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11/12/19Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 1 DES PLAINES PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2019 MINUTES The Des Plaines Planning and Zoning Board Meeting held its regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 7 p.m. in Room 101 of the Des Plaines Civic Center. ZONING BOARD Chairman Szabo called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and read this evening’s cases. Roll call was established. PRESENT: Fowler, Hofherr, Saletnik, & Szabo ABSENT: Bader, Catalano, & Schell ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Ainsworth, Coord., Devel. Mgr./Community & Economic Development Stewart Weiss, Corporation Counsel/Holland & Knight Gale Cerabona/Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Saletnik, to approve the minutes of October 22, 2019. AYES: Hofherr, Saletnik, Fowler, & Szabo NAYES: None ***MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY*** PUBLIC COMMENT There was no Public Comment. Chairman Szabo mentioned the first petition this evening is continued and this case will be addressed at the end tonight’s meeting. The second case will be next. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS 1. Address: 2980-3000 S. River Road Case 19-073-MAP-TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB The petitioner is requesting a Major Amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD), a Final Plat of Subdivision to re-subdivide the subject lots, a Conditional Use Amendment for a Localized Alternative Sign Regulation, a Text Amendment to amend the C-6 Casino District, a Map Amendment to rezone the property at 2980 River Road to C-6, Casino District, and Variations from the Subdivision Ordinance, all of which is to construct an addition to the existing parking deck, amend the approved signage and to reconfigure part of the site layout of the existing property at 2980 – 3000 River Road. PINs: 09-34-300-032; -045; -046; & -047 Petitioner: Mike Levin, Development Management Assoc., 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611 Owner: Midwest Gaming & Entertainment, LLC, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611 Chairman Szabo swore in Mike Levin, Development Management Assoc., 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL & Todd Shaffer, Principal, Haeger Engineering, 100 E. State Parkway, Schaumburg, IL. Mr. Levin, Principal, introduced himself and shared that an expansion of the casino is coming. He provided a PowerPoint presentation: • Master Plan (approved in 2009) • Phase I (1,200 gaming positions) • Surface & deck parking • 2 hotels • Future garage; expansion of existing garage • Retail outlets He shared that the State of Illinois enacted gaming legislation. He noted the market is underserved. Rivers Casino is one of the highest grossing gaming casinos in the country. Other towns will accommodate more casinos (Waukegan, etc.). Mr. Levin advised that only the garage expansion is being discussed tonight. His team will return with the rest of the build-out components. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 3 The proposed garage expansion was illustrated. Ownership has since acquired an adjacent building (2980 River Road) for their human resource activities. This garage addition is being proposed tonight. Particulars are: • 2 curb cuts are being combined into one off of River Road • 2,344 initial car spaces now offers spaces for over 3,000 cars (code was referenced) • Expanded garage rendering was shown • Signage o will be part of the garage o will be transferred to the east wall o a roof sign has been added Petitioner advised this expansion should finish by July of 2020. The rest of the expansion plans will be shared in 2020. Chairman Szabo asked if the Board has any questions. He asked that the Staff Report be given which Coordinator Ainsworth did: Issue: The petitioner is requesting a Major Amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD), a Final Plat of Subdivision to re-subdivide the subject lots, a Conditional Use Amendment for a Localized Alternative Sign Regulation, a Text Amendment to amend the C-6 Casino District, a Map Amendment to rezone the property at 2980 River Road to C-6, Casino District, and Variations from the Subdivision Ordinance, all of which is to construct an addition to the existing parking deck, amend the approved signage and to reconfigure part of the site layout of the existing property at 2980 – 3000 River Road. Analysis: Owner: Midwest Gaming & Entertainment, LLC, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60611 Petitioner: Mike Levin, Development Management Assoc., 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611 Case Number: 19-073-MAP-TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB-V Real Estate Index #s 09-34-300-032; -045; -046; & -047 Existing Zoning C-6, Casino District Existing Land Use Casino, Parking Garage and Surface Parking Surrounding Zoning North: C-2, Limited Office Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 4 South: Commercial (Rosemont) East: Cook County Forest Preserve West: I-294 Tollway, then C-7, High Density Campus District Surrounding Land Use North: Hotel South: Office Space and Rosemont Village Hall East: Open Space/Park West: I-294 Tollway, then O’Hare Lakes Business Park Street Classification Devon Avenue and River Road – Arterial Streets Comprehensive Plan Commercial Designation Final Planned Unit Development Project Description The applicant is requesting several items associated with a proposed expansion of Rivers Casino which is located at 2980- 3000 River Road including a Major Amendment to the Planned Unit Development to amend Ordinance Z-27-10. This request will entail a proposal to expand the existing parking garage north of the casino building with a net gain of 719 spaces. The proposal to expand the parking garage is a direct result of recent