01/27/1998 Special Meeting17.
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES,
ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH
MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, DES PLAINES
CIVIC CENTER, TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1998
CALL TO ORDER: The Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Des Plaines was called to order by Mayor Paul Jung at
7:00 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Tuesday, January
27, 1998.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call indicated the following aldermen present:
Beauvais, Christiansen, Elstner, Sarlo, Smith, Arredia.
Aldermen Higgason and Brookman were absent. Alderman
Higgason arrived at 7:02 p.m. Alderman Brookman arrived
at 7:12 p.m.
Also present were:
City Staff: City Manager Douthwaite, Director of Economic
Klaus, and Director of Community Development D'Onofrio
LR Development: Bruce Abrams, David Dresdner
Lohan Associates: Dirk Lohan, Floyd Anderson, Kevin Pierce,
Construction Cost Systems, Inc.: Anthony Oliver
Schwartz, Cooper, Greenberger & Krause: Ron Grais
S. B. Friedman & Company: Steve Friedman
DOWNTOWN
REDEVELOP.:
Development
Mike Barnes
Mayor Jung announced that this was a Special Meeting of
the City Council and there would be no public input at
this time.
Mayor Jung introduced Bruce Abrams, President of LR
Development, who gave a brief history of his company and
a slide presentation of the projects they have been
involved with. Mr. Abrams stated that his company was
formed in 1988 and is now one of the best in the
Chicagoland area. They don't normally do city
redevelopment, but this is where Mr. Abrams grew up so
this project is special to him. Mr. Abrams stated that
they have never taken on a project that has not been
successfully completed and not one was completed with the
same plan that they started with; they are very flexible.
Mr. Abrams then briefly reviewed their involvement with
this project over the past two (2) years.
DISCUSSION: Mr. Abrams introduced Dirk Lohan, President of Lohan
Associates, architects for the development area. Mr.
Lohan stated that his firm designed the Ameritech
facility and the McDonald's Corporate Campus; they do
commercial -residential renovations. Mr. Lohan stated
that they are here as a united planning team; the City
has a fantastic opportunity to blend a new downtown with
commercial, residential and a library. In keeping with
the new times, take what is here and reinforce it;
strengthen what you have.
Mr. Lohan stated that it was readily apparent that it
would be a sound idea to bring the library downtown; the
library in the center and retail to the north and south
would be very strong. Instead of having the library in
the same building as retail, they separated them so both
would stand alone yet they would function as a whole
composition.
Mr. Lohan also stated that by putting the library in the
middle of the block, there would be easy access to the
parking garage; Ellinwood Street would be two-way and be
paved in a way that people would not speed through.
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DISCUSSION Alderman Beauvais asked how would people drop off their
(Cont'd.) children at the library. Mr. Lohan showed on the map the
drop off area and also stated that people could park in
the garage.
Mr. Lohan stated that they would like to see an open area
along the south side of the railroad tracks for easy
access from the train. Mayor Jung stated that Mr. Zapler
of METRO told him they would not have a problem with
that.
Alderman Sarlo asked if the library would have a
basement. Mr. Lohan stated that they are looking at
having a basement but they would have to see what the
costs would be.
Alderman Arredia asked if it would be cheaper to build
a one (1) story library rather than a three (3) story
building. Mr. Abrams said not necessarily; you need a
large area of land which the City does not have.
Mr. Abrams stated that there is nothing better than
having a day care next to a library; you could have
intergenerational activities. They have not be able to
find a for-profit day care center; they have even agreed
to a developer subsidy.
Mr. Abrams stated that they are looking to bring in a
restaurant, coffee shop, convenience store, card shop,
dry cleaners, beauty shop, yogurt store and some medical
offices. Following further questions about the potential
retailers, Mr. Abrams stated that perhaps they should do
a written description to show the residents what they are
planning to do.
In answer to Alderman Brookman's questions about contacts
with School District #62, Mr. Abrams stated that while
a Letter of Intent is not binding, School District #62
has shown a lot of interest.
Alderman Christiansen stated that he is not in favor of
having a day care center downtown; too much traffic.
Mr. Abrams stated that this plan which includes the
library, a day care center and retail is very exciting
and will be successful. Mr. Abrams stated that Walgreens
will come somewhere downtown if this plan is developed.
Mayor Jung stated that he will invite Dr. Robert Willis,
Superintendent of School District #62 and members of the
school board, to be part of the next meeting on February
24, 1998. Mayor Jung also stated that if the aldermen
have other thoughts that they would like Mr. Abrams and
Mr. Lohan to address, they should let City Manager
Douthwaite know.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Sarlo, seconded by Higgason, that the Special
Meeting of the City Council adjourn. Motion declared
carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
APPROVED BY ME THIS
DAY OF , 1998
Paul W. Jung, MAYOR
Donna McAllister, CMC/AAE - CITY CLERK