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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Village of Plainfield Plan Commission met May 21

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Village of Plainfield Plan Commission met June 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE, & ROLL CALL 

Chairman Kiefer called the Plan Commission meeting to order at 7:21 p.m. immediately following the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

ROLL CALL:  Commissioners Minnis, Renzi, Seggebruch, and Chairman Kiefer were present. Commissioners Heinen, Ruane, and Womack were absent. Plainfield Fire Protection District was present. Plainfield Public Library District, Plainfield Township Park District and Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 were absent.

OTHERS PRESENT:  Yuchen Ding, Associate Planner; and Jonathan Proulx, Planning Director.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

The minutes of the Plan Commission dated April 2, 2019 were approved as presented.

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

Chairman Kiefer asked for public comment and there was no response.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS 

Case No. 1835-041019.VAR.SPR 15809 S. Route 59 Vequity, LLC Mr. Ding stated the applicant is seeking a recommended approval for a site plan review to redevelop the existing gas station and convenience store at the northeast corner of Route 59 and Renwick Road with a new gas station and convenience store. The applicant is also seeking approval of a variance to permit a rear yard setback encroachment similar in magnitude to the setbacks per the existing development, which was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals at their meeting on May 21, 2019.

Mr. Ding stated the subject property is a 43,842 square-foot lot located at northeast corner of Renwick Road and Route 59. Currently, the lot is improved with a gas station providing eight (8) fuel islands and a small convenience store under the overhead canopy. The existing site also includes a detached carwash facility on the rear side of the lot and protruding 7.87 feet. Mr. Ding reviewed the staff report dated May 17, 2019. Mr. Ding concluded prior discussion by the Plan Commission, staff recommends approval.

Chairman Kiefer swore in Ivan Nockov , representative for Vequity. Mr. Nockov stated the site will be demolished, including removal of fuel tanks. Mr. Nockov indicated the applicant is proposing to build a new 3,500 square foot 7 Eleven building, which would be built to 7 Eleven’s new standards, canopy with fuel pumps, fuel lines, fuel tanks, and six-foot privacy fence along the rear of the property. Chairman Kiefer asked if the applicant is aware of the lighting issues staff has. Mr. Noekocv confirmed and will be providing new cut-sheets to staff.

Chairman Kiefer asked for public comment.

Chairman Kiefer swore in Ms. Sandoval, resident. Ms. Sandoval stated she is an adjacent property owner and wants to learn more about what is planned for the site. Chairman Kiefer explained what the process of tonight’s meeting and what will be the next steps. Mr. Proulx stated if there is an approval by the Plan Commission the case will be go before the Village Board on June 3rd.

Commissioner Renzi asked if the diesel pumps are on the north side of the property. Mr. Nockov confirmed. Commissioner Renzi asked if there will be traffic going over the diesel pumps. Mr. Nockov stated a where fueling tank will be located and explained the standard that 7 Eleven has for the fueling trucks. Commission Renzi asked if the fuel pumps will be located south of the diesel pumps. Mr. Nockov confirmed and stated there will be 12 pumps with no separate diesel pumps. Commissioner Renzi asked if box trucks be able to fit under the canopy. Mr. Nockov stated most box truck should fit, and the size of the canopy will be labeled. Commissioner Renzi commented that trailer trucks will not be able to utilize the site. Mr. Nockov confirmed.

Commissioner Seggebruch requested staff research the old rear site back as addressed in the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Commissioner Seggebruch stated there will be a right in/out on Route 59 because there is a turn lane with a median on Route 59. Mr. Proulx confirmed. Commissioner Seggebruch stated there will be full access points on Norman Ave. and Renwick Rd. Chairman Kiefer stated there should be signage for “No Left Turn” where needed. Commissioner Seggebruch suggested repositioning the sprinkler room to the outside of the building. Mr. Nockov stated the issue is it would be on the façade of the building but will consider the suggestion.

