A Better Winnetka

At the August 27, 2008 Plan Commission meeting, 7 of 13 Plan Commission members sat at the podium with an eighth member in the audience. Two hours were reserved for the Fell Site development issue, starting with public comments. The overriding theme of the public comments was that we are at a “tipping point” in the history of this Village and what is developed on the Fell Site will set the stage for the future of Winnetka.

After closing the public comments portion of the meeting, Maureen Mitchell, head of the Plan Commission, said that if there are additional thoughts from the public, they are encouraged to send them to the Commission. She stated that the Commission members read everything that is sent to them.

Steven Elrod, the attorney for the developer, made comments and answered questions from the Plan Commission members. Six Commission members provided their thoughts and comments about the proposed development.

As to the next step, Maureen Mitchell explained that the Plan Commission is at the end of its preliminary process but it will keep the process open and if the developer comes back with additional materials, the Commission will continue its discussion. It will then make its findings by voting on a checklist provided by Village Staff, and based on those findings, a resolution will be drafted by the Village Attorney. Maureen Mitchell also advised the developer to meet with Community Development to determine a deadline for submitting additional materials. The next Plan Commission meeting is on September 24, 2008.

Meanwhile, both the Zoning Board and the Design Review Board will also be discussing the Fell Site development issue at their upcoming meetings. The Zoning Board will meet September 8, 2008; the Design Review Board meeting has not been scheduled. Check the Village of Winnetka calendar for more details as they become available. Generally, the Village updates its calendar every Friday although sometimes it is updated more often.