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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLAN COMMISSION - 06/21/2021 - PC Docket 21-4, 101, 151, 201 Innovation Drive, Tech Park, Microsoft VariationElk Grove Village Plan Commission Minutes June 21, 2021 Present: J. Glass S. Carlson F. Geinosky K. Weiner L. Bacigalupo P. Rettberg R. DeFrenza J. Morrill Absent: G. Schumm Staff: J. Polony, Deputy Director of Community Development R. Raphael, Engineering Supervisor N. Radcliffe, Senior Management Analyst Petitioner(s): A. Krebs, Syska Hennessy Group (Item 2) Chairman Glass called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Item 1: April 19, 2021 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Geinosky moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 19, 2021. Commissioner Carlson seconded the motion. Upon voting (Carlson, Geinosky, Weiner, Bacigalupo, Rettberg, Glass AYES, DeFrenza, Morrill ABSTAIN), the motion carried 6-0-2. Item 2: PC Docket # 21-4: Petition of Syska Hennessy Group, on behalf of Microsoft, for a Variation to allow Multiple Principal Buildings on a Single Lot located at 101, 151, 201 Innovation Drive Chairman Glass read the legal notice into the record and asked the Petitioner to explain their purpose before the Plan Commission. A. Krebs stated he represents Syska Hennessy Group and is presenting on behalf of Microsoft for the variation. A. Krebs stated Microsoft will be constructing three buildings in the Elk Grove Technology Park, with the first building almost fully constructed. Going from north to south, the buildings are labeled CH10, CH11, and CH12. Each building would have security fences around the buildings and share a private water and electrical grid circulating between the three buildings 1 for maximum efficiency. A. Krebs stated having three buildings on one lot helps maximize efficiency and redundancy for the data center campus to ensure 24/7 operations. Chairman Glass asked why Microsoft is requesting to have multiple buildings on one lot and not dividing the property into three lots. A. Krebs stated that Village's required setbacks for lots would restrict the maximum size needed to build out the data center campus. If Microsoft were to have three buildings on three lots, they would have to re-strategize the electrical/water grid and shrink the buildings. Commissioner Rettberg asked how much space is between the buildings and how many employees Microsoft will have. A. Krebs stated there is an estimated 200-250 feet between each building, and an estimated 25-35 employees for each building, or 60-65 employees in total Commissioner Rettberg asked if there are enough parking stalls for employees and how many shifts will there be. A. Krebs stated there are more than enough parking stalls for employees and Microsoft will operate two shifts. Commissioner Carlson asked what would happen if this variation were to not get approved. A. Krebs stated that the Microsoft and Syska team would need to re -group and draft a new master plan. Commissioner Carlson asked when the construction of the second building would begin. A. Krebs stated the construction would begin in the fall of this year. Commissioner Weiner asked what type of fencing will be used. A. Krebs stated the security gate will be guarded at all times and will consist of eight foot wrought iron fencing with a brick pillar feature spaced out evenly throughout the campus. Commissioner Weiner asked if the design of the building is standard in other areas. A. Krebs stated it is a common design standard used in North America. Commissioner Weiner stated she is disappointed in the proposed design of the data center campus, because it does not fit in well with the beautiful Elk Grove Technology Park and its amenities. Commissioner Weiner stated she is displeased with the lack of landscaping proposed and the poor exterior design of the buildings. Commissioner Weiner asked if this proposed building is the same as Hoffman Estates Microsoft building. A. Krebs stated that this is the standard design that Microsoft uses. Commissioner Bacigalupo asked about the size of each proposed building. A. Krebs stated CHI will be 280,000 square feet, CHI I will be 340,000 square feet, and CH12 will be 340,000 square feet. 2 Commissioner Bacigalupo stated he shares the same concerns as Commissioner Weiner. Commissioner DeFrenza stated she shares the same concerns as her fellow Commissioners in regards to the aesthetics and lack of landscaping. Commissioner Morrill asked whether this campus will be used strictly for Microsoft, or if multiple tenants operate there. A. Krebs stated it will be solely used by Microsoft, but will have contractors and service providers visiting the company from time to time. Commissioner Morrill asked if there are meeting spaces in any of the buildings. A. Krebs stated there are no meeting rooms, although a small administrative office will be a part of CHI 0. Commissioner Morrill stated he shares the same concerns as his fellow Commissioners in regards to the aesthetics and lack of landscaping. J. Polony stated there are design guidelines and standards for the Technology Park. Landscaping and fagade plans did not come to the Plan Commission because there are guidelines in place that Microsoft would have to adhere to. Chairman Glass stated he agrees with his fellow Commissioner's comments on the exterior design of the buildings and the lack of landscaping. Chairman Glass asked if Microsoft could look into adding more landscaping. A. Krebs stated he will ask Microsoft to do so. RECOMMENDATION Commissioner Geinosky moved to recommend approval of the petition of Syska Hennessy Group, on behalf of Microsoft, for a Variation to allow Multiple Principal Buildings on a Single Lot located at 101, 151, 201 Innovation Drive. Commissioner Morrill seconded the motion. Upon voting (Glass, Carlson, Geinosky, Bacigalupo, Rettberg, Weiner, DeFrenza, Morrill AYES), the motion carried unanimously. Item 3: Adjournment Commissioner Weiner moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Morrill seconded the motion. Upon voting (Glass, Carlson, Geinosky, Bacigalupo, Rettberg, Weiner, DeFrenza, Morrill AYES), the motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Nick Radcliffe, Senior Management Analyst 3 C: Chairman and Members of the Plan Commission, Mayor and Board of Trustees, Village Clerk