Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan
Forest Preserve
Master Plan
Advisory Group
September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Agenda
1.Call to Order
2.Welcome and Introductions
3.Minutes of June 9, 2010
4.Facilitator Process Update and Meeting Objective
5.Review of Public Open House
6.Review of Public Comments
7.Update on Conceptual Designs
8.Discussion on Level of Consensus
9.Review Next Steps
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Advisory Group’s Charter
“The Committee will prepare, approve and forward a final report to the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners, consisting of a recommended program and conceptual master plan of preferred future public uses for Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, including a summary of options, analysis, opinions of probable construction costs, analysis of projected operating costs and revenues, and public input considered during the planning process.”
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Advisory Group representatives
Lake County Forest Preserve District Commissioners
Chair, Carol Calabresa, Board District 15 Anne Flanigan Bassi, Board District 23 Michelle Feldman, Board District 22 Susan Loving Gravenhorst, Board District 13
Municipal and Park District Representatives
Park District of Highland Park City of Highland Park Lake Bluff Park District City of Lake Forest City of Highwood Town of Fort Sheridan Master Homeowners Association
Ex-Officio Members: (Invited)
Mark Steven Kirk - United States Representative - 10th DistrictWilliam Brawner - U.S. Department of the Army
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Activities to dateDate Event Objective
January Gather information
• Create timeline and approach
February 2nd meeting • Understand everyone’s point of view• Identify all possible scenarios• Identify the core set of objectives across
the Group
April 3rd meeting • Explore a compromise scenario for further, in-depth exploration
June 4th meeting • Review conceptual designs for a compromise scenario; land use, golf experience and market presentations
August Public Open House
• Gather public input
Advisory Committee Members and LCFPD staff have spent at least 20 hours in formal meetings, and many more in
preparation.
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Objectives for Sept 15 meeting• Review information gathered since last meeting
• Public Open House
• Public comments
• Conceptual designs
• Test for consensus
• Desired outcome: decide on Group’s recommendation to the Forest Preserve Board
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Public Open House
•Held on August 26, 2010 from 5 – 8 PM at the Gorton Community Center, Lake Forest•Estimated 150 – 160 people attended, plus Advisory Group members and LCFPD staff and consultants •All three blended concept designs (1, 2A, 2B) were on display with a designated person to answer questions•Ample opportunities for public comment – during and after the open house
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Public Comment SummaryOver 300 public comments submitted between Jan. 2009 – Sept. 2010 – and they are still coming in
• About 25% of all comments were received in 2009• About 15% of all comments were received from Jan –
May 2010• About 70% from June 2010 – Aug 2010• Many people submitted multiple comments over time
Note that the public comment data is NOT a statistically representative sample of the opinions of the people in the affected communities or in Lake County. It is a summary of the responses by people who chose to submit a public comment.
The information is useful to understand the public concerns and arguments both for and against a golf solution on the site, but should not be considered a public “vote.”
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Total households FOR golf 155 47.0%
Total households AGAINST golf (for Traditional forest preserve) 175 53.0%
DATA ON ALL COMMENTS TO DATE AS OF 9-12-2010
Over half of the FOR GOLF responses indicated they
might be willing to consider a 9-hole course
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Themes – concerns and arguments from FOR GOLF public comments (as of 9/15/2010)
In order of the frequency of how often the themes was mentioned:1.Must honor legal obligation/ promise2.Prefer 18 hole to a blended solution3.Feel insulted, disappointed by Country's treatment, stalling last 10 yrs4.Site is beautiful, and unique for golf5.There is County revenue opportunity - clubhouse, draw of the course, other6.Protect property value, Fort Sheridan owner value7.County made mistake to close original course8.There are already enough trails / open space ; current trails underused9.Potential for litigation if LCFPD does not act10.Not enough golf options in the area
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Themes – concerns and arguments from AGAINST GOLF( for Traditional Forest Preserve) public comments (as of 9/15/2010)
Of the FOR GOLF respondents 60 (57% of all FOR GOLF respondents) were open to a compromise of a blended solution of golf and natural areas/trails (as of Sept 5 comments)
In order of the frequency of how often the themes was mentioned:1.Fiscal concerns 2.There is enough/too much golf already; golf is declining3.Site is a treasure, unique opportunity, think of 100 yr. legacy4.Want full public access to lake; access /benefit to county as a whole5.Want more open, natural space6.Site is important for birds7.Concerns about environment, impact8.Past mistakes should not dictate current decisions9.LCFPD mission is about preserves10.Concern about safety of hikers
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Project Cost EstimateBased on Option 2-B. Other 9-hole options similar.
