VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST
2301 E. SAND LAKE ROAD

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE VILLAGE BOARD
NOVEMBER 13, 2007, 7:00 P.M. MINUTES

   

 

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mayor Lahr called the Special Meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:00pm. 

ROLL CALL:  Roll call showed those present were: Mayor Lahr, Trustees: Dunham, Marturano, Messmer, Metzelaar, Wayne.  Trustee Zerba was on vacation.  Also in attendance were: Administrator Stevens, Attorney Phillips, and Clerk Patty Chybowski. 

NEW BUSINESS
A.  Introduction:  Oliver McMillan and Swanson/O’Leary

Village Green:  Evolution of a concept.  Charlie Hickcox presented the development team:  Tim Kent - George Pappageorge, an architectural firm; Civil Engineer Fran Fazzio, Manhard Consulting; Bill Farris, Environmental - Hay & Associates; and Traffic Engineer -Jeff Meindel, Hoffman Estates.  Landscape design is by Ryan Kettelkamp, Evanston, IL.  Richard Swanson will present regarding the residential portion of the project.

B.  Presentation of Updated Concept Plan

Approximately 70-100 site plan progressions have been considered.  The annexation agreement was developed so that commercial development would take place first, with residential to follow.  The current site plan reflects a three-anchor plan. 

Mayor Lahr added that the Village meets with Oliver McMillan weekly to review factors regarding potential tenants, interest in the project, the layout, traffic patterns, etc.  The Village has been very involved in the progression to get to the site plan currently being considered.  The goal was to avoid having the Village Green become a typical U-shaped shopping center with parking in the front, but rather more of a community center with more than one main road and various focal points.   Lahr continued that ongoing negotiations take place weekly with tenants and their preferences for locations, while addressing the needs and concerns of residents and the Village.

C.  Public Review and Identification of Key Features, Components and Issues

Charlie Hickcox stated that when he’s asked why Oliver McMillan came to Lindenhurst, it is because of a viable merchandising strategy that would work in Lindenhurst.  Hickcox stated the trade area is large, seven miles to the south and north to the Wisconsin border, which it is believed will provide 70% of the sales at Village Green.  In assessing and studying the overall area, Oliver McMillan found that approximately $300 million worth of trade is leaving the area to go to other jurisdictions10 to 15 miles south of Lindenhurst.  Merchandising analyses indicated that the area could support 450,000 to 600,000 square feet of commercial development.  Hickcox continued that Oliver McMillan’s challenge was to build a high quality construction and design center in an attractive environment for upscale tenants.  Creating retail synergies between tenants is instrumental in the success of the development.

Village Green will offer opportunities for the community to gather and accommodate special events.  Glenview Town Center, another Oliver McMillan development, holds community events and is scheduled for 22 events in 2008.  Oliver McMillan plans to hold such gatherings and events in Lindenhurst’s Village Green.  Hickcox stated that Oliver McMillan builds and owns their shopping centers and are members of the community.

Mayor Lahr stated there will be village-sponsored events, as well as Community events.  There will be events that Oliver McMillan will offer and organize and there will be a good partnership of ideas with the purpose of expanded community.   

D.  Public Discussion and Input Regarding Architectural Character of Both Residential and Commercial

Fran Fazzio, the civil engineer, addressed the storm water Management Plan, which is managing everything from the ground level and below.  Fazzio stated her primary responsibility is to take the undeveloped area and prepare it for sewers and manage the storm water that falls onto the land.  The challenge is unique in that the rain water needs to be trapped, temporarily stored, and slowly released to the south and the north. 

Questions were addressed regarding storm water management, the water detention system, and wetlands on the property.

Jeff Meindel, of Metro Transportation, discussed the topic of traffic relative to Village Green.  He stated that at this point site plans were being finalized and that an updated traffic report was submitted to I-DOT.  Since I-DOT has jurisdiction, they will review both 132 and 45 and propose improvements.  At the entrance along 132, an entrance is proposed with a southbound left turnlane and a northbound right turnlane into the site with a traffic signal.  Along Route 45, starting about 400’ north of the intersection of 132 and Falling Water Drive, there would be two thru lanes in each direction, four thru lanes in total.  Driveways, one across from Chatham way and one across from Deer Path, would make up the main entrances, each with a northbound left turn lane in and a southbound right turn lane in, both with traffic signals.  One signal would be installed immediately; however, according to I-DOT rules, traffic is required to be present before an additional signal is installed. 

