidress the needs of the low and moderate income population and combat physical
decay of communities by replacement of needed capital plant. The second issue is that the
guidelines are not focused on only Plan Commission objectives, but encompass the entire CD
program. Nir. lloster and Mr. Prout both asked about the percentages recommended for each of
the suggested i ategories. Mr. Yonker explained that the 15% for Social Services is a cap
established by Ihtr Federal government. The other percentages reflect the average percentages
that have been -;pcnt on these categories over the past several years. He further noted that
setting these percentages would guarantee each category a certain percentage of the total
entitlement. whereas now the amounts vary year to year. Mr. Prout asked if the Community
Improvements over the recommended percentage could be increased for a year to makeup for
the disinvestment in capital projects recently experienced by Evanston. It was agreed that
although it is a good suggestion, it would unlikely he accepted by the CD Committee. 10r.
Yonker also added that it would not be possible to hold the CD Committee to these percentages
once the project selection process begins. Mr. Currie further stated that it would also be
unlikely for the CD Committee to adopt these guidelines as written. However, he said the
guidelines will act as a springboard for discussion. Mr. Yonker said the percentages will help
reorient the program towards its original intent. which is a comprehensive approach towards
community improvement.
Mr. Nevel asked if the percentages are too restrictive. especially the 5% suggested for
Unspecified Local Cption. Air. Carter said this had been an issue for some years and that it was
decided that it would be unfair to set aside a large portion of money for projects that may come
up later in the year. He said it was more fair to have all projects compete at the same time.
Mr. Prout asked if the required City justifications should be highlighted more in the
recommended action statements. Mr. Carter replied that a recommended action should
probably be brought to the City ar!ministration instead of the CD Committee. ;1'r. Currie stated
that the proposed guidelines were mainly targeted to the activities of the CD Committee. Mr.
Carter and Mr. Yonker said that it would be very helpful to somehow address the mindset that
the City is separate from the public and to reaffirm that we are all one community.
,Mr. ;revel asked if there was a motion to approve this document, with the discussed changes.
motion passed with no nays.
IV. STATUS ON GREEN BAY ROAD COMMITTEE
Because Air. Carthy. the Committee Chair was not present. Jots. Borys reported on the status of
the Green Bay Road Committee. Ms. Borys said that at the last Committee meeting!, Dave
Farber handed out the construction schedule she had just distributed to the Commission
members. She noted that the schedule included everything from subsurface sewer and water
line repair to embankment landscaping. She added that the cost estimate for doing all of this _
work came to approximately $4 million. _
it
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - May 9, 1990
Page Four
However, the Committee is focused on the retaining wall and landscape improvements which
totals about $1.4 million. Ms. Borys said that all of this work has been included in the first draft
of the City's Capital Improvement Program, but there will be meetings with the City Manager
in the upcoming weeks to determine which projects will be programmed for funding through the
CIP. She told the group that Mr. Barber had provided three options for funding and construction
scheduling. She said the first alternative was included in the CIP: however, project scheduling
could change as a result of the upcoming CIP meetings. Mr. Navel asked if the Plan Commission
could make any recommendations regarding the scheduling alternatives and if so he would prefer
Option 113 which programmed the Green Bay Road improvements over a two year period. Mr.
Carter said a two year program may be possible, but it is not likely due to the amount of ether
capital work the City must begin and complete over the next few years.
Mr. Carter mentioned that Mr. Barber is exploring the possibility of doing the work on a
short-term schedule and funding it over an extended period of time. He further said that the
planning work is absolutely necessary this year and has been so programmed.
Mr. Nevel said the Green Bay Road improvements have been discussed for most of the six years
he has served as a Plan Commission member. He said he would strongly urge the City to push
for a two-year construction schedule because it has been talked about for so long. Mr. Nevel
suggested that the Plan Commission recommend to the City administration that the two-year
options should be followed. Ats. Porys agreed with this suggestion and further stated that the
Committee would like to see the embankment work done as one piece and not have it divided
over several years with large gaps of time between each construction component, as is the
scenaro in Option 113. Mr. Carter also agreed with the suggestion and further acknowledged that
he believes there is no real connection between the embankment improvements and the other
planned capital improvements. He said while the other improvements are necessary, the
retaining wall and embankment work will make the greatest visual impact on the appearance of
the Corridor. Mir. Nevel asked if there was a motion from the floor. Mr. Prout moved that the
Plan Commission recommend construction schedule Option 11. Mr. Carter said the
recommendation should be made to the City administration and Public works, stir. Nevel
repeated the motion made by Mr. Prout, to recommend to the Department of Public Works and
City administration to accept the 2-year construction schedule outlined in Option 11. The
motion passed with no nays.
Vr. Prout asked if it would be beneficial for Plan Commission members to meet with City
officials at the appropriate time. Mr. Carter said it would be very helpful during the Council
discussion of the CIP. Mr. Carter said that Dave Barber is attending the Green Bay Committee
meetings and is aware of the activities and priorities of the Committee. ,Mr. Nevel asked if the
new Dominick's will be contributing any landscaping to the Corridor. Mr. Carter said that
Dominicks has agreed to provide landscaping along their Green Bay Poad. Jenks. and Isabella
Street frontage as well as within the interior of their parking lot.
Vs. Borvs then briefly reviewed the letter the Committee sent to VETPA. requesting they
incluee the retaining wall improvements in their capital budget. `.TETRA was not reeuested to
f�:nd any landscaping improvements. The letter was the result of a Committee meeting _-
attended by both .METRA and C&Nk; officials where they suggested Evanston's request be put in
writing and sent to Mr. Phil Pagano at VETPA. Its. Borys said that although there has been no
response from VETPA as yet, she will follow-up with a call to Mir. Pagano. She added that
although the METRA and C&Nlt officials did seem enthusiastic regarding the request, they did
not discourage the Committee from requesting funding either. Mr. Nevel suggested that the
letter be sent to Mr. Warren Nugent a current member of the itETRA Board, who represents =
this area of the region at METRA Board meetings. He suggested to it's. Borys that Mr. Nugent
also be given a follow-up call to discuss the project.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - May 9. 1990
Page Five
V. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEW LIBRARY
Air. Carter said the Library Committee is now in the process of gathering all of the various
materials to be sent to the competitors for the design of the new library. He said June 17th will
probably be the last meeting of the Special Committee for the New Library. Air. Carter said
the Committee has been soliciting public input as to what features the new library should
include and if the Plan Commission or individual Commissioner's have any ideas they would like
to seas incorporated into the design, they should be communicated to the Special Library
Committee before June 17. Ais. Marston said she would like to see the design be flexible enough
to accommodate additions, etc so the library will be functional for a long time. Air. Nevel asked
if there was a Plan Commission Committee for the new library. Ass. Seidman said that there
was. but the focus of that Committee had been on keeping the location of the library in the
downtown. A.tr. Nevel asked if the Commission would be interested in forwarding their ideas or
remarks to the Competition advisors. Mr. Carter said a draft package will be assembled by Alay
17, but the final package will not be ready until the end of June. He said Design Evanston has
already prepared a very comprehensive design statement for the library. %,r. Nevel said the new
library will be a major public facility and this is a rare opportunity for the Plan Commission to
have input into its design. Ms. Marston asked if there was anything in the Comprehensive Plan
regarding the library, other than its location. that can be restated. Mr. Carter said he would
check and if so, would send it automatically to the Committee without a motion from the
Commission. Ms. I'Varston also said that the new library design should take full advantage of all
available technologies including date base link ups with home and business enterprizes.
However, Vs. Seidman said that there should be a balance between state of the art and also the
original intent of the library as a place to read. Mr. Carter told the group that the packet of
criteria will be perfected over the summer and be sent to the competitors by the fall of 1990.
Mr. Nevel said he would like to see the Plan Commission contribute to the library planning
process. Mr. Prout asked if the Commission could send a letter to the Library Committee
discussing the issues and design concepts we may be concerned with as detailed in the
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Carter suggested that the Plan Commission review the design
statement already prepared for the new library. He said it would be included in the
Commission's next mailing for the June meeting.
VI. SOUTHWEST INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR STATUS REPORT
Air. Carter said the City Council will be considering the tax increment financing district to be
set up for the Southwest Industrial area. Air. Carter said there is also a development plan for
the portion of the area currently under consideration. Mr. Foster said there will be a public
meeting on &lay 15th in the Civic Center. The Plan will then go to Council near the first of
June. Vr. Foster added that according to State statutes. whenever a TIF area is proposed, there
needs to be a public board created to review the proposal. Mr. Foster said he was selected as
the public representative for the board. !1tr. Foster said their input as a board is advisor only.
ME
He said in one meeting, the Board agreed to the criteria the area would be required to meet as
well as the plan itself. Judy Aiello from the City Manager's office presented the plan to the
Board. He said that there were three ordinances reviewed and approved and now will be sent to
the City Council for their approval. The Board approved the plan based on its meeting the
established criteria for the TIF. He said the official public hearing will be on June If and that
flyers had been distributed to area residents regarding the public hearing and the activities
planned for that area. Air. Carter said the next steps would be the public meeting and Council
approval for the TIF plan. %fr. Carter said the Plan Commission's support has been expressed z
throughout the reports and documentation for the TIF. He said the next step for the Plan
Commission may come when new redevelopment plans are submitted for the area. Ms. Marston
asked if this plan was a modified version of the first plan the Commission reviewed. Mr. Carter
Evanston Man Commission
Minutes - May 9, 1990
Page Six
affirmed that the first plan had been modified and now reflects the concerns expressers by the
Plan Commission. Air. Nevel and Air. Carter agreed that the Plan Commission now only nrieds to
be kept informed of the developments in the Southwest industrial Area.
It. NEW BUSINESS/OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Carter advised the Commission that appearance review may he an agenda item by ti;ls fall.
Ms. Marston said she would be willing to give some input from Wilmette's experience with their
new appearance ordinance. She said that Wilmette's Appearance. Review Board has begin very
successful in choosing when to fight certain issues and that the Board is made up of very
qualified members. She said there was some difficulties in selecting verbage and terminology
that would make the ordinance legally defensible. She said she has requested the ordinance
from Chapel Hill, and would send us a copy when she receives it.
Vs. Borys stated that the next Green Bay Road Committee is on May 15 and on the agenda will
be project scope definition for inhouse work and consultant contract.
