MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2007@ 5:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, NORMAL CITY HALL
100 E. PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
Members Physically Present:
Gary Blakney, Todd Anderson, Kathleen Lorenz, Tony Penn,
Members Absent:
Corrine Brand, Keith Palmgren, Randy Schaab
Others Present:
Corporation Council Steve Mahrt, Director of Inspections Greg Troemel, Office Associate Debbi Feid, Mercy Davison, Town Planner,
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 May 17, 2007 meeting were approved as submitted
Public Hearings:
- Case No. 07-08-06-SU: Amended Special Use Permit for
Grace Church (Building Addition and Expanded Parking Lot), 1311
W. Hovey Avenue
Ms. Davison gave a summary about this project. The church would like to build an 11,500 square foot addition for additional classrooms, childcare facilities. The
site currently has 170 spaces, of which 6 are accessible. The proposed plan includes 170 spaces, of which 8 are accessible. In total the site requires approximately 445 parking spaces with the building addition. A variance is required for deficient parking.
Ms. Davison continued to say the building addition will be designed to match the existing building, with the same materials and complementary roofline. The parking lot lighting will meet code in regard to light levels and style of light fixture.
Ms. Davison spoke saying the plan also includes additional landscaping around
the foundation of the building addition and throughout the new parking lot. Ms.
Davison concluded that staff supports this Special Use with listed conditions
and feel this would be an attractive addition to the church.
Mr. Richard Buchanan, 1206 E. Jefferson, Bloomington, IL, representing Grace Church, was sworn in by Vice-Chairman Anderson. Mr. Buchanan a leader of
Grace Church gave some back ground of the church. Mr. Buchanan has attended this church for a long time and the church is in need of upgraded facilities.
Mr. Buchanan displayed the master plan for the church which will take several years. At this time they are presenting Phase I.
Mr. Blakney asked what the parking lot was like on a typical Sunday morning service. Mr. Buchanan said it was about 60 to 80 percent full. Mr. Troemel added that parking has not typically been a problem at this church.
Mr. Blakney spoke of the long term master plan and land west of the church.
Mr. Anderson asked if the existing class rooms would remain and not be used for the congregation. Mr. Buchanan said that was the intent.
Ms. Lisa Matheny, 903 Railroad, Normal, IL, was sworn in by Vice-Chairman Anderson. Ms. Matheny explained that she lives west of the church. She said she did not have a problem with the church. Ms. Matheny said there are dirt hills behind the church that have been there quite a while and that weeds are growing out of them. Ms. Matheny said she would like the church to remove them.
Mr. Troemel said the commission could condition that the spoil piles be removed.
There was no one else to speak regarding this application.
Ms. Lorenz moved to approve this Special Use application with the conditions of building-mounted lighting (wall packs) must meet code, that the spoil piles (dirt piles) been removed, also the variations for parking spaces and variation for landscaping. Mr. Blakney seconded.
Ayes: Ms. Lorenz, Mr. Penn, Mr. Blakney, Mr. Anderson
Nays: None
Motion declared carried
Other Business
None
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
5:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbi Feid
Zoning Board of Appeals Secretary