HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLAN COMMISSION - 07/19/2006 - 06-7/CLASSIC CINEMAS/ARL HTS RD Elk Grove Village
Plan Commission Minutes
July 19,2006
Present: F. Geinosky
T.Thompson
D.Paliganoff
D. Sokolowski
P.Ayers
J.Glass
C.Henrici
J.Meyers
Absent: E.Hauser
Staff: M.Roan,Assistant to the Village Manager
Petitioner: W.Johnson,Classic Cinemas
Chairman Glass called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Item 1: PC Docket#06-7: Classic Cinemas—Re-Subdivision &Rezone
1040& 1050 Arlington Heights Road
Chairman Glass read the petition into the record.
W. Johnson identified himself as the petitioner. Secretary Geinosky swore in the petitioner.
W.Johnson stated that Classic Cinemas came to the Village in 1986 as a single screen cinema. In'I
1987 they expanded to two(2)screens. In 1998,as part of the Town Center redevelopment,they
opened four(4)additional screens. In 2003,Classic Cinemas switched to a fust run movie theatre.
W.Johnson stated that last October he was made aware of the fact that Burger King would not be
renewing their lease for the site. At that point,he began negotiations with the owner about possibly
purchasing the property to expand his operations.
W.Johnson stated that he was seeking approval to expand his theatre by adding two(2)additional
screens,400 more seats,and two(2)party rooms. With the expansion,W.Johnson stated that he
would be able to play movies that he does not currently have room for.
In order to proceed,the petitioner indicated that they would need to tear down the Burger King 1
building to expand the existing Classic Cinemas. Therefore,the re-subdivision is needed.
Furthermore,the contemplated expansion and re-subdivision will also require a rezoning of the 1040
Arlington Heights Road parcel from B-I to a B-5 conditional use.
The petitioner noted that one requirement of staff is that the petitioner use face brick on the east and
north fagades of the building as TIF funds were utilized to upscale the Town Center with brick
fagades. The petitioner asked that the Plan Commission reconsider staff's request. In place of the face
brick,the petitioner would be using pre-cast stained concrete.
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W.Johnson noted that the Department of Engineering&Community Development noted some minor
changes that need to be made to his Plat of Survey. He stated that he would make those changes as
part of his final revision.
W.Johnson showed the Plan Commission a sample of the brick required by staff and the pre-cast
stained concrete that he was proposing to use. In addition to the facility improvements,the petitioner
also indicated that he would improve and expand the existing irrigation systems.
Commissioner Meyers stated that the petitioner was well prepared and that the presentation was very
good. Commissioner Meyers had no questions and no objection to the proposal. Commissioner
Meyers stated that he had no objection to the petitioner's request to use the pre-cast stained concrete.
Commissioner Henrici stated that the proposed plan was a good addition to the existing shopping
center.
Secretary Geinosky referenced the Police Department's report regarding parking for the cinema,and
he noted that only 54 additional parking stalls were being added. He also noted that the Department of
Engineering&Community Development stated that there was enough parking. Secretary Geinosky
asked if this issue has been resolved. W.Johnson stated that with the cross easement shared parking
agreements,there was enough parking in front of the Dominick's and other areas of the shopping
center to accommodate the expansion.
Secretary Geinosky noted that Crime Prevention had concerns with youth and making the site
unattractive for them to congregate. W.Johnson stated that he did not meet with the Police
Department,but noted that he has never had any issues with youth causing problems. He noted that
they do have ample lighting and security cameras. He stated that he would make necessary changes if
needed.
Commissioner Thompson stated that he did not have any issues with the proposal.
Commissioner Sokolowski asked if the precast concrete would be stained. W.Johnson stated that it
is stained to the specified color. Commissioner Sokolowski stated that he was concerned that the
stained concrete would show wear,and he noted that the brick would not. W.Johnson noted that they
have used this material before and have not had any issues with the stains running. W.Johnson stated
that proper maintenance has always been a concern with Classic Cinemas.
Commissioner Sokolowski asked how many seats would be added. W.Johnson stated 400.
Commissioner Sokolowski noted that the petitioner was only adding 59 parking spaces and that
parking is already difficult. W.Johnson noted that parking is limited due to the lack of real estate. In
addition,parking has been adequate Monday through Thursday,but from Friday through Sunday
parking is a problem. As a result,patrons will have to use portions of the shopping center. W.
Johnson stated that if he could add parking he would.
Commissioner Sokolowski noted that he has seen many instances where movie patrons park in the
drive aisles next to the planting medians. He questioned if"NO PARKING"signs could be placed
near these points. W.Johnson said he would look into the situation and suggested that yellow
diagonal lines be painted on the pavement.
