D. Committee of the Whole

APPROVED SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING VILLAGE OF LAKE ZURICH BOARD OF TRUSTEES FEBRUARY 13, 2008 1. ROLL CALL AND CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Present were Village President Tolomei, Trustees Branding, Callahan, Johnson, McAvoy, Poynton and Taylor. Also present was Village Administrator Vitas, Village Planner Gadde and Building/Zoning Director Peterson. 2. PRESENTATION FROM INLAND REAL ESTATE CORPORATION FOR DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL Jeff Rattner, Project Director for Midwest Real Estate Equities, Inc., introduced two team members here to present a revised Grandview project and answer questions; John Thomas, President of Newport Builders, Inc.; and Teri Young, Vice President of Inland Continental Property Management Corporation. Mr. Thomas introduced Newport Builders as a construction company that specializes in mid-high condominiums in suburban locations. Newport Builders reviewed previously approved plans from McCaffery Interests and have chosen to simplify them by making some minor adjustments. The new site plans call for a five story building, consisting of 52 double loaded condo units, averaging 1500 square feet and 63 parking spaces (some tandem) all set within the footprint of the building. Overall, the height of the building is 56 feet, shorter but deeper and wider than the previously approved building. Their primary market would be empty nesters with several choices ranging from 1100 to 2430 square feet. The building is constructed of masonry and precast concrete, also different than previously proposed. They relocated a large surface detention pond behind the structure in hopes of preserving some of the mature existing trees. Retail was drastically reduced to one location on the east side, which they are considering as the anchor spot to additional retail to be developed to the east. The townhouses on Lake Street were reduced to seven units and totally removed from Mionski Drive. Due to the natural sloping of the land, they would most likely be a two story building rather than three stories, like those across the street. Special Committee of the Whole meeting minutes, February 13, 2008 Page 2 Newport Builders envisions future retail as single story stand alone buildings, rather than multi tenant buildings with residential units above or first floor retail with second story commercial usage. Mr. Thomas also believes there is a need for senior housing downtown. Upon completion of the presentation, President Tolomei asked the Board for their comments. Trustee Callahan questioned why the first floor retail areas were taken out of the Grandview building. Parking was the main issue. Newport Builders felt a second floor parking garage below grade would be necessary to accommodate all the retail parking; however due to the proximity of the lake, were not convinced they could effectively keep water out of the parking garage. Trustee Poynton questioned how this five story building could be constructed at 56’ when the previous building was close to 75’. Mr. Thomas stated these floors were reduced to nine/ten foot ceilings versus twelve foot ceilings. The original parking structure was planned to accommodate parking, not just for people living within this structure, but to help with parking in all of downtown. The total number of parking spaces was reduced from 170 +/- to 102. The extra wide side walk was kept in the plans. The purpose behind the extra wide walk was to accommodate shoppers and outside eatery. Without those amenities in this building, the larger sidewalk is really unnecessary. An additional retail/restaurant could be incorporated into the west side of the building; however, parking may not be adequate. Trustee McAvoy feels this is the most valuable and special piece of property in our Village but does not feel it reflects that in the latest site plan. Trustee McAvoy explained his feelings of double loaded buildings, lake views and his desire for the building to include restaurants/ retail on the first floor. Village President Tolomei is more in favor of a broader mix of price points for this building so more people can afford to live here. Mr. Thomas estimated the cost of condos to be $400,000 for a lakeview, $600,000 for a corner location, and $250,000 for a back end location. Each of the Board members spoke above their likes, dislikes, architectural view points, height of building, parking, marketing, retail, single or double loaded, storage, etc. Special Committee of the Whole meeting minutes, February 13, 2008 Page 3 Teri Young, Inland Continental, spoke about securing retail that would not compete with the retail located on Route 22. They would focus on securing a restaurant with outdoor seating, specialty retail, and service oriented business that would compliment the downtown area. Jeff Rattner, Midwest Real Estate, is hoping they will have the opportunity to develop, not just the Grandview, but all of the downtown area, one building at a time. Construction could begin as early as next spring. Staff was asked to provide their comments. Village Administrator Vitas reviewed these plans before tonight and felt they should be considered by the Board. He agrees with the Board about their concern on the lack of first floor retail. He does not believe exclusivity is the way to proceed due to past experiences. He does not feel it would be in the Village’s best interest to wait for this building to be developed, before proceeding on future phases. Building/Zoning Director Peterson stated that from the fire department’s perspective, they like the pre-cast masonry, non combustible construction. The Building Department has concerns about the site lines of the mechanical units on top and main floor parking ventilation, all of which can be resolved upon receipt of final drawings. The Zoning Department feels there is insufficient parking for both the residents and retail areas at this time. For consistency purposes, Village Planner Gadde suggested architectural guidelines be developed for the entire downtown district before moving forward, especially since this site plan differs greatly from the townhouses across the street. Trustee Branding clarified that the original Grandview plans were approved by a previous board which currently consists of three new members. 3. ADJOURNMENT MOTION was made by Trustee Callahan, seconded by Trustee McAvoy, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:23 pm. Respectfully submitted: Gloria M. Palmblad, Village Clerk Approved by: _________________________________________________ President John G. Tolomei Approved 2/25/08