Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Committee

MILWAUKEE AVENUE CORRIDOR COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 MEETING SUMMARY CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Co‐Chair Jekot at 8:11 a.m. ATTENDANCE The following Committee members were in attendance:  Danette Matyas, Village Trustee  John Jekot, Village Trustee  Bruce Sylvester, Senior Village Planner  Ross Klicker, Economic Development Coordinator  Moses Nazzal, Superintendent of Engineering  Bob Pilat, Admin. Asst. to Director of Public Services Also in attendance were:  Steve Vinezeano, Village Manager  Scott Jochim, Director of Public Services  Louella Preston, Resident APP0VAL OF MEETING SUMMARY Trustee Matyas made a motion, seconded by Moses Nazzal, to approve the August 29, 2013 meeting summary notes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. REVIEW OF ITEP IV PLANS Bruce Sylvester passed around discussion points regarding the ITEP IV area, which is Milwaukee Avenue from Oakton Street to Monroe Street. Ross Klicker started the discussion by saying his talks with businesses in the area show the west side of Milwaukee Avenue is in favor of the plan, while businesses on the east side of Milwaukee Avenue have huge reservations. He said they were not against the plan, but more the effects of the plan, such as forcing people to go across multiple properties when driving in the parking areas through a designated entrance. Ross stated the Comforts of Home business said adjacent business owners do not always plow their snow, and if that was to remain this would force them to move to a new facility. He also said the area to the north of their building is also used when the front parking lot is full, and they would lose this additional parking because it is scheduled to be landscaped in the new plan. Page 1 of 4 Ross said he met with the owners of Booby’s and generally they preferred the Scenario 3 drawing for the layout of their parking lot, while still providing access to Milwaukee Avenue. Booby’s also asked about the possibility of the Village paving the parkway area on Monroe to provide additional parking. Scott Jochim said he is currently reviewing a letter about cars parked eastbound on Monroe. He said the cars cause line of site issues and he will probably recommend “No Parking Here to Corner”. Scott said this was similar to an issue on Oriole where a business wanted parking but caused issues with residents. Trustee Jekot also said Keeney Street had the same problem. Bruce Sylvester said the options were go full steam ahead or delay the project to resolve the issues. Steve Vinezeano said this will be the first time the streetscape project will impact businesses parking. The timeline for the grant project was discussed and whether or not the sunset clause would require us to move ahead. Bob Pilat said he is getting clarification from IDOT as they announced the grant projects in January, 2013 and the grant letter received by the Village was dated February, 2013. Depending upon which date the state recognizes could impact the deadline, but either way does not look like it will cause an issue if we delay the project. Ross then discussed the comments received from businesses on the west side of Milwaukee Avenue. He said they would like the center exit at 8034 Milwaukee to match up with the property lines. At Oriole Avenue, Ross said it is an angle intersection when turning onto Milwaukee Avenue. The comments were to make the intersection so the approach on Oriole Avenue intersects with Milwaukee Avenue at a 90 degree angle, making it safer. It was stated IDOT would need to review any changes such as this. Bruce asked if we can make the project in two phases. There was general discussion about doing the project right the first time and setting up a meeting to discuss creating a Special Service Area. There was also a discussion of doing it right. Bob Pilat stated one person’s version of do it right may not be the same as someone else’s. Steve Vinezeano and Louella Preston said it is when all parties agree. Steve Vinezeano asked if the Camiros study will impact the area. Ross said overall it might encourage businesses to take some steps to improve their property. Trustee Matyas said it would be helpful to use pictures depicting the improvements instead of engineering plans when meeting with the businesses. There was discussion about having HR Green create a 3D image and how to pay for the service. Page 2 of 4 Bruce said based upon the discussion today it appeared the Committee was in agreement to pause the project and work with the businesses to address the issues. The Committee was in agreement to pause the project. Bruce Sylvester then began discussion of the second topic of discussion regarding the ITEP IV project. Bruce said Chuck Ostman has expressed concerns the current plans do not improve the parking between the streetscape improvement up to the stores. Trustee Jekot commented that the asphalt in the parking lots is in poor condition. He said perhaps the businesses could contribute to the project. There was general discussion about the pros and cons about expanding the scope of the project. Bob Pilat mentioned improvements were not made to the private areas south of Oakton Street during the earlier phases. He also mentioned that these improvements would be removed should the areas be redeveloped. Scott Jochim discussed the scrutiny people place on the Village when they perceive the Village is doing work on private property, even though it may be due to a watermain repair. Ross Klicker said he would discuss these issues with owners. Perhaps a Special Service Area would be able to assist with maintenance issues or repaving. Bruce asked Bob Pilat to notify HR Green of the decision to not move ahead at this time. Since the project was going to be delayed, Bruce said the construction details do not need to be discussed at this time. Steve Vinezeano said the fence by the paint store (Milwaukee and Harts) is not the same as the other fencing used along Milwaukee Avenue. It was stated this was on private property. Steve asked that elements such as this be consistent in the future with the elements the Village has installed. Bruce Sylvester discussed the Camiros study as it relates to the ITEP project. He said Camiros is completing a land use plan which will discuss how the Village can take a block that is functionally obsolete and redevelop the area as well as discuss funding mechanisms. Bruce would like this Committee to oversee and will provide updates in the future. SET DATE FOR NEXT MEETING Setting a meeting schedule was discussed. At this time the meetings will be held every other month on the morning of the second Thursday of odd‐numbered months. The next meeting is set of Thursday, November 14, 2013. The meeting recessed at 9:00. Page 3 of 4 RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at Northwest Highway at Main Street in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Present at the meeting were:  Danette Matyas, Village Trustee  John Jekot, Village Trustee  Bruce Sylvester, Senior Village Planner  Ross Klicker, Economic Development Coordinator A walking tour of the Mount Prospect downtown area was conducted to view their streetscape elements. The meeting recessed again. RECONVENE – MT. PROSPECT, IL TOUR The meeting reconvened at Northwest Highway and Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Present at the meeting were:  Danette Matyas, Village Trustee  John Jekot, Village Trustee  Bruce Sylvester, Senior Village Planner  Ross Klicker, Economic Development Coordinator A walking tour of the Arlington Heights downtown area was conducted to view their streetscape elements. The meeting recessed again. RECONVENE – ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL TOUR The meeting was reconvened at the Village of Niles Administration Building. Present at the meeting were:  Danette Matyas, Village Trustee  John Jekot, Village Trustee  Bruce Sylvester, Senior Village Planner  Ross Klicker, Economic Development Coordinator ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m. Page 4 of 4