Questions were addressed regarding the placement and number of traffic signals, turn lanes accessing the Village Green, lighting in the development, and pedestrian traffic.

Ryan Kettelkamp discussed landscaping relative to Village Green stating they look at the architecture that is being developed and respond to that as well as the character of the site.  There are two great wetlands that need to be preserved.  The Village Green landscaping will compliment what is already present on the site.  There will be buffer yards along Route 45 where grasses will be introduced and blended into the natural areas.  The landscaping will not be that of a typical shopping mall. 

Questions regarding landscaping berms and privacy were addressed.

Tim McKenna discussed the character of the shopping district from an architectural standpoint.  Within certain guidelines, tenants will bring their own design to each storefront, adding interest and variety to the architecture.  Various materials such as brick and stone, and details such as awnings, canopies, roof lines, and color, will create the unique look of the development.  The goal is for the look and style of the development to be timeless, so that it does not look outdated in ten years.

McKenna added there will be parallel parking on both sides of the streets, vigorous treatment of landscaping, two lanes of traffic (one in each direction), special paving treatments for the walkways, all will work to create an identity for the Village Green.  The goal is to transplant trees that are 15-18 inches in diameter to create a feeling that the Village Green was built around the trees.

Questions regarding the layout of Village Green, as well as details regarding the streetscape of the stores and restaurants in the Village Green were addressed.

Hickcox:  As far as benefits to the community, the development will create about 1,000 new jobs and the expectation is there will be a halo effect with development in the Lindenhurst corridor.  Oliver McMillan thanked the Village Board for their assistance and the direction they have provided.

Rick Swanson:  President of Westminster Swanson Land Partners in Lake Forest.  Swanson stated that the residential is important, but the commercial is leading the development.  What is evolving on the commercial side of the development is not going to be duplicated in the residential.  Additionally, the emphasis for building residential will on landscaping and creating a sense of place.  There will be multi-family and possibly single family houses that will be clustered.  There may also be row houses and town houses in order to provide an appropriate mix of housing.  Swanson stated his commitment to work with the Village to have trails and to make it a pedestrian-friendly environment. 

E.  Question and Answer Session

Mayor Lahr:  Thanked everyone for coming.  She stated that resident opinions and thoughts are very important to the Village Board.  She stated the input from this meeting will be reviewed, put on the Village website and communicated.  

MOTION:  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Trustee Metzelaar, seconded by Trustee Marturano.  Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 pm.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PARTICIPATION

Steve Carlson, Lake Cy Board:  When water goes under culverts under 45, where does it go?  Fazzio:  It moves east through the detention basin system of the Stratton Oaks development, which drains to the east.

Luigi De Angelis 2703 Neubauer:  Are there any issues with maintaining water quality with storm water interacting with wetlands?  Fazzio:  Storm water is trapped, cleaned by use of sediment and bio-swales, and only a portion is released to the wetlands

Laura Brown 449 Mockingbird Court:  Asked for clarification as to where project was to be specifically located. 

Michael Myers 36821 Deer Trail:  Asked where the traffic signals would be on Route 45 adjacent to the development and whether there would be a landscaping berm on the other side of 45.  Hickcox:  There will be a light at Chatham and another light, as warranted, at Deer Trail.  Regarding landscaping, there will be extra topsoil that needs to be trucked off the site, so there may be an opportunity to create a berm.

Michelle Pfigen, Falling Waters Lane:  Will there be access to Falling Waters from development?  Hickcox:  Yes, will be an entry off of Falling Waters.

Eric Evans,Chatham Way, Stratton Oaks: Please describe the red section on the map of residential bordering 132.  Hickcox:  This is the residential portion, so Mr. Swanson may be able to answer your question.