Illinois legislation that allows existing casinos to apply to expand from the former limit of 1,200 gaming positions to the new limit of 2,000 gaming positions. As cited in the applicant’s Project Narrative, the ownership team is proposing the parking expansion with this Planned Unit Development Major Amendment request. However, the applicant is first petitioning the State of Illinois to increase the number of gaming positions inside of the casino from 1,200 to 1,485 due to the proposed sports betting facility inside of the casino. As such, this application is to consider the parking garage expansion and other site layout improvements to prepare this property for a physical expansion. The existing property contains a 140,363 square foot casino building, a four-story parking garage with a pedestrian bridge connecting from the second level of the garage to the casino building, and a two-story office building with a surface parking lot. With all lots combined, the property encompasses 20.017 Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 5 acres in land area. The proposed parking garage expansion will occur east of the existing garage and add 868 spaces. This expansion will take over an existing surface parking lot which will result in a net gain of 719 parking spaces. The entire property currently has 2,344 parking spaces and with the expansion of the 719 spaces, the new total will be 3,063 parking spaces. The Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance Section 12-7-3.I. requires one parking space per gaming seat, the same parking regulation as the State of Illinois. The parking expansion is in preparation for the 1,200 gaming position to 1,485 gaming position expansion, with an eventual expansion to the maximum state-allowed 2,000 gaming positions. The physical expansion of the 2,000 gaming positions will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council in a future development application. The proposed number of parking spaces with the current expansion plans far exceeds the parking count required by the Zoning Ordinance as 1,485 parking spaces are required and 3,063 spaces will be provided. This number is high due to the approximately 1,200 employees that work at Rivers Casino and the notion that the applicant will be coming back to expand the casino to 2,000 gaming positions in the future. The attached traffic statement discusses the parking and trip generation in more detail (Attachment 7) with the scenario of the casino expansion to 1,485 gaming positions. With the proposed Major Amendment to the existing Planned Unit Development, there are a couple of items to highlight. First, the physical boundaries of the Planned Unit Development are being expanded to incorporate the office building located at 2980 River Road. This building was not initially proposed in the original PUD; however multiple principal buildings are permitted on one zoning lot under Zoning Ordinance Section 12-7-1. This building is also under the same ownership as Rivers Casino which is in compliance with Zoning Ordinance Section 12-3-5. Additionally, an exception is being requested for the five-foot setback requirement for the existing office building at 2980 River Road under Zoning Ordinance Section 12-10-8.C. The current building is 4.75 feet away from the north property line. This is an existing condition and the applicant is not proposing to expand the office Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 6 building, but rather protect the building by including the exception to the PUD approval. Map Amendment Project Description: The petitioner has requested to rezone the office building located at 2980 River Road from C-2, Limited Office to C-6, Casino District. This specific building was purchased after the entitlements were obtained for the initial casino construction. The office building solely houses office operations for Rivers Casino. As such, the petitioner is proposing to include this property into the Planned Unit Development for Rivers Casino and, as a result, the property also has to be rezoned to incorporate this property into the PUD. Staff does not have a concern with the proposed rezoning of this specific property. Text Amendment Project Description: With the proposed rezoning and incorporation of the office building at 2980 S. River Road into the C-6, Casino District, the land use of “Office” has to be added to the Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance since the principal use for this building is for office purposes. Since Midwest Gaming is the owner of property within the City of Des Plaines, the applicant has the authority to propose such a text amendment under Zoning Ordinance Section 12-3- 7.C. As such, the proposed text amendment is being requested: Section 12-7-3.I.2. & 12-7-3.K Add: A. C-6 Casino District: 1. Purpose: The purpose of the C-6 casino district is to encourage the orderly development of a licensed casino and certain related uses in accordance with an approved plan of development. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 7 2. Permitted Uses: The uses permitted in the C-6 casino district are by development plan, requiring city council approval, and shall include the following: Casino Class A restaurants, taverns and lounges Hotels Offices that are used solely for casino purposes Uses C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7 Offices P P P P P P19 P Notes: 19. When office uses are directly related to casino operation purposes only. Staff has no concerns with the proposed text amendment as restrictions will be in place that any existing and future offices use will have to be directly related to casino operations. Final Plat of Subdivision and Subdivision Variation Project Description: The petitioner has submitted a Final Plat of Subdivision in order to re-subdivide the existing lots into two lots to reflect the expansion and entitlement update of this property. The