Commissioner Ayers asked if staff took into count the party rooms when determining the need for
additional parking. M.Roan stated that he was not sure.
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Commissioner Paliganoff asked if there would be any times that portions of the movie theatre would
have to be closed due to the renovations. W.Johnson stated that any disruptions in their operation
would be momentary,and that disruptions would come during the period when the contractor was
connecting the buildings and also when they were running some of the utilities.
Commissioner Paliganoff asked what the construction time frame would be. W.Johnson stated that he
would like to start some time in August. He noted that his problem now is getting the gas and electric
companies to shut off service at the Burger King building.
W.Johnson stated that he had hoped for a Christmas opening,but now realizes that the opening would
not take place until early 2007.
Commissioner Paliganoff asked if there were any issues with the Village Grove Apartments. W.
Johnson stated that there were some issues when they built their first addition. After adding the fence,
there have been no problems. He noted that many of his patrons were seniors.
Commissioner Paliganoff asked if they were going to have parties while other movies were being
shown. W.Johnson stated that a majority of their parties are for children 10 and under and that they
are typically held in the afternoon.
Commissioner Paliganoff asked if people rent the rooms without wanting to see a show. W.Johnson
stated that he does not market the party rooms that way. He noted that people typically sign up for the
party rooms with the idea that they are going to watch a certain show. He stated that the seating for
the parties would be used in the auditoriums.
Commissioner Paliganoff asked how many patrons each party room holds. W.Johnson stated that
Room 1 holds between 10 and 12 people,Room 2 holds between 15 and 18 people,Room 3 holds
about 15 people,and Room 4 also holds about 15 people. He also noted that there is an accordion
door that allows some of the rooms to be expanded.
Chairman Glass asked if the party room is typically used for children. W.Johnson stated that it was
typically used for children. Chairman Glass asked if the children would be dropped off by their
parents. W.Johnson stated that they are,but that there are always parental chaperones on hand in the
party rooms.
Chairman Glass noted that staff requested the face brick on the east and north fagades of the building
since the movie theatre is part of the Town Center. He noted that all buildings in the Town Center are
constructed of brick,and that asking the movie theatre to do the same would maintain the uniformity
of the site. Willis Johnson noted that the Director of Engineering&Community Development had no
objection to his use of pre-cast stained concrete panels. Chairman Glass stated that the final decision
would be up to the Village Board.
Chairman Glass noted that the expansion was a better use of the property than the previous use.
Chairman Glass noted that he too had some reservations about youths congregating at the south end of
the property where the Burger King was located. Although he felt lights were needed,Chairman Glass
stated that they should not be large,bright lights. W.Johnson stated that he would use wall pack lights
that can be mounted lower to the ground. Chairman Glass asked the petitioner to use sidewalk lights
along the rear of the property in order to address the Police Department's concern of youth
congregating behind the building. Willis Johnson agreed,but noted that it would not stop the youths
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from going behind the building. He also noted that security cameras would assist in keeping youth
away from the rear of the facility.
Noting Chairman Glass's reasoning for why staff requested that the theatre addition be constructed in
brick,Commissioner Meyers noted that the all-brick addition would give the appearance of a fortress
since it would be 35 feet tall by 85 feet long and no other building as part of the Town Center
development is this large in size.
Commissioner Ayers asked if the petitioner would be installing windows along the north face of the
expansion. W.Johnson stated that there are a couple of windows,but primarily what are seen on the
rendering are lighted poster cases.
Commissioner Henrici stated that the proposal certainly improves the shopping center.
RECOMMENDATION
Commissioner Henrici moved to recommend the re-subdivision of the property from two(2)lots into
one(1)lot and rezone the property from B-1 to B-5. In addition,Commissioner Henrici recommended
that the petitioner be allowed to use pre-cast stained concrete panels in place of an all brick fagade on
the north and east faces. Commissioner Paliganoff seconded the motion. Upon voting(Glass,
Geinosky,Paliganoff, Sokolowski,Thompson,Henrici,Meyers,Ayers,AYES,Hauser,ABSENT)the
motion carried.
Item Adjournment
Commissioner Meyers moved to adjourn. Commissioner Sokolowski seconded the motion. Upon
voting(Glass, Geinosky,Paliganoff, Sokolowski,Thompson,Henrici,Meyers,Ayers,AYES,Hauser,
ABSENT)the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew J.Roan
Assistant to the Village Manager
C: Chairman and Members of the Plan Commission,Mayor and Board of Trustees,Village
Clerk,Village Manager,Assistant Village Manager,Assistant to the Village Manager,
Director of Engineering/Community Development,Director of Public Works,Fire Chief,
Deputy Fire Chief(2),Village Attorney.
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