village of lincolnwood economic development commission and commissions/e… · commissioner berman...
TRANSCRIPT
Village of Lincolnwood Economic Development Commission
Meeting
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
8:00 A.M.
Council Chambers
Lincolnwood Village Hall 6900 North Lincoln Avenue
Note: All Village Board Members are invited to attend this meeting
Meeting Agenda
1. Call to Order/Quorum Declaration
2. Minutes Approval - June 27, 2018 Meeting*
3. Discussion on Current & Upcoming Development-Related Projects*
4. Continued Discussion on Targeted Business Development Areas*
5. Reports
a. New Business Licenses*
6. Other Business
7. Public Forum
8. Prospective Businesses Forum
9. Adjournment
*Commissioner Enclosures
The next scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission is a Special Meeting on
September 5, 2018
Posted Date: August 17, 2018
Economic Development Commission
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Council Chambers Room
Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent
James Kucienski, Chairman
Patrick McCoy, Vice Chair
Rivak Albazi
James Berger
Myles Berman
Peter Dyer
Maureen Ehrenberg
Joe Spagnoli
Tim Garcia
Staff Present
Timothy Wiberg, Village Manager
Steve McNellis, Community Development Director
Ashley Engelmann, Assistant Village Manager
Robert Merkel, Finance Director
Others Present
Barry Bass, Village President
Georjean Nickell, Village Trustee
Jesal Patel, Village Trustee
1. Call to Order/ Quorum Declaration
Noting that a quorum of nine members were present, the meeting was called to order by
Chairman Kucienski at 8:00 AM.
2. Minutes Approval
Chairman Kucienski asked the Commission if any edits were to be made to the May 23,
2018 meeting minutes.
Hearing no corrections, Chairman Kucienski called for a motion to approve.
Commissioner Ehrenberg Moved and Commissioner Berger seconded the motion. There
was a consensus to approve the minutes, with Vice Chair McCoy abstaining.
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
2
3. Welcome to New EDC commissioner
Chairman Kucienski welcomed Tim Garcia to the EDC and asked each Commissioner to
introduce themselves. Each commissioner discussed their relationship with the Village of
Lincolnwood as a resident, as a commissioner, as well as other pertinent background
information. Commissioner Garcia thanked everyone for the invitation to be included on
the EDC. He explained that while he is not a resident of the Village he is a stakeholder as
an owner of Food For Thought and interested in how his “outside” perspective can help
improve the community.
4. Cook County Class 6B Property Tax Abatement Incentive Request for 6430 North
Hamlin Avenue (Greener Cleaner)
Director McNellis presented an overview of the proposed Cook County class 6B property
tax abatement incentive request for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue. He noted the
requirements of the property for the tax abatement, which included vacancy for at least
24 months, substantial reoccupation, and its reoccupation for industrial use. Director
McNellis’ presentation touched on the details of the current property including its
eligibility for this request and eligibility of the prospective occupancy usage. He went on
to detail the program: the property would be assessed at 10% of its Fair Market Value
(FMV) for 10 years, in the 11th
year it would be assessed at 15% of its FMV, in the 12th
year it would be assessed at 20% of its FMV, and return to typical industrial assessment
of 25% of its FMV each year thereafter. Director McNellis noted that if the project were
to move forward, it would require the recommendation of the EDC and Village Board, as
well as approval from Cook County. He presented clarification of four precedent cases
related to tax abatements in the Village of Lincolnwood. He clarified that only two such
cases were class 6B and the other two were given under commercial filings. Director
McNellis finished the overview by noting that any positive recommendation should
conclude that the requested tax abatement would be “necessary for development to
occur.”
Mr. Mike Bleier, of the Greener Cleaner, made a presentation to the EDC. In that
presentation, Mr. Bleier reiterated how Greener Cleaners and 6430 North Hamlin Avenue
meet all requirements for the class 6B tax abatement. Mr. Bleier indicated his willingness
to invest in exterior improvements including landscaping and signage. He noted that his
current finances had not included phase two improvements such as landscaping, solar
power instillation, and transitioning to greener vehicles such as compressed natural gas.
Because of his finances he estimated that these additional improvements would take an
additional 18-24 months to be complete.
