Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee met Aug. 4

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Brooks called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks 

Absent: Coleman

I. DISCUSSION OF PETITION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT – LIMITED COMMERCIAL RESIDENCE AT 601 10TH ST:

Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained ownership had changed and the zoning would remain as the previous owner. Had to be approved again because of new ownership (non-transferable).

Alderman Allen asked why the City did not notify the new owners of the special use upon inspection.

Mr. Wegrzyn explained the staff recommended approval for the Special Use Permit, Limited Commercial Residence at 601 10th St. Generally it was the property owner’s due diligence. The new ERP system allowed attachment to the records to specific addresses. 

Item I will be placed on the next Council Agenda, August 18, 2025.

II. DISCUSSION OF PETITION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT – YOUTH COMMUNITY RESIDENT AT 816 18TH ST:

Mr. Wegrzyn recommended the Special Use Permit for Youth Community Residence at 816 18th St.

For ages 12-18 young men. Petitioners were present to answer questions.

Alderman Evans questioned clarification. Mr. Wegrzyn explained that there was institutionalized housing, there was full-time staff member supervising and a residential setting. Alderman Evans asked why the Alderman (2nd Ward) wasn’t contacted before presented on the Council floor.  He questioned the number of young men. Mr. Wegrzyn explained it was based on the cap the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) placed in and the number of rooms.

Alderman Jackson questioned why the City of North Chicago and he echoed Alderman Evans’ sentiments.  

Alderman Evans asked how the staff was compensated. Ms. Barnes utilized from the census, (5) for group home. She was referred primarily to DCFS.  He asked why North Chicago. She reiterated was referred by the agency in 2022. He clarified the City was moving forward.  Ms. Barnes explained the data was concerning 2025. Alderman Evans echoed sentiments of fellow aldermen. She respected the City’s decision.

The Mayor explained the Zoning Board procedures with facts presented to them and criteria were followed. He gave a scenario if Naperville, IL opened a group home if the North Chicago youth be accepted and could this fill the service gap. She acknowledged it could.

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained the Zoning Board based decisions on the Zoning Ordinance including the staff perspective and several incidents with runaways and fires.  DCFS wasn’t the strongest agency.  He applauded the mission and clarified that group homes were tested. The 2022 date was secondary from the agency.  The City was very close to state legislation and this information has never been expressed. The homeless youth issue was discussed vs. at-risk youth.  He was highly concerned with the safety and general welfare of the community. The Police and Fire Department also had strong concerns.  From the staff perspective, it could be potentially problematic.

Alderman Evans was aware of the Zoning Board guidelines and how to prevent the subject to the community. The Chief of Staff clarified the difference in zoning. Any person had the right to petition and the council provided the final decision. The Chief of Staff explained were zoning requirements to be adhered accordingly and could change the policy.

Alderman Evans questioned clarification according to the council members not moving forward. The Chief of Staff would direct the issue to the attorney. Attorney Megan Mack explained that the item should be voted, because the petitioner had the right to appeal.

Item II will be placed on the next Council Agenda, August 18, 2025.

III. DISCUSSION OF PETITION FOR CERTAIN GARAGE AND SHED VARIATION AT 1701 GREENFIELD AVE:

Mr. Wegrzyn explained the certain garage and shed variations at 1701 Greenfield Ave. There was previous setback variations approved. The property owner was seeking to expand setback variation of garage and seeking to relocate the shed at the southeast corner of the property close to the fence line in minimizing space. The owner was present to address any questions. 

Alderman Brooks expressed his concern of the expansion to the fence line and a possibility of many cars.

Item III will be placed on the next Council Agenda, August 18, 2025.

IV. DISCUSSION OF RFP FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES – NON-RESIDENTIAL APPEARANCE CODE:

Mr. Wegrzyn explained this was budgeted and previously discussed for higher standard of new construction, advertising for proposals Not to Exceed Amount of 20k.

Item IV will be placed on the next Council Agenda, August 18, 2025.

V. DISCUSSION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH DEIGAN GROUP FOR OVERSIGHT OF CRA CLEAN CLOSURE – SHERIDAN CROSSING SITE FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $436,883

The Chief of Staff explained that Mr. Deigan’s expertise was a professional environmental consultant and not requiring an RFP (Request for Proposal). This discussion was for an oversight of the cleanup at Sheridan Crossing. Mr. Deigan also saved the City $500,000.

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Coleman was absent.

The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

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