proposed new lot configuration is found below: Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 8 Final Plat of Subdivision - Lot Matrix Lot Number Proposed/Existing Use Proposed Land Area Lot 1 Casino, Parking Garage and Office Building 865,859 SF (after R.O.W. dedication) Lot 3 Existing Lot for Signage and Ingress/Egress for 2500 E. Devon Avenue 5,901 SF (no change proposed) A description of each proposed lot is as follows: - Lot 1 – The existing Lot 1 & 2 of the property were initially set to reflect the proposed casino and hotels as shown in the 2010 development petitions. Since the two hotel towers proposed in 2010 were not constructed, the applicant is proposing to consolidate these two lots and incorporate the office building at 2980 River Road into the new Lot 1. The applicant has inclined that another development application is forthcoming with a proposed hotel as part of the casino expansion. Per Zoning Ordinance Section 12-7-1.A. the hotel can be on the same zoning lot as the casino if the petitioner so chooses. As part of this lot reconfiguration, the applicant is also proposing a site layout amendment. Specifically, the majority of the parking lot associated with the 2980 River Road building is being removed in order to straighten out the access drive aisle in-between the 2980 River Road office building and the parking garage. As part of this site layout reconfiguration, the drive aisle entranceway is also getting reconstructed. With this reconstruction, there is a 183 square foot land area that will be dedicated to the City of Des Plaines as this specific land area will be within the Des Plaines River Road right-of-way. Note, the Illinois Department of Transportation transferred jurisdictional responsibility to the City of Des Plaines for the Des Plaines River Road right-of-way in 2010. City of Des Plaines staff reviewed the land dedication request and finds that there Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 9 are no concerns with accepting the 183 square foot land area. - Lot 3 – This 5,901 SF lot is an existing lot that is immediately west of an office building at 2500 E. Devon Avenue. This lot was created to assist Rivers Casino with placing a sign at the corner of Devon Avenue and Rivers Way (a service road that is parallel to I-294). This lot is remaining as-is with no intent to change. Staff does not have any concerns with the lot remaining as-is. With the proposed lot configuration, a Subdivision Ordinance variance is being requested. Subdivision Ordinance Section 13-2-5.M, requires a five-foot easement for public utilities when there is no platted alley. The required five-foot alley is required to run along the north property line (the rear property line). However, this variation request is acceptable to the City of Des Plaines as utilities have already been accounted for. Additionally, the applicant is requesting to vacate certain easements and dedicate new easements to the City of Des Plaines for water main and storm sewer purposes. City staff have reviewed the requests and have no concerns. Localized Alternative Sign Regulation Amendment Project Description: The applicant is proposing several amendments to the existing Localized Alternative Sign Regulation (LASR) as first approved under Ordinance Z-6-10 and then approved under Ordinance Z-11-11 for modifications to the original LASR. The proposed amendments to the LASR as summarized below: Removal of the following signs: • Removing the 68 foot tall monument sign adjacent to the main entrance and River Road; Relocation of the following signs: • Existing directional sign located adjacent to the northern-most entranceway will be relocated next to Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 10 the reconstructed entranceway (in-between 2980 River Road and the expanded parking garage) and a new panel on the directional sign will be added to this sign o New sign area will be 17.2 SF and the new height will be 6.0256’; • Removing the wall sign on the east elevation of the existing parking garage and will be relocated to the east elevation of the expanded parking garage when the parking garage is completed o 780 SF in size; Installation of the following new signs: • The installation of two wall signs, one with the content of, “Rivers Casino” and the second, a static wall graphic sign, will be installed on the north elevation of the expanded parking garage (facing southbound Des Plaines River Road) when the parking garage expansion is completed o 236 SF in size for “Rivers Casino” channel letter wall sign o 240 SF in size for the static panel wall graphic; • The installation of a two new wall signs with the content of, “Rivers Casino” at the southeast corner of the expanded parking garage (one on each side of the parapet wall – one facing south and one facing north) o 236 SF in size each o 472 SF total; • The installation of a wall sign on the south elevation on the expanded parking garage o 480 SF in size; • The installation of a new panel on the directional sign located at the northeast corner of the subject property o New sign area will be 17.2 SF and the new height will be 6.0256’; • The inclusion on the existing, painted parking garage roof sign with the content of, “Rivers Casino” o 17,777 SF in size; and • The installation of a new 11’-10” directional sign that is immediately abutting Des Plaines River Road and is east Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 11 of the expanded parking garage to guide vehicles to the main entrance off of Des Plaines River Road. o 85 SF in size. City staff reviewed all signage requests and has no concerns with the proposed modifications and additions. Compliance with the Comprehensive Plan As found in the City of Des Plaines’ 2019 Comprehensive Plan, there are several parts of the Comprehensive Plan that align with the proposed project. Those portions are as follows: • Under Future Land Use Map: o