Commissioner Dyer and Commissioner Ehrenberg inquired about ensuring an initial
investment in these proposed exterior projects would be made. Mr. Bleier reasserted his
commitment to an early investment in signage but other improvements would take time
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
3
for financing. Commissioner Ehrenberg noted that those later, phase two improvement
costs, such as solar power and exterior property enhancements could be offset with other
Village incentive programs.
Mr. Bleier acknowledged the benefits of those other incentive programs. Moreover, he
indicated an interest in creating a cooperative relationship with the Village to promote the
move to the Village in hopes of attracting other business through Greener Cleaners’
website. Chairman Kucienski asked about a timeline for completion of the move if it
were to go forward. Mr. Bleier estimated that if it were to start in mid-to-late August it
could be completed by mid-to-late October. Chairman Kucienski acknowledged that
landscaping near the end of the year would be in vain but requested a sign be installed
and a plan for landscaping next spring, with bids, be provided by the end of the year. Mr.
Bleier affirmed that such a plan would not be onerous. He further inquired as to what
kind of sign and the location of sign the EDC would want to see. Director McNellis noted
that the location of the sign would be dictated by the Village Code, and that it would end
up being a wall sign as a free-standing sign would not meet setback requirements. The
EDC noted the vision of the sign should not only promote the business but also the
business’ environmental benefits. Mr. Bleier voiced concern that phase two
improvements may interfere with the effectiveness of the sign which is to be initially
installed. Commissioner Ehrenberg suggested that completing a detailed plan of phase
one and two before installation of the sign should resolve any issues he may be concerned
about.
Commissioner Spagnoli addressed Director McNellis with a proposition to help lower
Mr. Bleier’s budget for lighting, in turn, increasing his potential budget for exterior
improvements, including the sign and landscaping. Commissioner Spagnoli noted there is
a ComEd program that could subsidize much of these costs by utilizing energy-efficient
lighting, to which Director McNellis agreed to provide contact information to Mr. Bleier.
Commissioner Spagnoli cited personal success with the ComEd program. Mr. Bleier was
interested in how to use these programs but had already included ComEd assistance in his
lighting cost calculation. Chairman Kucienski discussed that the Village has a grant
program that would cover up to 50% of the cost with an overall cap of $25,000 for the
project.
Vice Chair McCoy asked Mr. Bleier if the approval for the Class 6B tax abatement is a
necessary requirement to move into the proposed location. Mr. Bleier indicated that to
move into 6430 North Hamlin Avenue would require the approval of the Class 6B tax
abatement or it would not make financial sense for him. Vice Chair McCoy further
inquired to other conditions which would prevent Mr. Bleier from moving into 6430
North Hamlin Avenue. Mr. Bleier assured the EDC that there were no other requests
from the EDC but learned of a potential need to include a sprinkler system which would
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
4
prevent the move for financial reasons. Mr. Bleier explained that initial discussions did
not result in a requirement for fire sprinklers, but a recent inspection done by TPI (the
Village’s Building Code Consultants) indicated that he would need to have a sprinkler
system installed. Mr. Bleier explained that for this 9,640 square foot building
International Building Code standards would require sprinklers, but the Village of
Lincolnwood requires sprinklers in buildings 5,000 square feet or less. Commissioner
Ehrenberg discussed the possibility of other fire systems that could cost less, such as
foam boxes. Director McNellis noted that he had been in contact with TPI and that the
issue was not a black and white issue. He expressed confidence in a resolution that would
be appropriate for all parties.
Commissioner Berman had a series of questions relating to Mr. Bleier’s current
operations and how the new location would affect those current locations. First,
Commissioner Berman asked if Mr. Bleier would keep his Skokie location and if there
were any other current locations. Mr. Bleier said he would keep the current locations
which include another store in Chicago but move all the processing to 6430 North
Hamlin Avenue. Second, Commissioner Berman inquired about the nature of the other
two stores before and after the move. Mr. Bleier indicated that both stores would continue
to be retail, walk up stores whereas the processing facility would be at 6430 North
Hamlin Avenue. Third, Commissioner Berman inquired about the titling of the vehicles
that Greener Cleaners use, and how the move would change that. Mr. Bleier noted that
there are five current cargo vans registered in Grayslake but kept in Skokie. Mr. Bleier
indicated that he would be willing to title the vehicles in the Village of Lincolnwood.
