Zoning Board of Appeals

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 17, 2020 2:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Zoning Board of Appeals Board Members Ed Hennessy Vincent Alessio Charles McCauley Bob Nachtrieb Jim Riggs Colette Safford Brigette Fiday Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 Page 1 of 1 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 The Governor’s Office and the Illinois Department of Public Health activated a Tier 3 mitigation plan for all regions of the State of Illinois, effective Friday, November 20, 2020. In an effort to support these mitigation measures, the City of Joliet is limiting in person attendance in the council chambers to 10 people. During meetings, groups of 10 people will be staged in various locations within city hall. These groups will wait in areas with a live feed to the meeting until the Citizens to Be Heard on Agenda items section, the Public Hearing has commenced or the Public Comments section of the meeting has commenced. Speakers will be rotated into Council Chambers to allow everyone an opportunity to speak. Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is recommended that any individual appearing in-person wear a face-covering to cover their nose and mouth. Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov OR register “To Be Called To Speak”. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “ Public Comments” web page. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Present Ed Hennessy, Vincent Alessio, Charles McCauley, Bob Nachtrieb, Jim Riggs and Brigette Fiday Absent Colette Safford APPROVAL OF MINUTES TMP-0720 Attachments: 11192020 DRAFT A motion was made by Vincent Alessio, seconded by Bob Nachtrieb, to approve the November 19, 2020 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb and Riggs Abstain: Fiday CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS Page 1 of 8 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 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. OLD BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING During the Public Hearing, members of the public will be allowed to present evidence and ask questions subject to the rules of the meeting. TMP-0719 Attachments: PETITION 2020-33 - 1801 W Jefferson Street - Tabling Request This Agenda Item was withdrawn by the Petitioner. NEW BUSINESS: PUBLIC HEARING During the Public Hearing, members of the public will be allowed to present evidence and ask questions subject to the rules of the meeting. TMP-0726 Attachments: 2020-48 (2100 Essington Road) Staff Report Packet Mr. Jim Torri read the staff report into the record. Mr. Michael Hansen, 111 N. Ottawa St. Joliet, IL appeared on behalf of the petition. Mr. Hansen gave details on the proposed development. Mr. Hansen also stated this project also includes a 15,000 square foot retail center that will include B-3 General Business District uses. Mr. Hansen stated storage units are really taking off in the United States. Chairman Hennessy stated there seems to be a lot of recent petitions for storage facilities, he asked if it is related to COVID-19. Chairman Hennessy is concerned about having too many self-storage single-use buildings in the area. Mr. Hansen said there is no relation to COVID-19 and Joliet is has more demand than supply. Chairman Hennessy asked staff if there is information available on the number of existing self-storage buildings. Mr. Torri stated a study was being conducted and we currently have 11 facilities in the Joliet-area, but there is no data on the availability of storage units at each facility. Mr. Torri stated staff would like to see future storage facilities buffered by retail use in the front. Page 2 of 8 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 Ms. Fiday asked if the storage facility was listed as building two on the plat. Mr. Torri showed a site plan with the lot layout. Ms. Fiday asked if there would be a gate, Mr. Hansen said yes. Mr. Hansen stated this facility would be similar to the one to the north. Mr. McCauley asked if the franchise owner would also operate it. Mr. Hansen said yes, the petitioner will run the facility. Mr. Nachtrieb asked if the self storage would close outside of business hours. Mr. Hansen said yes, there will not be access at night. Mr. Alessio asked if the setback from residential properties nearby would be similar to other commercial developments in the area. Mr. Torri stated there should be approximately 80 feet to the nearest residential property line. Chairman Hennessy asked if any one else would like to speak on behalf of the petition. No one came forward. A motion was made by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Vincent Alessio, to approve PETITION 2020-48: A Special Use Permit to allow a self-storage facility that includes indoor, climate-controlled and outdoor mini-storage units , located at 2100 Essington Road. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday TMP-0724 Attachments: PETITION 2020-49 - 326 S. Joliet Street - Combined_Staff Report Mr. Jim Torri read the staff report into the record. The homeowner appeared on behalf of the petition. The petitioner would like to add the additional space to the living room to provide more livable space for her son, who has autism. Ms. Fiday asked if the petitioner planned on renting the home out. The petitioner stated they are living there, the living room is just too small. Chairman Hennessy asked if anyone would like to speak on behalf of this petition. No one came forward. A motion was made by Jim Riggs, seconded by Brigette Fiday, to approve PETITION 2020-49: A Variation to increase the nonconforming front yard setback from 30’ to 13.5' and nonconforming side yard setback from 6' to 5.5' in order to allow the increase of living space, located at 326 S. Joliet Street. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday TMP-0727 Page 3 of 8 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 Attachments: ZBA 2020-50_135 S. Larkin Staff Report Packet Mr. Jim Torri read the staff report into the record. Ms. Sandra Perzee, Director of MorningStar Mission, 350 E. Washington Street, Joliet, IL appeared on behalf of the petition. Ms. Perzee explained the need for the new facility due to the amount of homelessness in the area. Ms. Perzee told the board about some of the programs created to help residents of her facilities transition in to jobs and homes of their own. Chairman Hennessy asked if the funding provided for this project was general funding available to MorningStar Missions. Ms. Perzee stated the funding has been earmarked for non-profit facilities such as this one. Mr. McCauley asked if the CARES money if for hardships, such as bills and repairs, how did Ms. Perzee get approved for money for purchasing the hotel. Ms. Perzee explained it is funding to take care of homeless people during the COVID-19 crisis. Mr. McCauley stated Joliet has alot of organizations that provide services for the homeless, there lots of vacant buildings in towns around Will County. He asked if Ms. Perzee looked at other cities within Will County. Ms. Perzee stated she would not like to expand, she wants to take care of people where they are at . Mr. McCauley asked if staff would live there. Ms. Perzee stated staff will not live there, but there will be staff members there 24 hours a day. Mr. McCauley asked if residents would be allowed to come and go. Ms. Perzee stated yes and no, due to COVID-19 procedures, there will be a quarantine period for new entries. Ms. Fiday asked if 95% of people in the facility are from Joliet, Ms. Fiday would like to know if this is due to loss of homes or rental properties. Ms. Perzee said what happened is Daybreak voluntarily closed down do to the outbreak of COVID-19. Ms. Perzee received approval last month to provide more livable space for social distancing. Ms. Fiday asked about the Daybreak closure. Ms. Perzee stated Daybreak initially housed residents in local hotels, then opened 50 beds on September 15th, leaving a void. Ms. Fiday asked if we are offering temporary housing, what is being done to rehabilitate and get people in to homes. Ms. Perzee went over the programs currently offered by MorningStar. Ms. Fiday asked if passer-bys & panhandlers would be welcomed, Ms. Perzee said yes, as long as they quarantine. Chairman Hennessey stated the proposed location is one of the corregidors coming in to the City of Joliet. Chairman Hennessy stated the area is already experiencing hard times, he does not believe that is the best use for that area . Ms. Fiday asked about future financing for this project. Ms. Perzee explained the current funding sources and her efforts to find other sources of income. Mr. Riggs asked what happens when COVID-19 goes away. Ms. Perzee explained additional causes for residents to seek housing at her facilities. Ms. Perzee is currently working with the Will County Health Department housing COVID-19 positive people at the Washington Street shelter. Page 4 of 8 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 Mr. Riggs asked where are residents supposed to go during the day or for recreation. Ms. Perzee stated there will still be the usual grocery store trips and similar needs. Mr. Alessio asked if there is a sunset on this project. Mr. Torri said no. Mr. Alessio stated he does not see a need for a shelter at this location. Chairman Hennessy swore in Brian Waller, Culver's Owner, 219 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL appeared in opposition to this petition. Mr. Waller stated he has concerns due to ongoign issues he has experienced at his property such as loitering, panhandling and inappropriate behavior. Mr. Waller stated while he supports the mission and what they stand for, this location will hurt his business and possibly cause more issues. Chairman Hennessy swore in Garrett Dobbs, 103 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL appeared in opposition to this petition. Mr. Dobbs manages the trucking facility just to the north of this location. Mr. Dobbs explained his understanding of the need for this type of facility, but he believes it will continue to affect his business. Mr. Dobbs has experienced constant and increasing issues like vandalism, cut fences, breaking into customers vehicles, human waste & drug paraphernalia. Mr. Dobbs' customers are approached by aggressive panhandlers. Mr. Dobbs believe the approval will continue to hurt the already declining conditions of the area. Mr. Dobbs asked the board to deny this petition. Chairman Hennessy spoke about this petition, he believes this use will have an adverse affect on the immediate area. Mr. McCauley asked why don't the Will County Board Members support a project like this in other Will County areas. Ms. Perzee stated there is no transportation. Mr. McCauley went over the amount of service calls received at the existing Washington Street Building. Ms. Perzee disputed the number of calls he reported. Chairman Hennessy asked if any one would like to speak on behalf of this petition. No one came forward. A motion was made by Bob Nachtrieb, seconded by Charles McCauley, to deny PETITION 2020-50: A Variation of Use and a Special Use Permit to allow emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing facility, located 135 S. Larkin Avenue. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday TMP-0721 Attachments: PETITION 2020-51 - 556 Elwood - Combined_Staff Report Mr. Jim Torri read the staff report into the record. Chairman Hennessy swore in the Homeowner Ms. Maldonado, 556 Elwood Street, Joliet, IL who spoke on behalf of the petition. Ms. Maldonado explained that she received notice of a complaint about the two homes on one lot. Mr. Torri Page 5 of 8 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 explained the zoning requirements and the need to clean up the existing use . Ms. Maldonado stated her son currently lives in the second home. Chairman Hennessy asked if any one would like to speak on behalf of the petition. No one came forward. A motion was made by Jim Riggs, seconded by Bob Nachtrieb, to approve PETITION 2020-51: A series of Variations to allow the continuation of two single-family structures on one lot, located at 556 Elwood Street. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday TMP-0722 Attachments: PETITION 2020-52 - 1161 Jerald Drive - Combined_Staff Report Mr. Jim Torri read the staff report into the record. Chairman Hennessy swore in Mr. 1161 Jerald Drive, Joliet, IL appeared on behalf of the petition. Mr. would like to build the covered patio for additional family space to enjoy their backyard, he began work without the proper permits. Ms. Fiday asked what type of structure it will be. The petitioner says it will be a roof that abuts against the house over a brick paver patio. Chairman Hennessy asked if any one else would like to speak on this petition. No one came forward. A motion was made by Vincent Alessio, seconded by Brigette Fiday, to approve PETITION 2020-52: A Variation to reduce the rear yard setback from 25’ to 20.73 ft. to allow the construction of a roofed patio, located at 1161 Jerald Drive. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday TMP-0725 Attachments: 2020-53 2020-54 Staff Report Packet Mr. Torri read the staff report in to the record. Chairman Hennessy swore in Mr. Mike Bienek, Rosement, IL who appeared on behalf of the petition. Mr. Bieneck explained the difference between coverage sites and capacity sites. This area currently needs a coverage site. Chairman Hennessy talked about other sites in the City of Joliet. Mr. Nachtrieb asked if there was any potential radiation threat to the people in the building. Mr. Bieneck said there is no threat, the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 prohibits unsafe cell sites in municipalities. Chairman Hennessy asked if any one would like to speak on this petition. No Page 6 of 8 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 one came forward. A motion was made by Charles McCauley, seconded by Bob Nachtrieb, to approve PETITION 2020-53: A Variation of Use to allow telecommunication antennas and support equipment, a B-3 (General Business) use, in an R-3 (One & Two Family Residential) zoning district, located at 510 Columbia Street and PETITION 2020-54: A Special Use Permit to allow telecommunication antennas and support equipment, located at 510 Columbia Street. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday TMP-0723 Attachments: PETITION 2020-55 - Combined_Staff Report Mr. Torri read the staff report in to the record. Chairman Hennessy swore in Lisa Staczk, Carol Stream, IL, who appeared on behalf of this petition. Ms. Staczk explained the need for additional signage at this location. Mr. Nachtrieb asked if the signage will conflict with area signs. Ms. Staczk stated that the building is so large, they will need the large signs for trucks visiting the facility. Chairman Hennessy asked if any one would like to speak on behalf of the petition. No one came forward. A motion was made by Jim Riggs, seconded by Vincent Alessio, to approve PETITION 2020-55: A series of Variations to allow additional signage for the Harbor Freight Distribution Facility, located at 3401 S. Brandon Road. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday 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 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 ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Charles McCauley to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried by the following vote: Page 7 of 8 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020 Aye: Hennessy, Alessio, McCauley, Nachtrieb, Riggs and Fiday This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa M. Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. Page 8 of 8