Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee met July 15

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Vice Chair Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Murphy, January (RP)

Absent: Smith

I. DISCUSSION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING/ZONING DEPARTMENT

MONTHLY REPORT:

There was no discussion.

II. DISCUSSION – ADOPTION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

Chief of Staff Jackson clarified the Zoning Board staff recommended moving forward with the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan final draft.

Alderman Coleman clarified that he reached out and didn’t receive a return call. Lakota Representative Siraj Asfahani questioned any specifics, Alderman Coleman explained had a vision for Sheridan Rd., attempted to arrange a meeting with the business owners and was unsuccessful. He elaborated further. He acknowledged the Mayor, Chief of Staff Greg Jackson and the Aldermen.

Mr. Asfahani elaborated further with the vision of the Comprehensive Plan being reflective of the community etc.

Alderman January questioned clarification with the slide presentation. Mr. Asfahani explained there were (2) versions of the presentation and elaborated further with the vision.

Alderman Evans questioned vision with the downtown area. Mr. Asfahani explained the focus of attracting businesses. It currently was dangerous for pedestrians and deterred opening of any new businesses; the main ones weren’t food related. Alderman Evans asked the next step. Mr. Asfahani explained the need to narrow the streets.

Chief of Staff Jackson chimed in and explained the plan vision was derived from the gathered data, Staff’s responsibility with the support of City Council members to implement the plan or city guidebook. Alderman Evans questioned when it was effective. Chief of Staff Jackson explained the previous plan was a baseline, the plan changed upon community needs and desires providing examples. It should be reviewed in accordance with the changes. The previous comprehensive plan wasn’t properly implemented.

Alderman Coleman explained the previous comprehensive plan was questioned (12) years previous by the late Dr. Wadell Brooks. He clarified council members had a downtown vision for North Chicago. It included the necessary funding and bike paths, he echoed the Chief of Staff’s sentiments with an appearance code for downtown Sheridan Rd., bringing businesses to the city, beautifying the current contractor’s landscaping etc. Chief of Staff Jackson clarified the Comprehensive Plan was a baseline. He suggested a mixed-use development including an entertainment venue, cleaning up the appearance of Sheridan Rd., trash bins were ordered. He clarified the need of the plan as a tool.

The Mayor explained that moving forward with the plan was the roadmap for North Chicago. He directed Council members to study the Comprehensive Plan thoroughly for more understanding.

Mr. Asfahani clarified additional focus with partnerships, The current plan had action strategies in a timeline vs. the previous 2016 plan. Mailers were sent to each individual household. Themes, Goals and strategies were the plan structures for downtown Sheridan Rd. A better tree selection, improved building facades, ADA accessibility, maintaining parking, more pedestrian friendly and beautifying the landscaping. Cross thematic Implementation was new for the Comprehensive Plan and he explained. Chief of Staff Jackson commended the Lakota Group. He emphasized the need of implementing the plan. A draft of the Comprehensive Plan was placed on the city website.

Alderman Murphy added that the plan was provided as possible for the residents, businesses etc.

Mr. Asfahani explained during the transaction, there was concern with loss of communication.

Economic & Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn (via Zoom) was very excited as he commented on the pairing that was very intuitive.

Item II will be placed on the next Council Agenda, August 5, 2024.

III. DISCUSSION OF 1-YEAR SERVICE AGREEMENT EXTENSION REQUEST FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1501 ELIZABETH AVE:

Mr. Wegrzyn requested a 1-year service agreement extension request for property located at 1501 Elizabeth Ave. He explained was a home sold to J&J Homes and was seeking an extension. Item III and IV will be placed on the next Council Agenda, August 5, 2024.

IV. DISCUSSION OF 1-YEAR SERVICE AGREEMENT EXTENSION WITH SAFEBUILT:

Mr. Wegrzyn requested another 1-year service agreement extension request with SafeBuilt. There was no financial change. The City termed agreement with B&F Technical when chosen SafeBuilt.

They would handle the planning review services and inspections.

Alderman Coleman left at 8:04 p.m.

Alderman Coleman returned at 8:10 p.m.

V. DISCUSSION/CONSIDERATION OF CREATING A RFP/RFQ FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CITY-APPEARANCE CODE:

Chief of Staff Jackson suggested creating a RFP/RFQ for the development of a city-appearance code due to the freshened appearance needed for Sheridan Rd.

Alderman Smith had asked consideration for staff to gather a consultant etc. He clarified there was no cost to budget for 2025 to move forward.

Item V. will be placed on the next Council Agenda, August 5, 2024.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy that Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen Murphy, January (RP)

Nays: None

Absent: Smith

The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

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