Air. Foster asked about the status of the Children's Home and Aid Society plans. Air. Carter
said there was some unexpected problems with the alley vacation specified in their plans due to
some neighbors objections and some internal communication problems. 13ut, he said, the
problems should be taken care of and the project will go forth as planned.
Air. Foster also asked about the new brown Evanston entrance sign. %.r. Carter said it was a
prototype of a final product that the Sign Committee has been working on. He further sald the
final product would be a darker brown.
Yr. Nevel added that it is very important that the subcommittees meet judiciously in order to
complete the work they need to accomplish.
Mr. Petterson said the Zoning Committee was on hold until they get a draft report from the
consultant which should be in the next month. He said in time, the Zoning Committee will need
help from the Plan Commission.
ViIl. ADJOURNMENT ==
With the absence of further business or comment, a motion was made by ,Mr. Currie to adjourn
the meeting. Motion was seconded by Air. Petterson and the meeting adjourned at
approximately 9:00 p.m. _
STAFF: _
DATE:
7Y60/65
I-
t
EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
DRAFT NOT APPROVED
Wednesday, June 13, 1990
Room 2402 - 7:30 P.M.
EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT: Belmonte, Currie, Nevel, Prout, Foster, Petterson
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Reilley, Blue
!MEMBERS ABSENT: Darragh, McCarthy, Seidman, :Marston
PRESIDING OFFICIAL: Al Belmonte, Chair
STAFF: Carter, Borys,
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE MAY 9, 1990 MEETING
The meeting began at 7:40 p.m., at which time a quorum was not yet present. Therefore,
approval of the minutes from May 9, 1990 was postponed until later in the meeting.
it. STATUS REPORT FOR DOWNTOWN WORKSHOP
Mr. Belmonte told the group that the Steering Committee has been meeting every Wednesday
morning at 7.00 a.m. for the past two months in preparation for the Workshop. He said they had
met with the Lambda Alpha Community Assistance panel to begin introducing them to the issues
surrounding the downtown. Mr. Belmonte further added that the Lambda Alpha panel is a
tremendous group with a great wealth of knowledge and experience to offer. In addition he
mentioned that we are getting a lot of what would be very expensive advise and talent for free.
He said a walking tour of the downtown had been scheduled for the panelists, Steering
Committee and staff and that the other members of the Commission were welcome to attend.
He added that the Lambda Alpha panelists would be interviewP ig people key to the downtown
prior to the tour to hear, first hand, the perceptions and issues sL-rounding the downtown.
Mr. Belmonte said invitations had been sent and he already has received three phone calls from
invitees. He said June 29th, the day of the Workshop will be a very important day and
encouraged the Plan Commission members to attend.
Mr. Petterson added that the Workshop will be facilitated by the Institute of Cultural Affairs,
(1CA) a professional workshop and meeting facilitating organization. Mr. Belmonte then
described the structure of the Workshop. He said discussion groups would focus on 4 main topic
areas: Urban Design; Market Development; Downtown Growth and Development; and,
Transportation and Support. Mr. Belmonte added that the Lambda Alpha community Assistance
Panel would be in the morning and a question/answer session might follow, depending on time.
Evanston Plnn Commission
Minutes - Junc 13, 1990
Page Two
He said that a few of the individual panellsts have previously encountered in their own
experience the same types of Issues now facing Evanston's downtown. The Commission agreed
that they would be prepared to ask the Panel questions especially regarding downtown
Evanston's future and appropriate next steps. Mr. Petterson suggested the Commission provide
to the panel a list of questions that need to he addressed. Mr. Prout suggested that prior to
their presentation, the panelists mention the interview and other work they performed in
preparation for their presentation so that the Workshop participants are aware of how they
derived their analysis results. He said thin may also increase the confidence level of the
participants and add legitimacy to the panel presentation.
]I. STATUS REPORT ON GREEN BAY ROAD CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Ms. Borys reported that the City Manager had reviewed the Capital Improvement Program,
including the Green Bay Road project and as a result, a new project schedule was determined.
She reported that although the entire project scope will be completed over a five year period,
the embankment and landscape work is scheduled to occur in the first two years. The CIP is
still in a draft form and will need to be passed by the City Council. She said the Green Bay
Road Corridor has been and should continue to be a good coordination effort between the
Departments of Public Works and Planning, and the Plan Commission. Mr. Carter said we have
not yet heard from NIETRA regarding their level of commitment to the project. However, he
did say It probably would be necessary soon to contact them again regarding the work we expect
to be doing along the Corridor. He suggested that someone at the policy or political level
contact the railroad, as they have been already contacted by the appropriate level of technical
personnel. Mr. Belmonte added his concern of getting the railroad to take down their bridges
and viaducts along their abandoned right-of-way. Mr. Carter said the City is exploring ways of
working with the railroad to encourage them to take these bridges down.
Mr. Nevcl asked about the reasons for scheduling retaining wall repairs towards the end of the
five year schedule. Ms. Borys answered that Mr. Barber had suggested that there probably will
not be any structural problems regarding the existing walls and that the repairs will mainly be
cosmetic only. Therefore, because of the lack of urgency regarding this aspect of the project, it
was decided that the repairs be moved towards the end of the project schedule. In addition, this
is work that ideally would be taken on by METRA forces and scheduling the repairs further into
the schedule would allow more negotiation and discussions with METRA. In addition, there
would be a good show of City commitment to the project that may be useful in encouraging
more interest in the project from .METRA. Mr. Nevel expressed concern that if there is
structural problems with the existing wall, the new landscaping may have to be disturbed to fix
any wall problems. his. Borys said that $50,000 had been approved for 1990 to hire a consultant
to look at the embankment and retaining wall, and until we get a consultant to took at the
embankment we cannot be sure of the extent of work that will be needed.
%is. Borys also reported that a draft Request For Qualifications (RFQ) had been prepared and
the Committee expects to send it out to landscape architectural consultant firms in early July,
1990. She said the Committee expects to spend August and September interviewing qualified
respondents and would make their selection by October.
Evanston Plan Commisslon
Minutes - June 13, 1990
Page Three
IV. OLD BUSINESSMEW BUSINESS
Mr. Carter reported on the Sign Committee. He said the brown metal sings had been accepted
by the P&D Committee; however, there were some visibility concerns expressed regarding the
engraved letters on the monument sign. Mr. Carter said we will be returning to P&D
Committee with costs for painting the engraved letters to increase their visibility. He also said
that the Garden Clubs have volunteered to donate landscape materials to one or more sites,
which will help decrease capital costs of up to $2-3,000 per site. his. Borys added that the sign
program has been funded through the CIP as well, for three sites.
The Commission briefly discussed the Lake/Ashland Park project. Mr. Belmonte congratulated
everyone who put in the time and effort needed to build such a successful project. Mr. Carter
said there still is a Iot of work to do to make it completely successful.
Mr. Nevel asked about the status of the library. Mr. Carter said the Council had approved all
materials for the design competition packet. Brochures are currently being designed to
announce the competition and it will go out in the summer to all potential competitors. He said
the jury has been selected, and is ready to begin their work. The competition will be held next
spring, but not until after the aldermanic election.
Ms. Borys said she would let the Plan Commission know when the CIP will be going to City
Council. She said it would be helpful to have some or all of the Plan Commissioners there to
show support for Green Bay Road or any other projects they may want to support.
With the additional members who joined the meeting while in session, there was a quorum
present to approve the minutes. A Notion was made and passed to approve them as written.
V. ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
The meeting adjourned at 8:1 S p.m.
STAFF:A"ta44—I&;f
DATE: 2412
CB/mc
7Y29/3l
EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
DRAFT NOT APPROVED
Wednesday, August 8, 1990
7:30 P.110. - Room 2402
CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT: Belmonte, Seidman, Prout, Foster, Petterson
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Reilley
MEMBERS ABSENT: Darragh, McCarthy, Marston, Currie, Blue, Nevel
STAFF PRESENT: Borys, Sabin
3
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JUNE I4, 1990 MEETING
Mr. Belmonte called the meeting to order at approximately 7:45 p.m. The minutes were
approved as written.
[I. PRESERVATION COMMISSION: PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONING
ORDINANCE PROP05ED CHANGES
Mr. Belmonte welcomed fir. David Galloway, Chair of the Evanston Historic Preservation
Commission, and his. ,Mary McWilliams, former Chair and currently an associate member
of the Preservation Commission. The Commissioners discussed the Preservation
Commission proposed changes point by point. Following is a summary of that discussion
and the Plan Commission's comments regarding these points.
Goal I
Currently the ordinance does not take into consideration the special educational needs of a
residential PUD and there are no provisions for third party interaction such as with
homeowners. The Preservation Commission recommends that a statement be mandated on
sales contracts that inform and explain potential buyers that the property is either part of
or, is under consideration, as part of a PUD.
The Plan Commission agrees that this information be made available to potential buyers
and current homeowners in areas under consideration for a PUD. However, we feel it is
reasonable to adopt these recommendations as an administrative policy rather than as part
of the zoning ordinance. However, placing it in the ordinance mandates its
implementation and that in itself is important.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - August S, 1990
Page Two
Goal #2
The Preservation Commission recommends that the current 30 days allowed for both
Preservation and Plan Commission review of a completed PUD application be extended to
90 days to allow sufficient time for both Commissions to follow their review process.
While the Plan Commission agrees that the current 30 days review time is not an adequate
turnaround time for both Commission's PUD application review, we are also acutely aware
of the current overburdened and lengthy review process in operation by the City for any
potential development and feel that the 90 days recommended by the Preservation
Commission exacerbates this problem. The Plan Commission recommended that rather
than establish an expanded time frame for review, the Preservation Commission be given a
more integral and visible role in the preliminary review of all PUD applications. However,
if an established time frame is required, the Plan Commission recommends that 60 days be
the extent of review time allowed in order not to hold up development progress.
Goal # 3
The historic Preservation Commission recommends that the Plan and Preservation
Commission's be granted the authority to request more information from the applicant as
needed for their review.
The Plan Commission concurs with this recommendation.
Goal 01
The Preservation Commission recommends that more detailed architectural and site plans
be made available at the preliminary rather than final review stage. The Commission
further recommends a coordinated review process that is synchronized more efficiently
between the various reviewing Commissions and Boards.
The Plan Commission concurs with this recommendation.
Goal //3
The Preservation Commission recommends that any "minor changes from [approved PUD]
plans and specifications shall be allowed provided that such changes are approved by the
City Manager only after consultation with the Preservation Commission or its designated
subcommittee".
