Village of Vernon Hills Committee of the Whole met July 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 19, 2020
2. WOODLAND CHASE SUBDIVISION - REQUEST FROM ICON BUILDING GROUP TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED FENCE HEIGHT (CD DIR ATKINSON)
Representatives from ICON Building Group appeared before the COW on June 16 to request an amendment to Ordinance 2016-049 (This ordinance approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the Woodland Chase Subdivision). The amendment would allow fence heights located in side and rear yards of individual lots to be 5' -0" in height rather than the maximum permitted height of 3 '-0". The request is in response to feedback from residents of Woodland Chase. The subdivision is adjacent to a large natural area having an abundance of wildlife including coyotes, fox and deer.
The taller fence will help keep animals out of private yards, allowing safe use for children and pets.
Please note, the approved fence styles for this development would remain the same. These include picket, split rail and decorative aluminum.
During the June 16 discussion, Trustees raised concerns regarding the appearance of the taller fence.
The development currently has 6' -0" board-on-board fencing along Route 45, Buffalo Grove Road and the cemetery. Increasing the overall permitted height of fencing on individual lots may create a "Fmtress" like appearance in the neighborhood. Other Trustees questioned how a 5' -0" fence could effectively keep coyotes from entering yards (Given they can easily jump a fence of this height).
Ultimately, the Board voted to table the matter until such time that residents from Woodland Chase could attend a meeting and express their concern directly to the Board.
As previously outlined, the COW needs to determine if the proposed amendment changes the concept or intent of the PUD. If the COW feels the amendment is substantial and changes the concept or intent of the PUD, then the matter should be refe1Ted back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further consideration and reopening of the public hearing to amend the PUD. If the COW feels the change is minor and suppmis the overall intent of the PUD, then it would be appropriate to recommend an amendment of the approved ordinance. Please note: the applicant has amended their request to allow 5' -0" fencing only for decorative black aluminum styles. The maximum height for wood picket and split rail styles would remain at 3'-0".
A copy of the letter from ICON Building Group along with the previously approved fence styles for the development are attached to your packet.
If the COW feels the changes are appropriate, staff should be directed to prepare an ordinance amending Exhibit C of Ordinance 2016-049 allowing decorative aluminum fencing that is 5 '-0" in height rather than the maximum pe1mitted height of 3' -0".
3. FOREST EDGE TH LLC - PRESENTATION OF CONCEPT PLANS FOR A NEW INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE BUILDING LOCATED AT 888 FOREST EDGE DRIVE (CD DIR ATKINSON)
Representatives from Forest Edge TH LLC will appear before the COW for concept presentation of their plans to redevelop the property located in Corporate Woods. The existing 2-story office building, previously occupied by Illinois Tool Works, would be demolished and replaced with a new industrial warehouse facility. The proposed use would comply with zoning regulations applicable to the Corporate Woods PUD. The building would be constructed on a speculative basis.
A 95,245 sq. ft. building is proposed on the existing 5.73-acre parcel. The architecture includes insulated pre-cast concrete panels with large glass features at the main entrances. The overall height is 32 feet above grade. The site will feature 16 loading docks, two drive-in doors and separate entrances for truck and automobile traffic. The parking lot includes 124 spaces in compliance with requirements. Staff will need to perform a detailed review of landscaping as part of the technical review process, in particular along the west prope1iy line adjacent to the residential apaiiment development.
Color elevations of the building along with a site plan is attached to your packet.
If the COW feels the proposed redevelopment is appropriate, Forest Edge TH LLC should be directed to begin the technical review process. Because this is located in Corporate Woods, a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission is not required. Upon completion of the technical review process, Forest Edge TH LLC would come back to the Board for final review and consideration.
4. ADJOURNMENT
https://www.vernonhills.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07072020-716
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