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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1989CITY/CHAMBER COMMITTEE NOW$ from meeting February 16, I989 Present: Howard Melton, Harry C. Benford, George J. Cyrus, Wallace "Buzz" Kaehler, Ben E- Karlson, Terence W. Keenan, Ald. Laraine Morton, Ald. Ann Rainey, Ald. John Rudy, Alison Barkley, Bruce K. Goodman Absent: Gerald Murphy, Lawrence Starkman, Ald. Marge Wold, Ald. Betty Paden Staff: Ira Golan, Joel Asprooth, Judith Aiello Co -Chair Melto : Stated that the Chamber would like to present an overview of items on the agenda. Zoning Code Revisions - Howard Melton announced that Jerry Murphy of Levy Venture Management will be chairing a subcommittee of the Chamber to provide input to the Zoning Commission. - There was discussion about design review being more than just an economic issue. It is important that there be continuous dialogue between the City and the Chamber during the process of revising the codes. - It was suggested that the March meeting of the full City/Chamber Committee be devoted to a discussion of design review. - Two additional zoning items which should be carefully monitored relate to downzoning of downtown Evanston and binding review by the City's Preservation Commission. - Design review is on the agenda of the Planning and Development Committee. It was suggested that a process be developed for expediting relevant information between the City and the Chamber on this issue. Improving relationships between the City and developers/contractors - Reference was made to what seemed to be differences on decision making among technical code inspectors. One of the Alderpersons noted that outside consultants are doing plan review and inspection on larger projects. - A Chamber member of the Committee expressed the position that most local property owners and developers are familiar with local procedures, but that it is important that the procedures be clarified for those from the outside who are not familiar with them. - The Chamber offered to work with the City on the design of a developers handbook and would assist in the distribution of such a handbook. - It was noted that the length of time involved to get final approval In develop/build was perceived to be extraordinary compared to other cities. Chambcr's 125th Anniversary Gift to the City - The discussion focussed on the question of whether the Chamber's gift of new entrance signs had been accepted by the City. Two alderpersons indicated their belief that the gift has been accepted. Sind the matter of signage on public right-of-ways is being considered by the Planning and Development Committee, it was requested that the issue of signage at the public entrances be sepamwd from other issues to expedite decision making concerning the entrances. Parting - Howard Melton announced that Mort Johnson of Chandler's will be chairing a recently organized Chamber parldrig subcommittee. This committee will look into former parking needs surveys, what needs exist in all shopping areas, alternative methods to finance the system, spill -over of business parking into adjacent residential districts, and i o I'iir� it �I 'll "I�i �qr Jill I' I ' ��IlI I , 111V11 1 -2- related matters. - On the issue of meter-feeding.the City is looking at increased enforcement, multiple ticketing, increasing fines, and appreciates the offer from the Chamber BusincsWerchants Committee to assist the City in these efforts. The City representatives indicated that an ordinance was being prepared to increase the fines for meter -feeding. Concerns expressed by major businesses about high taxes - It was reported that at a special Chamber meeting with several major business ., i..-.,....tadves there was consensus that taxes were approaching the level at which businesses might give consideration to relocating their elsewhere. Maintenance of public property - The City Manager gave a brief report on his recent presentation to EVMARK on the public maintenance plait for Evanston Town Centre. Consideration is being given to replacing the pavers. The City also plans to double the number of waste containers. - Some merchants have expressed concern about the appearance of advertising on waste containers. - The issue of merchants using public containers for disposing of their commercial waste was raised. It was suggested that an ordinance be introduced to free businesses which use public trash containers for their own use. Next meeting - Date: Thursday, March 23. 1989. 8:00 am, Board Room of the Chamber of Commerce Special order of business: Design Review - The City will provide background information to be distributed to committee members prior to the meeting. - It was suggested that selected developers be invited to attend the meeting to hear and participate in the discussion. Howard Melton stated that he would make appropriate arrangements. In the future, notices of City/Chamber CowaWtice meetings will be sent closer to the actual mectinng'ctate. 