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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-16 Special MinutesMINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2008, SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, COUNTCIL CHAMBERS RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER 6101 CAPULINA AVENUE MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS 60053 Pursuant to proper notice in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the Special Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Richard Krier. Clerk I'ritzshall called the roll. In attendance were: Elected Officials: President Richard Krier, Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Steel Marcus, Rita Minx, Dan Staackmann, and John Thill Absent: Trustee Roy Kogstad Village Staff: Village Administrator Joseph F. Wade, Corporation Counsel Teresa Hoffman Liston, Community and Economic Development Director Bill Neuendorf, Administrative Inten~ Peter Falcone Also Present: David Stamm and Steve Friedman from S.B. Friedman and Associates, Alden Foundation 'T'eam, Brinshore Development Team, McShane Team, Several members of the public President Krier stated the purpose of this meeting was to review development proposals from three different developers who responded to the Village's Request for Proposal for the Lehigh/Perris TIF Area "B" project. This evening's presentation is the culmination of six years of work by the Village to develop this two acre site at the southwest corner of Capulina and Ferris. This has not been an easypath and has included a condemnation lawsuit, wherein the Village worked out a negotiated price for the property. This site has been purchased, the buildings have been demolished (which included asbestos abatement), and surveyed. It was noted without the intervention of the Village this parcel could not have been assembled. All tln-ee of the developers have a proven track record. Mayor Krier then congratulated the developers for wanting to invest in "our great Village". Administrator Joseph Wade explained one hundred Request for Proposals were sent out These documents provided guidelnies for this development, outlined the rules, and asked for experienced developers in residential, commercial and mixed-use developments to submit their proposals. He went onto explain three developers have been chosen for their experience and diversified ideas. It was the Village's hope a commercial interest can be developed in this area; however McShane was the only developer who has proposed a tln~ee story office building with possible retail on the first floor. The other two developers, Alden and Brinshore are proposing senior developments. All three developers have a proven track record and are bankable. Mr. Wade noted the Village has been working with their consultant S.B. Friedman and Associates to advise the Village with this project and other projects within the TIF District Community and Economic Development Director Bill Neuendorf then stated that allowing ail three developers to present their proposal to the Board wa the most fair and equitable way to develop this parcel to its fullest potential. The Village is fortunate that these three developers are more than qualified and they have been asked to present their projects this evening. Mr. David Stainm of S.B. Friedma~r a~zd Associates stated the process the Village is using is the same one used in other communities such as Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Bartlett, and Libertyville. He felt the two key elements that went into this process were the details that went into the platming process in adva<rce of this RFP, along with a general concept plan and broader goals for the commw~ity. Two ideas have been suggested and expressed by the Village as being viable options. The first is to build a strictly residential complex, the other is to incorporate commercial space. These ideas were intended to give developers direction and show the intent of the Village. The Village also wanted each developer chosen to be financially qualified before this presentation. Each of the following meet the aforestated qualifications: • The Alden Foundation is proposing an independent senior housing facility. • Brinshore Development is proposing a row of townhouse units along Ferris Avenue for moderate income families, and an affordable senior housing facility. • McShane Development is proposing a medical building with possible commercial space on the first level. It was noted each of these groups will give a twenty to thirty minute presentation and then a~iswer questions from the Village Board. The financials of each group along with any other sensitive matters will be discussed in Executive Session following the presentations. The Appearance Commission, Traffic Safety, and Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals have been advised of the three proposed projects and some of their expressed comments are as follows: Design concepts were discussed by the Appearance Commission. They would like to see a mole traditional building with green space. The Traffic Safety Commission only had general comments. They appeared happy with all three proposals and really showed no preference. The Pian Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals would prefer aretail/commercial building. They were conceialed there were already too many medical buildings in