|
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. |