Economics 101
Current day economic conditions have an effect on development plans as evidenced by requests for extension of permits for construction projects. Two of those were approved by Crystal Lake City Council at its last night's meeting. These include Staybridge Suites, a four-story 84-suite extended stay hotel planned for 400 Tag Way. This is located west of Pingree Road and north of Tracy Trail.
Another extension of a Final PUD and final Plat of Subdivision was approved for Preston Pines Subdivision, Units 3 through 6. Plans are for 275 single-family lots and 184 townhomes. Due to market conditions and extension was approved until July 17, 2011.
Another extension was granted for the planned Pine Tree Mall property located on the southwest corner of Routes 176 and 14. This includes plans for a shopping center. The developer's annexation agreement is valid through 2014 for a PUD. The extension of the PUD is approved until October 4, 2010.
Outdoor Mass and Church Picnic
Lake Street between Washington Street and the eastern portion of the St. Thomas the Apostle Church property will be closed Sunday, July 25 from 10:30 am to 5:30 p.m. for an outdoor mass and picnic. This is similar to the approval given for such a project last year.
County Right-of-Way Holds Up Annexation
Requirements regarding a county right-of-way dedication are holding up the annexation plans for a 3.25 acre parcel at 8307 Ridgefield Road. The property is located just south of Tartan Drive, the entrance of McHenry County College. Currently the property contains a two-story residence and a number of accessory structures as well as in in-ground swimming pool.
County Residents Join City
John and Margaret Lecuyer, 490 W. Terra Cotta Avenue, are now city residents following the annexation Tuesday by the City Council of their nearly one-acre property into the City. They sought annexation as their septic system is failing and they desire to connect to the city sewer.
Delivery Truck Considered Signage
Verlo Mattress, 5150 Northwest Highway, was granted approval to park an operable delivery truck in a designated parking stall closest to the building. Both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council expressed the desire that such trucks not be parked closest to the building. The concern is that the truck, containing considerable signage, is more of a sign than just a delivery truck. Concerns were also expressed that businesses in this area do have limited outdoor storage.
From Furniture to Auto Repairs
A new business is coming to Crystal Lake, Pep Boys Auto. They will be locating in the former La-Z Boy Furniture store in the Twin Ponds Marketplace. Considerable discussion was held regarding signage on one side of the building facing Sands Road. There is a residential area across Sands Road from the property. Other concerns were that the business has enough exposure to Route 14 by way of signage and also illumination from the interior of the facility.
New Look For Nursing Home
Fair Oaks Nursing Home, 471 Terra Cotta Avenue, is being updated. The facility was constructed in the early 1970's. Some expansion is planned along with an updating to the appearance. The plan is to create a more-homelike appearance while offering exercise and restorative therapy area. This expansion also allows the facility to revert back to the plans for single occupancy rooms.
The greatest concerns were the necessary removal of about 100 trees to accomplish the expansion. The city ordinance would require 66 trees to replace the approximately 100 that would be removed. Those to be removed include Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Green Ash, Black Cherry, American Elm, Norway Maple, Boxelder, Mulberry, Crabapple, and Black Walnut. Instead of like replacement it was decided that the plan for replacing with smaller and ornamental species would be allowed. A city ordinance requires the like size to be used. The petitioner desires to use other landscaping species to make a friendlier atmosphere for the residents. The Council discussed this and decided to allow the petitioner work this out with the Planning staff considering the cost, aesthetics and size of the site.
Fencing On North Shore
A six-foot fence is planned for a residence at 779 North Shore Drive. The concerns for this location are the 40-foot wide lot with an existing house and garage. The owners desire to install a six-foot high cedar fence. The planned fence encroaches into the required front and rear yard setback, the property having a street at both the front and rear yards. The Council agreed with the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the six-foot fence be permitted along the front of the house, but not the rear which is Oak Court. That was reduced to a three-foot high fence.
Cooperation With Neighbors
An intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Lake in the Hills will allow the storage of 1,000 tons of road salt in Lake in the Hill facilities. The situation arose after the delay of road salt delivery in the past season due to shortage of the commodity. The City's salt storage facility is completely full due to that delay. Therefore there was no place to put a prior committed delivery of another 1,000 tons of road salt.
A $48,500 Donation to State of Illinois
This is in the form of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, needed for the operation and discharges of the City's wastewater and storm water systems. The permit is required under the Clean Water Act and is issued by the IEPA. Operation of wastewater and storm water facilities in violation of the permit requirements results in the city being subject to civil and criminal prosecution.
These fees are justified by the Governor and the Legislature to fund the IEPA and its oversight of NPDES holders' operations. Prior to 2003 the system operated without this funding. In 2003 the State needed to overcome a large budget deficit and permit fees were instituted. Therefore, the City, like others, has been paying the annual NPDES fees for the last seven years, under protest, for a total of $340,500. This year's fee is $48,500.
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