TOWN OF NORMAL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2006, 5:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
100 E. PHOENIX AVE., NORMAL, IL
Members Present:
Ms. Moonan, Mr. Sender, Mr. Bartley, Mr. Swanlund, Mr. Feid and Ms. Struck
Members Absent:
Mr. Boser
Others Present:
Mr. Mahrt, Corporation Counsel, Ms. Davison, Town Planner, Mr. Troemel, Director of Inspections, Mr. Brown, Town Engineer, Mr. Aldrich, Downtown Redevelopment Director and Ms. McHenry, Office Associate
Call to Order:
Chairperson Moonan called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of the April 6, 2006, meeting was approved as submitted.
Public Hearing:
- 06-05-17-PC: Amended Preliminary Planned Unit Development,
Shoppes at College Hills (Addition of two restaurants and approval
of lot layout plan)
Ms. Davison reviewed the Staff Report on Logan’s Roadhouse restaurant. Ms. Davison showed a picture of a Logan’s Roadhouse that would be similar to the proposed restaurant.
Mr. Mark Bershiers, 3011 Armory, Nashville, TN, was sworn in by Chairperson Moonan. Mr. Bershiers said that there were architectural features on the front and sides of the building. The rear of the building is the kitchen and there is no opportunity to add windows or doors. They can add pilasters and bring the brick up on the back.
Mr. Sender said that the rear roofline was unattractive and that is what will be seen from Veterans Parkway. Mr. Bershiers said that they could address the rear elevation.
Mr. Troemel said that there were parapet walls on the back that hide the rooftop mechanical equipment.
Mr. Bershiers said that they had done different elevations on restaurants that had visible rear views.
Mr. Sender asked if there was a sign on the back. Ms. Davison said that the sign package showed one on the back. Mr. Troemel said that Staff has suggested to Cullinan Properties to use a sign similar to the rest of the development. Mr. Bershiers asked if they could get a prototype. Ms. Davison said that they could and that a monument sign would be desirable.
Ms. Davison asked if the Commission approved of the materials used and if they just wanted to see changes in the architecture on the rear elevation.
Mr. Bershiers said that they could use brick on the back. He said that they try to blend materials so as not to look like other chain restaurants.
Ms. Davison said that there was an LED light shown in the picture. Mr. Bershiers said that it would not be used.
Chairperson Moonan suggested that the changes be made and they come back in June. Mr. Bartley suggested that Staff work out the details of the changes. Mr. Troemel asked if the Commission was comfortable with the materials used.
Ms. Struck said that she was concerned with the sign. Also, the rear of the building needed added detail such as adding pilasters and possibly mimicking the front roof line. Mr. Bershiers said that they could add pilasters, brick and break up the roof line. They will also make sure there is adequate landscaping in the rear. Ms. Struck said that she was comfortable with staff reviewing the changes before going to Council.
Mr. Bershiers said that he would like to get the sign package so that they could design a similar sign.
There was no one else to speak regarding the application.
Mr. Bartley moved, seconded by Mr. Swanlund, to recommend approval of the Logan’s Roadhouse site to Council with Staff approval of a rear elevation and signage.
Ayes: Mr. Bartley, Mr. Sender, Mr. Swanlund, Mr. Feid, Ms. Struck and Ms. Moonan
Nays: None
Motion declared carried.
Ms. Davison reviewed the Staff Report on the proposed lot layout plan for the Shoppes at College Hills. Mr. Troemel said that lot H could be split.
There was no one else to speak regarding the application.
Ms. Struck moved, seconded by Mr. Bartley, to recommend approval of the Amended Preliminary Plan to Council.
Ayes: Mr. Bartley, Mr. Sender, Mr. Swanlund, Mr. Feid, Ms. Struck and Ms. Moonan
Nays: None
Motion declared carried.
Ms. Davison reviewed the Staff Report for the Grid Iron Brew Works restaurant.
Ms. Struck asked about the lighting on the Towanda side.
Mr. Sender moved that the item be carried over until the June meeting because there was no one there to represent the applicant. Mr. Bartley seconded the motion.
There was discussion on the applicant not being present for questions. Mr. Mahrt said that there was a representative from Cullinan Properties present and they were the applicant.
Ms. Gwen Supanic, Cullinan Properties, Ltd., 211 Fulton St., Ste. 700, Peoria, IL, was sworn in by Chairperson Moonan.
Ms. Struck asked what the time frame was for groundbreaking. Ms. Supanic said that it was June.
Chairperson Moonan suggested holding a special meeting.
Ms. Struck said that they should ask question if there were any.
Ms. Moonan asked about the lighting. Ms. Supanic said that there was nothing intrusive toward Towanda Ave. There will be some decorative up-lighting. Chairperson Moonan asked if the landscaping met the requirements. Ms. Davison said that it did.
There was no one else to speak regarding the application.
Motion to carry over.
Ayes: Mr. Bartley and Mr. Sender
Nays: Mr. Swanlund, Mr. Feid, Ms. Struck and Ms. Moonan
Motion denied.
Ms. Struck moved, seconded by Mr. Swanlund, to recommend approval of the Grid Iron Brew Works site to Council with the requested waiver.
Ayes: Mr. Swanlund, Mr. Feid, Ms. Struck and Ms. Moonan
Nays: Mr. Bartley and Mr. Sender
Motion declared carried.
Other Business:
Mr. Aldrich gave an update presentation on the Downtown Renewal Plan.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mr. Feid moved, seconded by
Mr. Bartley, to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried
6-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila McHenry
Office Associate