Long Grove Plan Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals (PCZBA)

Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2009

Commissioners Present: Jeff Kazmer, Mike Dvorak, Joe DiIorio, Charles Cohn, Tobin Fraley, Shelly Rubin, Wendy Parr

Absent: Chairman Phillips

Chairman Pro-Tem: Jeff Kazmer

Also present: Village Planner James Hogue; Planning Commission Secretary Terri Taylor; Village Attorney Paula Kirlin; and members of the public.

1. Due to the absence of Chairman Phillips, a Chairman Pro-Tem was needed for the meeting. Commissioner Parr made a motion to recommending Commissioner Kazmer serve as Chairman Pro-Tem for the duration of the meeting; Commissioner DiIorio seconded the motion; on a voice vote all ayes.

2. Call to Order: Chairman Pro-Tem Kazmer called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.

3. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of a request for variation of the front and corner yard setback requirement for Lot 19 in the Indian Creek Estates Subdivision and zoned under the R-2 zoning district classification from the required 75 feet down to 60 feet (Lakeridge Court frontage) to allow for an addition to an existing residence (garage) as submitted by Pamela Ringbloom and Paul Lugthart (Discussion by ZBA only).

Chairman Pro-Tem Kazmer read the request into the record. He then swore in the audience.

Village Planner Hogue provided a summary of the petitioner’s request specifically noting the following:

· Property is zoned under the R-2 District

· 3.43 acre property

· constructed 1987

· petitioners’ request shows minimal disruption

· request poses no traffic hazard

· request allows a significant setback to remain

Introductions were done for Ken Alberts, Alberts Associates, Inc (architect) and Paul Lugthart (petitioner).

Mr. Alberts began a slide presentation. He provided an overview of the property describing the current setbacks, site plan/easements/conservancy, driveway location and current vegetation/plantings.

The plan, he explained, was to move the garage out into the current driveway area to allow for an expansion and improvement of the home’s kitchen area.

Mr. Alberts provided a list of considerations regarding why the variance should be approved.

Without the variance the following negative implications would occur:

· More mass on the west side of the home

· Additional space needed

· Blocks neighbor view of the pond

· Destroys current trees and landscaping

· Removes pervious soils

· Creates potential need to relocate septic field

This concluded the petitioner’s presentation and began the question period by the public and commissioners.

Bobbie O’Reilly, 6785 Creekside commented that this was a perfect example of why variances exist and supported the approval.

Commissioner Cohn asked about the modifications to the driveway, why not move it south.

Mr. Lugthart noted that adding on to the kitchen in that direction would not make sense to the existing floor plan of the house and would affect the septic system layout.

Commissioner Dvorak commended the architectural details identified in the elevations noting that the addition would look natural to the structure.

Commissioner Fraley commented that the presentation was very thorough and thanked the petitioner.

Commissioner Rubin asked about the new height on the addition. Mr. Alberts responded that the height would be within restrictions and not any higher than the original structure.

Commissioner Parr had no objections.

Commissioner Cohn made a motion to approve the petitioners request for a reduction of the setbacks as it had been submitted; Commissioner Dvorak seconded the motion; on a voice vote all ayes.

Planner Hogue recommended that the petitioner attend the May 12 Village Board meeting where this request would be put on the agenda for consideration.

4. Approval of Minutes; February 3, 2009

Commissioner Rubin made a motion to approve the December 2, 2008 meeting minutes as presented; Commissioner Cohn seconded the motion; on a voice vote, all.

5. Other Business

Village President Rodriguez explained the new application form being used for all Village Boards & Commissions. She noted that changes are being implemented are designed allow Long Grove to be more similar to other neighboring communities. A desire to involve more community members is also a part of this change. She described the “Volunteer Profile Sheet” which being used for all incumbent and first time Boards & Commissions applicants.

President Rodriguez expressed a desire for the village to have more volunteer opportunities available to residents and shared the initial draft application form with the Planning Commission.

Feedback was given which would be taken into consideration as a final draft is put together.

6. Adjournment

Commissioner Fraley made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Commissioner Rubin. On a voice vote, all ayes; no nays. Meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

7. Next Regular meeting June 2, 2009, 8 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Terri Taylor

Terri Taylor; Secretary, Long Grove PCZBA