The Plan Commission agrees that the Preservation Commission Should be actively involved
throughout the duration of PUD planning and construction periods. The Preservation _-
Commission needs to follow the evolution of the PUD especially where alterations to the
approved plans may affect the historical integrity of a structure or district. However, to
avoid potential points of confusion. the Plan Commission advises that "minor changes" be
defined up front, so that everyone involved will be properly aware of the terms of this
objective. Furthermore, the Plan Commission recommends that an approximate
turnaround time be established by which the Preservation Commission will present their
comments on any change to original specifications.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - August 8, 1990
Page Three
Goal #6
The Preservation Commission recommends the preservation of open space where ever
possible through clustering units and new Buildings, and a flexible amount of units per
structure.
The Plan Commission agrees that the arnount and location of open space can significantly
affect how well a PUD will be integrated into the neighboring, environment. However, the
Plan Commission questions if this is an exception that would be made for all PUD
developments, whether or not they affect historic structures or districts.
The Commission also is concerned about leaving undefined the number of units per
structure; however, it does concur with the use of clustering as a means to foster the
retention and development of open space.
Goal V, #8,
The Plan Commission agrees with the Preservation Commission's recommendations to
foster compatibility of PUD unit and lot size with that of the neighborhood in which It
resides.
Goal #9
The Preservation Commission recommends that changes to non -historic structures within
historic districts be governed by design guidelines and criteria similar to the Secretary of
Interior's Standards for historic structures to encourage appearance compatibility and
consistency.
The Plan Commission strongly encourages the development of design guidelines for new
development whether or not it is within a historic district. Development of design
guidelines and the implementation of a design review process is a goal of the Plan
Commission and a program of which the Plan Commission is eager to begin.
Goal # 10
The Plan Commission agrees with the Preservation Commission that the use of PUD should
be encouraged more; however, it also is aware that the present PUD ordinance is time
consuming and often not an advantageous method for potential developers. The Plan
Commission hopes that through the new zoning ordinance, the PUD ordinance will become
more efficient and its use more attractive to potential developers.
Goal # 1 1
The Preservation Commission recommends the institution of fines associated with
non-compliance with the PUD ordinance during construction.
The Plan Commission concurs with the use of a court ordered fine system for compliance
violations. The Plan Commission also encourages a more stringent enforcement by the
City of the existing fine system and construction close down for compliance violations.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes — August 8, 1990
Page Four
Ill. PROPOSED PUD FOR ASCENSION CHURCH
The Commission briefly reviewed a proposal received by the SIte Plan Review Committee
from Swann and Weiskopf Ltd, for the Ascension Church. The proposal called for four new
townhomes, twelve apartments, and 26 parking spaces. Nis. Borys and Ms. Sabin,* the
Evanston Preservation Coordinator, told the group that this proposal was presented for
information only and that neither concept or preliminary approval had been requested
from the Site Plan Review Committee. In turn, its presentation at the plan Commission
meeting was for information and interest only.
IV. DOWNTOWN WORKSHOP COMMITTEE UPDATE
Mr. Belmonte reported that the Downtown Workshop Committee had resumed its 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday morning meetings to begin follow-up on the Workshop. He told the group that
the Workshop had been a successful event and that SO people had signed in at the event.
Mr. Belmonte further added that the guest speaker, Mr. Larry Rice, and the Lambda Alpha
panelists were very much on target with their presentations and recommendations for "the
next step". He referred to the transcript of the Lambda Alpha presentation that had been
included in the Plan Commissioner's packets for this meeting and said that Lambda Alpha
would be coming back with a final report based on their findings.
Mr. Belmonte told the group that at the last plenary session, a "super group" or umbrella
agency was named to take the lead on the recommendations that came out of the
consensus during the Workshop. This group would include representatives from 1) the
Mayor or her designee to represent the City's interest; Research Park; the Chamber of
Commerce; EV,MARK; and Inventure. He said this group would meet prior to the next
follow-up Workshop in September, but not until a summary paper of the Workshop had been
Drepared. Mr. Belmonte said that the next follow-up Workshop would not be a full day
affair, as the June 29th one was. Rather, it will be a shorter morning meeting where the
summary paper will be discussed and approved as accurate documentation of the results of
the Workshop.
V. GREEN BAY ROAD COMMITTEE UPDATE
Ms. Borys reported on the status of the Green Bay Road Committee in the absence of the
Committee's Chair, Mr. McCarthy. She told the group that a draft request for
qualifications had been prepared and was being reviewed by the Committee members. She
said she expected the final copy to be sent out to about one dozen potential candidates by
mid -August.
V1. CD COMMITTEE UPDATE
%ls. Borys also reported on the status of the Plan Commission's CD Guideline
Recommendations in the absence of fir. Currie, who actually attended the last CD
Committee meeting. %is. Borys said Mr. Currie had told her that the CD Committee had
deferred discussion of the Plan Commission's guideline recommendations until their
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - August 3, 1990
Page rive
August 14, 1990 meeting because there was not a quorum present at their June 12th
meeting. %is. Borys said she would talk to Mr. Currie prior to August 14th to see if he
would be able to attend that CD meeting to present the guidelines once again.
VII. STATUS OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
%is. Borys said the CIP had been passed by the City Council at their July 23, 1990
meeting. She said all Plan Commission and Planning Department projects including the
Green Bay Road Improvements, in the CIP were kept in tact and funding was approved at
the recommended levels.
VIII. SIGN COMMITTEE UPDATE
%is. Borys reported that the Special Sign Committee would be presenting its final
recommendations regarding the proposed entrance pillars to the Planning and Development
Committee on June 23, 1990. She said at a previous presentation to the P&D Committee,
the Special Sign Committee was asked to research the cost of in -fill paint for the
engraved letters. Ms. Borys said the Sign Committee had taken some slides of other
examples of stone engraved lettering in the area to show at the P&D meeting. Although
the Special Sign Committee had received information regarding in -fill painting, it would
recommend that the entrance pillars be built as proposed.
IX. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Petterson said the Zoning Commission had received copies of the draft zoning
ordinance and would be meeting on August 20, 1990 to discuss it.
X. NEW/OLD BUSINESS
There was no new or old business brought up for discussion.
XI. THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT APPROXIMATELY 9:00 P.M.
STAFF:
DATE:
CB/mec
7Y36/40
EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
DRAFT NOT APPROVED
Wednesday, September 12, 1990
7:30 P.M. - Room 2403
MEMBERS PRESENT:
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
CIVIC CENTER
Belmonte, Currie, Prout, Foster, Nevel, Petterson
Reilley
McCarthy, Marston, Seidman
STAFF PRESENT: Aiello, Asprooth, Borys, Rudd
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 8, 1990 MEETING
Mr. Belmonte started the meeting at approximately 7:33 p.m. The first agenda item,
approval of the minutes from August 8, 1990, was postponed due to a quorum not being
present.
IL DISCUSSION WITH THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Belmonte welcomed Mr. Asprooth to the Plan Commission meeting. Mr. Belmonte
said Mr. Asprooth had attended the meeting to informally discuss some ideas he had
regarding the organizational structure of the Planning Department, and to get some
feedback from the Plan Commission regarding these ideas.
Mr. Asprooth started by explaining that the role of the Plan Commission will change due
to the new proposed zoning ordinance. As a result, the structure and responsibilities of
staff will also be altered to correlate to these new roles. He explained that he sees a need
for the zoning and planning activities of the City to be more closely aligned and that the
new zoning ordinance will strengthen the relationship between the two functions.
His second point, he said, is that he has not yet started recruiting for a new Planning
Director. This he said is due mainly to the fact that he wants to take account of the
Planning Department's current function and role. He said he also would like to take time
to evaluate the lob and the department activities to see if any alterations need to be
made, and look at where else it could be and what role it should or could take. Mr.
Asprooth said he felt the Planning Department had previously been somewhat out of the
mainstream with regards to the decision making structure currently in place within the
organization. He said he felt this was unproductive and that his goal would be to ensure
the Planning Department will be as effective as it can be and more strongly represented in
the existing decision -making structure.
Evanston Plan CommIssIon
Minutes - September 12, 1990
Page Two
He further elaborated on the staff requirements and acknowledged that the Planning,
Department will be doing more zoning work and this needs to be coordinated with the wort'
being done by the zoning planner and the staff under the Building and Zoning Department.
He expressed a fear that under the current structure each group will be involved in zoning,
interpretation and enforcement and making decisions separate from one another'
knowledge leading to inefficient results. He said there will be a need for a coordinated
interpretation of the zoning ordinance and the activities associated with it.
Mr. Asprooth said that under the current organizational structure. the building and zoning,
functions of the City are grouped under the Property Services Division. He said this
structure is consistent with the structure throughout the organization. Mr. Asprooth
suggested that the lack of input the Planning Department has been afforded in the past
may be due to the fact that it has stood alone and not been represented through the
standard organizational structure. He suggested the possibility of integrating the Planning,
Department under the current Property Services Division. He acknowledged that the
Property Services nomenclature would have to be changed to reflect the planning function
within the structure. He also said this could mean a more direct flow of land use, zoning
and housing related planning issues which would lead to a more coordinated and efficient
use of personnel.
He said the role of the Planning Department reaches beyond basic land use activities, such
as the implementation and administration of the Comprehensive Plan and economic
development. He said he thought the implementation of the general Comprehensive Plan
should be more aggressive and that unfortunately today it is more. of an afterthought in
order to rationalize a current development or project.
He briefly discussed the CDBG division of the Planning Department and stated that it
could be housed in a number of places with the organizational structure of the City;
however, it is more convenient in Planning for now. He commented that it has gone
through changes itself and that its role has also altered over time. He acknowledged that
the level of Planning Department staff level who deal with city planning solely had been
greatly reduced due to past budget considerations and that CDBG staff levels had
remained strong because of the federal revenue source that support its activities.
Mr. Asprooth touched on the dual placement of the economic development function both in
his office under Judy Aiello and within the Planning Department. He said he felt unclear
as to where economic development should ultimately be housed, but that he was concerned
with the split under which it now exists.
Mr. Asprooth said his objective, if there is any change, is to make the role of the Planning
Department more defined and maximize its participation especially in the development
process.
