HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/26/2021 - City CouncilAGENDA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
333 S Green St, McHenry, IL 60050
Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 6:00 p.m.
This meeting is in-person. This is not a remote meeting. The meeting will be live streamed with a quorum of the City
Council physically present. Public comments may only be heard by members of the public physically present at the meeting.
Remote public comments will not be heard. The public can view the meeting from the following link:
https://cityofmchenry.zoom.us/j/82367226019
Roll Call: Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call.
Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey-absent, Alderman
Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, and Mayor Jett. Others
present: Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Director of Public Works Strange, Director
of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch, Director of Parks and
Recreation Hobson, Director o f Economic Development Martin, Chief of Police Birk, City
Planner Sheriff, and City Clerk Ramel.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the pledge.
Public Comments: None
Lynmark Group Presentation for the former Central Wastewater Treatment Plant
Administrator Morefield, had introduced the Lynmark Group and gave some history regarding
the history of the vacancy of the old Wastewater Treatment Plant, and put together some
request for proposals, however this was during the time of Covid.
Lynmark responded to the RFP, all the structures have been demolished and ready for
development which was not the way it was before they went out to bid. Lynmark came in for
the bidding process met with the review team thus resulting in the first step of the process. As
noted this is a lengthy process, also reviewing that the proposal doesn’t mean that it will be
voted on, the next step would be a negotiation agreement that is then brought forward to The
Council.
Brad Friedman from Lynmark Group then went forward with the presentation at the podium. A
little history of the Lynmark Group was based out East, third generation development. Some
examples of projects completed; The Wheeling Town Center project in IL, The Sheldon in New
York, and Zemi Beach House and Spa. Extensive background was provided on the Wheeling
Town Center Project, it’s plaza and the apartments for 300 units, surrounding a waterpark,
police area, health club along with some pictures that were shared regarding this development.
The current plan for McHenry was utilizing the views of the golf course/ The Fox River as well.
The parking structure was talked about as the center of the development and then it is wrapped
with units, therefore the parking is not the center of view. The typical floor plan was also shared
with The Council.
The balcony has views of the Fox River, also shared was a Massing Aerial along with
conceptual diagrams to shows the other views from the development. 7.23 acers within walking
distance of downtown. 218 rental units, 5 stories, and courtyard, fitness center, open
workspaces, pool and fire pit. Etc.
The TIF Request would be $5.6 million. Unit Matric and Amenities was also shared with The
Council during the presentation. Some pictures of the interior of the units were available to view
along with pictures of the amenities. The financing program would be through HUD’s Section
221(d)(4). The project timeline would allow groundbreaking in Q4 and then about 18 months
for the project to be completed.
The following companies would also be part of the project: Randolph – General Contractor,
FitzGerald- Architect, Berkadia the commercial Mortgage lender.
GoldOller is considered a sister company of the Lynmark Group, over 40,000 units over the
United States. There is a great relationship between them.
Mike director of design out of Chicago spoke regarding the architect side of the business. Mill
Race Inn, was one of the projects that they had been part of. The Flasts at Dorsett Ridge in
Missouri and Midtown Square in Glenview.
There was several members that did come out to visit the Wheeling Town Center, was
extended to the members of the public as well. A slideshow showing pictures of the pedestrian
plaza was shown.
Council Questions: Alderwoman Miller, wanted to know the parking rat io, those are her
concerns, there is a traffic and parking consultant regarding where they need to be. The
numbers are based on similar projects that were done. It was confirmed there is assigned
parking and explained single loading parking.
Alderman Santi, thanked for the time. Has a concern regarding the 5 levels and why was the
reasoning behind it, confirmed that 200 units seems to be the magic number, enhances amenity
package. Wanted to know why it was looked as apartments and why not condominiums or
townhomes the land is very valuable. The Lynmark Group and apartments allow more of a
community setting.
Alderman Harding, has concerns regarding the traffic in and out of Waukegan Street.
Alderman Devine, had some comments regarding Waukegan Street, p er Director Strange this
will need to be looked over.
Alderman Glab spoke about the key property and would not like to see apartments go up in
this property would like to see more of an investment on the property. The discussion regarding
the boat slips was also discussed.
Alderman Strach wanted to know what assets and developments have been sold, the has been
none.
Administrator Morefield went over what the TIF fund is and explained what happens with the
funding of the TIF district. Director Hobson also explained about what areas have utilized the
TIF district in town as well.
Public Comment:
Anthony Esposito- President of the Riverwalk- He is opposed to the apartments and wanted to
express that HUD would not be able to fund this for financing. They are offended of the project.
He spoke representing the homeowners since 2005.
Bobbie Bahne- concerns about the traffic and also the access regarding in and out access and
safety of the area. Concerned about sustainability with the 90% occupancy . The residents that
are impacted in that area will be affected by this.
Rich Isly – Concerned about the occupancy, rent prices fluctuatinng regarding occupancy,
wants the best for the community.
Brian Bacci- concerned about the parking.
Dennis Finn – spoke regarding the Riverwalk and how the property cannot be compared to the
other areas that were developed by Lynmark. The traffic is also a concern by him from the
areas around including the high school. Would like another RFP for addition al ideas to the
table.
Heather Smith- boat slips- 65, were not mentioned, the heart of McHenry this project is way to
big to be here and something to add to the Riverwalk.,
Steve Distasio- feels a rental property should not be added, very congested, streets are too
narrow along with D’s Marine. Not the environment for this atmosphere.
Mayor Jett thanked the comments from the Public for those that came forward to speak during
the public comment.
Alderman Santi is not comfortable moving forward at th is time. Alderman Glab would like to
see this owner occupied and not wanting to move forward with apartments. Alderman Harding,
also has reservations regarding this project and would like to start over with RFP process.
Alderman Strach would like to move forward with the negotiations. Alderman Devine, also
stated that it may not be the best fit and sides with the residents on this.
In conclusion, this project is a not moving forward.
Possible motion to direct Staff to enter into negotiations with Lynmark Group for the
development of a redevelopment agreement for the site to be brought back before Council
for approval0
*Clerks note, there was not enough agreement to move forward with this project at this time.
A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Strach to adjourn
from the Executive Session at 9:05: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab,
Alderman McClatchey- absent, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine,
Alderwoman Miller-absent.
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Mayor Wayne Jett
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City Clerk Trisha Ramel