A Better Winnetka

At its November 20th meeting and after extended discussion, the Design Review Board voted 4-0 recommending that New Trier Partners' Proposed Development Plan is in conformity with the Design Guidelines, subject to three conditions. Because New Trier Partners neglected to bring the three dimensional model requested at a prior DRB meeting by the fifth member who was present, that member abstained from voting. He felt that, without seeing the model, he could not in good conscience vote on the matter.

According to the Planned Development Ordinance, the "Design Review Board shall provide comment and recommendations to the Village Council as to whether the building design, landscape plan and other proposed exterior aspects of the planned development are in conformity with the Design Guidelines." Exceptions regarding height and intensity of use are not considered by the Design Review Board and their vote does not address this issue.  Exceptions as to height and intensity of use are the sole responsibility of the Plan Commission which rejected New Trier Partners' proposal.

The three conditions for the favorable DRB vote were:

1) better study of the south balconies

2) an accurate depiction on the Elm Street side of the glass gables

3) additional details required for the external materials including a re-presentation of the packet further delineating the decorative features, awnings, streetscape, lighting, landscape, signage and brick finish.

The DRB expects to review this additional information at its next meeting.

December 16th is the tentative date that the Village Council is scheduled to review New Trier Partners' proposal as well as the recommendations by the three advisory boards that have deliberated on this matter, the Plan Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Design Review Board. Check the calendar on the Village's website for more information as it becomes available.