Mr. Belmonte said that the four functions of the Planning Department that Mr. Asprooth
touched on (traditional long-range land use planning, economic development, zoning
administration, and zoning enforcement) all point to the delivery of development services
to the City, whether through the zoning code or the provisions of a long-range plan. He
said he defined it as "Development". He asked if staff or Mr. Asprooth had tried to define
how they all relate to the development process.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - September 12, 1990
Page Three
Nlr. Asprooth said it was his objective to make the development process more formalized
and that all of these functions are integral to the process. He said there are basically two
levels of the development process: 1) the routine process of those who want to build or
replace something; and, 2) the economic development process by which activities such as
TIF's are implemented, technical assistance is provided and land acquisition takes place.
The Department of Planning has had more of a role in the second level; however, it's role
is not formal in either case. He said he would like to dictate that role through a
reorganization. He said the more routine level of development has been mainly done
through his office with Planning having no significant role in this level of development.
He further stated that the Planning Department should have a much more active role in
the early stages of the process and this could be accomplished through a more distinct
process.
Mr. Belmonte agreed that if the general goal is for a more formalized development
process then all of the components, including the long-range planning function need to
have their role identified. He asked if the organizational structures of other
municipalities were reviewed for comparison. Mr. Asprooth asked tits. Borys to summarize
her review of the other cities administrations she had talked to and reviewed. Ms. Borys
said that there were numerous examples of organizational structures, but that in almost
every case zoning administration and planning were linked, but either as separate
departments under one development division head or together under one manager. She
said zoning and code enforcement were not usually combined with the planning function.
She said that in many cases, the economic development function was housed under a
quasi -private agency with•a City staff liaison either out of the city manager's office or
under the development divisions within Planning. She added that in some cases she found a
separate CDBG department and in others it was housed either within the purview of the
economic development coordinator or the Planning Department. In one case the CDBG
activities were separated, with grant administration in one department and project
implementation in another.
Mr. Petterson asked Mr. Asprooth what it is he would like to accomplish. Mr. Asprooth
replied that it is his intent to reestablish the planning function in city government. He
said he would like to place more emphasis on a long-range perspective through community
development, and capital investment planning. Mr. Petterson said that no matter what the
organizational structure, the planner needs to be given the room for objective judgment.
Mr. Nevel added that he had in the past worked for the Evanston Planning Department and
it was a different organization at that time. He said that they did a lot of long-range
planning work as well as code enforcement. He said he felt that the most important issue
here is to ensure that the long range planning function does not become lost or diluted. He
felt that under any organizational structure it could work depending on Council, the City
Manager, and the Department Director. If, he added, the goal is to introduce more
long-range planning into city government, the addition of the day-to-day activities of the
zoning function may take over the priorities of the department. He said this may argue
for a separate agency fot the planning function. However, he did agree that the zoning
and planning function are interrelated and have to be coordinated. He said one of the
advantages the Plan Commission has enjoyed is the "arm's length" relationship with the
City Council, mewling it could take objection with where the Council may be heading in
regards to land use issues. He said sometimes this was effectual and sometimes it was not.
� 5 i
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - September 12, 1990
Page Four
Mr. Asprooth said that the functions of the Plan Commission or the Planning Department
would not significantly change through a change in the organizational structure of the City
administration and that its Song range planning function would remain intact. Mr.
Asprooth said whatever happens, the Plan Commission's role would not be Iost or
diminished, nor would its ability to express Its' objective view point.
Mr. Nevel said when he was with the Planning Department there were six planners doing
long-range planning of some sort. He !:aid at that time the City Manager and Council were
very interested in long-range planning, and tapped the planning staff for advise and
brought them into the decision making process. Mr. Nevel said, however, to have a
planning department staff of one person is not acceptable either. He said the department
must have sufficient staff to carry out its duties appropriately.
Mr. Currie asked how the economic development function had been split. Mr. Asprooth
answered that it had at one time been a separate division. Under the Community
Development Department, but when the Director of economic Development had left, the
position was taken out of the budget and the duties of that position were taken out by the
Asst. City Manager. However, the staff of under the director position remained in the
Planning Department. Mr. Asprooth added that at one time the Planning Department and
the Building and Zoning Department had been together.
.Mr. Belmonte added that the possibility of the Plan Commission losing its flexibility could
be exemplified by one of tonights agenda items the design guideline issue. He said the
Planning and Development Committee or the City Manager refers items directly to the '
Plan Commission. He said if the Department were under another Division, there might not
be this opportunity for flexibility of the Commission or the Department staff. He added
that this is an important role of the Department staff and their flexibility to take on these
special assignments is key to their function. Mr. Currie said that he is concerned that
with the change of responsibilities of the Plan Commission, their role might become more
short term oriented. He said the Plan Commission needs, and wants, to be more aligned
with long-range planning and not bogged down by short-term day-to-day zoning issues. He
said this translates to the function and duties of the Planning Department staff. He added
that whatever the organizational structure Is, it has to accommodate the needs of the long
range planning activities of the Commission and the Department. He further said he
understands Mr. Asprooth's desire for a more defined organization structure and that in
most cases, the people can overcome the organization in order to reach objectives.
However, if the staff cannot overcome the structure, the structure will define the
function of staff.
Mr. Reiiley said he felt that zoning implements planning and that the two should be -_
linked. However, he said he felt that a good zoning ordinance should be easy to ��
implement, but that planning is harder. He said he could easily see the planning function
being pushed aside in the day-to-day activities and 'hustle" of administering and enforcing
the zoning ordinance. He also said he could foresee how in the future it would be easier to
cut the planning budget if it were combined with more immediate functions, because -
people will complain about a home occupation next door, but not because a neighborhood
plan has not been completed. He said it would be a lot harder to justify budget constraints
on a planning function if it remained on its own, without direct comparison to other short
term functions. He said there could also be a danger of planners becoming code
enforcement staff. Mr. Asprooth said this is an Issue he has throught about
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - September 12, 1990
Page Five
and actually it is currently existing with regards to the housing planner, under Property
Services. Mr. Asprooth said that he realizes the planning staff has been greatly reduced
and the position Ms. Borys had been hired In to was the first full-time planner position in
the department in 10 years. Air. Reilley said he was concerned that future planner roles
may become too confused with zoning activities, citie to work loads, etc. He said there
needs to be a greater definition and recognition of what the Planning Department does as
opposed to what are considered zoning activities.
Mr. Asprooth asked if the Planning function has been given the appropriate level of
recognition and attention, not withstanding the constraints imposed by staff level within
the Planning Department. Mr. Reilley said that the Plan Commission has never felt there
was not support, but that if the Planning Department had not been alone. he is not sure
how their efforts at long-range planning for the Downtown, Green Bay Road, etc. may
have been received. Mr. Nevel said that the plans the Commission and Department have
prepared have been adopted including the Downtown Plan, Complan and the CIP which all
have far reaching and broad impact. He said he felt the Department has an important role
in maintaining these broad viewpoints. Mr. Belmonte said the role of planning has been, in
many cases► to study issues that other departments, boards, committees, or commissions
cannot or do not want to be directly involved in. The planning function also has been used
as a "sounding board" to react to certain ideas or developments. Mr. Belmonte said that
this role has become expected of the Commission and it is a valuable function to maintain.
Mr. Nevel suggested that the organizational structure of other cities in the Chicago area
be looked at, such as Aurora, Oak Park, Glenview, and Highland Park.
Sir. Asprooth thanked the group for their input and said he expected to have made some
decision by the end of the month. He added that he shares the concerns expressed by the
Commission and intends to keep the doors open. The Commission thanked Mr. Asprooth
for the opportunity to talk with him about this matter and for attending the meeting.
With the presence of a quorum, the Plan Commission returned to the approval of the
minutes from August 8, 1990. fir. Petterson moved to approve and Mr. Nevel seconded
the Motion. Minutes were approved as written.
Ill. PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE IMPACTS ON PLAN COMMISSION
Mr. Belmonte referenced the memo sent to the Plan Commission from staff regarding the
new responsibilities that that Plan Commission will undertake through the new zoning
ordinance. tits. Borys told the group that the Zoning Committee had met to discuss these
new duties. She said the Plan Commission would be responsible for holding public hearings
and Council recommendations on unique uses, maybe special uses, and would be also
responsible for all ordinance text and map amendments, and planned developments. The
Commission discussed the importance of a streamlined development process. Mr. Rudd
was asked whether the current draft of the new zoning ordinance would be final. Mr. Rudd
replied that he envisioned at feast one more draft, and depending on the Zoning
Commission, there could be more. The Commission then talked about whether they would
accept some, all, or no special uses, outside of planned developments, under their
jurisdiction. After some discussion regarding the use of a combined panel of Zoning Board
of Appeals members and Plan Commissioners, the Commission decided it would be
administratively difficult to implement such a panel. Therefore, the Commission decided E
to not accept any special uses. besides planned developments. However, it would accept
Evanston Plan Commission
(Minutes - September 12, 1990
Page Six
responsibility for zoning ordinance map and text amendments and unique uses. Mr.
Petterson moved approval of these responsibilities and Mr. Nevel seconded. Motion
passed. A memo would be sent to the Zoning Commission conveying this decision and Mr.
Petterson said he would also relay this to the Zoning Commission at their next meeting.
IV. DESIGN GUIDELINE DISCUSSION
Mr. Petterson reported that the Zoning Committee has met several times to discuss the
merits of a formal design review process in Evanston. The committee also will be
reviewing existing appearance review ordinances of other municipalities as well as
literature and APA reports on the topic. ,Mr. Petterson said the Committee was concerned
with adding another layer to the already burdensome development process of the City and
thought it best to integrate a design review process into an already existing step, such as
the Site Plan Review Committee. However, he added, the Committee agreed that if Site
Plan was the appropriate place for design review, an architect would have to be included
on the Committee. Ms. Borys said that before we begin thinking about actual guidelines
and process, the goals of design review should be determined and also who would be
affected. She said she was concerned about single-family homes being included in such a
process. The Commission further discussed the role and scope of the existing Site Plan
Review Committee. Mr. Reilley said he was concerned with the legality of issuing design
standards. The Commission expressed concern about whether imposed standards could
really reflect the aesthetic values of the entire community. Mr. Belmonte suggested that
the Plan Commission create a committee to deal with this issue. The committee will be a
part of the existing Zoning Committee and will include Mr. Petterson, Mr. Prout, Mr.
Reilley, !ifs. Marston, Mr. Belmonte, and Mr. Currie.
