City of Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals met Oct. 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Present Ed Hennessy, Vincent Alessio, Charles McCauley, Bob Nachtrieb, Jim Riggs, and Colette Safford
APPROVAL OF MINUTES TMP-0514
A motion was made by Vincent Alessio, seconded by Jim Riggs, to approve COUNCIL MEMO #TMP-0514: SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 MINUTES. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Riggs, and Safford
Abstain: Nachtrieb
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page.
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding items listed on the agenda. Anyone speaking on an agenda item is entitled to speak for a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff and the Zoning Board of Appeals do not generally respond to public comments. Please note speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
Chairman Hennessy swore in Jim Mahar 2804 Vimy Ridge Drive, Joliet, Illinois. Mr. Maher showed up in opposition to Petition 2020-39. Mr. Maher would like for the Zoning Board of Appeals to delay the petition so the surrounding neighbors have more time to review the proposed plans. Mr. Maher lives about two blocks from the existing dealership. Mr. Maher believes the dealership expansion will be an intrusion on the residential homes nearby and take away from the residential character. Mr. Maher believes this will negatively affect property values for the Picardy and Warwick subdivisions. Mr. Maher also objects the landscape variances, lighting and the expansion. Mr. Maher stated the staff reports for the cases were not available until less than a week before the meeting. He believes some neighbors may not have been notified of the proposed changes.
Chairman Hennessy swore in Jose Zavala, 2801 Valley Forge Drive, Joliet, Illinois. Mr. Zavala showed up in opposition of Petition 2020-39. Mr. Zavala believes he did not have enough time to review the information of this petition. Mr. Zavala had to leave work early and would like if future meetings would take place later in the evening. Mr. Zavala lives adjacent to the northeast corner of the project and would like to know more information about the storm water detention. He is currently having issues with water drainage issues and would like to take a look at the drainage system plans.
OLD BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING TMP-0497
Petitioner requested to table until the November 19, 2020 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting.
A motion was made by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Jim Riggs, to table PETITION 2020-33: A Special Use Permit to allow an indoor and outdoor storage facility, located at 1801 W. Jefferson Street.. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs, and Safford
NEW BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Jackson read the staff report into the record.
Chairman Hennessy swore in Architect, Mr. Marc Anderson, Chicago, Illinois, who appeared on behalf of the petition. Mr. Anderson briefly described the proposed project. Mr. Anderson noted properties in the same immediate area with similar setbacks, he also noted that the construction this home will not affect the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Anderson stated the home is being modeled after New Orleans style "shootgun houses".
Mr. Hennessy asked is anyone attending the meeting would like to speak on behalf of this petition. No one came forward.
A motion was made by Vincent Alessio, seconded by Charles McCauley, to approve PETITION 2020-35: A series of Variations to allow the construction of a new single-family house, located at 301 Park Drive. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs, and Safford
Mr. Jackson read the staff report into the record.
Chairman Hennessy swore in Executive Director, Sandra Perzee, 350 E. Washington St., Joliet, Illinois, who appeared on behalf of the petition. She explained that surrounding housing facilities closed down March 21, 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak and her facility was the only shelter open until recently. She opened the facility to anyone who needed shelter. Ms. Perzee stated Jeff Sterr, Neighborhood Services, informed her that Zoning review was needed.
Mr. Hennessey swore in Laurie Plasinski, 350 E. Washington St., Joliet, Illinois, a current resident of the shelter. Due to past incidents, Ms. Plasinski would like the petitioner to add more handicap accessible features.
Mr. Hennessy swore in Eric ____, 350 E. Washington Street, Joliet, Illinois, a current resident of the shelter. Mr. ___ spoke about the current conditions of the shelter and problems with food, cleanliness and staff.
Mr. Hennessy asked in any one would like to comment on the petition. No one stepped forward.
A motion was made by Vincent Alessio, seconded by Bob Nachtrieb, to approve PETITION 2020-36: An amendment to a Special Use Permit (Ordinance # 14958) to allow emergency shelter for women and children. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs, and Safford
Mr. Jackson read the staff report into the record.