Golf Course Construction Costs
Bob Lohmann
President and Principal Architect
Lohmann Golf Designs, Inc.
Public Access and Other Site Costs
Mike Fenelon
Director of Planning, Conservation and Development
Lake County Forest Preserve District
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Project Cost EstimateProject Element Direct Golf Cost General Public
Benefit CostTotal Cost
9-hole Golf Course $6,768,000 $100,000 $6,868,000
Buildings & Utilities $1,614,000 $1,058,000 $2,672,000
Site Work & General Public Access
$1,824,000 $2,677,000 $4,501,000
Subtotal 9-hole Golf Course
$10,206,000 $3,835,000 $14,041,000
Junior Course $170,000 $112,000 $282,000
Total 9-hole Golf Course with Junior Course
$10,376,000 $3,947,000 $14,323,000
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Project Cost EstimateProject Element Direct Golf Cost General Public
Benefit CostTotal Cost
9-hole Golf Course $6,768,000 $100,000 $6,868,000
Includes:•Golf course construction•1.5% insurance and bonds•10% contingency and escalation•Golf architect design services•Golf and site equipment•Golf course specialty accessories•Engineering and irrigation design services•ComEd electrical design service for irrigation pumps•Pre-opening grow-in period
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Project Cost EstimateProject Element Direct Golf Cost General Public
Benefit CostTotal Cost
Buildings and utilities
$1,614,000 $1,058,000 $2,672,000
Includes:
•Natural resource and maintenance center•Pre-engineered building (9,000 square feet) and storage bins
•Utility service and fuel storage; landscaping and fencing
•Clubhouse•Prefabricated building, deck, furnishings and equipment
•Utility service and connection fees
•Golf cart area(secured outdoor); and evaporator restroom
•10% contingency and escalation
•Architect redesign fees
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Project Cost EstimateProject Element Direct Golf Cost General Public
Benefit CostTotal Cost
Site work/general public access
$1,824,000 $2,677,000 $4,501,000
Includes:•Trails (2.2 miles), bridges and overlooks construction•Road, parking and storm drainage•Electrical installation and Cliff Road repair•Clubhouse/entrance road site work and landscaping•Split rail fencing along Sheridan Road•Engineering fees for site•Permits and other owner costs•10% contingency and escalation
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Project Cost EstimateProject Element Direct Golf Cost General Public
Benefit CostTotal Cost
Junior course $170,000 $112,000 $282,000
Includes:•Course construction•10% contingency and escalation
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Project Cost EstimateProject Element Direct Golf Cost General Public
Benefit CostTotal Cost
9-hole Golf Course $6,768,000 $100,000 $6,868,000
Buildings & Utilities $1,614,000 $1,058,000 $2,672,000
Site Work & General Public Access
$1,824,000 $2,677,000 $4,501,000
Subtotal 9-hole Golf Course
$10,206,000 $3,835,000 $14,041,000
Junior Course $170,000 $112,000 $282,000
Total 9-hole Golf Course with Junior Course
$10,376,000 $3,947,000 $14,323,000
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Exploring Level of ConsensusThe Advisory Group’s definition of “consensus”
Consensus means getting to a maximum point of agreement so that action can follow
• Usually involves compromise, give and take
• Each party must be able to “live with it” and support the group’s decision
• Even with consensus, each party may have a different level of support for the decision
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Balancing objectives for the site
The following objectives were identified as very important by various members of the group. Coming to consensus meant finding scenarios that could achieve most or all of these objectives:
•Meets the deed restriction for golf
•Maintains open space and scenic lake views
•Provides public access to the bluffs and shoreline
•Protects and sustains the environment
•Provides a variety of recreation, consistent with other Lake County Forest Preserves (such as hiking, biking, bird watching)
•Is fiscally responsible for the taxpayers
•Provides long-term benefit for both the constituents of the original agreement as well as all Lake County residents
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Exploring the Level of Consensus – Question #1: Which option do you prefer?
•18-hole golf course
• Blended site – with a 9- or 12-hole or executive course integrated with natural areas and trails
• Typical forest preserve, incorporating natural areas, trails and public access
• Wait and see
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Exploring the Level of Consensus – Question #2: Can you accept a blended golf and open space option?
5) Block“I veto this”
2) Agreement with Reservations or minor point of contention“I can live with it”
3) Stand Aside“I don’t like this but don’t want to hold up the group so will go along”
1) Endorsement“I like it”
4) Formal Disagreement but willing to go along with the majority .“I won’t block it but want my disagreement noted and don’t want to be involved in implementing it
1 2 3 4 5
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Our Consensus Exercise
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Next Steps
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010
Fort Sheridan Update September 15, 2010