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
.Ms. Borys reported that the Sign Committee has received word from the Avenue of the
Righteous group, that they would not recommend the placement of the Peace Pole in their
park. Therefore, she said the Sign Committee will be scheduling a meeting soon to
identify another site for the Peace Pole.
Mr. Belmonte reported that the Downtown Committee would be meeting on Friday,
September 14, 1990, with the Umbrella group that had been identified at the June 29,
1990, Workshop. He also said the follow-up Workshop would be held on Friday, September
28, 1990. He said that EVMARK deserves a lot of credit for following up on the
suggestions and objectives identified at the June Workshop. He said their progress was due
largely to the efforts of Terry Jenkins and the EVMARK board. fir. Belmonte added that
the follow up meeting will largely focus on EVMARK's efforts as they have been directly _
related to the outcome of the June 29, 1990 Workshop.
%Is. Borys reported on the status of the Green Bay Road Committee. She said the Request
for Qualifications had been sent out to about one dozen firms who may be interested in the
landscape/embankment stabilization portion of the project. She said responses were
expected by September 21. 1990. She also said the landscape and embankment projects
had received funding from this year's bond issue, meaning that funds will be available by
November of this year for the embankment improvements work. -
fir. Currie reported that the C❑ Committee had reviewed the Plan Commission's proposed
Community Development Investment Guidelines at their September 11, 1990 meeting. He
said that although they did not take a vote on them, the guidelines were helpful in focusing
the Committee's discussion on how funding decisions should be made. He said that =--
. , , f
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - September 12, 1990
Page Seven
the Committee would probably not formally use them during this year's proposed reviewo
but at least they have begun to think about long range goals and objectives for CDBG
investments.
VI. NEW/OLD BUSINESS
Ms. Borys told the group that the Arts Council was planning a Public Art Forum early In
November, 1990. She said the Plan Commission members would each be invited to attend.
The forum will explain how a public art ordinance would work and a panel of art experts
wilt provide a presentation and be available to answer questions.
V11. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Belmonte moved to adjourn and Mr. Nevel seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
STAFF: ,
DATE: Q �D
1
7Y42/48
EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
DRAFT NOT APPROVED
Wednesday, October 10, 1990
Room 2403 - 7:30 P.M.
EVANSTON CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT:
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT:
,MEMBERS ABSENT:
PRESIDING OFFICIAL:
STAFF:
Belmonte, Currie,
Petterson, Seidman
Darragh, Foster, Nevel,
Reilley
McCarthy, Marston, Prout
Belmonte, Chair
Borys
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 12, 1990 MEETING
Because the minutes from the September 12, 1990 meeting were distributed at this time, Mr.
Belmonte moved that approval of these minutes be tabled until the next meeting In November.
Mr. Nevel seconded the motion. Motion passed.
II. PRESENTATION FROM MR. MARK MILLER
Mr. Miller began his presentation by distributing some materials regarding his background. Mr.
Miller said his intent was to point out the development potential of the property at Kedzie
Chicago and Hinman. He said the property Is in need of some improvement and the surrounding
neighborhood is viable. He suggested that either the City or a hired consultant develop a master
plan for the development of the property. Mr. Belmonte asked Mr. Miller if he had any
ownership or interest in the property. Mr. Miller said he did not, but that he has spoken to the
realtor who represents the owner. Mr. Miller suggested that another project such as the
townhouses on Custer Street could be a possible alternative for this area. Mr. Miller said that
his interest in the property is solely on his own and not in association with Perkins and Will as
the agenda for the meeting would suggest, although Mr.Miller said he is currently employed at
Perkins and Will.
Mr. Belmonte said this area has been looked at many times over the years. He added that there
are some problems with the area, that nave prohibited development, such as the high costs
associated with development. Mr. Belmonte said that there has been active facade program
participation in that neighborhood and the program would be available to other property owners
in the area. He added that the Pian Commission has looked at the zoning in that area in order
to determine what could be amended to attract desirable development. He said the Custer
Street Project mentioned earlier took over eight years for completion and really started out as a
land -use issue. Mr. Belmonte also stated that the Plan Commission is more involved in long
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - October 10, 1990
Page Two
range planning and guideline development rather than active land development. However, he did
say there are other boards and commissions in the City that focus more closely on land
development and working with developers on specific projects. Mr. Belmonte said he was not
sure what Mr. Miller's next step would be, but that the Commission may not be able to add this
to their agenda, at this time. Mr. Belmonte then briefly described some of the alternatives for
the area that had been looked at in the past. Mr. Reiliey added that with the ,Northlight Theater
now going Into the Coronet Theatre, there may be more interest generated in the area for
development. Mr. Nevel suggested that Mr.Miller talk about his ideas with the ward
alderwomen. Mr. ;hiller said he would also talk to the Economic Development Committee.
III. DISCUSSION REVIEW OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROPOSALS
Ms. f3orys started the discussion by saying that the Housing and Community Development Act
Committee had requested the Plan Commission to review about sixteen proposals. She said that
the memo the CD Committee had included in the packet requested that the Plan Commission
evaluate the proposals based on high, low, or medium priorities and would appreciate comments
on cacti proposal. She said the Plan Commission's response would be needed by November 6 in
order to be incorporated into the CD Committee's discussions. Mr. Currie said the Plan
Commission had prepared a recommendation sheet for the CD .Committee that presented the
priorities of the Commission and explanations of these priorities, including how the projects
relate to the Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Currie suggested that in the interest of time a
subcommittee be created to review the proposals since the Plan Commission would not meet
again until after the CD Committee's requested response date. Ms. Seidman added that in the
past there was a lot of concurrence regarding the priorities suggested for the proposals and
thought the review could again be performed by a subcommittee. She also volunteered to sit on
a subcommittee to review the proposals. Mr. Darragh added that the Economic Development
Committee refused to comment on the CD proposals presented to them because they felt they
could not appropriately assess only a portion of the proposals without knowing how they relate
to the other proposals that they were not asked to review. The Plan Commission members
expressed a concern with this aspect of the process as well. Mr. Nevel made a motion to create
an ad hoc committee to review the proposals and then report on their response to the
Commission at the next meeting in November. Mr. Darragh seconded the motion. Motion
passed. Mr. Belmonte asked Mr. Currie to chair the Ad Hoc Committee, Ms. Seidman and Mr.
Foster volunteered to sit on the Committee. Mr. Nevel brought up the guidelines that the Plan
Commission had suggested to the CD Committee. Ms. Borys suggested that the Ad Hoc
Committee use this criteria in their own review of the proposals. Mr. Belmonte concurred and
said this would Iend some consistency and credibility to our recommendation.
IV. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Belmonte reported that the Downtown Committee held a follow-up workshop on September
28, 1990 at the Chamber of Commerce conference room. He said that there was a general
consensus that the Plan Commission remain as the reconvening organizers for the workshops on
a bi-monthly basis. He said there was a sense of urgency from the group to continue the
progress made since the June Workshop. Mr. Darragh added that both EVMARK and the
Chamber are still working out their scope of work, including the development of a Downtown
Businessperson's Association that would serve in an advocacy role for the Downtown and deal
with the more day-to-day issues facing the retailers and business people with Downtown
interests. Mr. Belmonte said that EVMARK has taken a lead role in implementing many of the
1
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - October 10, 1990
Page Three
recommendations from the Downtown and Action Plans. He also said that EVMARK has
contracted with five Evanston located design firms to act as a design consortium to study the
physical and capital features of the Downtown and provide recommendations for long-term
approach improvement.
his. Borys added that the next workshop will be scheduled in December and that a summary of
September's meeting would be prepared and sent to everyone on the mailing list. Mr. Darragh
stated that he feels the Commission needs to recommend that a full-time downtown planner be
designated. He said that the Downtown Issues require full-time attention and support and
suggested that the position could be funded from a dual private/City agreement. Mr. Currie and
Mr. Darragh both stressed the Plan Commission has become a central focus point for Downtown
issues because there is lack of full-time attention given elsewhere and there is no other
coordination group. Mr. Darragh said that the establishment of a full-time downtown planner
was one of the recommendations in the Action Plan. There was concern expressed that the City
may not be offering an appropriate level of support to the Downtown planning effort and that
partial or full funding may be a show of support. Mr. Belmonte said that it is evident that a
need for a full-time downtown planner exists, but the question of whose responsibility it is
remains to be determined. He said that the revenue from the Special Service District could be
used to fund a full-time person, as a funding alternative. He said the EVMARK Board may be
receptive to a full-time position and that maybe this should be a discussion item for the
December Workshop. Ms. Borys added that while she agrees there needs to be a full-time
planner for Downtown, it is highly unlikely that the City will be able to support such a position
in light of the current budget constraints.
It was agreed that when the Plan Commission reports back to the Planning and Development
Committee, the issue of staff time should be raised. It was also agreed that this should be an
agenda item for the November Plan Commission meeting.
Mr. Darragh expressed concern that the Plan Commission is currently acting as the City's
representative for the Downtown Workshop and that ideally there should be representation from
the City's policy making branch. He said he has concerns with the Plan Commission becoming
more active than just the convener of the meetings and this may not be an appropriate role. Mr.
Belmonte said this could also be an issue with which to approach the Planning and Development
Committee.
The group agreed that the Plan Commission should recommend to the Planning and Development
Committee that the Plan for Downtown Evanston be approved and introduced to the City
Council for approval and that a staff person be designated from the City to act as the point
person for downtown planning. The group also suggested that once the Planning Department has
a permanent Director in place, that the planner position held by the Interim Director be
available to work on downtown planning issues. A Motion was made by Mr. Nevel that Mr.
Belmonte request the Planning and Development Committee to approve the Plan for Downtown
Evanston and to present the Plan to City Council for adoption. Motion was seconded by Mr.
Petterson. Motion passed.
R
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - October 10, 1990
Page Four
Mr. Petterson reported on the Zoning Committee. He said the Committee had met twice to
discuss design review. The Committee has come up with three alternatives for this issue; l) do
nothing; 2) expand Site Plan Review function to include design review; and, 3) to establish a full
Design Commission. He said that 13 groups and boards in Evanston had been contacted to
provide their opinion and comments on a design review ordinance for Evanston. He said they
were asked to provide written comment and also to attend the November I4, Plan Commission
meeting to discuss their statements. Mr. Petterson said after the November meeting the Zoning
Committee would be better prepared to make a recommendation regarding design review. He
added that the Zoning Committee would be reporting their progress to the Planning and
Development Committee on October 22.