Moreover, that they would look to expand the fleet of vehicles as business increased.
Fourth, Commissioner Berman inquired about the investment size and to where the funds
would go in moving into the new location. Mr. Bleier stated that he was looking at
investing $350,000, a majority of which would go to acquiring new equipment. Lastly,
Mr. Bleier was asked if he was comfortable entering into a covenant for the term of the
Class 6B tax abatement, that would limit the ability to transfer the incentive to another
owner and provide a backstop for the Village, similar to the Remedies section of a
Northbrook incentive, with JI Realty Company at 1919 Stanley Street in Northbrook. Mr.
Bleier affirmed that he would not be leaving this location in the Village in the next 12
years and signing a covenant would not be a concern.
Commissioner Berman then addressed staff, inquiring if they had discussed the prospects
of recommending a Class 6B tax abatement with other tax districts, specifically the
schools. Director McNellis stated the Village had not historically made those inquires for
these types of requests, but it was his opinion it would be a good practice going forward.
Chairman Kucienski voiced that an impact on the schools would be minor and therefore
of minimal concern. Director McNellis reiterated from the overview documents that the
building would be taxed at 40% of what it would otherwise be taxed. He further clarified
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
5
that by staff’s estimate Greener Cleaners would be paying $4,000 - $5,000 less than the
property currently pays (prior to a “vacant” classification on the property). Commissioner
Berman indicated it is important to discuss with other districts before moving forward.
Chairman Kucienski disagreed, citing that the tax money lost on a single property is so
small compared to a TIF which encompasses many businesses. Moreover, he worried that
it would be ceding too much authority to the school district, and that it is the Village’s job
to make these decisions. Village Manager Wiberg explained that school districts would
still get all the money that they levied because, by the nature of the tax, the tax would
shift to other businesses and citizens. Commissioner Berman stated that it is important to
recognize that the EDC does not live in a vacuum and so the EDC should consider its
impact on others. Vice Chairman McCoy reiterated Manager Wiberg’s statement that the
minimal potential loss would be spread out to the other properties allowing the schools to
keep their current expected revenue the same, with no loss.
Vice Chair McCoy inquired about the product and process Greener Cleaners uses to
make them environmentally friendly compared to competitors. Mr. Bleier gave an
introduction to the industry standards and how Greener Cleaners is different. Per Mr.
Bleier, 99.3% of the industry uses petrochemicals that are classified as a likely
carcinogen, neurotoxin, and air and ground pollutant. Mr. Bleier explained that Green
Cleaners uses a wet cleaning process, special washers, dryers, and detergents, from which
the residue is safe to dispose of down a drain. The impact being that all of the new
techniques eliminate the need for petrochemicals and the detergents they use are much
safer.
Commissioner Dyer asked about the day-to-day operations of Greener Cleaners and how
the new location would affect those day-to-day operations. Mr. Bleier explained that they
have 22 part-time and full-time employees in Lincolnwood, with the expectation of hiring
five more for this location. The expected hours of operations would be normal business
hours, approximated to be between seven in the morning until four or five in the
afternoon.
Commissioner Dyer followed up with a discussion about what the current owner of 6430
North Hamlin Avenue has been paying in taxes compared to the taxes Greener Cleaners
would be paying if they occupied the building. It was pointed out that the current owners,
with a vacant building, are paying at a rate less than what would be paid by Greener
Cleaners.
Director McNellis returned the discussion to a potential covenant, brought up by
Commissioner Berman, and the Northbrook example provided to the EDC.
Commissioner Berman noted that there was expectation Mr. Bleier’s legal council was to
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
6
join him but was not there. Therefore, there would be a need for more discussion of the
covenant between Mr. Bleier and his council.
Commissioner Spagnoli inquired about the availability of parking for work vehicles as
well as space for his employees to park. Mr. Bleier noted that many of his employees use
public transit but there would also be 18 parking spaces with additional parking on the
street. Moreover, not all employees would be at the facilities at the same time; he
estimated that only five to seven employees would be at the facility at one time. Director
McNellis confirmed that there was additional street parking available. In addition to the
parking lot, Mr. McNellis, noted that the loading dock could be used to park another
vehicle. Mr. Bleier was asked about how the parking lot was divided. Mr. Bleier
explained that when the building was sub-divided, so too was the parking lot making an
unusual division of spaces.
Chairman Kucienski called for a motion to recommend to the Village Board the
recommendation of the Cook County Class 6B Property tax abatement incentive request
for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue unless further considerations needed to be made.
Director McNellis inquired as to what details should be included in the final stipulations
that were to be voted on. Commissioner Ehrenberg recommended that EDC should see a
long term plan for the construction of the sign and other exterior improvements including
plans for the two phases of improvements. Commissioner Berman added and reiterated
that the EDC should recommend the Class 6B tax abatement subject to several
conditions. First, that the questions over the sprinkler system are resolved. Second, that
there be a covenant established similar to 1919 Stanley Street Northbrook including but
not limited to the remedy provisions. Third, jointly agree to signage that displays a sense
of environmental Corporate Social Responsibility.
Commissioner Ehrenberg recommended that a minimum dollar amount be set to spend on
the exterior improvements. Commissioner Albazi suggested that $15,000-$20,000 be a
reasonable amount considering the location. Mr. Bleier and Commissioner Dyer voiced
concern that if the exterior improvements could be done for less money than the
minimum such an agreement would put Mr. Bleier undue financial hardship. Both
Commissioner Ehrenberg and Commissioner Spagnoli suggested an application for a PEP
Grant be used to minimize cost to Mr. Bleier. Director McNellis affirmed that pursuing
assistance could be fruitful considering there are no other current applicants. It was
agreed that a comprehensive development plan with initial investment in an exterior sign
and further investment in improving the exterior façade and landscaping, which totals no
less than $10,000, should be presented to the EDC.
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
7
Vice Chair McCoy requested clarification of the process in which this tax abatement
would get approved. Commissioner Berman clarified that the EDC and the Village Board
would both be recommending bodies to Cook County and that the Cook County would
make the final decision on the approval. Commissioner Berman went on to say without
recommendations from the EDC and the Village Board, Cook County would not approve
it. Moreover, Commissioner Berman asked Director McNellis what other language must
be included in its recommendation so that it can be adopted. Director McNellis reiterated
that if the EDC favored a positive recommendation, it should find a Class 6B incentive is
necessary for development to occur on the subject property.
Commissioner Berman asked Director McNellis to read back the agreed stipulations
associate with the recommendation which follows as such:
The EDC would recommend the Class 6B tax abatement for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue
subject to several conditions:
1) Resolution of a sprinkler requirement issue to the Village’s satisfaction.
2) Applicant to enter into a Covenant, similar in material respects to the Sample
Agreement, provided by staff, entitled “Class 6B Incentive Agreement by and between
The Village of Northbrook and JI Realty Company, LLC (1919 Stanley Street)”,
including, but not limited to, Section 4 – Village’s Remedies.
3) Applicant agrees to design and install wall signage, for staff review, advertising the
“green” nature of their business, in a form that is in line with “Corporate Social
Responsibility.”
4) Delivery of a comprehensive exterior phased design plan to reposition and improve the
public-facing building elevation and front landscaping, at a value no less than $10,000.
5) A statement that the requested Class 6B incentive is necessary for development to
occur on the subject property.
Hearing no additional discussion, Chairman Kucienski called for a motion to approve and
recommend to the Village Board support and consent to the Cook County Class 6B
Property tax abatement incentive request for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue with the
stipulations agreed upon. Commissioner Berman moved and Vice Chair McCoy
seconded the motion. Motion was approved by a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes: Albazi, Berger, Berman, Dyer, Ehrenberg, Garcia, Spagnoli, Vice Chairman
McCoy, Chairman Kucienski
Nays: None
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
8
5. Update on Village Branding Project
Director McNellis invited Assistant Village Manager Engelmann to give an update on the
Village Branding Project. Director McNellis also invited those who needed to leave,
considering the meeting had extended beyond 9:30, to do so. Commissioner Berman left
at this time. Commissioner Dyer left at 9:31.
Assistant Village Manager Engelmann gave an overview of the project and the two
current goals. First, Identify the identity of the Village of Lincolnwood and second, how
to promote this identity to stakeholders. The overarching goal between these is to create a
unified message. To this end, a staff committee and a focus group comprised mostly of
residents and business owners were assembled. Assistant Village Manager Engelmann
further explained that a unified message has been difficult given the two logos used by
the Village: the Lincolnwood Tree, and President Lincoln seal. She described the next
step was to do a follow up survey with the focus group.
Commissioner Ehrenberg voiced her concern that the project may be missing a step. She
indicated that a logo is not synonymous with a brand, which implies a persona. Assistant
Village Manager Engelmann reiterated that they are looking for that identity as well as
how to communicate to the stakeholders that identity. She further explained that they are
taking a survey of 20 other communities that have done a “brand roll-out” to find the best
practices to create a positive result. Commissioner Garcia noted that the program needs to
ask the question of what does Lincolnwood want to be as well as what is essential about
Lincolnwood. Commissioner Ehrenberg affirmed that sentiment.
Assistant Village Manager Engelmann give a timeline of the finished project and
benchmarks the focus group wishes to reach. The prospective implementation date is
January 2019. Assistant Village Manager Engelmann then asked the EDC if there were
further questions or comments, which there were none.
6. Continued Workshop on Targeted Business Development Areas –
Strengths/Weaknesses
Director McNellis presented an overview of the current hot zones which he broke into
five groupings: The Lincolnwood Town Center, The Lincolnwood Business Center,
Purple Hotel, the North Gateway, and South East triangle (between Lincoln Ave., Proesel
Ave, and Devon Ave. Director McNellis inquired if there were other development hot
zones which he should pursue.
Commissioner Ehrenberg advised that each hot zone should be more differentiated than
the five current areas. Her concern is that the homogenized areas will ignore that within
those areas there are sections with “different vibes” and therefore “different potential.”
Director McNellis affirmed that a differentiated strategy was a part of the plan. He further
Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018
9
noted that staff would prepare a draft map showing different zones within each of the five
hot zones, in order to address Commissioner Ehrenberg’s point. In addition, he stated he
would prepare a sample marketing specification sheet, to be used for properties in each of
the hot zones. Director McNellis finished by stating that staff would plan on returning to
the EDC with this additional information at the August meeting.
7. Reports
a. New Business Licenses
No report was discussed.
b. Development Updates
Director McNellis asked if the EDC wished for any updates on any of the projects
previously discussed. Chairman Kucienski inquired about the progress of the bike
path over pass project completion date. Vice Chair McCoy voiced that he thought the
estimated completion date was mid-to-late August. Director McNellis indicated that
with delays in IDOT’s review, it is possible that it would be pushed back further but
after getting the IDOT approval the construction should move quickly.
Vice Chair McCoy asked about what closures and ceremonies should be expected
before for its completion. It was discussed that some minimal closures were to be
expected and that any ceremony had yet to be decided.
8. Other Business
None
9. Public Forum
No member of the public desired to address the Commission.
10. Adjournment
Chairman Kucienski moved for adjournment, and was seconded. By consensus, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:42am.
Respectfully submitted:
Henry Wright
Community Development Intern
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chair and Members Economic Development Commission
FROM: Steve McNellis Community Development Director
DATE: August 22, 2018
SUBJECT: Item #3 - Discussion on Current and Upcoming Development-Related
Projects
At the August 22, 2018 Economic Development Commission meeting, staff will provide an
update of development projects in process and those anticipated in the near future. The outline on the following page will be utilized to guide the presentation. This is intended to be a free-
flowing informal discussion. We welcome and encourage your thoughts and comments during the meeting.
If you have any specific development-related projects you wish to discuss at next Wednesday’s meeting, please feel free to contact me at 847-745-4710 or [email protected], and I will prepare
background information for discussion.
Presentation and Discussion – Outline: August 22, 2018 Economic Development Commission Meeting
A) Village-Initiated/Funded Projects of Development Interest
a. Village Initiated 1. Touhy Avenue Pedestrian Bridge (Valley Line Trail)
b. Village-Funded PEP Grant Projects
1. Airoom Parking Improvements
2. Econocare Building Façade Improvements
c. North “Gateway” Sub-Area Plan
d. Code Enforcement Direction
B) Private Commercial Projects of Interest
a. Development Projects in/beginning the Planning Process
1. District 1860 (Tucker Development) & TIF Redesignation
2. Project at Former Dominick’s (6830/50 McCormick Blvd) 3. 4656 W. Touhy (former WAWA Industries Bldg.)
b. Development Projects in Building Permitting/Construction
1. Walder Education Center/Hatzalah (6530 Lincoln Avenue)
2. Multi-tenant Plaza with Starbucks (4320 W. Touhy Avenue) 3. Stefani’s Osteria & Bar – Outdoor Deck (6755 N. Cicero Avenue)
4. Food For Thought – Expansion (6955 N. Hamlin Avenue) 5. The Carrington at Lincolnwood (3401 Northeast Parkway) 6. Sacred Learning Center & Parking Lot (3900/10 Devon Avenue)
c. Potential (Re)Development Projects
1. Hoxha Property (6733-35 Lincoln Avenue) 2. Zeigler Auto Group 3. Gas Station/Convenience Store Expansion (6401 N. Cicero Avenue)
4. Bria Health Care (6969 Lincoln Avenue) 5. Auto Canada Car Storage
6. Town Center Mall
C) EDC Commissioner’s Issues/Questions
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chair and Members
Economic Development Commission
FROM: Steve McNellis
Community Development Director
DATE: August 22, 2018
SUBJECT: Item #4 - Targeted Business Development Areas – “Hot Zones”
Following up on the EDC discussion this past spring and early summer, staff was directed to take a
more detailed look at the five “Hot Zones” that were discussed to analyze the nuances in character
and uses in each zone. In addition, staff was asked to consider information that could be provided
for each available property that would be useful to a prospective developer, while also evoking a
sense of the character of that zone.
Detailed Breakdown of each Zone
1. Northeast Gateway
This zone has been split into three
primary areas, each with a different
land use, and different character.
Property fronting the two major
arterial roadways (shown in red)
should continue as commercial
property, albeit a different type of
commercial use, as less and less
national (full-price) chain store retail
is replaced by quick-service,
commercial service (eg. dry
cleaners), discounter retail, and
restaurants. The property shown in
gray is an area where there is an
opportunity to introduce a residential
“neighborhood” that appeals to
different age-demographics, from
millennials to those of retirement
age, creating a less homogenous
Commercial
Transitional
Residential
2
population, and one allowing each end of the age spectrum to interact with one another. The
property shown in purple would be considered “transitional.” This is the area where a wide variety
of uses could be found, from light industrial to event space, to experiential commercial such as a
brewery, distillery, indoor recreational/entertainment use (indoor soccer, escape room, live theater,
etc).
2. South Gateway
This zone also has
opportunities for
commercial, higher-density
residential and a transitional
area. As with the arterial
roadways in the North
Gateway, Lincoln Avenue is
an arterial roadway, perhaps
best marketed as a
commercial strip. Even
today, Lincoln Avenue has a
different character than
Touhy Avenue, which has retailers and restaurants with more of a regional or national presence, due
to the higher rents on a roadway with higher traffic counts. Whereas Lincoln Avenue is already
more of a “neighborhood commercial” area, with service uses, such as banks, medical, etc.
dominating the landscape. The key here may be to reach out to small commercial uses that are more
internet-proof, in that the goods and services they offer cannot be easily duplicated on the internet
(eg. furniture) or those that thrive based on their quaint nature (eg. small cafes, small commercial
incubators). The area shown in purple is that transitional zone where a wide variety of uses can be
found. On the heels of Greener Cleaner’s decision to locate in this area, there could be an
opportunity to seek out environmentally-friendly businesses, creating critical mass in an “eco-
zone.” Finally, staff sees the opportunity to market the two industrial properties, located on the west
side of the UP Trail, as potential areas to redevelop into higher density residential, which would
take advantage of the recreational trail and nearby parks.
3. North Gateway
This zone, unlike the others, is
already being studied as part of a
Sub Area Plan being developed in
conjunction with a Planning
Consultant (this planning effort
will be discussed as part of a
separate agenda item at
Wednesday’s meeting). This zone
is also split into three primary
areas, covering highway/strip
commercial uses, mixed-use and
office. The strip commercial
property is located primarily along
the arterial roadways. The
Commercial Transitional
Residential
Commercial Mixed
Use
Office
3
intersection of Touhy and Lincoln Avenues is commercial in nature, both in the typical larger lot
commercial development to the southeast and the proposed mixed-use District 1860 development to
the northwest. However, staff envisions residential in this zone eventually consisting primarily of
higher-density multi-family residential, with the existing single-family homes eventually
disappearing. Commercial uses along Touhy Avenue should be permitted to push their lots deeper
into areas to the north, in order to allow typical-depth lots that are consistent with those found west
of Lincolnwood in Skokie and Niles. Finally, if there is a natural area for expansion of office space
in Lincolnwood, it would be in an area close to the Edens Expressway interchange. This type of use
may also become more attractive once the amenities associated with the District 1860 proposal are
in place.
Summary:
As far as the five hot zones previously identified, there are two within the Northeast Gateway Zone:
Town Center Mall and the larger industrial area surrounding it. There are also two in the North
Gateway Zone: Purple Hotel site and the larger area surrounding it at the northwest corner of the
Village. The final hot zone is the Lincoln/Devon/Proesel triangle. Staff has combined these into
three zones for planning purposes. However, marketing these areas would be undertaken based on
specific districts. For example, the Bell & Howell factory area could become its own district that
evokes the vintage, retro industrial theme that would be appropriate here. As previously noted, the
Lincoln/Devon/Proesel triangle could potentially become the Lincolnwood “Eco” District.
Ultimately, there are many options which staff would like to discuss with the EDC at Wednesday’s
meeting.
Marketing of Zones/Districts
As discussed in June, staff has now prepared several options for “specification sheets” that could be
utilized on the Village website, provided to prospective businesses and also provided at trade shows
and to local commercial brokers. In order to compare apples to apples, all of the attached options
relate to one property, the Town Center warehouse, adjacent to Town Center Mall. The goal is to
provide a listing of relevant information and an idea of the types of “themes” that may be
appropriate for properties in a particular zone/district. In this case, the thought is to promote the
older vintage industrial area, in which this property is located. The front page to each listing would
have an area name, and a short description of the area, in order to provide a setting for the property.
In this case, we are proposing the B & H District, alluding to the former Bell & Howell plant in this
area, as an example. The next two pages provide pertinent information about the specific property
and a Village contact. Please note that staff has utilized background templates from Shutterstock®
simply to demonstrate themes that could be utilized. Should it be appropriate to move forward and
develop these specification sheets, staff will undertake the necessary steps to obtain authorization to
use these photos for backgrounds.
The key questions for the EDC, with regard to the designation of specific zones or districts, and the
marketing of properties in these zones are:
1) Are the proposed uses and breakdown of zones in the three major “gateways” defined in this
memo consistent with the EDC’s thoughts?
2) Is developing these specification sheets for available properties in the hot zones a task that
the EDC wishes to direct staff to undertake?
3) If so, are the themes and formatting generally what you would like to see?
4
4) Is the information contained on these sheets valuable, and is there any other information that
should be added?
In addition, staff is also seeking EDC feedback on the following questions:
1) Should the Village consider expanding or adding new financial incentive programs to
encourage new business in these hot zones?
2) Should zoning techniques (Revising Village Codes, creating Overlay Zones) be considered
to incentivize development in hot zones?
3) What other programs/projects should the Village undertake to incentivize development in
these areas?
Attachments:
1. Sample Specification Sheets
B&H District
District History
Address: 7080 N. McCormick Blvd.
Square footage: 229,540 sq. ft.Zoning: PUD
Available Utilities - Fiber: AT&T (adjacent off-site)
Water: 12” Main AdjacentSewer: 21” Combined
Collector AdjacentElectrical Capacity: ???????
