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09/09/2014Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 1 DES PLAINES ZONING BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 MINUTES The Des Plaines Zoning Board Meeting held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 102, City Council Chambers, of the Des Plaines Civic Center. ZONING BOARD PRESENT: Seegers, Szabo, Catalano, Saletnik, Hofherr, Schell, Porada ALSO PRESENT George Sakas, AICP, Director/Community & Economic Development Scott Mangum, Senior Planner, Department of Community & Economic Development Gale Cerabona, Recording Secretary Chairman Seegers called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. & read this evening's case. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Szabo, to app FON, e the meeting minutes of August 26, 2014, as presented. AYES: Hothetr, Szabo, Catalano, Saletnik, Schell, Porada, NAYES: None ABSTAIN: Seegers ***MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY*** NEW BUSINESS 1. Address: 480 Potter Road Case Number: 14 -054 -CU Petitioner is requesting a modification to Conditional Use permit under Section 7.2-4-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to authorize the expansion of parking areas at an existing Place of Worship in the R-1 District. PIN: Petitioner: Owner: 09 -15 -301 -009 -0000,09-15-301-010-0000,09-15-301-011-0000,09-15-301-017-0000, 09-15-301-033-0000,09-15-301-034-0000,09-15-301-040-0000 Fazal Mahmood, 480 Potter Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines, 480 Potter Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 2 Chairman Seegers swore in Petitioner Fazal Mahmood, 480 Potter Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Mr. Mahmood explained about the expansion on the West side & stated the lot in the rear is currently used as a playground. On Fridays during Ramadan, there's a lot of traffic so they have been seeking to acquire other lots. The goal is to expand the lot to accommodate 83 cars & relieve traffic on Fridays between 1-3 p.m. There is no other day of the week in which this is needed. Two policemen have been hired to direct & control traffic; a right turn occurs from two exits. Chairman Seegers asked: • if this refers to the property to the West & South line. Mr. Mahmood advised — yes • if parking at 449 Good Avenue will be expanded also. Mr. Mahmood advised — yes Chairman Seegers asked the Board if there are any questions. Board Member Szabo stated/asked: • the grass area is being covered with pavement. Are there plans for storage on both & mainly the large lot? Mr. Mahmood advised that there is a storm water restrictor in the current parking lot and that a plan will be submitted to the City after approval for the lot is granted. • if traffic will be diverted to Good Avenue rather than Potter Road? Mr. Mahmood advised — No, there are two exits on Potter. Board Member Hofherr asked: • if the members have accepted that it will take a longer time (30 minutes) to exit? Mr. Mahmood advised — yes, they are aware. As they take an hour off from work for these services, we are trying to limit the amount of parking tickets being issued. • how long services last. Mr. Mahmood advised—two services between 1-3 p.m. with arrival at 12:45 p.m. Services are no longer than 35 minutes each. Chairman Seegers asked the Board if there are any questions. There were none. Chairman Seegers requested that Mr. Mangum summarize the staff report. Issue: Petitioner is requesting a modification to Conditional Use permit under Section 7.2-4-C of the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended, to authorize the expansion of parking areas at an existing Place of Worship in the R-1 District. Analysis: Proposed Use Place of Worship Address 480 Potter Road Petitioner Fazal Mahmood, 480 Potter Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 Owner(s): Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines, 480 Potter Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 PIN 09-15-301-009-0000, 09-15-301-010-0000, 09-15-301-011-0000, 09-15-301- 017-0000, 09-15-301-033-0000, 09-15-301-034-0000, 09-15-301-040-0000 Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 3 Plan of Operation Proposed parking expansion would be used during services on Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and between 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (during the month of Ramadan depending on the time of year). Existing Use R-1 District Surrounding Land Use North: Single -Family Residential East: Multi-Fam ily Residential & Institutional South: Single -Family Residential West: Single -Family Residential Existing Zoning Surrounding Zoning R-1 District, Single Family Residential North: R-1, Single Family Residential East: Unincorporated Cook County South: R-1, Single Family Residential West: R-1, Single Family Residential Street Classification Potter Road is identified as a collector street in the Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan recommends an Institutional Use for the existing site and Traditional Single -Family Residential for the surrounding parcels. The applicant, The Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines (ICC), has requested to modify an existing Conditional Use Permit to expand parking areas. The ICC obtained a Conditional Use Permit (Case# 98- 26 -SU) in July of 1999 to construct the current two story building with approximately 3,200 square feet of worship space on an approximately 1.75 acre site