Mr. Petterson reported that the Zoning Committee is still reviewing the draft proposed zoning
ordinance. He said he expected another draft would be needed.
kis. Borys reported on the Green Bay Road Committee. She said six responses had been received
to the Request For Qualifications that had been sent. She said the Committee had requested all
six respondents to prepare proposals by October 31. She said the Committee would meet on
November l to determine a short list of consultants and set up interviews with the selected
consultants the following week. She said the committee is preparing to report their findings and
recommendations to the Plan Commission at the November meeting. Mr. Darragh asked if the
Committee had thought about a collaborative approach to this project, such as the approach
taken by EV,MARK. Ms. Borys said it had not due to the technical nature of the project.
V. OLD/NEW BUSINESS
There was no new or old business to be discussed.
VL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Borys said that the City Manager, Joel Asprooth had resigned.
Mr. Belmonte recommended that a City staff person attend the NIPC Regional Public Hearings
on their Comprehensive Plan.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.
STAFF: /a
DATE: 1
007YS3/56
EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
Wednesday, November 20, 1990
7:30 P.M. - Room 2403
CIVIC CENTER
kIEMBERS PRESENT: Belmonte, Nevel, Petterson
MEA4BERS ABSENT: Currie, Prout, Foster, Marston, Seidman,
Darragh
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ABSENT: Reilley, McCarthy
STAFF PRESENT: Borys
I. Approval of September 12, 1990 ,Meeting Minutes. Since a quorum was not present
this item was deferred to the December meeting.
II. Approval of October 10, 1990 Xleeting Minutes. Since a quorum was not present,
this item was deferred to the December meeting.
Ill. nesign Review Committee Report.
Mr. Belmonte introduced Mr. Petterson as the Chair of the Design Review Committee and
asked him to lead the night's discussion. Mr. Petterson asked everyone who wished to
speak place their name on the sign-up sheet. He also asked the speakers to limit their
comments to five minutes, so that the Commission members will have an opportunity to
ask questions and have some discussion. Mr. Petterson said the Commission appreciated
the interest taken by the group in this topic. He said design review is a very important
issue for the City and that there appears to be a great deal of interest in it, both pro and
con. Mr. Petterson then asked the first person on the list to present their remarks. ,1r.
'3elmonte however said that Mr. Art Newman had requested to speak first because he had
another meeting to attend that evening. Mr. Petterson asked Mr. Newman to step forward
and present his remarks. Mr. Art Newman, representing the Evanston Housing
Commission, said the Commission had not determined a final position; however, there was
some concern on the Commission about how a design review ordinance would affect
affordable housing in Evanston. Mr. Newman said the Commission had asked their staff to
collect more information regarding design review in other communities and its effects on
affordable housing and economic development. He said the Housing Commission would
respond to the Plan Commission on this issue at a later date. Individually, Mr. Newman
said he strongly supports a design review process in Evanston. He further stated that he
did not believe such a process would have a negative effect on economic development in
Evanston, but believed that it would help maintain the character of the City. He said that
it would be easier to comment if there were an ordinance on which to review and comment.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - November 20, 1990
Page Two
Mr. Petterson said that the City Council had asked the Plan Commission to determine if
design review ordinance is appropriate at this time. He said that is what the Commission
expects to determine through this meeting. It there would be a recommendation to
Council to draft an ordinance. and Council agrees, he said there would be manv more
ooportunities to provide comment and input.
Robert Brooks. Preservation League of Evanston.
Mr. Brooks said that the League had not vet taken an official stance on the design review
issue. However, he said that most of the North Shore suburbs have some form of design
review. He said he has talked to the staff from manv of the North Shore communities and
thev said thev have had positive experiences associated with design review. Personallv, he
said he thought it is extremely important that the Citv adopt some form of design review
process. He said the appearance and character of Evanston needs to be maintained
because it is one of the attractions of living in Evanston. Mr. Nevel asked if during his
conversations with other communities, was there anv indication if the development
process became longer as a result of a design review process. .Mr. Rrooks said that the
Citv staff he spoke to did not believe there were anv problems. He said the staff said that
the developer knew in advance that there was a design review ordinance and that thew
acted accordingly. He also said in manv cases potential issues were negotiated and
worked out prior to final plans being submitted for review. He said he reviewed manv of
the ordinances and that thev looked very much alike. He said residential multiunit and
commercial structures were covered and single residences were not, except in the Lake
Forest historic district where single homes were included. He said most had
administrative boards of 5-7 oeople with one or two members being architects. Mr.
Petterson asked if Mr. Brooks would provide copies of the various ordinances Mr. Brooks
had collected. He also invited anvone else who has materials to submit them to Ms. Borvs
for the Committee's review.
Phil Rosenberg - Citizen
%ir. Rosenberg questioned who would administer a design review process - staff or a
separate Commission. Mr. Petterson said it could be done either through a staff function
such as Site Plan Review, or through a new commission. He added that once it is
ascertained whether a Design Review Ordinance is appropriate, charting its administration
would be a subsequent step.
Doraine Anderson, Citizen
%.1r. Anderson said he did not have a preaared statement; however. he did support the
r_onceot of design review.
Bennett Johnson, Design Evanston
k1r. Johnson said Design Evanston had discussed this issue at two of its meetings, had
taken an informal survev of some Evanston architects, and will possibly sponsor a Design
Review Forum in December. 1990. He said almost evervone thev have spoken to has
reservations about a design ordinance.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - November 20, 1990
Page Three
He said the Initial reaction of most professionals they have spoken to has been negative
because thev fear more approvals, meetings and delays in the development process. He
asked whether the Zoning and Preservation Commissions aireadv handle this and who
would sit on a design review board. He said that it had been mentioned that various other
cities have a design review process in place, and added that developers in those cities had
both positive as well as negative experiences. He expressed concern over who would
determine what is good design and that if design review standards had been in place during
the tlrne Frank Llovd Wright had been practicing, his work may have not been allowed to
be built. He said if criteria were known in advance, most architects would be willing tr,
comply. He said it had been suggested that combined review of zoning, sign, and design be
considered to logistically streamline the process. He said Design Evanston would complete
their phone survev in greater detail and sponsor their forum later this vear, and return to
the Plan Commission with their results.
lir. Petterson said one of the issues the Committee has talked about are what buildings
are found objectionable in Evanston. He asked each of the prior and future speakers to
name their most and least favored buildings. Mr. Brooks said the positioning of 1800
Sherman is not in keeping with the character of Downtown Evanston. He said he liked
buildings that fit in such as the office buildings on Davis just west of Sherman Avenue.
Mr. Rosenberg said he had liked the old Lincoln Grammar school that had been torn down.
He said issues of scale and material could be handled through zoning. He said he found the
appearance and ❑roliferation of strip shopping centers in Evanston to be objectionable.
Paul Fischer. Southeast Evanston Association
Mr. Fischer said he orofessionaliv represents manv developers through his work as an
attornev. He said that the goal of such a process should be to improve and enhance the
uuality of the community. He said that a good ordinance could encourage qualitv
development and act as a counter balance to the "no growth" sentiment that exists in some
circles. He said from his experience, the cost of doing business are the greater deterrents
for developers, such as high impact fees, limited zoning uses, and tax structures. He said
design ordinances had little negative reaction from the developers he had worked with in
the North Shore and Chicago area, including Evanston. He said although not unanimous, he _
believes developers do not generally have a problem with a design review ordinance. He
said SEA is in the process of collecting design review and appearance ordinances for
review. He said that the concept of design review began in the late 1960's and that over
the vears architects, developers, and municipalities have "made peace" over the fear of
loss of expression and creativity. He said it is important for municipalities to have a
method for public input into the decision -making that affects quality of life, and have
clear. concise, carefully thought out procedures. fir. Fischer said there are ordinances that are too vague but that we don't want to have an ordinance that is too restrictive. He }
suggested the committee review ordinances from Highland Park. Glenview and the AiA _
handbook of design review procedures. He said it was being rewritten and should be
available by eariv 1991. He suggested the type of people that should sit on the
Commission should have some development design experience, such as members of the
business community, architectural or design professionals and community representatives.
He said that the board should be a volunteer board, and that fresh ideas would be needed
and the Board should be adaptable. He said he did not like the Dempster/Dodge
development.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - November 20, 1990
Page Four
He said it would be very important to efficiently integrate zoning with the design review
and other processes to avoid confusion. He said most review processes he has looked at
are binding, but there are appeals processes available. However. he suggested that
appeals be kept narrow in an effort to avoid court and law suits.
'ferry Jenkins. EVMARK
W. Jenkins said that the EVMARK Board had not vet taken a position. He said that there
was some Initial concern over how design review would affer,'t development. He said that
given the character of the City, design review is an important Issue. He also said that the
individuals on the EVMARK Board are very interested in thli issue and how it will affect
Downtown development. He suggested that a design process should include an opportunity
for public input. As an individual, he said an ordinance should be very well written and
clearly establish what is expected and how a developer Should maneuver within those
expectations. He also said that the Citv should be held accountable in regards to review
turn -around time. He said it would be very unfair to expert a developer to follow very
detailed rules and steps without expecting the City and public at -large to adhere to some
guarantees and restrictions as well. He added that the ordinance should be written in
fairlv broad terms to allow flexibility of both the developer arid decision makine interests.
He mentioned a "corridor of acceptability" that the develono`r can work within. lie said
that an ordinance cannot just represent what some people like, but needs to allow room for
all tastes and preference.s within a set limit. He said within this "corridor" there will be
buildings that some people like and others may not. but if it fills within the "corridor" it is
an acceptable design. Mr. Jenkins ended his comments stressinz the need for flexibility if
a design review ordinance is recommended.
Tim Clark, City Staff to Economic Development Committee, and staff to the Storefront
Improvement Program.
Mr. Clarke said that the EOC has much concern over a design review ordinance. He said
that it will be very difficult to represent within an ordinance the variety of likes and
dislikes of evervone in Evanston. He also said the EDC believes it will be difficult to
legislate specific requirements of design in a development plan. He said tha; the EDC is
concerned with a design review process becoming a "popularity contest" and that review
procedures could occur as part of the staff function, maybe in the Site Plan Review
Committee. He said the EDC feels that it would be very difficult to get a Board or bodv
to agree on what is a Rood design and then to write legislation that defines acceptable
appearance standards. In regards to the storefront Program. he said there are established
guidelines which the applicant must follow. but that it is a volunteer program with
financial incentives. He said most participants welcome the guidelines in this program.