Commissioner Minnis stated he appreciates the amount of information shared with the commission. Commissioner Minnis asked if the diesel pumps are under the canopy. Mr. Nockov indicated the diesel pumps will not be under the canopy. Commissioner Minnis suggested moving the fuel pumps further south so they are not at the entrance point on Route 59. Mr. Nockov explained how the moving the fuel pumps will directly affect the diesel pumps. Commissioner Minnis asked if the supply lines could be extended. Mr. Nockov stated the supply lines can be extended to a certain point but will need special permission for the extension. Chairman Kiefer asked if there will be bollards in front of the pumps. Mr. Nockov confirmed. Commissioner Seggebruch asked what is the route for the refueling trucks. Mr. Nockov stated the trucks will access the site north on Route 59 and exit on to Norman Ave.

Commissioner Renzi stated there should be directional signage for the people accessing the site and explained why.

Commissioner Minnis made a motion to recommend approval of the requested site plan review for the property located at 15809 South Route 59, subject to the following two (2) stipulations:

1. Compliance with the requirements of the Village Engineer; and 2. Compliance with the requirements of the Plainfield Fire Protection District.

Seconded by Commissioner Seggebruch. Vote by roll call: Renzi, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Minnis, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 4-0.

Case No. 1839-050319.SPR 13521 S. Route 59 Meijer Mr. Proulx stated as part of a regional effort to update the appearance of its stores and also complete necessary building maintenance, Meijer is proposing to alter the exterior appearance of its building at 13521 S. Route 59. The store originally received site plan approval in 2005. Due to the magnitude of the proposed exterior modifications, staff identified that formal site plan review was appropriate.

Mr. Proulx reviewed the staff report dated May 17, 2019. Mr. Proulx concluded staff supports the proposed exterior building modifications with recommendations, pending input from the Plan Commission and the applicant.

Chairman Kiefer swore in Dennis McClain, representative on behalf of Meijer. McClain provided the commission with current photos of the building and explained the updated renderings.

Chairman Kiefer asked for public comment and there was no response.

Commissioner Seggebruch asked if the rendering labeled prototype would be a new building. Mr. McClain confirmed. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if the new paint colors are in the gray or brown family. Mr. McClain stated the gray family. Commissioner Seggebruch stated he is not in favor of painting the face brick at the entrances. Commissioner Seggebruch suggested the applicant paint the cornice the corporate Meijer blue. Chairman Kiefer stated he is fine with the blue.

Commissioner Renzi indicated he agrees with his fellow commissioners that the blue would be good but would be fine with whatever outcome staff and the applicant agrees to. Commissioner Seggebruch also suggested the roof of the garden center be painted blue along with the cornice.

Commissioner Minnis stated the blue canopies are not a distraction because the architecture elements in the development are similar and there is already blue from the other properties in the development. Commissioner Minnis also indicated that since it is paint it can be changed in the future if needed. Commissioner Minnis stated he is comfortable with Meijer’s corporate colors.

Chairman Kiefer asked Mr. McClain if he is comfortable and will work with staff to resolve. Mr. McClain confirmed.

Commissioner Minnis made a motion to approve the site plan review for the proposed exterior building modifications to the Meijer store at 13521 S. Route 59.

Seconded by Commissioner Renzi. Vote by roll call: Minnis, yes; Renzi, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 4-0.

Case No. 1838-050119.SU 13717 S. Route 59 Axe Factor Throwing Mr. Proulx stated the applicant is requesting approval of a special use for private recreation to permit an axe-throwing recreation business in Units 105 and 107 of the Plainfield Small Business Park. The size is zoned I-1 with a planned development that also allows a variety of B-3-type uses in the large, multi-tenant building fronting Route 30. The Village’s Zoning Code requires that private recreation uses in the I-1 zoning district be approved through the special use application process.