with frontage on Potter Road. Previously the ICC had operated out of a former residential structure on the site since the late 1980's. The ICC has since acquired four parcels located between the mosque structure and Good Avenue to the west resulting in a total site area of approximately 3 acres. A modification to the Conditional Use Permit (Case# 10 -018 -CU) was approved in 2010 to expand the parking lot west and provide a second exit onto Potter Road resulting in a net increase of 23 parking spaces. The current request would add striped parking for an additional 81 cars, resulting in a total of approximately 206parking spaces. In addition, a parking plan is proposed that would allow for a maximum of 38 cars to be parked in valet or tandem style within drive aisles while preserving areas for emergency access through the site. This parking arrangement is proposed for use during Friday services and during the month of Ramadan and would be managed by parking personnel resulting in a total capacity of 244 vehicles onsite. A parking study to evaluate the existing conditions and proposed parking expansion was prepared by Engineering Services Group, Inc. and reviewed by the City's Engineering Division. The parking study observed parking and traffic conditions on two Friday afternoons from 12:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. within the ICC parking lot and in surrounding areas. The study found 183 cars parked in the ICC lot during both the first (1:10 p.m. to 1:35 p.m.) and second (2:20 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.) services. 125 cars were parking in parking stalls and 58 in a valet or tandem style arrangement. An average of an additional 172 cars was parked on street during the first service and 54 during the second service. Observations found that the parking lot emptied in about 24 minutes with the assistance of 3-4 onsite personnel directing parking within the lot, controlling access to the lot, and providing traffic control for vehicles exiting on to Potter Road after each service. The study estimated that with the expanded parking capacity the lot would take approximately 36 minutes to clear. The study also found that the expanded on-site parking would greatly reduce the off-site parking during the first service and could accommodate all of the off-site parking for the second service. Additionally, the study finds that increasing onsite parking would greatly reduce pedestrian traffic from off- site parking, which would also decrease pedestrian street crossings and increase safety. Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 4 Staff recommends that the Islamic Community Center shall pursue off-site parking agreements with other Institutional uses within a 1500 -foot radius. Conditional Use Findings: As required by Section 3.4-5 (Standards for Conditional Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance, the proposed development is reviewed below: A. The proposed Conditional Use is in fact a Conditional Use established within the specific Zoning district involved: Comment: Places of Worship are a conditional use in R-1, Single -Family Residential Zoning District, as specified in Section 7.3-6-C of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended. B. The proposed Conditional Use is in accordance with the objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan: Comment: The Place of Worship use generally complies with the 2007 Comprehensive Plan, which recommends Institutional and Traditional Single Family Residential for this site. A Place of Worship is a Conditional Use in the R-1 Zoning District. C. The proposed Conditional Use is designed, constructed, operated and maintained to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity: Comment: The Islamic Community Center is located within an existing structure. No additions are proposed to the existing structure. The proposed parking lot expansions would not connect to Good Avenue, but would be designed with a privacy fence behind a 25 -foot setback from the property lines along Good Avenue. D. The proposed Conditional Use is not hazardous or disturbing to existing neighboring uses: Comment: Based on the plans and parking study submitted, none of the functions of the Place of Worship are anticipated to be hazardous or disturbing to the surrounding neighborhood. E. The proposed Conditional Use is to be served adequately by essential public facilities and services, such as highways, streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal, water and sewer, and schools; or, agencies responsible for establishing the Conditional Use shall provide adequately any such services: Comment: After reviewing the petitioner's plans, the proposed Conditional Use would be served adequately by essential public facilities and it would not overburden existing public services. The parking lot expansion is anticipated to reduce the amount of vehicles parking on surrounding public streets. F. The proposed Conditional Use does not create excessive additional requirements at public expense for public facilities and services and will not be detrimental to the economic well-being of the entire comm unity: Comment: The proposed Conditional Use would appear to have adequate public facilities; it would not create a burden on public facilities nor would it be a detriment to the economic well-being of the community. Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 5 G. The proposed Conditional Use does not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property, or the general welfare by reason of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke fumes, glare or odors: Comment: The proposed parking lot expansion is not anticipated to create a significant amount of additional traffic. It is anticipated that the parking lot expansion will reduce the amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on surrounding residential streets. H. The proposed Conditional Use provides vehicular access to the property designed so that it does not create an interference with traffic on surrounding public thoroughfares: Comment: The proposed project would utilize two existing curb cuts on Potter Road for access. Full access is provided by the northernmost curb cut, while the right -out egress is provided by the southernmost curb cut. Based on an evaluation of the parking study provided and the managed parking operations, staff does not find evidence for additional interference with traffic patterns. As noted in the parking study, the additional parking capacity will increase the amount of time for the parking lot to empty. I. The proposed Conditional Use does not result in the destruction, loss, or damage of natural, scenic, or historic features of major importance: Comment: The proposed parking lot expansion would be located adjacent to the site of the existing mosque. The proposed plan would add impervious surface, but would not cause the destruction, loss, or damage of any natural, scenic or historic features of major importance. J. The proposed Conditional Use complies with all additional regulations in the Zoning Ordinance specific to the Conditional Use requested: Comment: As proposed, the parking lot expansion appears to conform to all other zoning regulations. Recommendation: The Community Development Department recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit modification request for the expansion of parking at a Place of Worship, based on review of the information presented by the applicant and the findings made above, as specified in Section 3.4-5 (Standards for Conditional Uses) of the City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, subject to conditions of approval: 1. Prior to the issuance of the building permit, the applicant shall submit a Photometric Plan that limits the amount of horizontal foot-candles to not more than 0.1 foot candles at the single-family residential property lines. 2. Prior to the issuance of the building permit, the applicant shall submit a Landscape Plan that is in compliance with the requirements of Section 10.8 (Parking Lot Landscaping) of the Zoning Ordinance and shall include a 6 -foot tall privacy fence along the rear property line of the property at 459 Good Avenue adjacent to the access drive connecting the parking areas. 3. Prior to issuance of the building permit, the applicant shall submit a revised site plan and any other applicable construction plans and/or license agreement, that provides adequate Fire Department only access from Ironwood Drive. The applicant shall be responsible for the cost of constructing all access improvement necessary from Ironwood Drive, including portions within the Public Right of Way. 4. Prior to issuance of the building permit, the applicant shall submit a Pavement Marking Plan that delineates the allowable areas for valet or tandem style parking per Exhibit D to the satisfaction of the Director of Community and Economic Development and Public Works and Engineering. 5. All landscaping materials and fencing shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy and orderly appearance, and plant material not in this condition shall be replaced when necessary and shall be kept free of refuse and debris. Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 6 6. The applicant shall continue the use of traffic management personnel to manage the pre -service pedestrian crossings of Potter Road, and the pre and post -service flow of vehicles in and out of the lot. 7. The location of parked vehicles shall be in strict adherence to Exhibit D (Site Plan Fire Dept. Exhibit). The applicant shall enter into a Parking Agreement authorizing the City to enforce the parking plan displayed in Exhibit D. 8. Access for Emergency vehicles only shall be provided from Ironwood Drive via a locked wood privacy fence gate. The Fire Department shall furnish the lock and chain and retain key access. Zoning Board of Appeals Procedure Under Section 3.4-4-C (Conditional Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance, the Zoning Board of Appeals has the authority to recommend that the City Council approve, approve subject to conditions, or deny the above - m entioned Conditional Use Permit for the expansion of parking at a Place of Worship in the R-1 zoning district. The City Council has the final authority on the project. Chairman Seegers asked the Board if there are any questions. Board Member Porada asked: • Staff, regarding condition #2, if the property in between parking lots is not owned by the Islamic Community Center. Mr. Mangum advised — that's correct, there is existing fencing that would not need to change. On the East, fencing would be removed & replaced. • Staff if this is a residential structure. Mr. Mangum advised — yes • Staff, regarding condition #3, if Ironwood Drive terminates on the North, South of the lot line, & is basically a dead end. Mr. Mangum advised — yes • Staff if, up to the property line, this is City property including 15 ft. to be