Will County Gazette

Village of Plainfield Plain Commission met June 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE, & ROLL CALL

Chairman Kiefer called the Plan Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the pledge to the flag.

ROLL CALL: Commissioners Renzi, Ruane, Seggebruch, Womack, and Chairman Kiefer were present.

Commissioners Heinen and Minnis were absent. Fire Protection District, Plainfield Public Library District, Plainfield Township Park District and Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 were absent.

OTHERS PRESENT: Jonathan Proulx, Director of Planning; and Jessica Gal, Associate Planner

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Minutes of the Plan Commission meeting held on April 21, 2020 were approved as amended.

APPROVAL OF ANNUAL REPORT

Commissioner Seggebruch made a motion to approve the 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Plan Commission.

Second by Commissioner Womack. Vote by roll call: Renzi, yes; Ruane, yes; Womack, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No Public Comments received via email.

DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Mr. Proulx provided updates on the following Planning case: Des Plaines Street Mixed Use, PetSuites, and Rod Baker Ford.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

1880-05132020.REZ NW Corner of 143rd Street and Route 59

Neal Driscoll,

Dermody Properties

Ms. Gal stated the applicant, Dermody Properties LLC., is seeking approval of a map amendment (re-zoning) from B-3 (Business Highway District) to I-2 (General Industrial) for the property located at the northwest corner of W. 143rd Street (U.S. Route 30) and Illinois Route 59. The subject property was annexed into the Village of Plainfield in 2007 (Ordinance #2672) and subsequently approved a re-zoning to the B-3 zoning district (Ordinance #2693). It is former site of a glass factory that dates to the 1950’s and is currently being used for manufacturing and warehousing. The purpose of the re-zoning request is to bring the current legal, nonconforming uses into compliance and allow for future improvements to the property consistent with industrial development in the surrounding area.

Ms. Gal reviewed the staff report dated May 29, 2020. Ms. Gal concluded staff finds the requested map amendment meets the goals of Comprehensive Plan and is appropriate considering the recent trends in development and future extension of West 143rd Street.

Chairman Kiefer swore in swore in Neal Driscoll, applicant. Mr. Driscoll stated that Dermody Properties is trying to purchase the property and wants to redevelop the property in 4-5 years for to a Class A industrial building.

Chairman Kiefer stated an email was received from Carol and Larry Brown voicing their concerns of the rezoning (see attached). Mr. Proulx confirmed Carol and Larry Brown comments were the only public comments received.

Commissioner Renzi asked the applicant if the present leases will remain in effect for the remainder of their lease term. Mr. Driscoll confirmed. Commissioner Renzi asked staff to confirm the recent code changes affecting floodplain regulations. Mr. Proulx confirmed that there is a text amendment being considered to the subdivision code to update Technical Bulletin 72 related to rainfall intensities. It is still being prepared before final approval by the Village Board. Commissioner Renzi asked if any new applicant will be subject to the new Bulletin. Mr. Proulx confirmed.

Commissioner Ruane asked if it is the applicant’s intent to improve the property when all the leases have expired and if there is a short-term plan to improve the property. Mr. Driscoll indicated there are long-term plans to improve the site to something more modern and functional. Mr. Driscoll explained the short-term improvements, such as; cleaning up truck courts, painting the building, and replacing the fence.

Commissioner Seggebruch asked what the County zoning was for the Ball Glass Factory when it was first built. Ms. Gal stated before the property was annexed into the Village it was zoned industrial (I-1) and indicated that staff did request records from Will County. Commissioner Seggebruch stated that the future redevelopment could make it a better neighbor to the residential.

Commissioner Womack asked if the first curb cut on 143rd St. is part of the parcel. Mr. Driscoll confirmed. Commissioner Womack indicated that will be beneficial to have that access point on 143rd Street. Commissioner Womack asked staff what the max. building coverage for a future building would be. Mr. Proulx indicated he believes the FAR is 0.5, so about 50% lot coverage. Commissioner Womack asked if the applicant will do a complete tear down with a rebuild. Mr. Driscoll stated it is possible and explained what has been discussed as possible future plans. Commissioner Womack asked if there are unintended consequences when re-zoning the property where the current uses are brought into conformance, like the unpaved and unimproved parking then would become a new nonconformity. Mr. Proulx clarified that the FAR is 0.5 for the I-1 district and there are no FAR requirements for the I-2

zoning district. He explained that the limitations will come indirectly from the required setbacks (such as a minimum of 60 feet between industrial uses and residential to the north) and explained buffering and other requirements that staff would be looking for upon redevelopment. Mr. Proulx explained that it is the Village’s objective to bring this property into compliance, since it was annexed “as is” from the county. Any future redevelopment would need to comply with the Village’s codes and ordinances.

Commissioner Ruane made a motion to adopt the findings of fact of staff as the findings of fact of the Plan Commission and, furthermore, recommend approval of the requested map amendment (re-zoning) of the parcel commonly known as 14100 S. Route 59 (Parcel Identification Number 06-03-04-409-003-0000) from B-3– Highway Business District to I-2 – General Industrial District.

Second by Commissioner Seggebruch. Vote by roll call: Renzi, yes; Womack, yes; Seggebruch, yes; Ruane, yes; Kiefer, yes. Motion carried 5-0.

DISCUSSION

Chairman Kiefer asked the public to support their local businesses as the state continues to reopen.

Commissioner Seggebruch asked if the street repaving programs for this year have been suspended. Mr. Proulx explained where the funding for the program comes from and what was approved the Village Board presently.

Commissioner Renzi asked staff where they are at on the parking study for downtown. Mr. Proulx stated that it will be completed once the additional parking and hotel are completed.

Chairman Kiefer asked staff if they have any information on when Village Hall will reopen or when they will resume in-person meetings. Mr. Proulx stated the Village actively working on plans to reopen to the public.

Chairman Kiefer read the reminders.

ADJOURN

Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

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