Ken McNally, Lindenhurst: What is the square footage of the retail.  Hickcox:  Between 450,000 and 460,000 square feet, depending upon anchors.

Dave Cook, 19482 W. Grand:  My property is directly west of Grand.  What is going to happen with the property?  Hickcox:  This will be a strip retail with same character as Village Green.  Mayor Lahr:  The job of the Village is to ensure residents continue to enjoy their property without an appreciable decrease in their property value.  I encourage residents to come forward if they have concerns.  Hickcox:  Attention is given to lighting to ensure they are focused inside so as not to disturb serenity of adjacent property.

Susan Clark, 19326 W. Grand Avenue:  I have been assured that my property and privacy will be taken into consideration.  How will I know when plans are moving forward and what is being proposed so that I may provide my input?  Mayor Lahr:  We are currently working on the footprint for storm water management, but I am more than willing to meet with you in the next few weeks to discuss how we could address any issues, and would prefer to discuss issues sooner rather than later so that we can be more proactive.  (Lahr encouraged residents to reach out by e-mail or call to bring any concerns forward.)

Vicki Bousson, Clover Court, Lindenhurst:  OM does not respond to e-mails.  Hickcox:  I have business cards here and promise to respond to anyone that sends e-mails to me directly.

Mike Nichols, 413 Merganser Court: Can slides be made available on the website?  Mayor Lahr: Yes, slides will be on the website tomorrow. 

Eric Evans, Chatham Way, Stratton Oaks:  Commented that when his homeowners association was concerned, he contacted our Lake County representative, Steve Carlson, and I was put in contact with Jim Stevens.  Jim was very responsive and answered all my questions.  I then asked to be put in touch with Oliver McMillan and was given the contact information for Charlie Hickcox.  He returned my call quickly and I met with him personally.  He was able to answer all of my questions, so I have been very happy with the process.

Ron Williams, 2570 Heron:  Is any of the proposed commercial plan in the Millburn School District?  Mayor Lahr:  Millburn School District does incorporate one of the anchors.  Remaining portion would fall into the Woodland School District.

 

Steve Carlson, Lake County Board District 7:  Did you consider the development of the impending Lake County Fair Grounds in Grayslake?  Hickcox:  Yes, very much so, and felt that upscale tenants would not occupy Grayslake.  We now have about 150,000 square feet of letters of intent and nine leases right now and feel we will be able to fill our shops.

Susie Knudsen, Lindenhurst:  How do you know they are not going to have upscale retail in Grayslake?  Hickcox:  As part of our marketing before starting a project, we go to shopping center conventions to speak with upscale tenants.  We ask them were the gap is in their offerings to the public; where they would like to expand.  This careful analysis is why we have approximately 25 tenants at this point.  We will hopefully be able to communicate the tenants in January at another special meeting.

Susie Schmidt, Lake County Board:  Commented that the Grayslake development is far behind Village Green.  Schmidt questioned whether Village Green is looking at building “green,” environmentally friendly buildings.  Hickcox:  We will be environmentally friendly and try to do as many green buildings as possible.  We’re trying to sustain what we have here as a community to make sure the development fits in and is sustainable.  Ryan Kettelkamp and Fran Fazzio will be discussing bio-swales, green systems, and green roofing later in the presentations.  After working on elevations for approximately four months, we now have narrowed down a special look for the buildings and we will now be looking at ways to have those buildings be green buildings.

Kirstin Tseu, Lindenhurst:  What are you considering upscale as far as restaurants?  Hickcox:  Restaurants and shopping will be similar to Deer Park.

Bob Sween, Lake Villa:  Do we have anchors signed up with letters of intent?  Hickcox:  Not yet.  Anchors take a lot longer; they want to know what is going on and who’s going to be there.  We will not know until the first quarter of 2008, but we will be moving ahead with roadways, etc.

Mayor Lahr:  Our original goal was to have two anchors and there has been a lot of interest.  At this time we are looking at having three anchors.  The development is more of a community shopping experience with streets, rather than a u-shaped building with parking in the front.  As with all corporations, things take time as locations are established and traffic is considered.  The next step was for executives and their project leaders to come out, each with their own organizational criteria that needs to be met.  The infrastructure was being firmed up over the last few months with many moving pieces regarding potential tenants.

