HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12/2/2008 - Community Development Committee SPECIAL MEETING
� COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Condon, Alderman Glab,
Alderman Santi and Alderman Wimmer. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Deputy City
Administrator P�Iartin and City Clerk Jones.
Also in Attendance: Michael L. Gazzola Dixon Construction
Jim Rouse Dixon Construction
Jennifer Nevitt Casey Bravo Strategic Marketing, Inc.
Shayna Carnevale Bravo Strategic Marketing, Inc.
Tom Zanck Millitello Zanck& Coen
Chairman Alderman Condon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Innut
No one spoke during the time put aside for public input.
Presentation of the Conceatual Plan for Prairie Pointe Develonment
Chairman Alderman Condon introduced Michael Gazzola, Executive Vice President of Dixon
Construction.
�" Mr. Gazzola informed the Committee that Dixon Companies is interested in developing a quality
multi-family community at the Prairie Pointe Business Park. Some of the reasons that Dixon
Companies is proposing development of a community of this type in McHenry are as follows:
• The ability to offer quality housing for the residents of McHenry, who have been
negatively impacted by the current overly-restrictive lending practices.
o Mr. Gazzola noted the current apartment market capacity in the City of McHenry
i s at 97%.
• Top quality floor plan design, exterior architecture and construction.
• More property tax revenue generated by this type of development versus industrial or
office, with the ability to attract more retail-related businesses to the park.
• McHenry's apartment inventory is aging. This project would offer a more personal
lifestyle rental choice with state-of-the-art systems and amenities.
• Dixon owns the land and is the developer of the Business Park. Dixon does not perceive
a need to rezone the property, but would look to overlay the current zoning with a
Planned Unit Development, giving the City the review and approval capability it requires.
Mr. Gazzola ��xplained that the project would require 15-acres of land, which would
accommodate s�, club house/swimming pool along with ten 3-story buildings totaling 240
apartment homes or 16 units per acre. The property would be a gated-access community and
feature a"village green" concept as a focal point.
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Community Development Committee Meeting
�, December 2, 2008
Page 2
N1r'. Gazzola iirtroduced Jennifer Nevitt Casey, CEO and Chief Strategist of Bravo Strategic
Marketing.
Ms. Nevitt Casey outlined the development of the project stressing some of the amenities, such
as:
• Exterior Finishes and Grounds:
o 'Craditional architecture with stone accents and maintenance-free fiber-cement
siding;
o Oversized windows;
o Nine-panel exterior doors with rustic exterior lantern designs to create a cottage
feel;
o Inviting pathways, green space and gardens created by world-renowned landscape
architect, Dean Riddle;
o Yea.r-round garden color, park benches, trellises and arbors as seasons allow;
• Peace of Mind:
o Smoke detectors;
o Dusk-to-dawn outdoor lighting;
o Emergency maintenance 24-hours per day;
• Technology:
�, o State-of-the-art technology and direct connectivity;
o Internet cafe with computers, wireless high-speed Internet, printer, copy and fax
machine;
o Wireless access in the clubhouse, on the swimming pool deck and in the garden;
o Multiple telephone and cable jacks for easier connections;
• Relaxation, Recreation and Fitness:
o BBQ grills and charming picnic area for outside entertaining;
o State-of-the-art fitness center with cardio equipment for convenient workout;
o Luxurious resort-style salt water swimming pool with water feature and special
sundeck area featuring poolside gazebo;
o Generously-sized clubroom great room with fireplace, plasma TV and kitchen for
community gatherings;
• Interior Finishes:
o Ftill size washers and dryers in all apartments included in rental rates;
0 4�" upper kitchen cabinets;
0 9' ceilings;
o HVAC package units for each apartment with individual thermostat control.
Alderman Glab c�pined that the concept looks good and the rents are reasonable; however, the
project does not conform to the Comprehensive Plan. He voiced concerns regarding traffic
congestion due tc� the proximity of the project to Illinois Route 31. Alderman Glab asked where
a business park �vould be constructed should this property be used for residential. Alderman
� Glab opined he did not care for the roofline on the example presented.
Community Development Committee Meeting
� December 2, 2O08
Page 3
Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Santi regarding open space, Deputy City Administrator
Martin indicated no calculations have been done, as this is the first presentation of the project.
Alderman Santi concurred with Alderman Glab's concerns regarding a balance of construction.
Alderman Wimmer opined this type of complex is something that is needed in the community.
He agreed that traffic could be an issue, but is an issue that can be worked out. He stated that he
likes the concept and would support the project.
Chairman Alderman Condon stated she has concerns with tr�c and parking. She likes Staf�s
suggestion that the parking be shared with retail. Chairman Alderman Condon indicated she
would like to see the fa�ade of an actual building. She expressed her pleasure with the
conference center and banquet area.
Alderman Glab suggested a portion of the property be set aside for storage of boats or
recreational vehicles. Everyone present concurred that this was a good idea.
It was the consensus of the Committee that applicant should proceed with the concept of
apartment housing/retail on the site.
� Other Business
Chairman Alderman Condon thanked the Committee for their attendance at the special meeting.
She reminded the Committee that the next meeting of the Community Development Committee
would be Tuesday, 7anuary 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Alderman Conference Room.
Adiournment
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Aye: Condon, Glab, Santi, Wimmer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Geri Condori, Chairman
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