Village of Romeoville Planning and Zoning Commission met Dec. 13.
Here is the agenda provided by the commission:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
Present 8 - Commissioner David Venn, Commissioner Paul Scieszka, Commissioner Petra Burgess, Commissioner Jim McConachie, Commissioner Dan Repetowski, Commissioner Rich Holloway, Commissioner Gary Nelson, and Associate Member Sharon Hoffman
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Paul Scieszka, seconded by Dan Repetowski, to Approve the Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Burgess, seconded by Commissioner Scieszka, that the November 8, 2022 PZ Minutes be Approved. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. NEW BUSINESS
RES22-3506 A Resolution Approving a Final Plat of Dedication for Highpoint Drive
Nathan Darga, Project Development & Planning Coordinator read the Project Compliance Report.
The Village of Romeoville is requesting approval of a Plat of Dedication for the Future Highpoint Drive Extension. The property is owned by the Village and Zoned R-5, Single Family. This plat will dedicate the land as official street right of way. This step is needed in order for the Village to apply for grant funding for the future road improvements.
Recommendation:
The Development review Committee has reviewed the proposal and is recommending approval.
Commissioner Nelson asked if the dog leg to the west lines up with possible future development along the south side Airport Road. Mr. Darga replied yes, if it was a straight road it would be too close to the light at Walmart. Mr. Darga stated that it is for better alignment on Airport Road.
Commissioner Scieszka asked if there was a time frame on the development.
Mr. Darga replied that when funds are available through grant(s).
A motion was made by Commissioner Holloway, seconded by Commissioner Repetowski, that this Resolution be Recommend for Approval to the Village Board on 1/4/2023. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
PROJ22-071 9 A Concept Plan for NR1 Transport at 1385 N. Joliet Road
Nathan Darga, Project Development & Planning Coordinator read the Project Compliance Report.
Nerijus Zitkevicius representing NR1 Transport Inc, has applied for a new building at 1385 N. Joliet Road.
Lot 3 of the Bluff Point subdivision is located along Joliet Road. The subdivision was created in 2005 and the lots rough graded. The other lots have all been developed with warehouse industrial buildings by Land & Lakes. This lot was reserved for commercial and zoned B-3. There has never been any commercial interest on the parcel due to the surrounding uses and heavy truck traffic on the Vulcan access road. NR1 Transport is proposing to purchase the lot and develop it for a truck repair facility. This would require rezoning the property. The proposed building would be 16,200 square feet with a masonry office section in the front and a metal repair section in the rear. The use of metal would require a code exception. The building would have 6 overhead doors facing east. None of the doors face the street.
The applicant is proposing 16 car parking spaces, 15 truck tractor spaces, and 9 trailers spaces. 9 trailer spaces meet the village code requirement of 1.5 spaces per door. The trailer spaces are only to be able to store the trailer while the truck tractor is being worked on. The building does not have a warehouse component. All truck maneuvering is able to be done on site. To accomplish this, the building is moved to the far west end of the lot. The building will use the existing private access road. There are no new curb cuts being proposed on Joliet Road.
Method of Investigation:
The Development review Committee has reviewed the proposal.
Recommendation:
Provide input to the applicant
Chairman Venn swore in the applicants Nerijus Zitkevicius, owner and Aurimas Spucys, Morris Engineering, Inc, 515 Warrenville Road, Lisle, IL 60532.
Chairman Venn asked the time frame for the PUD. Mr. Spucys replied they are in the process of purchasing the property and right now they are making sure that the Village will rezone the property to go forward with the project. Mr. Zitkevicius also stated that they are waiting on zoning.
Commissioner Nelson asked if they were going to use the Vulcan sign to add their signage to. Mr. Darga replied that there are not panels on that sign to add to. Mr.
Spucys replied that is Vulcan's sign and they would be purchasing their own signage.
Commissioner Nelson asked how extensive is the repair facility? Is it just routine maintenance or rebuilding and major repairs? Mr. Zitkevicius it will be mostly minor repairs, but major repairs will be done when necessary.
Commissioner Nelson asked if it would be normal business hours and not 24 hours.
Mr. Zitkevicius replied yes normal hours are 8-5.
Mr. Spucys stated that it will be similar to their location at 667 Parkwood Avenue.
They do a lot of monthly inspections to prepare for DOT certification.
Commissioner Scieszka asked about the partial metal building and why it is need.
What is the percentage of metal on the building. Mr. Spucys stated that they looked at what has been previously approved by the Village and with trucking companies you see that design. The metal is different from metal buildings from years ago.
Mr. Darga stated that it is a code exception. Commissioner Scieszka stated that it is becoming more common, is it something that will have to be addressed. His opinion is moving forward with masonry. He understands that the metal can be decorative but it seems to be more common that applicants are asking.
Mr. Darga stated that it is a code exception, but at the Staff level they have been more open to the modern metal rather than the past metal buildings. It is the decision of this Commission to make their recommendation.
Commissioner Scieszka asked what the percentage of metal on the building is. Mr. Spucys stated that he would have to get that from the architect to give exact.
Commissioner Burgess asked if they were the only occupant of this building. Mr. Zitkevicius replied yes.
Commissioner Repetowski stated that he agrees with Commissioner Scieszka on the masonry building. We would like to see long term building structures.
Mr. Spucys commented on the block building vs precast. Precast is taking a year and a half to get which would push the project back as well. They could make an adjustment to block to get it back to next meeting.
Michael Shurhay, Planning Technician, read the Project Compliance Report.
Paterna Properties LLC, has applied for a redevelopment at 201 E Romeo Road. The property is located just East of Illinois Route 53 on Romeo Road. The current zoning for the property is B-2, Community Shopping. The former use of the property is a restaurant. After multiple unsuccessful businesses for the current use, the property sold to a new owner. The applicant is proposing to redevelop the site and convert the former restaurant into industrial condos. This would require a rezoning of the property and approval of a planned unit development.
The applicant is proposing new decorative siding and gable roof accents to improve the overall look of the building. The building would be split off into four individual units with two front overhead doors. Front yard overhead doors are proposed but will not be permitted for long term truck trailer docks. Each unit will be around 1,940 sq. ft and include updated restrooms for each unit. There will be an increased front yard setback with new landscaping to enhance the front yard view. The parking lot will be repaved to include new landscape islands and ADA compliant parking stalls. There will be 34 parking stalls and none will be permitted for truck trailer parking. The property is seeking multiple variances including setbacks, curb and gutter, and storm sewer system. Additional variances will be called out prior to the final approval.
Method of Investigation:
The Development review Committee has reviewed the proposal.
Recommendation:
Provide input to the applicant
Chairman Venn swore in the applicants Steve Gulden- Gulden and Associates Consulting; John Bieritz and Dave Altosino- JB Architecture.
Chairman Venn asked if the exterior and interior lighting plans would adhere to Village requirements. Mr. Shurhay commented that lighting plans have not been submitted at this time for the concept plan. Chairman Venn wanted them to consider that when coming back with drawings.
Chairman Venn asked what the timing of this project is.
Mr. Gulden stated that Saratori Properties have purchased this property and would like to bring it back to life with industrial condos. With a facelift and the garage doors on the front will be decorative. The building has four units that can be combined as well. They are looking for contractor type tenants. They will be bringing the site up to code and will be asking for variances for setbacks and fire hydrants.
Chairman Venn asked if there will be a need for asbestos abatement in the building. Mr. Bieritz replied no.
Commissioner Nelson thanked them for explaining the overhead doors, they will be a great feature for the building. On the ends of the building will they be they same doors. Mr. Gulden replied yes, the applicant would prefer all doors in the front, but there is not enough room.
Commissioner Nelson asked to see the aerial and what is the semi circle drive in the rear of the property and what will be done to minimize that - a fence or berm.
Mr. Gulden replied that the former owners have been utilizing that property that is not theirs for years with no agreements. The plan is to asphalt that area up to the property line with a fence and possibly landscaping if there is room. Trucks will not be permitted back there as they cannot fit. The back doors are there and would need that with a hard surface.
Commissioner Nelson stated that the dumpsters would not be back there, they are on the sides. Mr. Bieritz replied yes they are currently located along the sides.
Commissioner McConachie asked if there is a watermain on the south side of Romeo Road or on the other side to tie into? Mr. Darga commented that the property is still on a well because the nearest watermain is located near Walgreens about a quarter mile away and is not possible to connect to. They are on septic as the treatment plant is located to the south of the property.
Mr. Gulden replied that they will follow all of the Fire Departments codes for sprinkler system with tanks.
Commissioner Scieszka asked what type of overhead doors will be on the builiding and will there be loading dock. Mr. Bieritz stated that the doors will be at ground level and they will be used when a box truck or pick up truck will need to load up materials or equipment.
Commissioner Scieszka commented on the side garage doors and a 50 foot semi trailer blocking both ends of the unit and emergency personnel not having access.
Mr. Bieritz stated that area is intended for box trucks and area for them to maneuver.
Mr. Gulden stated they are specifically looking for users with box truck type, like contractor type businesses.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
None
9. CHAIR'S REPORT
10. COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
11. VILLAGE BOARD LIAISON REPORT
12. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORT
Nathan Darga, Project Development & Planning Coordinator stated that the next meeting will probably take place on January 24, 2023.
13. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Dan Repetowski, seconded by Rich Holloway, that this Meeting be Adjourned. The motion carried unanimously.
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