Resident:  Can we be assured anchors such as Walmart & Target will not be part of Village Green? Hickcox: We are not looking at either for Village Green.

Natalie Butler, 300 Quayle:  Will one of the tenants be a grocery store?  Hickcox: We would like to have an upscale grocery store.  We have been communicating with several but do not yet have anyone in place.

Brad Warrens 4400 Forest View:  Where do you draw the line between upscale and chain stores such as K-mart, Walmart, Target?  Hickcox:  We have been working with the Village to ensure the tenants are all upscale and no deep discount chain tenants.

Resident:  Will there be any restrictions, ordinances in place with regard to lighting?  Mayor Lahr:  Our Village is fairly restrictive as far as lighting for commercial development, which are written into our ordinances.  Our goal is to have lighting focused downward, not upward into the sky. 

Walt Conner, Deerpath:  We’ll be on the receiving end of excess water to a pond system that currently cannot accommodate the water.  Fazzio:  We will not be sending the majority of water to the culvert.  Only roughly seven acres are allowed to send a certain percentage in that direction.  The requirements of detention dictate that all the water that runs off the seven acres of a parking lot must be held back, which means that only seven acres of (what is now) crop land is allowed to be sent.  The water would need to be held on the site by use of underground vaults (large detention basins).  Conner asked whether the ponds would be filled during construction?  Fazzio:  No, the first thing the developer has to do is build retention ponds.

Susan Clark, 19326 W. Grand:  What guarantee do I have that there is going to be no construction sediment, increased water or quality of water issues?  Mayor Lahr:  Developer does not dictate what the infrastructure looks like from a storm water management perspective.  Existing Illinois and Lake County laws must be followed, as well as Lindenhurst’s and surrounding communities’ guidelines.

Larry Proper, 36543 Yew Tree Drive, LV:  It was mentioned that there was above-ground retention of water on the SE corner of the development.  What does it look like?  Fazzio:  What you’ve seen for last 20 years is a naturalized pond with side grasses which rises and falls as the rain falls.

Natalie Butler, 300 Quail:  Why can’t we use the run-off water to our benefit for irrigation?  Fazzio:  We have had several conversations about how to incorporate the run-off water and this is currently in the design stages.

Brad Gundlock, 2403 Valley:  What is a bio-swale?  Fazzio:  A bio-swale is a natural filtering mechanism.  It is a grassy area that allows the water to trickle through the different grasses, pulling out sediment and oils from cars, to get a cleaner storm water basin.

Suzi Schmidt, Lake County Board:  Asked whether Grand Avenue meets warrants, but Hwy 45 does not meet warrants?  Meindel:  If the whole site was developed, we would have enough trips to warrant signals on all three locations.  Mayor Lahr added that the infrastructure was designed to have 3 lights.  Although we may consider traffic to be a challenge in local areas, I-DOT has their own specific criteria and parameters to determine an appropriate amount of traffic to warrant traffic signals.  We’re not exactly sure when subsequent lights will be installed   

Jerry Vaskins, Stratton Oaks:  Does I-DOT consider the speed limit on Route 45?  Also, what is being considered for pedestrian traffic coming from Deerpath and Stratton Oaks?  Meindel:  We are working with I-DOT regarding the speed limit and potentially reducing the speed in a specific section.  Hickcox:  Pedestrian access is being reviewed to ensure it is safe to traverse across Route 45.

Doug Eichoff, Lindenhurst:  Truck traffic has greatly increased on Route 45.  When was the last time I-DOT did a study will this be addressed by I-DOT?  Additionally, where are the large delivery trucks entering and exiting the retail development?  Meindel:  You can look up traffic counts on the Illinois Department of Transportation website to see what the level of truck traffic was the last time there was a study.  There are three access points for anchor stores.  For smaller stores, delivery vans will deliver in the back and from the street.  Tenants will be required to follow the covenants, conditions and restrictions (CCR) regarding rules for such issues.

Larry Broke, Stratton Oaks:  Which way is Route 45 being widened?  Meindel:  Both sides, one lane on each side.