Alternative Energies Permissible:Solar and Wind
Ceiling Heights: 21’overhead doors: 13
loading dock: 8 docks
Permitted Uses/Special Uses: Office/WarehousePreferred Village Use(s): Recreational/Entertainment
Curbcuts: 1 from N. Central Park Avenue, multiple from Mall Ring Road
Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mile
Parking: 250 spacesProximity to Expressway: 1.7 Miles
Incentives Available: Local Property Enhancement & Green Initiatives Program
Demographics: ____ Population and ____ Income level within 5 Miles
Contact: Steve McNellis, Community Development Director for Village of Lincolnwood at 847-745-4710 or at [email protected]
District History
B&H District
Address: 7080 N. McCormick Blvd.
Square footage: 229,540 sq. ft.Zoning: PUD
Available Utilities - Fiber: AT&T (adjacent off-site)
Water: 12” Main AdjacentSewer: 21” Combined Collector Adjacent
Electrical Capacity: ???????Alternative Energies Permissible:
Solar and WindCeiling Heights: 21’overhead doors: 13
loading dock: 8 docks
Permitted Uses/Special Uses: Office/WarehousePreferred Village Use(s): Recreational/Entertainment
Curbcuts: 1 from N. Central Park Avenue, multiple from Mall Ring Road
Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mile
Parking: 250 spacesProximity to Expressway: 1.7 Miles
Incentives Available: Local Property Enhancement & Green Initiatives Program
Demographics: ____ Population and ____ Income level within 5 Miles
Contact: Steve McNellis, Community Development Director for Village of Lincolnwood at 847-745-4710 or at [email protected]
District History
B&H District
Address: 7080 N. McCormick Blvd.
Square footage: 229,540 sq. ft.Zoning: PUD
Available Utilities - Fiber: AT&T (adjacent off-site)
Water: 12” Main AdjacentSewer: 21” Combined
Collector AdjacentElectrical Capacity: ???????
Alternative Energies Permissible:Solar and Wind
Ceiling Heights: 21’overhead doors: 13
loading dock: 8 docks
Contact: Steve McNellis, Community Development Director for Village of Lincolnwood at 847-745-4710 or at [email protected]
Permitted Uses/Special Uses: Office/WarehousePreferred Village Use(s): Recreational/Entertainment
Curbcuts: 1 from N. Central Park Avenue, multiple from Mall Ring Road
Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mileParking: 250 spaces
Proximity to Expressway: 1.7 MilesIncentives Available: Local Property Enhancement &
Green Initiatives ProgramDemographics: ____ Population and ____ Income
level within 5 Miles
B&H District
District History
Address: 7080 N. McCormick Blvd.
Square footage: 229,540 sq. ft.Zoning: PUD
Available Utilities - Fiber: AT&T (adjacent off-site)
Water: 12” Main AdjacentSewer: 21” Combined
Collector AdjacentElectrical Capacity: ???????
Alternative Energies Permissible:Solar and Wind
Ceiling Heights: 21’overhead doors: 13
loading dock: 8 docks
Permitted Uses/Special Uses: Office/WarehousePreferred Village Use(s): Recreational/Entertainment
Curbcuts: 1 from N. Central Park Avenue, multiple from Mall Ring Road
Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mileParking: 250 spaces
Proximity to Expressway: 1.7 MilesIncentives Available: Local Property Enhancement &
Green Initiatives ProgramDemographics: ____ Population and ____ Income
level within 5 Miles
Contact: Steve McNellis, Community Development Director for Village of Lincolnwood at 847-745-4710 or at [email protected]
Village of Lincolnwood Community Development Department
New Business Licenses July/August 2018
Business Type Business Name
Business
Address
Contact
Name
Telephone
Number
Amusement Fun Zone 3333 West
Touhy Avenue
Jessica
Blouin 847.674.1219
Retail Gift Plaza 3333 West
Touhy Avenue Ritu Uppal 847.673.0508
Cart/Kiosk Just Energy 3333 West
Touhy Avenue NA N/A
Food Sales Sweeteast 3333 West
Touhy Avenue
Aizhamal
Rerimkulova N/A
Legal Service Injury Lawyers of
Illinois
7330 North
Cicero Avenue
Tony
Kalogerakos 312.929.3807