High-density project proposals spurred residents to speak up at the Lake Bluff board of trustees regular meeting 7:00 p.m. Jan. 11 in the Village Hall Board Room at 40 E. Center Ave.
After Village President Kathleen O’Hara called the meeting to order, Village Clerk Aaron Towle performed roll call, revealing Trustees Barbara Ankenman, Steve Christensen, Mark Dewart, Eric Grenier, John Josephitis and William Meyer were in attendance.
Also present were Drew Irvin, village administrator; Peter Friedman, village attorney; Susan Griffin, finance director; David Belmonte, police chief; Michael Croak, building codes supervisor; and Brandon Stanick, assistant to the village administrator.
Following the Pledge, the board approved minutes from the Dec. 14, 2015, meeting.
During the time allotted for visitors’ remarks, Gretchen Seymour expressed her neighborhood’s collective concern over possible redevelopment in the Central Business District (CBD) due to density, traffic, parking and infrastructure issues. Kyle Peterson brought up similar objections regarding proposed high-density buildings on Oak and North Avenues, while Chris Volkert raised the topic of stormwater and flooding.
O’Hara thanked the three citizens for their feedback then explained that proposals are only in the conceptual phase with no actions scheduled. She added that it was in everyone’s interest to retain the charm and character of the downtown area and encouraged continued feedback.
Additional discussion ensued on transitional zoning, and former Trustee Marina Carney Puryear added that special events parking on North Avenue and rental housing appearance are also related to density issues.
With no objections to the order of business listed for the meeting, the board proceeded to consider agenda items, approving warrant reports and payroll expenses. The board heard and accepted the December 2015 finance report and correspondence from informational reports.
The board also approved the second reading of an ordinance concerning the Lake County watershed development, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
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