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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-06 Special Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 6, 2006, SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER -TRUSTEES CONFERENCE ROOM 6101 CAPULINA MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS 60053 Pursuant to proper notice in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the Special Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by Mayor Krier. Corporation Counsel Teresa Hoffman Liston called the roll In attendance were: Elected Officials: Mayor Richard Krier, Trustees Georgianne Brunner, Dan DiMaria, Roy Kogstad, Rita Minx, Dale Senensky, Dan Staackmann Absent: Village Clerk Carol A. Fritzshall Village Staff: Administrator Joseph F. Wade, Corporation Counsel Teresa Hoffman Liston, Community and Economic Development Director Bill Neuendorf Also Present Steve Friedman and Anna Koch of S.B. Friedman & Co., Nick Katz from the Morton Grove Champion and approximately 17 residents. President Krier welcomed the assemblage and led them in the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Krier stated the purpose of this meeting was to give Village Trustees an opportunity to gain information and to give direction to staff as to the disposition of the recently acquired Bowman site. Steve Friedman of S.B. Friedman & Co. explained the site is approximately two acres; and Bill Neuendorf stated the Village would have possession of the site in approximately 90 days. Mr. Neuendorf stated the Village had roughly five options to develop the site, i. e., as market rate condominiums and townhouses; as affordable senior housing; as commercial neighborhood retail and/or restaurant; as a mixed use, or as a public library. Mr. Friedman discussed the site characteristics, market findings, tax benefits, potential land reimbursement costs, and the pros and cons of each site. The market rate condominiums and townhouses have the most market potential, tax benefits, and chance for reimbursement. Mr. Friedman opined there was strong interest among developers for such a project, not withstanding the current weakness in the market. He also stated townhouses and condominiums would be a good fit within the community. Mr. Friedman recommended a two step process should the Village decide to explore the feasibility for condominiums and townhouses at the site. He acknowledged however that this was not the first choice professed by the community and due to the extensive residential construction in the market in recent years, a slow down was possible. Mr. Friedman also stated the site was sufficient for the construction of approximately 150 units of senior housing. The market would support such a project and there is a potential for property taxes. Whether the Village could be reimbursed for its land costs was unknown and was subject to the appraisal and negotiation with funders. Mr. Friedman noted there was strong community support and interest from not- for-profit developers for such a project. He also thought senior housing would fit well in the neighborhood. Mr. Friedman stated the best case scenario was that it would probably take three years to complete a senior housing project but the timing of funding was unknown at this time. In answer to a question from a Board member, Mr. Friedman stated there were drawbacks to developing the site as a mixed use, senior affordable housing, and commercial sites, in that such mixtures would have negative tax ramifications and would result in hesitancy from developers and seniors for this project. Mr. Friedman then stated the site was sufficient for neighborhood retail or restaurants which could produce property taxes and sales taxes; however, further research was needed to determine the land value for a commercial development. While Mr. Friedman noted strong community support for retail at this area, he stated there was limited market support due to the low traffic count on Ferris Avenue along with limited visibility. Mr. Friedman stated commercial and restaurant development was more viable on Dempster Street. Mr. Friedman also stated the same factors govern a mixed use development at the site. Mr. Friedman and the Board then discussed the potential for building a public library on the site. The site was sufficient fora 60,0000 sq foot facility. Mr. Friedman noted the Village would not recoup any reimbursement for its land value and, of course, a library would not produce any taxes. Mr. Friedman noted the positives of such a project would be that the library would bring people to the Lehigh/Ferris area and would provide residents with a new upgraded facility. However, as a negative, Mr. Friedman noted the project was potentially very expensive and the library at this location would not be centrally located. He stated an ideal site for the library would be similar to a retail site which would bring higher visibility and traffic. Trustee Staackmann and Trustee Kogstad asked Mr. Friedman to do a full analysis of the cost projections for a new library. Trustee Kogstad also asked for an analysis of all other options. A general discussion then ensued. Mayor Krier then entertained comments and questions from the audience. There being no further questions, Mayor Krier adjourned the meeting without objection at 8:06 pm. Minutes by: Teresa Hoffman Liston, Corporation Counsel PASSED THIS 25~' day of September 2006. Trustee Brunner Trustee DiMaria Trustee Kogstad Trustee Minx Trustee Senensky Trustee Staackmann APPROVED BY ME THIS 25a' day of September 2006 Richard Krier, Village President Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois ATTESTED and FILED in my office This 26a' day of September 2006 Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois