Village of Libertyville Appearance Review Commission met March 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
Members Present: Chairman John Robbins, Ken Chapin, Brad Meyer, Rich Seneczko, and Jennifer Tarello.
Members Absent: None.
A quorum was established.
Village Staff Present: Chris Sandine, Associate Planner
Commissioner Meyer made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tarello, to approve the February 20, 2017, Appearance Review Commission meeting minutes.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
Old Business:
ARC 17-09 Pam Daniels, Authorized Agent for IRC Retail Centers Management Inc. 1300-1440 S. Milwaukee Avenue
Request is for approval of new signage.
Ms. Pam Daniels and Mr. Jeff Semler, representatives for IRC Retail Centers Management Inc., presented the proposed signage at 1300-1440 S. Milwaukee Avenue. Ms. Daniels stated she has revised the plans from the previous meeting. Ms. Daniels stated the background of the tenant panel on the pylon sign will not be white, but instead be a specific beige color that matches the rest of the tenant panels. Ms. Daniels stated the applicant has modified the size of the wall sign to 36” and will meet the Village Code at 122 total square feet. Ms. Daniels stated the wall sign will be 4” taller than the Red Top Sign Criteria allows.
Mr. Semler stated the applicant has moved the location of the wall sign as there was concern with the mansard roof covering the letters. Chairman Robbins stated the sign is in a better location, since it is on axis with the drive.
Commissioner Seneczko questioned the height of the letters, as the drawings state the height will be 39” tall instead of 36” tall. Ms. Daniels admitted she had been mistaken and confirmed the height of the wall sign letters will be 39” tall.
Commissioner Meyer stated he does not believe an extra 7” will make a difference in the stores’ success. Commissioner Meyer stated he is not a fan of the larger sign. Commissioner Seneczko stated the wall sign looks out of proportion still.
Ms. Daniels stated the applicants brand is larger on many storefronts. Commissioner Meyer questioned what the larger sign will get them. Ms. Daniels stated the storefront is setback far from the road, and other shopping centers in the area are closer to the road. Chairman Robbins stated there is no shopping center close to the road. Ms. Daniels stated the shopping center directly across the street is closer to the road.
Commissioner Tarello stated this wall sign would be the only one with green lettering. Chairman Robbins stated he does not have a problem with the green lettering for the wall sign or the pylon sign as long as the background matches. Chairman Robbins stated he is still troubled by the size of the wall sign. Commissioner Tarello stated a smaller sign will still pop visually.
Commissioner Chapin stated the larger wall sign and green color lettering does not bother him. Commissioner Chapin confirmed the sign will meet the Zoning Code requirements for square footage.
Chairman Robbins questioned the representatives how they would like to move forward. Mr. Semler stated he would like to move forward to amend the Planned Unit Development. Mr. Semler stated he does not perceive an issue with other tenants wanting larger signage, if this wall sign gets approved.
Commissioner Chapin stated he is glad to see the store occupied.
Commissioner Chapin made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Meyer, to approve the application for new signage at 1300-1440 S. Milwaukee, in accordance with the plans submitted.
Motion failed 1 - 4, with Chairman Robbins, Commissioner Meyer, Commissioner Seneczko, and Commissioner Tarello voting against.
Commissioner Tarello asked how the applicant decided upon the 39” letters. Mr. Semler stated the sign company for the tenant reviewed the ordinances for the Village and decided upon 39” letters. Commissioner Tarello stated every other tenant may come back with 39” letters. Mr. Semler stated he has not heard the other tenants actively seeking larger sign sizes, and the extra 7” may kill the deal for them.
Commissioner Seneczko made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tarello, to approve the application for new signage at 1300-1440 S. Milwaukee, subject to the following condition: 1) the wall sign is reduced to 32” maximum letters.
Motion carried 4 - 1, with Commissioner Chapin voted against.
New Business:
ARC 17-14 The Care of Trees, Authorized Agent for Riva Ridge Umbrella Association Riva Ridge Umbrella Association
Request is for approval of new landscaping.
Mr. Loren Nagy, representative for Riva Ridge Umbrella Association, presented the proposed landscaping for Riva Ridge Umbrella Association. Mr. Nagy provided supplemental information to the Commission. Mr. Nagy stated he has done an inspection of the property and noted which material should be removed or replaced. Mr. Nagy stated they will be keeping a diverse plant palette, in order to avoid a limited number of plants and their corresponding issues. Mr. Nagy stated his report included eleven (11) trees that were not reported to the Appearance Review Commission for previous permits, and upon further inspection, there have been seventeen (17) trees that were not reported. Mr. Nagy stated a majority of the trees to be removed will be Ash and Austrian Pine.
Chairman Robbins questioned if there were any apple trees on Apple Tree Lane. Mr. Nagy stated there may be some crabapple trees, but not any apple trees. Commissioner Chapin stated nobody would want to clean up the apples.
Commissioner Chapin stated removing these trees will be great to help avoid the spread of diseases throughout the trees. Chairman Robbins stated the area feels overplanted. Commissioner Chapin stated it is difficult to get turf cover because the canopy trees don’t allow sunlight to reach the ground. Mr. Nagy stated erosion is becoming an issue in some areas, which may lead to storm sewer blockage and other issues.
Commissioner Chapin made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Seneczko, to recommend the Village Board of Trustees approve the application for new landscaping at Riva Ridge Umbrella Association, in accordance with the plans submitted.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
ARC 17-15 Tony Mesagna, Main Street Venture 602-610 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Request is for new landscaping.
Mr. Tony Mesagna, representing Main Street Venture, presented the new landscaping at 602-610 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Mr. Mesagna stated the tree is hanging over the power lines and he is having issues with branches falling on the cars underneath.
Chairman Robbins questioned the type of tree. Commissioner Chapin stated he believes the tree is an Elm, but is unsure from the picture.
Commissioner Meyer made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chapin, to recommend the Village Board of Trustees approve the application for new landscaping at 602-610 N. Milwaukee Avenue, in accordance with the plans submitted.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
ARC 17-10 Rick Swanson, Authorized Agent for Tony Mesagna 608 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Request is for approval of new exterior elements and landscaping.
Mr. Rick Swanson and Mr. Joey Rosa (JMR Landscaping), representatives for Main Street Social, presented the new landscaping at 608 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Mr. Swanson stated the plan has some cosmetic changes since the last plan. Mr. Swanson stated the first change was to include a fire pit instead of a fireplace in the back area. Mr. Swanson stated the initial focus for the project was on the front trellis and pergola element. Mr. Swanson stated the next step in the process was to revisit the rear eating area. Mr. Swanson stated the ribbon fireplace will be replaced with a fire pit, as a focal point for the area. Mr. Swanson stated one of the Code issues with serving drinks is to enclose the area with a fence and every part must be accessible from the bar. Mr. Swanson stated the stone wall will be removed from the original drawing because the plantings will cover the fence area. Mr. Swanson stated the fountain has been removed in favor of a matching arbor with matching columns.
Mr. Rosa stated the fire pit area will include boxwoods and perennials for color. Mr. Rosa stated there will be two Dwarf Magnolias in a larger, square container next to the fire pit. Mr. Rosa stated the border of the area will include Adams Yews for a green wall.
Commissioner Chapin questioned the size of the Adams Yews when they will be planted. Mr. Rosa stated the overall size will be about 6’ to 7’ tall. Commissioner Chapin stated he is unfamiliar with this type of plant. Mr. Rosa stated there will be a service access walk to reach the apartment entrances. Mr. Rosa stated the green wall will make the patrons feel as if they are inside a living room instead of a parking lot.
Mr. Rosa stated the hardscape will be made of two materials; mostly clay pavers and blue stone planking. Mr. Rosa stated the plants will be pruned and not overpower the area. Mr. Swanson stated the fence will be black wrought iron, as seen in other higher-end restaurants.
Commissioner Chapin asked if a two foot area will be able to hold 6’ to 7’ tall trees. Mr. Rosa stated the trees will only be 18” wide and balled in burlap.
Commissioner Seneczko stated the egress gate cannot be on a sloped area. Mr. Swanson stated he is working through that issue with Village Staff.
Commissioner Chapin made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tarello, to recommend the Village Board of Trustees approve the application for new exterior elements and landscaping at 608 N. Milwaukee Avenue, in accordance with the plans submitted.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
ARC 17-16 William Morris, Authorized Agent for First Church of Christ Scientist 120 E. Cook Avenue
Request is for approval of new building facades.