Chairman Hennessy swore in Mr. Bruce Konzelman, 54 N. Ottawa St., Suite 360, Joliet, Illinois, appeared on behalf of Mr. John Bays, Mr. Consulman briefly described the project. There will be 18 one bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments and two studio apartments.
Mr. Hennessy swore in John Bays, Homer Glen, Illinois. Mr. Bays would like to build luxury apartments and attract professionals who would like to live and work downtown Joliet. Mr. Bays is currently working with the city on purchasing the downtown parking decks. Mr. Bays currently leases parking spaces in the existing parking decks. Mr. Hennessy asked what the price range of rent would be, Mr. Bays said from $1,100 to $1,500. The building is currently all electric no gas. Mr. Bays plans to move his business offices from Jefferson Street to 116 N. Chicago Street.
Mr. Hennessy asked if any one would like to speak behalf of this petition. No one came forward.
A motion was made by Jim Riggs, seconded by Vincent Alessio, to approve PETITION 2020-37: A Special Use Permit and a series of Variations to allow 20 dwelling units in an existing mixed-use building, located at 110-116 N. Chicago Street.. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs, and Safford
Mr. Jackson read the staff report into the record.
Chairman Hennessy swore in Mr. Patel, Orland Park, Illinois. Mr. Patel spoke on behalf of the petition. Mr. Patel explained his business occupies three units of the strip center. Mr. Patel has a custom ordered an electronic message sign he would like to put up. The sign would display the same message most of the time and would not be constantly changing. Mr. Jackson confirmed there is a limit of 50 sq. ft. per unit on non-digital signs.
Mr. Hennessy asked if any one would like to speak on behalf of the petition. No one stepped up.
A motion was made by Jim Riggs, seconded by Charles McCauley, to deny PETITION 2020-38: A Special Use Permit for a wall-mounted electronic message center that exceeds the maximum illuminated 50 sq. ft. live area. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, Nachtrieb, and Riggs
Nay: McCauley, and Safford
Mr. Jackson read the staff report into the record.
Chairman Hennessy swore in Attorney, Mr. Michael Hansen Joliet, Illinois, who appeared on behalf of the petition. Mr. Hansen noted that the address should be 2000-2022 Essington Road. He described the proposed project. Mr. Hansen explained that the lighting will not affect the neighboring properties, it will be less intense than the current lighting. The petitioner is expecting to increase sales by 20% creating more revenue for the City. Mr. asked about the petitioner meeting with neighbors and public comments submitted through the city's website.
Mr. Hennessy swore in Mr. Terry D'Arcy, 2022 Essington Road, Joliet, Illinois. Mr. D'Arcy explained the new drainage system being installed to avoid water problems for residential neighbors. Mr. D'Arcy also talked about the lighting system in the rear area, the lights will only be on if the sensors detect movement. Mr. D'Arcy talked about the fence variance and the need to waive fencing requirements because residents use it to cut through the dealership. Mr. D'Arcy stated privacy fencing and planting will be installed near the town homes. Mr. Hennessy asked what it would take to make the security lights turn on. Mr. D'Arcy answered something the size of a vehicle would make the lights turn on. The landscaping plans were discussed, there are no concerns from the city staff. Mr. D'Arcy would like to use native plants and work with city staff on landscaping plans.
The commissioners asked about future plans for the Jefferson Street site.
Mr. Hennessy asked if any one wanted to speak in favor or against the petition. No one came forward.
A motion was made by Jim Riggs, seconded by Bob Nachtrieb, to approve PETITION 2020-39: Special Use Permit and a series of Variations for a new car dealership and expansion of an existing car dealership. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs, and Safford
OLD/NEW BUSINESS—NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page.
This section is for anyone wanting to speak regarding non-agenda items and are allowed a maximum of 4 minutes. It is not a question and answer period and staff and the Zoning Board of Appeals does not generally respond to public comments. Please note, speakers who engage in conduct injurious to the harmony of the Zoning Board of Appeals shall be called to order by the Presiding Officer and may forfeit the opportunity to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made adjourn the meeting by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Charles McCauley.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs, and Safford
This meeting will be held in an accessible location.
https://joliet.legistar1.com/joliet/meetings/2020/10/1048_M_Zoning_Board_of_Appeals_20-10-15_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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