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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLAN COMMISSION - 07/21/1982 - DOWNSIZING OF HOMES Minutes ELK GROVE VILLAGE PLAN COMMISSION Wednesday, July 21, 1982 The joint meeting of the Plan Commission; Judiciary, Planning and Zoning Committee, and the Housing Commission was called to order at 8:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 1982 in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Building, 901 Wellington Avenue. PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Glass, John R. , Chairman Cummins, Leah, Secretary Fulton, Clark Geinosky, Frederick C. Mullen, George E. Paliganoff, David J. Stangeland, Orrin J. JPZ MEMBERS PRESENT: Trustee James P. Petri, Chairman Trustee Edward R. Hauser HOUSING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Wirth, Karen C. , Chairperson Bytnar, Melvin M. Duoba, Catherine Kaplan, Paul B. Lewandowski, Steve L. Presentation by Centex Homes Midwest, Inc. regarding "Downsizing of Homes" or "Alternative Housing Types". Gerald Harker and Joe Luciani of Centex Homes Midwest, Inc. were present this evening to discuss, with the committees and commissions on hand, the prospect of offering an alternative housing development within the Village of Elk Grove. The joint meeting was a special request of Centex Homes for a forum in which to present its preliminary concept of "alternative housing" and to receive initial reaction, comment and suggestion from various committees of the Village. Harker introduced the concept of "cluster housing". A _'cluster housing" development consists of two-bedroom, single-family detached dwelling units (offering approximately 900 square feet of usable living space) situated on a minimum lot size of 3,500 square feet. Other features of a "clustered" development include: - Front yard setback of 15 feet; - A separation between buildings of 10 feet at the side yard (i.e. , an average side yard of 5 feet); - 300 square feet (on the average) of usable back yard area; - A reduced dedicated roadway right-of-way of 50 feet (down from 60 feet); Plan Commission Minutes - 2 - July 21, 1982 Presentation by Centex Homes Midwest, Inc. (continued) - Sidewalks located on one side of the street only; - 50% lot coverage; - Two off-street parking spaces per unit; - A density of eight units per acre; and - An average 35 foot lot frontage. Harker explained that the smaller home on a smaller lot is designed to attract a growing portion of the housing market; that is, young families in the 24 - 34 year old age group who delay having children, require less home space, and are looking for residential dwellings which require less of an effort to maintain. Young families in this situation are often earning two incomes and do not have the time to dedicate toward maintaining a larger property. The reduced price tag associated with a smaller home will provide young couples an avenue to enter into the home equity chain. Home prices marketed under current interest rates and economic conditions have precluded the younger segment of society from buying a first home. Harker displayed drawings of a "cluster home" development in Dallas, Texas to further demonstrate the housing concept. Harker further stated that Centex Homes is contemplating the intro- duction of a cluster type housing development in the Village of Elk Grove on a tract of land in the northwest corner of Section 23 (immediately south of the Chicago District Pipeline) . The area under consideration is currently platted to accommodate 96 single family homes. Centex would propose to construct 221 homes in a cluster arrangement on the same area. Stangeland inquired if there were examples of the Centex concept established elsewhere in Chicagoland. Harker noted that similar arrange- ments exist in: Lisle . . . . . . the Greentrails Development Gurnee . . . . . Heatherlake; and West Chicago . . Summerlakes. Karen Wirth noted that the proposed arrangement would put strict limitations on homeowners to expand or modify a home. This could likely inhibit some potential customers from purchasing. Harker commented that a complete statement of economic impact the proposed cluster housing development would have on the Village of Elk Grove will be assembled and presented for review by the Village should Centex decide to proceed with a petition to create a new zoning district permitting cluster housing. Harker explained that the cluster development would be separated from adjacent neighborhoods by streets or open space. Centex does not envision directly abutting a larger single family home against 3, 4 or 5 cluster homes. Paliganoff expressed concern over Centex's ability to prohibit private investors/speculators from creating rental situations in a cluster development. Harker commented that he believes the market will be strong enough to fill all units constructed and that, historically, Centex does not sell to investors and would give assurances that would preclude such arrangements. Catherine Duoba noted that the rear yard area may be inadequate to provide recreational space to occupant families. r' Plan Commission Minutes - 3 - July 21, 1982 Presentation by Centex Homes Midwest, Inc. (continued) Harker remarked that, as yet, building parameters are not set in stone and that there is room for change. Karen Wirth inquired whether many amenities would be offered. Harker indicated that a complete line of options would be offered and that market preferences would indicate which options take hold. Karen Wirth expressed concern regarding the impact a new zoning district may have on other municipal codes and ordinances. Glass expressed the following concerns: - The smaller lot size may not render aesthetically pleasing proprieties; - A cluster development may become isolated from the rest of the community; and - There is doubt whether a substantial market exists for two-bedroom, single-family homes. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m. Submitted by: on P. Wildenberg Administrative Assistant ms c: Chairman & Members of Plan Commission, Village President & Board of Trustees, Village Clerk, Village Manager, Assistant Village Manager, Administrative Assistant, Building Commissioner, Village Engineer, Director of Public Works, Fire Chief, Director of Parks and Recreation, Centex, NWMC, Housing Commission members.