Mr. Clarke said that the EDC questioned the right of government to determine how a
person can use their property, beyond zoning codes. he suggested that this may be an
intrusion into personal orooerty rights. Mr. "level asked how many developers had
voluntarily come to Site Plan Review Committee over the past five vears. %is. gorvs then
introduced Mr. Carter who had been the previous Planning Director in Evanston for many
vears. Mr. Carter said all developers had to come to the Site Plan Review Committee for
new developements. Mr. Nevel noted that what %ir.Clarke had said about difficulty and
legality of legislative power for design review contradicted what many other speakers had
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - November 20, 1990
Page Five
said about the ordinances they had either worked with or reviewed. Mr. Nevel asked that
if other communities were capable of legally developing binding design review ordinances,
why did Mr. Clarke think that Evanston would not be able to develop language to legally
establish a design review process that does not interfere with private property rights. Mr.
Clarke answered that Evanston is a very diverse community with many different opinions
and that its eclectic character is one of the attractions of the City. Mr. Brooks
commented that he had lived in other North Shore communities as diverse as Evanston and
residents of those communities regard the right to expression equally as high as Evanston
residents, but design review was successfully establishers in those communities.
Mr. Petterson asked Mr. Carter if the current Site Plan Review Ordinance could be
adapted to include Design Review. Mr. Carter said he thought it could be, with the
inclusion of some professional architects on the Committee. He said right now the Site
Plan Review Ordinance specifically excludes any reference to design review, but the
ordinance could be expanded to include design review and adapt a blend of both in-house
and outside professional heir). He said the current members of the Site Plan Review
Committee may not be qualified to perform design review, but that qualified outside
professionals could be included on the Committee.
Dick Carter, former Planning Director, Citizen.
Mr. Carter said he felt that there was a large gap in Evanston's development process
where design review should be. He said Evanston goes into great detail when it comes to
building codes and zoning regulations, but that adequate appearance or design guidelines
are conSpiCiloUSly missing. He said it is very important that we give architects and
developers an idea of what we expect and that guidelines to help articulate these
expectations are important. He said an ordinance should not be too confined to specific
style, but should be fairly flexible. He said he had concerns over how the process is
administered and that it be fair, not cumbersome and not be used to "beat up on" certain
developments or developers who wish to do business in Evanston. He mentioned that
Research Park has their own design guidelines and it appears to be very successful.
Hayward Blake, Sign Review and appeals Board
Mr. Blake said some of the concerns that have been expressed have been abided through
the Sign Ordinance and appeals Board. He said the Sign Ordinance took three years to
write, but that it is well written and straightforward, and that it is why they do not hear
many appeals. Most of their appeals are for variations due to construction that occurred
prior to checking with the Sinn Ordinance requirements. He said the developer would first
go to the Site Plan Review where they will tell the developer if their plan design for
signage fits within the requirements of the Sign Ordinance. If it does not and there are no
alternatives, the developer will go to the Sign Review board. If a variance is not granted
YL
by this hoard, the develooer may go to Planning and Development Committee for an
appeal. However, the P&D Committee usually supports the findings and recommendations
of the Review Board. Mr. Blake said the Board is made up of five people: one marketing
or advertising person: two designers: two business persons. one retail and one corporate.
The Board has been in existence for four years and have had only two appeals to the P&D
Committee. But only one actually went before the P&D Committee and it was denied. He _
said there is a spirit of cooperation on the Board and only in extreme cases will
4.
Evanston Plan Commission
MInutes - November 20, 1990
Paste Six
the request be straight denied. He said that In preparation of the Sign Ordinance, the
Board performed an information gathering process, similar to this meeting. He added that
they too were asked that an ordinance be prepared to give the hoards, Commission and
groups something to react to. However, he supported the Information gathering efforts
the Plan Commission was undertaking in order to stet a sense of thr tone of the community
with regards to design review. He said the ordinance originally did not include any signage
or public buildings or public land. However. he said they have since worked through the
P&D Committee to address these areas. Mr. Blake said he believed a well written
ordinance could work and he supports it. He said the Sign Ordinance has been successful
and that the Review Board is careful not to impinge its taste on the applicants, but is
interested in creating a level of cooperation between the developer and the Hoard that
allows for a mutually acceptable result. He said that if we have a published and known
ordinance, it is easv for the developer to know what is acceptable and can plan
accordingly. He said as a designer he has had to go before the Skokie Review Board and
feels that their staff does a lot of the groundwork before a sign design goes for approval,
and suggested a similar approach for Evanston. Nir. Blake said he liked the Rotary
Building, the Research Park buildings, and Evanston Place. He said the Board and ❑esign
Evanston will give awards to those buildings that have exceptional sign designs. He said he
did not like the design of the Knights of Columbus building. He added that the ordinance
did not address interior window signs or existing signage.
Steven Yas, Preservation Commission
Mr. Yas said as an architect and urban designer he has been on both sides of this issue. He
said that the is currently drafting a design review ordinance for Park Ridge. He also said
the Commission stroneiv supports design criteria and appearance review in Evanston. The
Commission believes that design review will provide a mechanism to assure the visual
quality of the community by encouraging sensitive design that is in context and character
with its surroundings and overall development plans for the City. He referenced this as an
objective of Evanston's Comprehensive General Plan. He said the Preservation
Commission had informally been involved in design review in new development and
rehabilitation through the use of the 5ecretary of Interior guidelines for historic
properties. which are fairly general. He said a design review ordinance should have a
strong element of ❑reservation. He said there should be design standards for public
spaces, commercial districts (both neighborhood and downtown) as well as residential areas.
Mr. Yas said the City needs to supply "tools" in the development of good design and to set
a standard itself through example. He said the education process for both the public and
the developers is very important and further added that the process should not hamper the
development process. He said the review process could be integrated into existing steps in
the development process. He sups;ested graphic and pictorial references be included in the
ordinance and that it not be jest text. He suggested that client based rule book be
developed to give developers prior to the onset of their protect so thev know what to
expect and what is expected of them. He suggested that an ordinance and rule book be
developed by professionals in this field and that pictures relav what a good and bad
example looks like. He stated that it could be amended over time as needed to reflect
changing development climates, needs and tastes, He recommended that the ordinance be
flexible, but clear and performance rather than style oriented. He also recommended that
the design standards be publicized and distributed along with zoning and building
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - November 20, 1990
Page Seven
codes. He further suggested that violation of the design standards be treated like other
construction violation, but that good coordination and communication be established
amongst the various review boards. He suggested the Site Plan Review Committee could
be expanded to include design review. The makeup of the review board could include,
members from the Plan, Zoning and Preservation Commissions, City Corporate Counsel,
Aldermen/architects, professional architects from the community, designers and other
people experienced in the development process. The Park ridge Design Review board
includes the Mayor, an alderman/architect, two other mayoral appointed architects, the
City's Corporate Counsel, the Planning Director and other staff assigned to the Board.
There is another appointed body made up of the Corporate Counsel, the
alderman/architect, the architects on the Beard, members from constituency groups to
deal with residential areas where larger homes may be torn down and the tot parceled out.
Mr. Yas said that the Preservation Commission is concerned with all areas of the City. He
said personally, that he believes everyone should have to abide by design guidelines
including single-family residences. Mr. Petterson asked if Mr. Yas could suggest ways in
which Evanston could built on its existing character without becoming monotonous. Mr.
Yas replied that first a characteristic analysis of the Citv should be performed to
determine what are the specific issues of the City and address those issues through the
guidelines. He also suggested that guidelines can be site specific. At this point Mr. Blake
also agreed that single -.family homes should be included in any design review ordinance.
He further suggested expanding the current Site Plan Review Committee to include design
review aspects. Mr. Yas concluded that the Commission estimates that a design review
ordinance could be developed in six months to one-year for a cost of S30-60,000. 'Mr. Yas
was asked by Mr. Nevel if he could provide copies of some ordinances with graphic
examples for the Committee's review. Mr. Yas said the Park Ridge example is a good one
and offered to make it available for the Committee's review. He also suggested the Essex
County Design guidelines, and the 1961 Urban Design Inland Architect issue. Ms. Mary
Singh added that the Highland Park ordinance in final form may have pictorial
redresentation of good and bad examples. Mr. Yas also suggested that different areas of
the City could be identified and design guidelines for each area be developed (eg.
Downtown. isolate neighborhoods, neighborhood commercial area).
Mr. Petterson said, the Committee would review any additional material submitted,
including the results of Design Evanston's possible forum. Mr. Blake suggested that the
forum may be more successful if there was something to react to, such as a draft
ordinance, that participants could react to Mr. Petterson said that the Council is looking
to deal first with the issue of whether there should or should not be an ordinance drafted.
He said the Committee would provide the City Council with information regarding design
review and recommendations so that the Council could then debate the issue. He said
after this, then the Committee would address specifics of an ordinance. He added that the
Committee expects to make their recommendations to Council after the first of the new
year. Mr. Petterson thanked evervone for attending and providing their comments.
IV. GREEN BAY ROAD COMMITTEE
With the absence of a quorum. it was decided that staff would prepare a written synopsis
of the Green Bav Road Committee's election process for a design consultant and its
recommendations to be delivered to each Commissioner. Also copies of the top two firm
proposals would be included in the pocket. Staff would then take a phone vote of the
Commissioners recommendation to support the recommendations of the Green Bay Road
Committee and relay the Commission's recommendations for the design consultant for the
embankment work to the Administration and Public Works Committee at it December
10th, 1990 Meeting.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - November 20, 1990
Page Eight
V. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Borvs said that at the last Plan Commission meeting, the Commission agreed to
entrust the CD Committee to prepare and present proposed funding recommendations to
the Communitv Development Block Grant and Housing Act Committee and make a
presentation at the next Commission meeting regarding their recommendations, Ms. Borvs
suggested that this agenda item he (Ir. ferred until next meeting, to allow the Chair of that
Committee, Mr. Jim Currie, mzkP the presentation. Ms. Borys said that final
recommendations would be made in the Spring of 1991, so there would be ample time to
provide additional comment.
VI. NOIIINATING COMMITTEE
Mr. Belmonte suggested that he, �4r. Petterson, and Mr. Nevel be the Nominating
Committee. Mr. Nevel will be going off the Commission at the end of this vear. The
other members agreed and said they would meet to prepare nominations for the December
meeting.