1 00 �` CITYICHAMBER COMMITTEE Notes from meeting March 23, 1989 Present: Howard Melton, Harry C. Benford, George J. Cyrus, Wallace'BuzeKaehler, Ben E. Karlson, Gerald Murphy, Lawrence Starkman, Ald. Lorraine Morton, Ald. Margaret Wold, Ald. John Rudy, Alison Barkley, Bruce K. Goodman Absent: Terence Keenan, Ald. Betty Paden, Ald. Ann Rainey Staff: Ira Golan, Joel Asprooth, Judith Aicllo, Richard Carter, Robert Ahlberg Others: Steven Miles (Glenview Appearance Commission), Jim Meyers (Developer), John Driscoll (Architect - Charles Shaw Co.), Royce Masterson (A.M. Kinney), Mary Pat Kerrigan (NBD Bank Evanston), Richard Fitzgerald (Attorney) The primary agenda item for this meeting: Design Review for Evanston developments The meeting was called to order by Co -Chair Howard Melton. He noted that future meetings will focus on specific items, and for the meeting in April the primary agenda item will be 'Me maintenance of public and private property and general Appearance of commercial areas.' The the discussion centered predominantly on the Glenview Code for Design Review. This code has been in effect for at least 20 years. Most questions were directed to Royce Masterson and Steven Miles, both of whom serve an the Glenview Design Review Commission. Their responses are summarized as follows: - Overall, the business community has responded favorably. Businesses receive help from professionals on the Commission. - Some inconsistencies in decision making occasionally cause problems. Thcre is weakness in documented procedure for applicants to follow. The Village of Glenview is now working on procedure clarification. - There is one business person on the Commission. It is important that business be represented in the design review process. - Glenview has a checklist for successful presentation, guidelines for signage and guidelines for new development. - It may take two or three meetings to complete the preliminary decision prmess. The Commission gives preliminary approv4 which permits the developer to prcxrM. Design Review occurs after zoning has been completed and initial permits cleared. - The Commission meets twice a month and has no substantial backlog of cases. A developer present at the meeting indicated that he has done developments in both Glenview and Evanston. He is in favor of a good Design Review process. w -2- The two communities follow similar steps, but Glenview is more formalized. He stated that it is important to a developer that there be cohesiveness in the procedure one has to go through. The more that can be built into guidelines and directions the better. As many elements of approval as possible should be combined. He, also, indicated that he has gone before the Site Plan Review committee of Evanston and found it to be quite satisfactory. In the case of Glenview, he stated there is a need for more staff guidance on appearance at the time of discussion of the code requirements. The statement was made that Zoning and Design Review are very different and maintaining the separation is important. Site Plan, which is more directly related to Codes, is a staff function. Appearance review involves citizens in the process. The City of Evanston has streamlined the Site Plan Review process by having All individuals involved in the process sit down together. The Site Plan Review committee has not involved itself with facades or materials. In a number of case's, the committee has been very helpful to the developer in suggesting better use of the property. It was stated that if Design Review is implemented, Site Plan Review would not go away. In response to the effect of residents being present at Design Review hearings, the Glenview representatives indicated that commissioners can be substantially influenced by the residents. Residents pre notified of and frequently sppear at design review hearings. In response to questions regarding decision making, the Glenview representatives indicated that if the commission and developer cannot agree, the project cannot be built_ At this point, the developer may take legal action. It was, also, stated that it is the responsibility of businesses to be familiar with building codes And exterior alterations or signage changes should not be made without approval. if they do so, and the completed work is not in conformance with the Code, they will have to bring their property into compliance. Next meeting - Date: Thursday, April 27, 1989, 7:30 am, Board. Ro-nn of the Chamber of C,......... a Special order of business: Maintenance of Public and Privak Property and The General Ate,,.,;,.,.;:,,.,, of Commercial Ar W III CITY/CHAMBER COMMITTEE Notes from meeting May 25, 1989 Present Howard Melton, Harry C. Benford, George J. Cyrus, Wallace 'Buzz" Kaehler, Ben E. Karlson, Terence W. Keenan, Aid. John Rudy, Ald. Jean Esch, Ald. Richard Lanyon, Ald Marge Wold, Bruce K. Goodman Absent: Gerald Murphy, Lawrence Starkman, Ald. Betty Paden Staff: Ira Golan, Joel Asprvoth, Judith Aiello, Dave Barber Notes from meeting of April 27, 1989 were approved. Referring to former items, Howard Melton suggested that the matter of window appearance be referred to the Chamber Business(Merchants Committee for follow-up. He noted that the two letters regarding trash containers are being placed on the CiVs Administration and Public Works Committee agenda. Discussion of composition of use of street level spaces in commercial areas: - Wilmette has had agreement among property owners for purpose of controlling types of businesses. - It was noted that the Chamber has not yet addressed this issue in any depth. - Consideration should be given to "self -policing." - A major difficulty for Evanston is the substantial number of absentee owners. - It was suggested that