The property is marked for commercial land use. The proposed expanded parking garage will further enhance the existing casino property which will also allow the casino to eventually expand to the maximum allowed 2,000 gaming positions. This will also allow the casino to continue to be a regional entertainment destination. • Under Economic Development: o The Comprehensive Plan recognizes the economic vitality of the surrounding area and its importance to the broader region. The proposed enhancements of this site would be in-keeping with prior development efforts from the casino. Compliance with the City’s Strategic Plan, Focus 2022 The City’s current Strategic Plan lays out a clear vision for future economic development projects. Specifically, under Re-imagined Growth, the Strategic Plan states the following: “Encourage more entertainment and hotel expansion to enhance the Casino corridor”. Approving the proposed development application will assist with enhancing the casino corridor as it will prepare this site to expand the casino and allow for an attached hotel. As cited in various sections in the Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance, each requests comes paired with a series of statements to assist the Planning and Zoning Board as well as the City Council to review the facts with each request. These statements are referred to as ‘Standards’ and the subsections below directly relate to the requests being made by the applicant. Planned Unit Development (PUD) Findings As required, the proposed development is reviewed in terms of the findings contained in Section 3-5-5 of the Zoning Ordinance. In reviewing these standards, staff has the following comments: Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 12 A. The extent to which the Proposed Plan is or is not consistent with the stated purpose of the PUD regulations in Section 12-3-5-1 and is a stated Conditional Use in the subject zoning district: Comment: A PUD is a listed conditional use in the C-6 zoning district. The proposed project meets the stated purpose of the PUD. Additionally, the proposed improvements of the subject parcels will enhance the neighboring area, but also be cognizant of nearby land uses. Please also see the responses from the applicant. B. The extent to which the proposed plan meets the prerequisites and standards of the planned unit development regulations: Comment: The proposed development will be in-keeping with the City’s prerequisites and standards regarding planned unit development regulations. Please also see the responses from the applicant. C. The extent to which the proposed plan departs from the applicable zoning and subdivision regulations otherwise applicable to the subject property, including, but not limited to the density, dimension, area, bulk, and use and the reasons why such departures are or are not deemed to be in the public interest: Comment: The proposed project is in-line with the intent of a PUD as there is a setback exception being requested to accommodate the existing office building at 2980 River Road. All other aspects of the property’s building height and number of parking spaces complies with the Zoning Ordinance. Please also see the responses from the applicant. D. The extent to which the physical design of the proposed development does or does not make adequate provision for public services, provide adequate control of vehicular traffic, provide for, protect open space, and further the amenities of light and air, recreation and visual enjoyment: Comment: All provisions for public services, adequate traffic control and the protection of open space are being accommodated in the development. Moreover, the existing traffic signal will help guide motorists and pedestrians onto the property. Please also see the responses from the applicant. E. The extent to which the relationship and compatibility of the proposed development is beneficial or adverse to adjacent properties and neighborhood: Comment: The proposed expansion complements existing development to the north, west and south as all surrounding properties, except for the Cook County Forest Preserve are built up. Additionally, measurements will be made to reduce any impact on the nearby properties as all elements will have to comply with the Des Plaines Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 13 F. The extent to which the proposed plan is not desirable to physical development, tax base and economic well-being of the entire community: Comment: The proposed project will contribute to an improved physical appearance within the City by constructing a new parking garage with updated signage and landscaping. This will contribute positively to the tax base and economic well-being of the community. Please also see the responses from the applicant. G. The extent to which the proposed plan is in conformity with the recommendations of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan: Comment: The proposed development meets the goals, objectives and recommendations of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. Please also see the responses from the applicant. Standards for Subdivision Variation Findings As required, the proposed development is reviewed in terms of the findings contained in Section 13-2-6 of the Des Plaines Subdivision Ordinance. In reviewing these standards, staff has the following comments: A. That there are no special circumstances or conditions affecting said property such that the strict application of the provisions of this title would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land. Comment: The existing circumstances with the property such as the existing building warrant the approval of the easement location variance. Utilities are being designed, vacated and dedicated in a manner so that are services have adequate access to the property. Please also see the responses from the applicant. B. That the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the petitioner. Comment: The variance is necessary as the required five-foot easement along the north property line conflicts with the existing utility configuration of this site and the existing building at 2980 River Road is within that five-foot easement area. The property will contain utilities and easements that serve the needs of the City and other utility providers. Please also see the responses from the applicant. C. That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property in the territory in which said property is situated. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 14 Comment: Granting the utility easement variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to any other property owner as adequate means for providing all utilities and services are being accommodated. Please also see the responses from the applicant. Standards for Map/Text Amendment Findings As required, the proposed development is reviewed below in terms of the findings contained in 3-7.E. of the Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance. In reviewing these standards, staff has the following comments: A. Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the comprehensive plan, as adopted and amended from time to time by the City Council. Comment: The map and text amendments are consistent with the goals and objectives of the 2019 Des Plaines Comprehensive Plan. This plan discusses the importance of revitalizing commercial corridors. The rezoning and text amendment to incorporate the office building at 2980 River Road will assist with the continual enhancements in the casino property and allow all Rivers Casino operations to function within one zoning lot. Please also see the responses from the applicant. B. Whether the proposed amendment is compatible with current conditions and the overall character of existing development in the immediate vicinity of the subject property. Comment: The proposed map and text amendments are compatible with the overall character of the existing development and the immediate vicinity as the existing office building will remain as an office building. However, the building will be rezoned to C-6, Casino District and the text amendment to allow the building to continue to function as an office use to supplement casino operations. Please also see the responses from the applicant. C. Whether the proposed amendment is appropriate considering the adequacy of public facilities and services available to this subject property. Comment: There are adequate public facilities and services that are available to this property. The office building is existing and no modifications are being made with these requests. Please also see the responses from the applicant. D. Whether the proposed amendment will have an adverse effect on the value of properties throughout the jurisdiction. Comment: The proposed amendments will not have an adverse effects on property values. Allowing the office building and accessory casino office uses be allowed on the same zoning lot Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 15 will assist the casino to continue enhancing their facilities which will help raise property values. Please also see the responses from the applicant. E. Whether the proposed amendment reflects responsible standards for development and growth. Comment: The proposed rezoning of this property will not result in any modifications of the subject building, but rather it will assist the casino property to enhance their facilities by containing all functions within one zoning district and zoning lot. Please also see the responses from the applicant. Conditional Use Findings: Conditional Use requests are subject to the standards set forth in Section 3-4.E of the Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance. In reviewing these standards, staff has the following comments: A. The proposed Conditional Use is in fact a Conditional Use established within the specific Zoning district involved: Comment: A Localized Alternative Sign Regulation is a Conditional Use, as specified in Section 12- 11-8 of the 1998 City of Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended, in the C-6, Casino District. Please also see the responses from the applicant. B. The proposed Conditional Use is in accordance with the objectives of the City’s Comprehensive Plan: Comment: The use of the site is commercial. The proposed signage will continue to help keep the site commercial and assist potential patrons to find this regional attraction. All of the proposed signage enhancements are in-line with 2019 Des Plaines Comprehensive Plan. Please also see the responses from the applicant. 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 existing Conditional Use for a Localized Alternative Sign Regulation allows for multiple signs on the property. The modified Localized Alternative Sign Regulation request is proposing more signage; however, the parking garage expansion and future configuration warrants new signage. Please also see the responses from the applicant. D. The proposed Conditional Use is not hazardous or disturbing to existing neighboring uses: Comment: The proposed signs are not hazardous or disturbing to the existing neighboring uses. All proposed signs are either static wall panels and internally illuminated channel letters. There Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 16 are no LED animated screens proposed with the amended sign plan. Please also see the responses from the applicant. 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: The proposed signs have no effect on essential public facilities and services. Additionally, the 68-foot tall monument sign is coming down as part of the proposed garage expansion. Please also see the responses from the applicant. 