TOWN OF NORMAL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2006, 5:00 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
100 E. PHOENIX AVE., NORMAL, IL
Members Present:
Ms. Moonan, Mr. Swanlund, Mr. Bartley, Mr. Boser, Mr. Feid, Ms. Struck and Mr. McBride
Members Absent:
None
Others Present:
Mr. Mahrt, Corporation Counsel, Ms. Davison, Town Planner, Mr. Brown, Town Engineer, Mr. Hall, Public Works 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 November 9, 2006, meeting will be approved at the next meeting.
Public Hearing:
- 06-12-28-PC: Amended Final Development Plan, College
Hills Plaza PUD (1503 E. College Ave.)
Ms. Davison reviewed the Staff Report. She said that the west 20,000 sq. ft. portion of the former Jewel-Osco building would be used for a Paul Mitchell Partner School. They will remove 8’ of parking lot along College Ave. and add landscaping. There will be more than adequate parking. The sign along College Ave. will be replaced. A second sign is to be added along Towanda Ave. They are requesting a waiver for a third sign to be added along the southeast side of the building. All free-standing signs are 20’ or lower. The landscaping for the site will not meet the Community Design Standards, and since this is an existing site, they are requesting a waiver on landscaping.
Mr. Frank Miles, 202 N. Center St., Bloomington, IL, was sworn in by Chairperson Moonan. Mr. Miles said that Mr. John Kanski and Mr. Mike Bell were also present. He said that the site was a traditional strip mall. They hope to attract other tenants. Paul Mitchell is a new tenant to the community.
Ms. Struck asked about the setbacks for the signs. Mr. Brown said that the current sign is not a problem. Ms. Davison said that placement of the signs would be reviewed for visibility.
Ms. Struck said that it is difficult to getting out onto Towanda Ave. Mr. Brown said that there are plans to improve the intersection.
Mr. Feid asked if the parking spaces along College Ave. would be moved back. Mr. Miles said that the parking lot would be restriped. Ms. Davison said that the spaces would be moved back and some spaces would be lost.
Mr. Boser asked about applying the Community Design Standards. Ms. Davison said that if the parking lot were to be repaved, more greenspace would be added. Mr. Miles said that this is the first major changed to the building and they would like to put money into the building at this time to attract new tenants. Mr. Boser said that this would make the site more attractive.
There was no one else to speak regarding the application.
Mr. Bartley moved, seconded by Mr. Swanlund, to recommend approval of the application with Staff recommendations to Council.
Ayes: Mr. Bartley, Mr. Boser, Mr. Feid, Mr. Swanlund, Ms. Struck, Mr. McBride and Ms. Moonan
Nays: None
Motion declared carried.
Other Business:
None
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mr. Feid moved, seconded by
Mr. Swanlund, to adjourn the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila McHenry
Office Associate