William Cowell, 2428 Grand Circle:  Concerned about the traffic.   What will happen if and when eight lanes are required on Route 45?  Hickcox:  If this does happen, I-DOT would have to condemn the affected lane. 

Mike Bollinger, Stratton Oaks:  With the right of way on Route 45 adding another lane closer to Stratton Oaks or Deerpath, would another right turn lane be added?  Mayor Lahr:  Yes, this would likely move east to avoid impacting the subdivision because of the road widening.

Syed Hussan, 36588 Sagebrush Court:  Stated concern regarding the future traffic light illuminating his home, as well as traffic concerns.  Hickcox:  There is a metal cylinder deflector around the light directing the light toward the street.  We will do what we can to shield your home.  Mayor Lahr:  Will be working to make sure proper turn lanes will be in place to keep traffic moving.  This is an issue we can follow-up with and take into consideration when working with I-DOT regarding traffic flow.

Mark Halvorson, Stratton Oaks:  Expressed concern surrounding landscaping. 

John Gaybauer 1829 Grand, Lindenhurst:  Are modifications going to be addressed before construction starts?  Meindel:  Yes. 

Steve Carlson, Lake County Board:  Expressed pedestrian access concerns as well as concerns about traffic heading north from Village Green.  Mayor Lahr:  Unfortunately, there are many traffic-related woes in the State of Illinois and we cannot address all of them.  We are trying to minimize traffic issues as much as possible while bringing revenue into the Village and providing a shopping center.

Greta Berna:  When are the roads going to be widened, before the development opens?  Meindel: The road work will be done by the time the site opens.

Michelle:  Only left turn out of the Falling Waters subdivision is just north of the development.  Is there anything proposed from a traffic perspective?  Meindel:  This intersection was analyzed and we anticipate minimal additional traffic from the site.  Michelle expressed concern about difficulty leaving the subdivision.  Mayor Lahr:  We will take your question as a follow-up to get additional information as to how this can be addressed.  I-DOT has been provided all of the information with access and egress points, etc., including a report from Metro Transportation, which we will put on the website.

Michelle:  Will there be a lot of concrete in the development?  Kettelkamp:  We will be utilizing permeable paving; the parking lots need to be buffered and hidden from the road. 

Natalie Butler, Lindenhurst:  With the natural areas of the site having standing water this can lead to a mosquito problem.  How can we avoid this?  Mayor Lahr:  This will be a follow-up item for us to look into.

Resident:  How many stories are the anchor tenants?  Hickcox:  One potential anchor is a 2-story; the others are 1-story.

Resident:  Are we considering heated sidewalks?  Hickcox:  No, not at this time.

Larry Proper, Stratton Oaks:  Do we have a specific rendering from Route 45?  McKenna:  No.

Gretta Berna:  Asked whether signage along Route 45 would be bright light signs that you can see from a distance.  Additionally, will be a park area for children?

McKenna:  There will be an appropriate sign system for the development.  Mayor Lahr:  There is no playground space identified in the commercial space. 

Kathy Fendel, Waterford Drive:  Early on there was discussions of condominiums or apartments on the second level of stores, as well as a playground.  Mayor Lahr:  The residential was minimized due to the traffic and school impact.  The current plan takes into consideration that there is a separate residential area that will be developed by Swanson.

Resident:  Was the possibility of professional office space explored?  Mayor Lahr:  The Village is currently exploring office development in other parts of the Village but not in the Village Green plan. 

Fritz Meyers, 415 Redrock Drive:  Stated he believes that mixed residential in a development makes it less of a mall and more of a gathering place.

Mike Gilligan, 3098 Falling Waters:  Is there consideration being given with regard to landscaping for those coming into Village Green from Falling Waters?  Also, are the needs of businesses being considered with regard to the impact of traffic?  Mayor Lahr:  There will be a follow-up to the question regarding traffic.  Regarding landscaping, the entrances will be consistent.