the area. And they wanted to see this area preserved for affordable senior housing. Ms. Randy Sehula- President of Alden Realty Services which began in the early 1960s, presented. her team and the project, "MG Horizon". She explained they are anot-for-profit organization and their first nursing facility was built in 1970. They have now progressed to senior independent living facilities. Currently Alden has thirty-oile owned and operated healthcare related facilities. MG Horizon would be more than just renting u1 apartment there would be activities for its senior residents. Alden is envisioning an 85 unit senior living facility with one and two bedroom rental apartments. One unit would be held for a caretaker for emergencies. Alden anticipates building a five story brick/masonry "L" shaped building for seniors 62 and older with sixty-four outdoor parking spaces. Coin operated laundry rooms would be on each floor. A community room, outdoor area, computer lab, etc. would also be available for use by the residents. One bedrooms would be approximately 750 square feet and two bedrooms would be 950 square feet. Ninety percent would be handicapped accessible and all aparhnents would be ADA compliant. There would be a property manager on the premises _ Monday -Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. The facility is designed for mixed income individuals and the apartments are anticipated to range in cost from $350 to $950 per month. The lower rents would require income tlu-esholds. They anticipate the typical resident would be a widow who is living off the sale of a family home. Morton Grove residents or family members of Morton Grove residents would receive a preference in obtaining these apartments. The project would be subsidized by tax credits, and grants. They anticipate this development to be fully rented before the building is completed. It is felt this is a perfect site for a project of this type since it is close to Metra, and Pace would make a stop at this location. It is also ideal because of its relative location to the forest preserves and would be pedestrian orientated. They also anticipate using many "green" elements such as permeable asphalt. Construction start-up would be in early 2010 with completion in 201 1. Alden's architect, Tom Brat described the development alzd its overall advantages to Morton Grove and its residents. He highlighted several projects Alden has completed. Several Village Board members asked questions about density restrictions and whether this project meets those density requirements. Mr. Neuendorf stated this project meets the density requirements of the Village. One Trustee was concerned about the lack of windows on the south side of the building. One Trustee was concerned there was no underground parking for taus project which the Alden Group responded it would be too cost prohibitive. Lastly, one Trustee asked about guest/visitor parking. The concern was whether there would be a distinction between parking for residents and visitors. The response was there was no difference. The Alden Group felt there would be adequate parking for both. Following the Alden Group's presentation Mayor Krier thanked them for their time. Mr. Neuendorf introduced the Brinshore Group. They also presented a senior independent living facility which includes a group of town homes along Ferris Avenue. This company currently manages the "White House" on Waukegan Road. Rich Sciortine introduced his team from Brinshore. He explained they are based in Northbrook and have been in business for 15 years. I~Ie also explained they have won a number of awards including the Affordable Dousing Award. Mr. Sciortine explained this design project would be precast/masonry in nature and should be cost effective. The designer for the town homes would be Workforce Studio. Their vision is to have this project fit the neighborhood atld the overall look of the building should blend nicely. Fhe team explained their general overview for this project and the objectives they wish to achieve. It is felt workforce town homes would be a way to attract and keep employees that work in the community. They are also looking at sustainable features such as solar hot water. This area is walkable and pedestrian friendly and it is anticipated other property values will raise as a result of this development. They would like to invite the community to make suggestions acrd have a viable input into this project. Affordable housing is going through a change due to the banking crisis and it is more difficult to finance. The VIliag~e needs a developer with good financial backing. "They would like to see Morton Grove have a stake in this project with a land write-down. In essence Morton Grove would retain ownership of the land which would control the affordability of the project as a whole. The development is anticipated to be a five-story building with 79 units for individuals 62 years and older. These rental units would have 61 on-site parking spaces along with 21 on-street spaces. Ten town homes would attract individuals who would like to live in the area where they work and would target teachers, nurses, etc. These units would have three bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths and have attached garages. There wou]d only be one curb cut into the site. The town homes would be slightly set back off of Ferris. There would also be space for