Mr. William Morris, representative for First Church of Christ Scientist, presented the proposal for new building facades at 120 E. Cook Avenue. Mr. Morris explained his client is looking to have a new exterior door on the north facade of the building.
Commissioner Seneczko asked if the door will be a replacement of a door or an entirely new door. Mr. Morris stated the existing door will be moved and a new door will be installed.
Chairman Robbins asked for clarification on the elevation provided. Mr. Morris stated the Church’s intent was to create a reading room and they are looking to upgrade the washroom facilities inside. Mr. Morris stated the current door does not meet any ADA standards and the front door swings out over the public sidewalk. Mr. Morris stated the concept is to build a new washroom, install an ADA compliant door, and provide some infill for the new doorway.
Chairman Robbins clarified the doorway already contains exposed steel lintel from a partial window. Mr. Morris stated the new door will be made of standard insulated metal. Mr. Morris stated the glass will be a clear glass and the lighting will be on the inside of the doorway.
Commissioner Meyer made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Tarello, to recommend the Village Board of Trustees approve the application for new building facades at 120 E. Cook Avenue, in accordance with the plans submitted.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
ARC 17-17 Peter Harmon, Authorized Agent for Ridgeline Property Group 1755-1795 N. Butterfield Road
Request is for approval of new building facades.
Mr. Peter Harmon, representative for Ridgeline Property Group, presented the proposal for new building facades at 1755-1795 N. Butterfield Road. Mr. Harmon stated their proposal is to build- as-suit for their client, which includes a 109,000 SF building on Lot 4. Mr. Harmon stated there is a back end timeline to get the project going per the Settlement Agreement introduced on November 25, 2009. Mr. Harmon stated the only changes from the Settlement Agreement are the updated facade including pre-cast panels and a main entrance point. Mr. Harmon stated the footprint and parking will remain the same.
Commissioner Seneczko questioned the grade of the proposed building relative to the neighboring houses. Mr. Harmon stated the dimensions they were given to work with include maintaining a thirty-four foot (34’) height from the top of slab to the top of the roof. Commissioner Seneczko wondered if the height of the building will be visible from the houses across the Metra railway or if a berm will be able to cover most of the building. Mr. Harmon stated the intent is to stay within the original Settlement Agreement. Mr. Harmon stated the houses have a contour line of about 750 and the finished floor of the building will be at a contour line of about 736. Commissioner Meyer confirmed a berm and landscaping will be along the Metra railway to screen the building from the homes.
Chairman Robbins confirmed the other openings around the building will stay the same.
Commissioner Tarello, made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chapin, to recommend the Village Board of Trustees approve the application for new building materials at 1755-1795 N. Butterfield Road, in accordance with the plans submitted.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
ARC 17-18 Scott Hezner, Authorized Agent for Village of Libertyville 1532 Artaius Parkway
Request is for approval of new building facades and lighting.
Mr. Scott Hezner, representative for the Village of Libertyville, presented the proposal for new building facades and lighting at 1532 Artaius Parkway. Mr. Hezner stated the proposal is for a new chemical building at the Libertyville Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Hezner stated the building was designed to architecturally blend in with the rest of the buildings on the campus. Mr. Hezner stated the purpose of the lighting fixture on the garage is to project light and not be contained to any single direction. Mr. Hezner stated light is projecting outwards so other lights will not need to be placed on the site.
Chairman Robbins confirmed the photometrics comply with Village Code.
Mr. Hezner stated the purpose of the landscaping was to maintain open lines of site and replicate the natural hydrology of the water flow.
Commissioner Seneczko made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Chapin, to recommend the Village Board of Trustees approve the application for new building facades and lighting at 1532 Artaius Parkway, in accordance with the plans submitted.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
Communications and Discussion:
Commissioner Meyer questioned the regulations of interior window signs, specifically relating to signage further than twelve inches (12”) from the glass. Mr. Sandine stated window signs are allowed 35% of the window space. Commissioner Meyer stated he is concerned with the amount of window signage at the Craft Beer Store downtown. Mr. Sandine stated Staff will be looking into the amount of signage the store is promoting. Commissioner Meyer and Commissioner Tarello stated the signage currently looks horrible and can be seen distinctly down Milwaukee Avenue.
Chairman Meyer moved and Commissioner Tarello seconded a motion to adjourn.
Motion carried 5 - 0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
http://www.libertyville.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03202017-777
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