Mr. Proulx reviewed the findings of fact in the staff report dated May 17, 2019. Mr. Proulx concluded staff finds that the proposed Axe Factor private recreation facility on the subject property will not result in significant impacts to adjacent properties or uses in the area and will complement existing uses on the property and in the general area. In advance of any comments from the public hearing or input from the Plan Commission, staff recommends approval.

Chairman Kiefer swore in Tracy and Dale Musick, applicants. Chairman Kiefer asked the applicant to tell the commission about their business. Ms. Musick stated they are a recreation axe throwing business, there will be 6-8 people per lane, an instructor will teach them how to throw the axe and then once the people have learned there will be games. Chairman Kiefer asked if there will be alcohol severed. Ms. Musick stated no.

Chairman Kiefer asked for public comment and there was no response.

Commissioner Minnis asked the applicant what safety measures will be implemented. Mr. Musick detailed the safety measures that will be used , which include but not limited to: the staff will be trained to teach the customers how to throw an axe properly, the staff will spend time with each person teaching them the proper technique of throwing an axe, Staff will be supervising the customers during their 3 experience, Staff will be monitoring the customer entering the business to ensure they are in the right state of mind to throw an axe, and customers will need to sign a waiver.

Commissioner Seggebruch asked the applicant the lane dimensions, material, and how many people throwing at the lane. Ms. & Mr. Musick responded the lane sides and top are chain linked, the length, width and height of the lanes are 12 feet, 2 targets in each lane, 2 people throw at the same time per lane, and spectators are 5 feet behind. Commissioner Seggebruch asked the ceiling height of the space because he wants to make sure the chain link tops do not interfere with the fire sprinkler system. Mr. Musick stated 16 feet. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if the area in the back of the space is for expansion. Ms. Musick stated it will be used as a party room. Commissioner Seggebruch asked if there will be a league. Ms. Musick confirmed. Mr. Musick stated they are members of the W.A.T.L. (World Axe Throwing League) and follow their rules and regulations. Commissioner Seggebruch asked the hours of operation. Ms. Musick stated Wednesday and Thursday 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Friday Noon-Midnight, Saturday 11:00 a.m.-Midnight, and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Commissioner Seggebruch asked how many restrooms will be available. Ms. Musick stated three. Commissioner Renzi asked for clarification on where the restrooms are located. Mr. Musick pointed out the restrooms on the floor plan. Commissioner Seggebruch asked what is required for the build out. Mr. Musick indicated on the floor plan what they will be adding and changing in the space.

Commissioner Renzi stated that the applicant has testified that they are committed to safety. Commissioner Renzi indicated with the proximity to establishments that sell alcohol, the applicant will pay special attention to outside alcohol consumption. Chairman Kiefer asked if the there is verbiage about alcohol consumption in the waiver. Mr. Musick confirmed.

Commissioner Minnis asked if there will be an age restriction. Ms. Musick stated it will be 13 years of age, but they will also need to be able to safely throw an axe.

Commissioner Seggebruch made a motion to adopt the findings of fact of staff as the findings of fact of the Plan Commission and, furthermore, move to recommend approval of the special use for private recreation for the business known as Axe Factor at 13717 S. Route 30 Units 105 and 107, subject to the following two (2) stipulations:

1. Compliance with the requirements of the Village Engineer; 2. Compliance with the requirements of the Plainfield Fire Protection District.

Seconded by Commissioner Minnis. Vote by roll call: Minnis, yes; Renzi, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 4-0.

DISCUSSION Chairman Kiefer stated that 119th Street needs to be restriped. Mr. Proulx stated that Public Works assured him that it is on the list to be completed this year. Commissioner Renzi suggested Presidential Ave. near Woodfarm Rd. also needs to be restriped.

Commissioner Renzi informed staff that the train had 119th Street blocked for 40 minutes today. Commissioner Renzi asked staff reach out to the railroad and ask them not to block an intersection for an extended period of time.

Chairman Kiefer read the reminders.

ADJOURN Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

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