possible retail. Materials and styling would be used which are similar to those in the area (masonry with brick and concrete or limestone). The senior interior space would enhance a senior's life through community spirit and activities. Two thirds of the senior building will be one bedroom apartments with the other one third being two bedrooms. First floor activities will include a living environment along with outdoor active green space. A one bedroom would cost approximately $675 per month and a two bedroom would cost $935 per month. This group has assessed the area and has noted the population is aging. They already have a waiting list for the "White House". They stated calls come in every week wanting affordable housing. The town homes will afford the availability for small retail establishments. They would use an innovative measure to break up the town homes. This would also allow for a walkway approximately halfway through. As noted on their drawings, some of the units will have a deeper footprint which would increase the first floor for a home office, or for a variety of soft office uses since it also has its own bathroom. This area could be used for a home office, a therapist, architect, tutor, etc. It could also be used for additional residential space. A commercial space would also lower the overhead for individuals with a small business. This is not intended to house a Starbucks or a Panera. The most expensive unit would be around $240,000 at 2,000 to 2,500 square feet. There would be a deed restriction however that would restrict the resale value at 3% per year. The units actually cost more than $240,000 but thee are silent mortgages that do not affect the buyer. A projectof this type is therefore limited; however this gives someone an entry point into the market of owning their own home. It is anticipated completion would be in 2011. Once again, they are interested in a groLmd lease with the Village so the Village will control the property and still generate tax credits. This group also brought up the possibility of TIF assistance if absolutely necessary. Taxes for the community are anticipated to be approximately $2.5 million. The townhomes and apartments will be done separately and the town homes could possibly be brought on-line sooner. Mr. Neuendorf introduced McShane's multistory medical building along with Steven Doyle and his staff from McShane who is located in Rosemont. They have been in business for 25 years. They create everything from office buildings to industrial projects. They also have several other locations around the country. "I'he architect, KLLM Architects, has worked with McShane on numerous other projects. They are proposing a three story medical office building oriented on Ferris Avenue which would be limited to physicians and health care providers. Amain entry would be on Ferris Avenue with an alternative entry at the rear of the building to access 167 parking spaces. There would be a good deal of landscaping which would lend itself to a residential feel. They also anticipate 12,100 to 12,200 square feet of possible retail on the first floor. The upper floors would have 20,000 square feet on each floor. McShane has found there is a strong demographic when comparing providers and the senior population. Physicians like to house together which provides abuilt-in referral system. They have already done some canvassing and there is interest. McShane also has "green" experience. They would like the Village to help in relocating utilities, which is currently not been addressed. Currently there are three retailers on the first floor who have preliminarily shown interest in the building as well as six physicians, all have signed letters of interest. They anticipate 50% occupancy within three years. A motion was then made by Trustee Marcus to adjourn into Executive Session in the first floor Police Training Room to discuss the sale of V illage owned property. 1"rustee Minx seconded the motion which was unanimously approved via voice vote at 9:50 pm. Mr. Wade, Ms. Liston, Mr. Neuendorf, Mr. Falcone and Mr. Friedmui were asked to join the Board for this closed session which began at 9:58 pm. The meeting resumed at 10:36. Mayor Krier thanked everyone for their time and presentations. Mayor Krier asked staff to contactihe three developers in the near future to let each of them know what additional information the Village might require. Mayor Krier then asked for public comments: Mr. Christopher Arns stated he was pleased to see there may be an opportunity to house some of the Village's senior citizens. He felt this evening's presentations were professional. He referenced the Woodland senior housing facility and the fact that it never came to fruition. He expressed his displeasure with the Woodland departure from the senior housing facility. He articulated concern about financing since financing seemed to be a problem in flee past. He also spoke about McShane Development being allowed to do another project in the Village since he considered their relationship with the Woodland Development to be a "debacle". Mayor Krier asked if there were any additional comments; seeing none Trustee Minx made a motion to adjourn the regular portion of this special meeting. Trustee Marcus seconded the motion which was unanimously approved via voice vote at 10:48 pm ~~ Mmut~by: Carol A. Fritzshall Spec;xl meeting minutes.l2-I6-OS