improved. Mr. Mangum advised — yes • Staff, on the South, what is there now? Mr. Mangum advised — 6 ft. fencing • Staff, regarding condition #8, if there will be removal & a gate installed. Mr. Mangum advised — yes • Staff if Petitioner is aware of the conditions. Mr. Mangum advised — yes • Staff if the City will vacate that right-of-way. Mr. Mangum advised — the right of way would likely not be vacated, but construction plans would still need to be approved • Staff if this will be pavement. Mr. Mangum advised — yes • Staff if the material will be placed over the grass. Mr. Mangum advised — yes, something that will support large heavy vehicles • regarding condition #6: o will Des Plaines police be there to assist? Mr. Mahmood advised — yes o at your expense? Mr. Mahmood advised — yes o a suggestion is to add — after "traffic management"....."with staffing levels as designated by the Chief of Police"..... • regarding condition #7, private property, is it to allow the police to issue tickets? Mr. Mangum advised — yes, the agreement would allow the police to enforce parking within the parking lot per the plans submitted • if the agreement includes sworn offers or CSOs as well? Mr. Mahmood advised — we want to eliminate tickets being issued to our patrons • if vehicle, valet parking, & accessibility has been signed off on. Mr. Mangum advised— yes, Exhibit D has been reviewed with additional conditions that there will only be emergency access from Ironwood Drive • if Petitioner is aware of the eight conditions. Mr. Mahmood advised — yes, a plan will be submitted & reviewed by the City Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 7 Board Member Hofherr asked if, when Ironwood Drive is accessed, there is sufficient space. Mr. Mangum advised — yes, because there is no on -street parking allowed on Ironwood Drive. Board Member Porada asked: • if emergency vehicles' access is on Ironwood Drive, would they circulate through the parking area & exit by another route? Mr. Mangum advised — that would be an option • if vehicles would not have to back out. Mr. Mangum advised — that is correct Chairman Seegers asked if there is anyone in the audience who is in favor or objects. Via a show of hands, 55 people indicated they are in favor: • Ghulan Farooqie, 490 Potter Road Chairman Seegers swore in Mr. Farooqie who stated that if this parking is granted, it will help resolve the issues. • Elizabeth Papanastasopoulos, 2561 Church Street (since 1970) Chairman Seegers swore in Ms. Papanastasopoulos who stated: 1. Regarding maintenance of the fence, in condition #5, my back yard ends at the parking lot. I maintain the fence; the Islamic Community Center does not. The kids play ball & break the fence tips. Conversations have taken place, but it is still not maintained; I don't believe it will be maintained. 2. The length of services include beginning at 12:30 p.m. until past 4 p.m. Regarding noise measurement, a whistle sounds until 12:30 p.m. year-round, not just during Ramadan. Ms. Papanastasopoulos stated she believes in praying though this occurs on Sunday day & night, Saturday day & night, etc. Parking takes place on Church Street. Ms. Papanastasopoulos stated, as she is a teacher, her students are up all night. Board Member Porada asked: • about parking restrictions on Good Avenue & Church Street. Ms. Papanastasopoulos replied — no one can park on the South part of the street; no mail gets delivered • if the mail boxes are in a cluster. Ms. Papanastasopoulos advised — there are two • if there is parking on South side of Church Street. Ms. Papanastasopoulos stated — no • if anyone requested no parking on the North side. Ms. Papanastasopoulos advised — she is ready for any Christmas presents • if the neighbors have a problem. Ms. Papanastasopoulos advised — yes, we all have problems; we can't get into our homes. A previous example, including an Alderman, was shared. Board Member Hofherr asked: • if the complaints are still the same as before (when this matter previously was brought to the City). Ms. Papanastasopoulos replied — yes, nothing has changed; I still maintain the fence. Another example was given about how patrons from the Islamic Community Center stepped on her property uninvited. Ms. Papanastasopoulos advised there is a business going on there; semi -trucks are continuously parked; it is a garage. At 2 a.m., the noise escalates & police complain. Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 8 Board Member Szabo asked Staff how many cars can be parked on Church Street. Mr. Mangum advised — per the study that was conducted, 22 cars. Board Member Szabo raised the feasibility of resident parking only on Church Street. 3. Staff at the Islamic Community Center landscapes & chops my trees. There are no trees remaining so wildlife has been displaced. Wildlife removal for a fee of $65.00 per skunk, via Animal Control in Northbrook, was referenced. 