Vil. OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS
,'None were given
Vlll. NEW/OLD BUSINESS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements nor new or old business to discuss.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at aoproximately 9:45 p.m.
STAFF: t-t
V
DATE: ?,/10 AD
1 I
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EVANSTON PLAN COMMISSION
MINUTES
Wednesday, December 12, 1990
700 P.M. - Room 2403
CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT: Belmonte, Nevel, Petterson, Currie, Seidman,
Prout, Foster
MEMBERS ABSENT: Darragh, Marston
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS PRESENT: Reilley
STAFF PRESENT: Borys
I. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 12, 1990 MINUTES
Mr. Nevel moved to approve the minutes as written. Air. Petterson seconded the motion.
Motion passed,
II. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 10, 1990 MINUTES
Mr. Petterson moved to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Nevel seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
III. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 20, 1990 MINUTES
Mr. Petterson moved to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Nevel seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
IV. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Currie, the Chair of this Committee, said that the Committee had sent a memo to the
Community Development and Housing Act Committee expressing the funding priorities of
the Plan Commission. A copy of this memo had been transmitted to the Plan Commission
members in previous packet material. Mr. Currie said that the CD Committee had divided
the proposals into four categories: high, medium high, medium, and low. He said the high
priority projects all reflected the priorities established in the Capital Improvements Plan.
These projects were the paving of Davis Street; Sargent Park Restoration; and HVAC
Replacement at Fleetwood Jourdain. Mr. Currie said these projects, with the exception of
Davis Street, received full funding of their request amount. Basically, he said that the
Committee followed the recommendations made. However, he added that the Committee -
did not fund the painting of C&NW viaducts, which the Plan Commission had also rated at
a high priority. Mr. Prout asked if that Committee has accepted the project funding
guidelines previously recommended by the Plan Commission. Mr. Currie said that
Evanston Plan Commission A�
Minutes -December 12, 1990
Page Two
the Committee had begun to look at how they prioritize projects and certainly did discuss
the suggestions made by the Plan Commission. But, he added, he felt the Plan Commission
may need to continue its dialogue with the Committee. He said it is encouraging that the
capital projects recommended as high priorities, and also the Downtown Facade Program,
did receive funding. Mr. Prout suggested the Plan Commission send a letter to the
Committee to convey the Commission's appreciation for the Committee's funding
recommendation choices. -Mr. Nevel also agreed that a Ietter should be sent. Mr.
Belmonte said that he thought that the Committee had not yet adopted categorical
funding guidelines. Mr. Currie said that funding arnounts for each category had changed
from year to year, but a historical look at the funding years -reflects a consistent average.
Nir. Belmonte asked If those agencies who have received funding year after year were
funded again. -klr. Currie said that the Committee suggested to both previously funded and
newly funded agencies that they should understand that this should not be viewed as a
guaranteed source of funds in subsequent years.
V. DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
�1r. Petterson said at the last Plan Commission meeting, the public was asked to provide
their comments with regard to the need for a design review process in Evanston. He said
about thirteen groups were asked to provide written and oral response to this question. He
added that a number of the groups responded both through letters and attendance at the
meeting,. A number of other citizens -at -large attended and spoke at the meeting as well.
Mr. Petterson said that he thought the arguments for and against design review presented
that night were equally balanced, but that numerically, there were more arguments for
design review. He said the issues that were brought out that night focused on the realities
and perceptions of land developing in Evanston, the desire for building design to be as
good as possible, and how and by whom a design review process would be administered. He
said that there was a sentiment expressed that Evanston should dictate design; however,
when asked what buildings in Evanston are particularly bad examples of design, there were
relatively few given. Mr. Petterson said the Design Review Committee has since met and
has asked staff to prepare a draft design review ordinance that is integrated into the Site
PIan Review Ordinance. He said in this manner, the goals of those who want design review
may be met while not increasing the tension of economic development constraints. He
added that the Design Review Committee is still working on the issue and hopefully a
successful integration of Site Plan and Design Review can take place,
Mr. Neva] said he thought the meeting had been very well attended and some good points
had been raised. He said that this issue will be a very controversial one. He mentioned
that he was concerned that he Economic Development Commission's statement was not in
support of such an ordinance. He felt that most of the other Commission's represented
were in support, but that defining the function of design review will be the most difficult
and important issue to address.
sir. Petterson added that many of the other North Shore communities that have design
ordinances are more unidimensional than Evanston and do not have the diversity that
Evanston has. He said it will be difficult to develop guidelines that will reflect the variety
of neighborhood characteristics and points of view within Evanston. He said we are
developing a good base of information to provide to the City Council for their own
deliberation and recommendations. `lr. Currie said he agreed with the premise of
incorporating design review into an already existing step in the development process. He
added that while he agrees that design should be as good as it an be, how do we define
good design in a way to which everyone can agree. -Mr. Petterson said the suggestion of
graphic representation of good versus bad design was made. He said he thought that this
approach would be the most helpful way to define what we believe to be "good design".
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - December 12, 1990
Page Three
VI. GREEN BAY ROAD COMMITTEE
%is. Borys reported that the Council had been sent information on how the Committee has
proceeded with the process of selecting a design consultant for the embankment
landscaping and slope retention; and the recommended consultant. She said the Council
had approved the recommendation to enter into a contract with Land Design Collaborative
for the work. She said the next step will be to meet with Land Design to negotiate a
contract.
VII. DOWNTOWN WORKSHOP COMMITTEE
Mr. Belmonte reported that the second follow-up meeting to the June Workshop had been
held with 30-33 people in attendance. He said he felt the group was really focused on the
issues of the Downtown and its members were acting in concert with one another. He said
this had been a goal of the Commission and he felt it had been successfully fulfilled. He
added that he believed the Plan Commission's work had basically been completed, but it
would still be involved as a convening agent. However, he thought that there was enough
momentum in the group to assume this responsibility in the near future. He said the
recommendations of the Downtown Plan have been widely adopted and accepted especially
by EVMARK. Nir. Belmonte said EV�iARK has been working with five local planning and
design firms to develop a streetscape design for Downtown. He said this had been moving
along well and that a plan should be ready in %iarch of 1991. He said the group has agreed
to keep meeting periodically and the next one will be probably in Warch, also. fir.
13clmonte said that he expects that EVMARK will need more staffing with the new
projects and role it has assumed. This was a recommendation of the June Workshop Action
Plan and he believes it will be more directly addressed in the upcoming new year.
Mr. Belmonte said that the Chamber of Commerce has also attended the Workshops and
have in fact provided the space for the meetings. He said that there remains the zoning
issue to address and asked fir. Petterson to give a status of this issue. Mr. Petterson said
he had met with staff and representatives from the Chamber, EVMARK and Inventure to
rewrite the planned development ordinance. %is. Borys said that staff had been asked to
regret the ordinance according to the consensus of thought at that meeting. She said staff
has prepared a rewritten version and will present it to the consultants working on this
project and the Zoning Commission for further discussion and amendment. She said she
thought it was a good faith effort by the City to address some of the time frame issues
associated with the existing issues associated with the existing development process. She
said one of the changes suggested was that instead of the several meetings with the
developer and various Commissions, boards and public, the Plan Commission would hold a
public meeting with the developer to discuss the project and gather comment. This could
shorten the process significantly by reducing the number of meetings required. She said a
summary of the suggested changes would be prepared by the Zoning Planner and Assistant
City %tanager. fir. Petterson added that he believed that the planned development
ordinance should be written in a way to encourage its use for creative solutions and not
just to acquire an increased floor area ratio. Mr. ReilIey suggested that a minimum lot r
size be established from which any larger lot would have to follow the PUD ordinance. He
also expressed a concern over requiring on -site parking facilities on every new
development site. This s because such a requirement could be detrimental to a pedestrian
oriented environment if there are excessive amounts of curb cuts over sidewalks and
parking garages at the first floor level. Mr. Currie suggested that we remain cognizant of
the downtown's boundaries. Mr. Petterson and lir. Nevel suggested that the final draft of
the PUD ordinance be reviewed by developers and other real estate professionals to see if
it is a realistic process.
Evanston Plan Commission
Minutes - December 12, 1990
Page Four
VIII. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Mr. Nevel, Chair of this Committee reported that ,Mr. Petterson, Mr. Belmonte, and
himself met as the Committee. Mr. Nevel said that this would be the last meeting of his
two teams. Mr. Nevel said the Committee had nominated Mr. Lyle Foster as Vice Chair
and Mr. Alex Darragh as the Chair of the Plan Commission. fir. Peterson seconded the
nominations as one motion. Motion passed. Mr. Nevel then said that although he believes
attendance at the monthly meetings is Important he believes participation in the working
communities is integral to the Plan Commission's success. MT. Nevel suggested that
Chairs and Vice Chairs be identified for each subcommittee. He also recommended that
whenever possible, the Commissioners should attend the Planning and Development
Committee meetings to maintain a good and active working relationship between the Plan
Commission and the Committee. Mr. Nevel added that he would like to "make a motion"
to let the minutes reflect that the members of the Evanston Plan commission express our
appreciation to Plan Commission Chair Albert Belmonte who has dutifully served two
terms as Chair and as such has provided outstanding leadership in directing the
Commission's activities and communication with the Mayor, the City Council, and City
staff on a variety of planning and development issues that will enhance the quality of
Evanston for years to come. Further, be it resolved that we request the Acting Director
of the Planning Department to forward our commendation to the ".Mayor and City Council.
14otion was seconded by Mr. Petterson who added that Mr. Belmonte had done a
tremendous job on the Downtown Plan and bringing it to its present status. AMr. Belmonte
accepted the honor and added that the entire Commission deserves commendation;
especially for its work on the Downtown Plan. He also added that he agreed with ,Mr.
Nevei's point on stressing attendance at the Planning and Development Committee
meetings to give support to our projects and activities. Mr. Nevel added that all projects
need constant attention in order to bring them to successful fruition. Motion passed .Mr.
Belmonte added that the Nominating Committee also advanced Mr. Kevin Reilley's name
to be a full member of the Plan Commission, and had sent a letter to the Mayor to express
this recommendation. He added that as this is �Ir. Nevel's last meeting, he wished to
thank Mr. Nevel for all of his time, and effort, given to the Commission during his past
tw•o terms.
There were not announcements, old or new business to address. Meeting adjourned at
aooroximately 9:45 p.m.
STAFF:
DATE:
CCB/mec