Ken Jamin, 545 Willow Lane, Countryplace South:  The renderings show tall buildings; however you have said the development is mostly one-story.  McKenna:  It is a one-story development, but we are creating high volume spaces that relate to specific retailers.  The gable forms on the renditions serve the function to make shopping feel more substantial.  The space above the main level will be visible space from the interior, like a cathedral ceiling.

Deidre Person, 88 Hackney Lane:  For me to take advantage of the Village Green, I would need to bring my children, so a tot lot would be important.  How can I be involved in making this happen because I would like to have children be part of the Village Green experience.  Mayor Lahr:  Comments and feedback from tonight becomes part of our follow-up list.

John Scully, 748 Federal Pkwy:  Will there be any bike paths or running paths on the outskirts of the development?  Mayor Lahr:  Yes, we are incorporating that feature into development.

Resident:  Will there be bike trails or sidewalks for access to Village Green?  Trustee Wayne:  The Village has already approved to pay for a study in conjunction with the Lindenhurst Park District and the Lake County Forest Preserve to begin a master plan of a comprehensive trail system within the Village.

Larry Dwyer, 703:  The environmental footprint has not been addressed in tonight’s discussion with regard to restaurants generating smoke, garbage and the impact to the community.  Is this being taken into consideration?  Mayor Lahr:  The Environmental Commission is charged with ensuring environmental concerns are being addressed.  The Lakes Commission and the Plan Commission are also involved.  We will note this as a follow-up to get more information on the topics you raised.

Paul, Lake Drive, Lake Villa:  What is being done to make sure the larger anchors have a similar unique design structure to go along with the rest of the development?  McKenna:  We will be working with the appropriate contact of each tenant to appropriately incorporate our overall vision for the project.  Design standards for all tenants to follow. 

Alec Riss, 433 Gold Finch Circle:  Stated he had a great amount of difficulty working with the Village for an addition to his home because of apparent understaffing of the Building Department.  How will this affect the Village Green?  Mayor Lahr:  The Village has an intergovernmental agreement with Lake County that once a project reaches a certain dollar value the County steps in to help manage the entire process.  Because of the magnitude of the Village Green project, the majority of the work will be taken over by Lake County on a consultant basis.  Regarding the Building Department, it is true that it is understaffed.  We are currently going thru evaluation of the scope of the work of the Building Department compared to surrounding communities.   

Mark Biddow, Antioch Township:  Have the issues of waste water treatment, drinking water and water pressure been addressed?  Fazzio:  Regarding waste water, Falling Waters has put in infrastructure to accommodate the waste water of this project.  We will extend our waterway along Route 45 to Grand Avenue and then northwesterly along Grand toward the Emerald Ridge subdivision to create a continuous loop for both water pressure and volume.  In addition, the water tower north of the site will help. 

Jason McGuire, Country Place South:  Where is the line in the development showing the Millburn School District to get an idea of the amount of commercial revenue that will be provided to Millburn Schools.  Mayor Lahr:  Our goal was to make sure that Millburn had some of the commercial revenue.  There is one anchor in the Millburn district that will provide quite a bit of revenue.  Additionally, there will be revenue coming from the commercial development along the Route 45 corridor. 

Jim Tumminello, 1909 Hazelwood Dr.:  What does the Village and the developer do to ensure the future success of Village Green.  Mayor Lahr:  In working with Oliver McMillan to design the development, having a variety of buildings, streets, etc., to allow for variability and flexibility in the retail marketplace.  The goal was to have this be a viable market place for many years.

Randi Scherer:  Stated her goal to have a peace garden located in Village Green by raising contributions from the community.  Mayor Lahr:  This was brought to the Village Board in the spring and the Board provided direction to work with the Environmental or Lakes commissions to determine a good location.  Village Green was mentioned as a potential location, as well as other locations. 

Kirstin Tseu, Lindenhurst:  I would love to shop in Village Green if there were accommodations for my young children.  Mayor Lahr:  This will be a follow-up issue for us to investigate.

Karen Proper, Stratton Oaks:  How many homes in the Millburn School District could benefit from an anchor store.  Additionally, how many homes will be in the Woodland School District?  Mayor Lahr:  We will follow-up and provide this information.  We will also add high schools.