4. Regarding flooding, there was water to the top of the tires. With more cement/asphalt, there will be a problem with water rolling down Good Avenue to Ironwood Drove. • John Milstead, 2515 Church Street Chairman Seegers swore in Mr. Milstead who stated he would like to commend the mosque as its Staff is trying (to rectify the situation). Mr. Milstead stated parking on Church Street is not only at Potter Road, it's almost at Bellaire. Good Avenue is more affected as 30-40 tickets are issued there. For anyone parking on Good Avenue or Church Street, the sign for this meeting was posted on Potter Road only, not on Good Avenue which accommodates 14-18 residents. I believe this meeting should be postponed until everyone is aware. Board Member Porada stated he believes the posting is at 480 Potter Road which is where the statute states it should be. Mr. Milstead replied — the lots are on Good Avenue. Mr. Mangum advised there was a notice in the newspaper & notices distributed, by Petitioner, to residents living within 300 ft. of said address. Mr. Milstead responded — those not living within 300 ft. may still be affected. Chairman Seegers advised that the statute has been satisfied. Mr. Milstead stated that unless the mosque incorporates its two parking lots within the same address, it will affect neighbors on Good Avenue. • Pamela Warford, 2530 Church Street Chairman Seegers swore in Ms. Warford who stated that she is located less than 300 ft. from said location & didn't receive a notice. Ms. Warford stated that regarding parking on Church Street, there never used to be parking restrictions years ago. Later, it was decided there would be no parking on the South side. An example was cited regarding blocked lanes. Ms. Warford stated she is confused as this issue was addressed in the past however it was not denied, as emergency vehicles did not have accessibility. What is different now? Why does the Fire Department now find this acceptable? Regarding the parking lot, Ms. Waford stated she would like to see resident permit parking, as cars enter & exit neighbors' driveways; she is skeptical that this will alleviate street parking. Ms. Waford stated she would like this group to be good neighbors. An example was given regarding parking on her lawn; Ms. Waford stated this may be City easement but she is responsible. Ms. Waford stated she is very concerned (though she doesn't see a fence) that there is no landscaping, and grass is not mowed. She asked what City requirements are stating she would like optimum landscaping, per the requirement. There are no trees to soak up the water. Optimal compensatory storage is needed as well as trees. • Darryl Nicolay, 491 & 495 Ironwood Drive (since 1987) Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 9 Chairman Seegers swore in Mr. Nicolay who stated that this has been going on for a long time. The Islamic Community Center & the City are to be commended for their efforts. It appears to be a no-win situation. There is a major lighting issue, as lights remain on until midnight. Mr. Nicolay stated he does not see a solution without a long-term plan in place. He advised that some neighbors couldn't be in attendance, & they are concerned about emergency access. Mr. Nicolay advised he may have to move if the situation is not resolved. Chairman Seegers asked the Board if there are any questions. Board Member Catalano asked/stated: • Staff to please read where the notice should be located; Mr. Mangum recited same • the properties are located on Good Avenue Board Member Porada noted all parcels were separate, & now they are consolidated. Examples were discussed. Board Member Szabo advised that the residents may voice their concerns at the City Council meeting. Mr. Milstead replied that ZBA Board Member recommendations are influential to City Council. Board Member Porada reminded that on May 25, 2010 (at a ZBA meeting where initial expansion was the topic), the ZBA recommended not to approve, & City Council did approve the request. He reminded that neighbors are encouraged to attend City Council meetings. Board Member Saletnik asked/stated: • Petitioner how many addresses to which he sent the letter/notices. Mr. Mahmood advised — 42 • how many were included that reside on Good Avenue. Mr. Mahmood stated he is unaware at this time • as this is a controversial issue, the addresses for posting should be in the packet from Staff Mr. Mahood responded to previous comments stating that trees have been planted to relieve light disturbance. Regarding flooding, this is a city-wide issue, & our basement gets flooded too. Our lawn is impeccably maintained. We have a waste pick-up regularly. Board Member Saletnik asked Applicant if there is a 5 or 10 -year plan. Mr. Mahmood advised — a meeting took place with the Mayor, offers have been made by the Islamic Community Center for the purchase of 459 Potter Road, & there has been no response in the last 6 months. He continued that a request to exit from Good Avenue was denied. Mr. Mahood stated he would build a multi -parking structure if it was agreed to. He continued that they are trying to be good neighbors as they wish the neighbors to remain. He advised that the City does not want the building to be expanded. The hope is to acquire more parcels. Board Member Saletnik responded that there are more parcels to acquire & continued that the long-term plan should include attaining more parking. Mr. Mahmood responded that he is happy to meet with City Staff to devise a plan. Board Member Porada stated/asked: • the suburbs typically don't wish to implement permit parking • regarding a long-term plan, he doesn't believe there will ever be a resolution as there will never be enough room to park; there is not enough real estate • in the unincorporated township, if there is a Jewish Center. Mr. Mahmood responded — yes, but he doesn't believe there are prayer services. He continued stating that at Lutheran Day Care Center, they have an excellent agreement to park in their lot after 8 p.m. with no parking on Church Street. He advised that parking there on Friday has not been granted. He shared that the Church on Ballard is planning to extend its parking lot. Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 10 • if shuttle parking has been considered. Mr. Mahmood advised — there is a short time -frame during services • where parking is outside of their lot. Mr. Mahmood advised — on the East side of Potter Road just in front of our property Chairman Seegers swore in Petitioner, Hamed Mohammed: • who advised that addresses were submitted to them by Staff Lauren Griffin; four addresses are noted on Good Avenue. • Conditional Permit was referenced; perhaps a modification of addresses could be offered • green space vs. paving, a 5% minimal requirement, was satisfied; overall, 30% is landscaped • regarding flooding & the detention provision/ordinance, Mr. Mohammed stated they have just 3 acres (not 5 per the ordinance); we are revising & may add a detention pond Board Member Hofherr stated/asked: • Staff if a multi -structure could be added in that area. Mr. Mangum advised — there could be land use issues & conditional permit variances Pamela Warford, audience member, at 2530 Church Street, returned stating/asking: • regarding an elevated parking deck, this neighborhood would not be considered as it's residential • regarding water detention, the property West of me has a detention pond (at Church & Good) • to explain the next process. Are the plans finalized with landscaping? Board Member Szabo responded that he would like Petitioner to provide drawings with detailed landscaping. • regarding lawn mowing, it is not mowed off of Good Avenue; a line of bushes is suggested Elizabeth Papanastasopoulos, audience member, at 2561 Church Street, returned stating/asking: • semi -trucks should not have their engines running during prayer service • trees have died with no replacement; please be specific on landscaping. Skunks are dying. There were 20 trees, now there are 6. Chairman Seegers swore in Obaid Rahmen, 523 Good Avenue (for 10 years) who stated: • regarding floods, these areas are defined • on Good Avenue, it says "No Parking from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m." • his mail is consistently delivered after 3 p.m. • as he rides bikes with his children on the North side of Good Avenue, there are restaurant patrons who park from 5 p.m. -12 midnight & on weekends • he did receive the notice by mail Chairman Seegers swore in Bahzad Syed, audience member, at 485 Good Avenue who stated: • he did receive the notice by mail Chairman Seegers swore in Mohammed Vali, audience member, at 2216 Ottawa Street who stated: • he moved to Des Plaines because of the mosque & attends it daily • he & the Islamic Community Center President planted the red roses • has skunks & deer also (& he lives four blocks away) • it is a problem that there are no sidewalks as well as no lights in some areas • there is no waste/garbage. More waste containers are recommended • trees or fences are suggested Chairman Seegers swore in Mohammed Scukhera, audience member, at 705 W. Golf Road who stated: • two assigned police officers are there weekly (at the fee of $150.00) unlike other churches; therefore there are no traffic issues • the fence is wooden, 6 ft. high & at our own expense Case #14 -054 -CU 480 Potter Road September 9, 2014 Page 11 • parking takes place from 12 p.m. -4 p.m.; parking on grassy areas is prohibited • the City has a landscape ordinance that is abided by; a monthly service contractor maintains the landscaping • Evergreen trees have been planted. Trees are removed as they overflow into our property. Private property owners have a right to cut trees. • Flooding occurs all over Des Plaines • Some accusations include urinating in yards however the analysis concluded that the water hose had holes in it Pamela Warford, audience member, at 2530 Church Street, returned stating: • regarding addresses, the even numbered ones on Good Avenue were not listed; my address is not included Board Member Porada identified where tax bills are sent vs. addresses. Mr. Mangum asked for a 10 -minute recess which was granted by Chairman Seegers at 9:47 p.m. Chairman Seegers resumed the meeting at 9:59 p.m. stating that with due diligence, he would entertain a motion from the Board to include that letters/notices be sent to neighbors who reside 300 ft. from the outermost property line & to reconvene the meeting on September 30, 2014. Board Member Porada noted that the neighbors heard from this evening are not required to return on September 30, 2014. Chairman Seegers stated that, procedurally, those who have spoken need not repeat their comments. Neighbors who haven't provided commentary will be heard on September 30, 2014. Chairman Seegers stated letters/notices will be submitted & posted on Good Avenue. Any new testimony is suggested. Board Member Szabo reiterated he would like a more thorough landscape drawing submitted by September 30, 2014. A motion was made by Board Member Szabo, seconded by Board Member Catalano, to continue this matter to September 30, 2014, along with Staff to arrange (re)submission of letters to neighbors & posting on Good Avenue. AYES: Szabo, Catalano, Saletnik, Hofherr, Schell, Porada, Seegers NAYES: None * * *MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY* * * ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Schell, to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Sincerely, Gale Cerabona, Recording Secretary cc: City Officials, Aldermen, Zoning Board of Appeals, Petitioners