a 'brainstorming' session convened by the Chamber and the City's Economic Development Committee. Discussion of Real Estate Transfer Tax for Evanston residents selling a home and relocating within Evanston: - Comments from various members of the Committee gave clear indication that this could be unconstitutional and very likely discriminative. - After considerable discussion, it was the unanimous consensus that the Committee has adequately dealt with this issue. Discussion of Interstate Catalog Sales Tax: - Copy of HR Bill No. 2230 was provided to Howard Melton. - It was announced that the Chamber would consider this issue quickly. - The Illinois Municipal League and National League of Cities strongly supports this bill. Discussion of sidewalk file replacement: David Barber, City Public Works Director explained the temporary replacement to be used instead of asphalt. He stated that the alternative material can be put down in considerably less time than it takes to replace with tiles. Discussion nn Embankments along CTA and NWRR tracks: - City has maintenance agreements with CTA and NWRR. - City has maintained the station areas. - City has a plan for improvement of embankments from Emerson to Central Strects. - City has cited NWRR for non -maintenance - City will explore worldng with the CTA on this item. NOTE: It was suggested that this be a primary agenda item for the City/Chamber Committee. Next Meeting: Thursday, June 22, 1989, 7:30am, Board Room of the Chamber of Commerce III 11 1 1 i ._._ ,��I � � ��� ���i �i �� III "II "��'�I' A 41 ��' ��I I�I'll' �It I� � � 191� �ii�� ��,u�,�l "'"i111 �1�iii � � ���� •It P���I�����li�� l� EVANSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITY/CHAMBER COMMITTEE PARKING SUBCOMMITTEE Notes from meeting June 1, 1989 Present: Mort Johnson (Chairman), Alex Sproul, David Reynolds, Mary Jane Fehr, Stephen Tallmadge, Alison Barkley and Howard Melton (Ex-Ofiicio), Ira Golan (Staff) A review of the City/Chamber Committee and the purpose of the Parking Subcommittee was presented for the new members. Included in this presentation was the parking status in each of the major shopping districts. Removal of Parking Mctcrs: - A basic question was proposed - How would the removal of parking meters serve to provide more parking? This question lead to the following comments: ...Removing meters could change the perception of shoppers that they aren't welcome. ...Meters help to prevent commuters from using on -street parking spaces ...Consider employee parking lots ...Investigate scanners for license plate identification ...Develop a program of incentives for car pooling and use of public transportation by people working in the central business district. East/West Traffic Flow and Bus Schedules: Alex Sproul agreed to research these items. Courtesy Parking Tickcts: A test of the use of courtesy tickets , similar to those used by Salt Lake City, should be made. This might be done simultaneous with the opening of the new Church/Chicago lot. Recommendation that City Economtc Development Committee have Parking as a regular agenda item: There was unanimous consensus that the Parking Subcommittee recommend to the Chamber Board of Directors that the Mayor be contacted for the purpose of recommending to the Economic Development Committee that Parking be a continuing agenda item. The Zoning/Parking relationship: A committee member suggested that the Chamber should become active in malting the City replace the parking spaces resulting from lowered parking requirements. David Reynolds agreed to research the parking deficit in the central business district. Recommendation: It was recommended that Mort Johnson and Ira Golan meet with David Jennings, City Traffic Engineer, to discuss the various items under consideration by the Parking Subcommittee and determine how the City can assist in gathering information needed for the Subcommittee. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, July 6, 1989, Sam, Chamber of Commerce 1. CITY/CHAMBER COMMITTEE Notes from meeting June 22, 1989 Present: Howard Melton, Harry C. Benford Ill, George J. Cyrus, Jr., Ben E. Karlson, Gerald Murphy, Alison Barkley, Bruce K. Goodman, Aid. John Rudy, Aid. Jean Esch, Aid. Richard Lanyon Absent~ Wallace "Buzz" Kaehler, Terence W. Keenan, Lawrence Starkman, Aid. Betty Paden, Ald Margaret Wold Gucsts: Curt Eilers (Draper & Kramer), Ed Ashton and Walter Sauthoff (Washington National Insurance Company), Jim Neils (P&S Management - Holiday Inn), Neil hint; (Real estate appraisor and developer), Cheryl Blumstead (820 Davis Building), Howard Kain (First Illinois Bank of Evanston), Mary Pat Kerrigan (N©D Bank Evanston), Arve Kilen (Scandinavian Design of Evanston), David Mann (Chairman City Zoning Commission), Al Belmonte (Chairman City Plan Commission) Staff: Robert Ahlberg (City Zoning Department), Ira Golan Notes from meeting of May 25, 1989 were approved. Basic Agenda Topic: Revising [he Floor Area Ratio in downtown Evanston David Mann, Chairman of the City of Evanston Zoning Commission, presented a briel'synopsis of the Commission's activities. The Commission has been analyzing zoning land use problems with one of the primary concerns being the allowable density for downtown. Tlie Commission has received an analysis from die Economic Development Committee and the Plan Commission and has not yet completed