MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY APRIL 19,2007@ 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, NORMAL CITY HALL
100 E. PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
Members Physically Present:
Gary Blakney, Keith Palmgren, Todd Anderson, Kathleen Lorenz, Corrine Brand
Members Physically Absent:
Randy Schaab, Tony Penn
Others Physically Present:
Corporation Council Steve Mahrt, Director of Inspections Greg Troemel, and Office Associate Debbi Feid, Gene Brown, Engineer
Call to Order:
Vice-Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.
Minutes:
The minutes of the March 15, 2007 meeting were approved as submitted.
Public Hearings:
- Case No. 07-03-02-V: Variations for parking in the
front yard and parking within 3 feet of a side yard at 501
Raab Road (Carried over from the March 15, 2007 meeting of
the Zoning Board of Appeals)
This case has been withdrawn by the applicant (developer) due to a possible buyout.
- Case No. 07-04-03-SU: Special Use Permit for a
telecommunications tower at 303 Kingsley (Kingsley Junior
High School)
Mr. Troemel, Director of Inspections gave a brief background about this Special Use Case.
Mr. Troemel explained that Verizon Wireless is requesting a special use permit for a 150-foot telecommunications tower and ancillary 11x.5’ x 30’ equipment shelter on west side of the football field at the Kingsley address. This monopole will replace the existing light pole which is approximately 80 feet tall. The applicants are requesting that the tower to replace it be 150’ monopole. The lights will then be installed at the same height on the tower. The applicants are also requesting a residential setback waiver from 500ft. to 100ft.
Mr. Stuart Harrison, representing Verizon Wireless, 42 W. Spruce St., Canton, IL, was sworn in by Vice-Chairman Anderson. Mr. Harrison spoke about the need for this monopole tower in this part of the community. Mr. Harrison spoke about the photo that depicted the tower and the reception that it would get. Mr. Harrison said the height of the tower would allow for 3 to 4 co-locators to attach to it. Mr. Harrison said the generator would for the tower would be in the shelter. There would also be an 8 foot fence of light grey vinyl constructed around it. Mr. Harrison said they would plant some pompous grasses around the fence.
Ms. Lorenz had some concerns about the 100ft. setback waiver.
Mr. Gene Thacker, 12 Delaine Drive, Normal, IL. was sworn in by Vice-Chairman. Mr. Thacker had some strong concerns against the proposed monopole tower. Mr. Thacker was concerned about health issues, property values that this cell tower might cause. He also thought the setback was too close to his property and didn’t want it in his backyard. Mr. Thacker also wondered if this tower could be placed on ISU property.
Mr. Harrison said they have tried to work with ISU, but they seem not interested. Mr. Harrison said that the studies about cell towers and their effects on people show no evidence of harm.
Mrs. Laura Thacker, 12 Delaine Drive, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Vice-Chairman Anderson. Mrs. Thacker was also concerned about the property value and asked for documentation about cell towers that Mr. Harrison spoke of. Mr. Harrison said he would send Mrs. Thacker some independent studies.
There was much discussion among the commissioners about the proposed cell tower. Ms. Lorenz was concerned about ISU not wanting to cooperate to have cell towers on their property. Corporation Counsel, Steve Mahrt said it is possible that ISU has ordinance or policies that prohibit them from having independent cell towers.
There was no one else to speak regarding this application.
Mr. Blakney moved to approve the special use request with the addition of landscaping to the west and south of the enclosed area. Ms. Lorenz seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Blakney, Mr. Palmgren
Nays: Ms. Lorenz, Ms. Brand, Mr. Anderson
Motion denied
- Case No. 07-04-04-SU: Special Use Permit for a
commercial parking lot not attached to a companion
residential building at 213-215 N. Fell.
Mr. Troemel gave a brief back ground on this application. The owner of these properties are proposing to demolish both houses and construct a parking lot. The proposed parking lot would have 36 spaces with a variation for 10 feet of green space screening the parking area from Fell and Locust streets. The landscaping plan would have 19 new trees, a combination of shrubs and also ornamental grasses and daylily’s.
Mr. Dave Brown, Lewis, Yockey & Brown, 505 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL, was sworn in by Vice-Chairman Anderson. Mr. Brown said he was open for any questions the commissioners might have.
Mr. Blakney had some concerns because there was no lighting plan. Mr. Troemel commented that the adjacent property had lighting. Mr. Brown added that on the corner of Fell and Locust Street there was street lighting.
Mr. Blakney asked Mr. Brown if this parking lot would be used for temporary or long term parking. Mr. Brown said it should be in and out parking.
There were some questions concerning the alley access. Mr. Troemel spoke saying there was only one apartment building and no other property on the alley way. The alley approach will be improved by the developer as part of the parking lot project.
Mr. Anderson asked Mr. Brown if the parking spaces would be rented out. Mr. Brown said they most likely would.
Ms. Lorenz had some concerns about it not having a lighting plan. Mr. Troemel said it could be conditioned for a lighting plan.
There was no one else to speak to regarding this application.
Ms. Lorenz moved to approve this special use as submitted with the condition that a lighting plan be submitted. Mr. Palmgren seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Blakney, Mr. Palmgren, Ms. Brand, Ms. Lorenz, Mr. Anderson
Nays: None
Motion declared carried.
Other Business:
None
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
6:05p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbi S. Feid
Zoning Board of Appeals Secretary