City of North Chicago Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee met July 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Smith called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith
Absent: Murphy, January
Alderman Jackson left following Roll Call @ 10:26 p.m.
I. DISCUSSION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING/ZONING MONTHLY REPORT:
Economic & Community Development Director Victor Barrera gave monthly report highlighting the Comprehensive Plan Update; the following week the consultant would be starting stakeholder interviews; Lakota Group would in attendance at Community Days, Saturday and Sunday; Open House, August 9, 2023; 6:00 p.m. at the Neal Math & Science Academy; project established for Comprehensive Plan and Community Information Coordinator would be reaching out to social media page outlets; IGA with $4 mil grant received from Brad Schneider Agreement hopeful of placing on the next Council Agenda, August 7, 2023; Business List to be established hopeful of following month; Reviewing Safebuilt agreement renewal and hopeful of placing on the next Council Agenda; B&F Code Construction Service; 1-year renewal to close project and remaining ones – Matthew Homes Project; after Community Days, Mr. Barrera and Mr. Darby, Community Information Coordinator would be a joint effort discussing initiatives and videotaping the business owners extending appreciation for their commitment to the City of North Chicago.
Alderman Jackson returned at 10:29 p.m.
Alderman Evans questioned clarification reducing inspections from 3 to 1 per week and asked if providing and meeting requirements; Mr. Barrera explained were providing the services, enough personnel with change of efficiency resulting in more plan reviews; permit inspections; with code enforcement. Alderman Evans had high concerns with image of Sheridan Rd. viaduct; Mr. Barrera had no information at this time and suggested covering it before revisiting the problem. He had idea of decorative ornaments and would be discussing it with the consultant about beautifying it.
Alderman Jackson proposed considering both a certificate of appreciation and the video presented to the business owner; Mr. Barrera mentioned they would also be invited to the business steak holder workshop.
Alderman Allen questioned status of Ricky Rockets; Mr. Barrera shared that original developer was selling to another group; meeting with the other group presented their past history experience; reviewing then signing off their rights; any parking or building design changes would require Council approval.
Alderman Smith was troubled with the building near McDonald’s franchise; the grass height etc. Mr. Barrera explained the Code Enforcer would send notice to the owner there was broken glass from the windows; Mr. Barrera would follow up with the procedures;
II. DISCUSSION OF THE DONATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE TO FOSS PARK DISTRICT: (720 18TH ST.)
Alderman Coleman clarified had requested Item II; he explained property in the 2nd ward; 720 18th St. wasn’t being utilized and requested discussion of donating it to Foss Park District. Previously were working on it and was returned for continued discussion. There was a new building with estimated 4-5 apartments; no front or back yard. He addressed the Foss Park District Board President Vance Wyatt what was the city’s advantage for a park in the area needed; Mr. Wyatt explained it was a property value increase.
The size of the park would be determined within the confines; subject to review from the E&CD department.
Alderman Coleman would be in favor of donating the property providing there is construction within the requested time period. Mr. Wyatt chimed in explained it depended upon the construction time.
Attorney Simon added that in the past conveyance property was approved and explained the procedures of property donation to another entity quoting a property transfer act. Mr. Wyatt explained the property that it was previously council approved October 7, 2019 and the City approved it first and following was the Foss Park District. Mr. Wyatt explained a delay until their next board meeting in August 2023.
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen that the Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee Meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith
Nays: None
Absent: Murphy, January
The meeting adjourned at 10:54 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COMMITTEE_MINUTES.7.17.23.pdf
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