Lake County Gazette

Village of Deerfield Appearance Review Commission met July 28

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A meeting of the Appearance Review Commission was held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Chairperson Sherry Flores called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Present were:

Sherry Flores, Chairperson

Dustin Goffron

Neil Goldberg

Troy Mock

Daniel Moons

Absent was:

Amy Charlson

Jason Golub

Also Present:

Liz Delevitt, Planning & Design Specialist

Jeri Cotton, Secretary

Document Approval

Mr. Goldberg moved to approve the minutes from the June 23, 2025 Appearance Review Commission meeting. Mr. Goffron seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Public Comment:

There were no public comments on non-agenda items.

Business:

1. NorthShore Center for Oral and Facial Surgery, 700 Osterman Avenue - Opaque Windows

Dr. Diana Mandel, dentist practitioner, with NorthShore Center for Oral and Facial Surgery explained they submitted a revised proposal for opaque windows. The new proposal adheres to the 20 percent window coverage requirement. Some of the remaining window area will be mirrored and some will have clear glass. Ch. Flores explained the reason they are proposing the opaque windows is because of a hardship. The office’s surgical and meeting rooms are located along the building’s perimeter and require privacy. Ms. Delevitt noted the Commission previously expressed that opaque windows would be acceptable. Mr. Goffron and Mr. Moons believe this makes sense. Mr. Goldberg questioned the letter size. Ms. Delevitt believes the letter height is 3 inches. Ch. Flores asked about the color. Dr. Mandel explained the stripe is monochrome with white letters.

Mr. Mock questioned the prior window coverings. Dr. Mandel explained the new film was placed over the mirrored film. Ms. Delevitt believes one is on the inside of the glass and one is on the outside. Mr. Mock expressed concern as the submittal references existing film but does not address the condition. Dr. Mandel assured the Commission, it is their priority to replace any film that is not in good condition.

Mr. Goldberg moved to approve the plans as submitted with any existing window covering not in good condition be replaced. Mr. Goffron seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:

AYES: Goffron, Goldberg, Moons, Flores (4)

NAYS: Mock (1)

2. Deerfield Square Residential Building, 728 Waukegan Road – Dog Run and Bike Storage

Chris Siavelis, Senior Vice President with CRM Properties, explained 728 Lofts is looking to add a fenced dog run and bike storage sheds to the parking lot in the rear of their building by the trash enclosures. The dog run will be 17’ – 8¾” long x 8’ – 8” wide (154 SF) and will be enclosed by a 5-foot-high metal fence. The ground material will be Smart Pet Plus turf that will be rinsed clean by the property management company. They will also provide a doggie bag stand for residential use. Three (3) metal bike storage sheds will be installed behind the existing trash enclosures to replace the location previously approved for a bike rack. Each individual storage shed will have the capacity to hold four (4) bikes. The double doors of each enclosure can be locked and the bike owners can also lock their bikes to the inside of the units for added protection. The fire department has reviewed and approved the proposed plan. They have noted that adequate clearances from electrical equipment and the required fire lane will be maintained.

Mr. Moons moved to approve the dog run and bike storage for 728 Waukegan Road as presented. Mr. Mock seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:

AYES: Goffron, Goldberg, Mock, Moons, Flores (5)

NAYS: None (0)

Mr. Siavelis provided updates on the landscaping for the 720 Building in Deerfield Square.

The low growing sumac will not be replaced until next year, pending review from a landscape architect. In the Spring of 2026, he will bring a new landscape plan to the Commission.

Mr, Siavelis noted the rooftop screening has been delayed due an additional height requirement. The higher screening been approved by the Village administratively. It is now in fabrication, and Mr. Siavelis hopes it will be completed by fall.

Ms. Delevitt noted Rosebud is still displaying their old umbrellas, but new umbrellas were recently approved. She will send them a violation letter.

3. Sky Zone, 120 S. Waukegan Road – Exterior Paint Color Change

Ron Serbon, Construction Project Manager with Sky Zone requested a color change for the exterior of the building from what was approved. The proposed color is SW 6967 Frank Blue rather than SW 9645 Big Dipper Grey. Mr. Serbon noted the building was originally a burgundy color that matched the branding of Art Van Furniture, the previous tenant. Sky Zone would like to change the color to blue to better match their branding.

Mr. Mock does not believe the blue looks as nice as the gray. Mr. Goffron is okay with the blue, as it is part of their branding. Ch, Flores prefers what was previously approved.

She believes the blue background appears like a sign and thinks grey fits in more with the building’s architecture Mr. Moons believes the blue is more kid-friendly and the building is set far enough back from Waukegan Road to matter. Mr. Goffron is okay with the blue background.

Ms. Delevitt pointed out a couple of issues that are not on the agenda for tonight, so they can be discussed, but not voted on. The white lettering on the pylon panel for Sky Zone does not exactly match the white lettering for Floor and Decor. The sign criteria does not specify opaqueness, but the whites do not match. For the future, the Commission should ensure they all match. Sky Zone is more translucent while Floor and Decor is opaque.

Ch. Flores believes the Commission should set standards in the future.

Ms. Delevitt also noted Sky Zone received a violation for opaquing their front facing three (3) windows. The Commission can discuss and give feedback, but cannot vote on these windows as it was not on the agenda. Mr. Serbon explained that behind the windows are the guest check-in area to the right and an air basketball court to the left. He explained they propose opaquing the window to entice people to come into the property. It also cuts down on the UV rays coming in, which helps with the heat. Ch. Flores explained the Commission usually only allows opaque windows for a hardship. Mr. Moons would not be in favor of covering more than 20 percent of the windows. Mr. Serbon believes the window coverings add to the building’s aesthetic. Mr. Goldberg believes the window graphics are advertisements. Mr. Mock agrees with the windows.

Mr. Goffron moved to approve the exterior paint color change as presented. Mr. Goldberg seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:

AYES: Goffron, Goldberg, Mock, Moons (4)

NAYS: Flores (1)

Items from the Staff

Ms. Delevitt reported Dunkin’ has been installing their signs, but the directional signs need to be lowered and reduced in area, based on the Commission’s approval. Mr. Moons noted the pothole near the ordering window has not been fixed. Ms. Delevitt also noted the Dunkin’ ground sign has their registered trademark on their signs. She has sent out many sidewalk sign violations and many illegal sidewalk signs have been removed. Ms. Delevitt reached out to Sweetgreen about their peeling window vinyl. Super 8 painted only part of their building and needs to finish up the painting as part of their approval. 

Briarwood Dental removed their feather banners.

Items from the Commission

Mr. Goldberg asked for clarification on listing services. Ms. Delevitt noted there was a court case that sets the precedent about not voting on content. The 20 percent coverage content cannot be regulated. Ch. Flores asked about the trash enclosures at Deerfield Village Centre. Ms. Delevitt believes the old one has not yet been removed.

Adjournment

There being no further business or discussion, Mr. Moons moved to adjourn the meeting.

Mr. Mock seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 pm.

The next Appearance Review Commission meeting will be August 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm.

https://www.deerfield.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252025-1248