McLean County Times

 Town of Normal Planning Commission met May 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Members Present:

Mr. Broad, Mr. Matejka, Mr. McCue, Mr. Ropp, Ms. Woods, Mr. Tummala

Members Absent:

Mr. McBride

Others Present:

Director of Inspections Greg Troemel, Town Planner Mercy Davison, Office Associate Hilary Houk

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Vice Chairman Tummala and he noted a quorum was present.

Approval of Minutes:

Mr. Matejka moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 5, 2023. Mr. Broad seconded the motion. Minutes stood as written.

Public Hearing:

a. 23-05-13-PC: Site Plan, 4408 E. Raab (Apostolic Christian Church)

Ms. Davison reviewed the staff report. The Apostolic Christian Church is located on 9.6 +/- acres at the northwest corner of Towanda Barnes Road and Raab Road. The property contains the main church building and associated parking lot. The church proposes to add a fellowship hall structure to the property to the northwest of the parking lot. Features of the building would include the following:

• Fenced-in play area

• Outdoor fire pit and patio

• Covered patio

• Multipurpose room

• Kitchen

• Fireside room

• Storage

The structure would cross the church’s property line on the north. To proceed with construction of the new building, the church will have to re-subdivide the property to include property to the north. The re-subdivision is eligible for approval through the expedited process, meaning it can go straight to the Town Council without a public hearing through the Planning Commission.

Town staff recommends that the Planning Commission send a favorable recommendation on the proposed Site Plan to the Town Council conditioned on the site being resubdivided into one new lot of record.

Andy Kaufmann, 216 Grove St, Bloomington, IL, was sworn in by Vice Chairman Tummala. He stated that Mercy articulated the project very well. The building will mainly be used during the week, and not during Sunday services.

Mr. Matejka moved to approve the finding and recommendations as presented by Town staff. Mr. Broad seconded.

Mr. Broad asked if there was a variance related to setbacks for this location.

Ms. Davison responded that in S2 zoning there are no formal setbacks, although transitional setbacks apply to S-2 development when adjacent to residential. She further noted that the existing annexation agreement provides a waiver of the transitional setback requirements.

Ayes: Mr. Matejka, Mr. Ropp, Mr. McCue, Mr. Broad, Mr. Tummala

Nays: None

The motion carried 5-0.

b. 23-05-14-PC: Amended Final Development Plan, One Normal Plaza PUD – Property Directly West of 700 E. Pine (PIN 14-22-376-024)

Mr. Broad stated that due to the item being located near his property, he was going to recuse himself.

Ms. Davison reviewed the staff report. The 68-acre One Normal Plaza PUD is at the northeast corner of Beech and Pine. Pine Street, which is adjacent to the south edge of One Normal Plaza, is part of the historic Route 66 that crosses the United States from Chicago to Santa Monica. In 2026, Route 66 will celebrate its 100th anniversary. In anticipation of this significant mile marker, many communities are contemplating roadside attractions to celebrate their own role in the history of “The Mother Road.”

Several municipalities in McLean County, including Normal, are partnering with the Convention and Visitors Bureau in pursuing grant funds for Route 66-themed roadside attractions adjacent to the route to provide a photo opportunity and to encourage travelers to stop and enjoy our communities. In Normal, the installation is proposed to be located between the in-line skate park and the new trail.

The installation would be comprised of capital letters spelling NORMAL with a large Route 66 shield at the end. The structure would sit on a concrete pad. Details follow:

• Letters: 8’ tall; white with accent color

• Route 66 shield: 10’ tall

• Entire structure: 43’ long; illuminated with ground-mounted light.

• Total square footage: Approximately 375 sq. ft.

Given the recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan and One Normal Plaza’s mixture of land uses and adjacency to a nationally significant transportation corridor, Town staff finds the site to be well-suited for the proposed Route 66-themed roadside attraction.

Mr. Troemel stated that the structure would sit on a large concrete pad. There will be a sidewalk connection to the trail that will allow access to the front of the structure.

Mr. Tummala asked if the wires shown on the visual are present.

Ms. Davison responded that the photo was accurate pertaining to the guy wires. The wires will not be an issue as the structure will be placed away from them.

Mr. Matejka moved to approve as presented including the variances for height and size. Mr. Ropp seconded.

Mr. Matejka recommended that a QR code be placed on the back of the structure that would allow visitors to share their pictures nationwide.

Ms. Davison stated that she had a citizen ask about parking. Pine Street is currently a no parking area, and it will remain that way. There will be signs located in the area directing visitors as to where they should park.

Mr. Ropp asked if the Town of Normal will make any contribution to this.

Ms. Davison responded that the Town of Normal may be doing the concrete pad. The sign itself is being funded by a grant.

Mr. McCue asked if the grant has been received yet.

Ms. Davison responded she was not sure, but she believed that it had been.

Mr. Troemel stated that this is on a very aggressive schedule. Once the grant has been received, the structure will be up by June 30, 2023.

Mr. Ropp asked if the pad would be in front of the sign.

Mr. Troemel responded the pad would be a minimum 4ft concrete perimeter for accessibility.

Mr. Tummala asked if other communities would be doing something similar.

Mr. Troemel responded that Bloomington was contemplating something similar.

Ayes: Ms. Woods, Mr. McCue, Mr. Matejka, Mr. Ropp, Mr. Tummala

Nays: None

The motion carried 5-0

Other Business:

No further business.

Adjournment:

There being no further business, Mr. Matejka moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.

 https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4645