its review of this information. A major question regarding zoning revolves around what is referred to as 'human scale." This leads to consideration of what zoning laws permit as compared with what actually exists, and the issue of height limitations, - Bob Ahlberg. City staff for Zoning, made reference to the FAR (Floor -area ratiu) of 11ne total existing structures in downtown Evanston. Consideration Is being given ui evaluation of the Special Use and Planned Unit Development (PUD) procedures. He referred to the importance of maintaining a condition conducive to pedestrian traffic. He also stated drat a multiplicity oil phis could be a negative as it disrupts the pexlestriatn flow principle. - Al Belmonte, Chairman of the City Plan ConlmLssioli, stated that the ComnTltSSLon is involved with the downtown area as an offshoot of the Comprehensive General Plan of the City for which the Plan Commission is responsible. The Coinniission acknowledges that the downtow-ii is dynamic and complicated. It is effected by market, huttnan and environmental forces. The Commission also has documentation of what exists versus what is allowed. He referred to the 'human/ped suian scale,' and that they are looking for more 'line tuning' in dovwntown and applying this to specific parcels within the district. Also, the imporumc e of offier aspects - stre+etscapes, ground level stores, etc. - is critical, and Lhey don't want to See ,I I of stores removed and replaced by a plaza. There is also strong opinion about the arcliaccture in the district. lie them made several specific references 1. Zoning is only one tool ti) ,ldileve a %11.d down town... clean, well maintained storefronts, streelscape, etc. Is cnucal .lied sonicoxie or some group should take a leadership role in addressing these imues. He emphasized that there is a lack of direction and leadership. - In response to the question about reportability of the Zoning Cotmmission and floe Plan Cotnnnussionn, it was stated that the Zoning Commission is a special commission appointed by the Mayor for the purpose of making a comprehensive review of the Zoning Codes .aid providing reports and -!Ili 11'o jj�jji IjwI jli II 11 1111^1I1 Ili l��l'I��N iii Il�lt II'1�''i�� �I' II i ° �'� II �I III °Il�i�lll� " Ilia' III ai II of �� �li l �?Ihllpii,il;I_ L -2- recommendations to the City Council. The Plan Commission reports to the City Planning and Development Committee. - A statement was made that if the FAR as proposed is implemented, we would be hard pressed to contemplate the future economic development in Evanston, particularly when coupled with the high property taxes. - Neil King noted that one of the strengths of Chicago's collar communities (Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, etc.) is die proximity to the Chicago "loop." A major negative is the continuing growth of regional shopping centers, and it is critical that eveiything be done to mitigate this condition. The market forces are fundamental. Even though rents for office space is at the $G/sq.ft. level in Skokie, they are in the $15 to $20 range in Evanston, and yet the office vacancy rate in Evanston is low. This indicates the importance of Evanston's many advantages. The more cumbersome it is to get things done, the more discouraged will be developers. Much of Evanston's differences from other suburbs is die FAR ratio winch allows for economically feasible development. If other large building developments are discouraged, existing large buildings will be bearing a highly disproportionate share of the tax burden. - It was stated that we are looking for a change that will send a "positive" message to potential developers who will certainly be encouraged by a higher FAR. There would be nothing wrong with a good mix of plaza areas and store fronts. - Other comments: A higher FAR alone will not induce development. An environment of positiveness in the development process is very important. ...The Zoning Commission is working toward an ordinance which includes a "user friendly" process. ...A statement was made that stricter compliance with parking requirements is important. A counter statement expressed the position that loosening the parking requirements will be more conducive to development. ...One person stated that he could not see any way that reducing the FAR would help development. ...Another stated that he is shocked by what the City is trying; to do and feels that downzoning at this time, in light of the number of new competitive commercial developments, would be a terrible mistake. ...The downtown drives the economy of the whole town. Everything must be done to encourage its vitality. ...In the process of rewriting; the Zoning Cozies, it is important to recognize the concerns of the residents. ...An alderman from the south end of town indicated that his constituents rarely venture to downtown Evanston. He sees little effort on the part of the City to encourage cononuc development. ,..Streamlining; the process is criucal. Need a "developer positive" attitude by City staff. Evanston has the reputation of not being a friendly community to developwrs It is important to have a strong marketing program to emphasize to everyone what we lime to offer. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, JULY 27, 1989, in the Board Room of the Chamber of Commerce, 807 Davis Street, Evanston, IL