John Unger, 2291 Grass Lake Road:  Are there any consideration being given to a child or adult daycare center, senior single-level residences or a small medical center?  Mayor Lahr:  No child care center is being considered at this point, as there are other preschool centers nearby.  Senior living is accounted for in the Swanson O’Leary property, southwest of Village Green.  A medical center is not currently being addressed.  VISTA has a proposal that is pending in the Village off of Deep Lake Road.

Michelle:  Asked about how the funding would take place regarding paying sales tax for purchases in Village Green.  Mayor Lahr:  Similar to Gurnee,   you pay a little more in tax if you shop at the Village Green and a portion of the taxing gets funded to the developer.  It is basically self-funded so that if you do not wish to pay more in taxes, you simply do not shop there.

Todd Francen, Adams Drive:  What is the timeline of the project?  Hickcox:  Earth change approval will be submitted in the 4th quarter.  Hope to receive a grading permit in the 2nd quarter of 2008.  During the first quarter, we will be submitting our engineering plans, which will take some time to get back.  During the 2nd and 3rd quarter we will be doing the grading and infrastructure.  Hope to start vertical construction in the 4th quarter of next year, the shell construction in the spring of 2009.  The tenants would then have 90-120 days to fixturize their stores.  We hope to open in the fall of 2009.

Greta Berna:  Where does the residential portion fall in the schedule?  Hickcox:  A certain percentage of the Retail has to precede the residences.  Approximately 150,000 to 200,000 square feet of commercial must be built before the residences can be started.  The residences can probably be built in 2009 or 2010.

William Cowell, 2428 Grand Circle:  Are there going to be more accesses onto Grand Avenue and Route 45 for the residential portion?  Swanson:   No, all of our access is through the development, which is why commercial has to come first. 

­Gretta Berna:  Are you taking into account the architecture of commercial space when the residential is developed?  Swanson:  The architecture of the residential will be cohesive with that of the commercial.

Rod Williams, Lindenhurst:  Made a request that as many senior housing units as possible be placed in the Millburn School District.  Swanson:  The kind of housing we’re proposing is more urban in style and empty-nester friendly.  There are going to be children, but the housing may be less attractive to large families

Phil Rovang, Vista Terrace, Lindenhurst:  Can we try to focus on creating more of a “green-sensitive” environment.  Swanson:  While I don’t believe residential sustainable building techniques are as up-to-date as commercial, we are sensitive to looking in that direction.  It would be good to live up to the name “Village Green.” 

Resident:  Will there be access through Falling Waters?  Swanson:  Yes, secondary access. 

Resident:  People will ultimately go through a development to find a light.  Mayor Lahr:  Your concern is appreciated and we will be trying to address that.  Resident:  Can amendments be made to original I-DOT proposal to consider 4 lanes to Sand Lake or light?  Mayor Lahr:  It is possible; we will be meeting with Jeff Meindel to discuss.

Emily Barnett, 3072 Falling Waters:  Stated the traffic impact throughout the area, including Falling Waters, is going to be great and this needs to be looked at beyond the Village Green. 

Chuck Botrum, Lindenhurst:  There is a proposal for a second light out of the development, why can’t it be proposed for Falling Waters?  Mayor Lahr:  This will be explored. 

Dawn Krup, Falling Waters:  Residents in Falling Waters currently have to dart out in traffic to get out of the subdivision.  Would it help if we presented a petition on this issue?  Mayor Lahr:  Any citizens wishing to petition are welcome to do so.

Can Village ask I-DOT to do a traffic study in the area?  Mayor Lahr:  We can follow up on that.

David Hartwig 1816 Skyline Circle:  Commented there were two Lake County representatives here earlier this evening and that they have been aggressively working with I-DOT for many years regarding traffic concerns.

Luige De Angelis, 2703 Neubauer Circle:  Complimented the development teams and the Village Board for holding the Special Meeting.  He added that the halo effect mentioned earlier is already taking effect, as there will be a hotel project coming to Grand Avenue.

Questioned whether we are working cooperatively with other communities for a regional transportation plan and asked whether traffic study can be made available?  Mayor Lahr:  The study will be made available.