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 community: Comment: The proposed signs would not create a burden on public facilities nor would they be a detriment to the economic well-being of the community. The signs are intended to assist drivers to find this regional attraction as it does not contain direct access off of I-294. Please also see the responses from the applicant. 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 signs will not create additional traffic or noise that could be detrimental to surrounding land uses. Please also see the responses from the applicant. 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 signs should not create an interference with traffic on surrounding public thoroughfares. Please also see the responses from the applicant. 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 new signs would not cause the destruction, loss, or damage of any natural, scenic or historic features of major importance. The signs will be used to enhance an existing development. Please also see the responses from the applicant. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 17 J. The proposed Conditional Use complies with all additional regulations in the Zoning Ordinance specific to the Conditional Use requested: Comment: The property complies with the requirements found in the Zoning Ordinance to be eligible for a Localized Alternative Sign Regulation. Please also see the responses from the applicant. Recommendations: Staff supports the Major Amendment to the Planned Unit Development, a Final Plat of Subdivision with a Subdivision Variance, a Map and Text Amendment, and a Conditional Use Amendment for a Localized Alternative Sign Regulation with two conditions provided below: 1) That any and all easement vacations and dedications not provided with this proposal be reviewed and approved by the City of Des Plaines prior to recording. 2) Drawings may have to be amended to comply with all applicable codes and regulations. Planning and Zoning Board Procedure: The Planning and Zoning Board may vote to recommend approval, approval with modifications, or disapproval. The City Council has final authority over the Major Amendment for the Planned Unit Development, the Final Plat of Subdivision with the Subdivision Variation, the Map and Text Amendments and the Conditional Use Amendment for the Localized Alternative Sign Regulation. Chairman Szabo asked if the Board has questions. Board Member Fowler asked: • if Petitioner has any plans for green space (in the bigger picture). Mr. Levin stated landscaping plans are forthcoming. • how this will affect River Road (flooding). Mr. Levin advised there is an underground retention system, and noted this will expand. Chairman Szabo asked if Petitioner is adding more rainwater storage. Mr. Shaffer (civil engineer for the project) advised ordinances have changed (MWRD). The site is currently irrigated by an underground water cistern; a pump will be added to irrigate the land. The vault will remain. He noted this coincides with the ordinance. Board Member Fowler asked about the loss of landscaping. Mr. Levin mentioned that the land slated for the parking garage expansion was part of the initial plan, but there will be extensive landscaping added around the property. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 18 Board Member Hofherr asked if the creek flow is still underground. Mr. Levin advised of the old ordinance and new legislation. He referenced Chicago. Discussion took place on pumping, etc. Chairman Szabo asked if the Board has further questions. He asked if anyone is in favor of this petition or against it. No one responded. Chairman Szabo stated/asked: • it seems to be a well thought-out plan • what type of retail there will be. Mr. Levin stated it would only be casino-related (I.e. gift shop) Board Member Hofherr asked if there would be a music venue. Mr. Levin stated they are discussing event space; will be decided soon. A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Saletnik, to recommend approval to City Council including Staff’s 2 Conditions. AYES: Hofherr, Saletnik, Fowler, & Szabo NAYES: None ***MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY *** Coordinator Ainsworth advised this case would be presented to City Council at the December 2, 2019 meeting. 2. Address: 1266 Rand Road Case 19-070-MAP-V The petitioner is requesting the following items: i) a map amendment to rezone 1266 Rand Road from C-3 General Commercial District to M-2 General Manufacturing District and ii) variations from the 1998 Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, as amended, for the existing structure. PINs: 09-17-200-112-0000; -113 Petitioner: Pasquale Mauro, Des Plaines Material & Supply, 1266 Rand Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 Owner: 1266 Rand, LLC, 1251 Redeker Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 Chairman Szabo advised this case is being continued. Coordinator Ainsworth explained why and shared this would be continued to December 10, 2019. A motion was made by Board Member Fowler, seconded by Board Member Hofherr, to open the public hearing and continue this case to December 10, 2019. Case 19-073-MAP- TA-CU-FPUD-FSUB 2980-3000 River Road MAP Amendment, Variations, Final Plat Unit Development & Final Plat of Subdivision Case 19-070-MAP-TA 1266 Rand Road Map Amendment and Variations November 12, 2019 Page 19 AYES: Fowler, Hofherr, Saletnik, & Szabo NAYES: None ***MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY *** ADJOURNMENT Coordinator Ainsworth advised there will not be a meeting on November 26, 2019. The next PZB meeting will be on December 10, 2019. A motion was made by Board Member Hofherr, seconded by Board Member Fowler, to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m. AYES: Hofherr, Fowler, Saletnik, & Szabo NAYES: None ***MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY*** Sincerely, Gale Cerabona, Recording Secretary cc: City Officials, Aldermen, Zoning Board of Appeals, Petitioners