Village of Lincolnwood Economic Development Commission and Commissions/E… · Commissioner Berman asked if Mr. Bleier would keep his Skokie location and if there were any other current

Village of Lincolnwood Economic Development Commission

Meeting

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

8:00 A.M.

Council Chambers

Lincolnwood Village Hall 6900 North Lincoln Avenue

Note: All Village Board Members are invited to attend this meeting

Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order/Quorum Declaration

2. Minutes Approval - June 27, 2018 Meeting*

3. Discussion on Current & Upcoming Development-Related Projects*

4. Continued Discussion on Targeted Business Development Areas*

5. Reports

a. New Business Licenses*

6. Other Business

7. Public Forum

8. Prospective Businesses Forum

9. Adjournment

*Commissioner Enclosures

The next scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission is a Special Meeting on

September 5, 2018

Posted Date: August 17, 2018

Economic Development Commission

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Council Chambers Room

Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent

James Kucienski, Chairman

Patrick McCoy, Vice Chair

Rivak Albazi

James Berger

Myles Berman

Peter Dyer

Maureen Ehrenberg

Joe Spagnoli

Tim Garcia

Staff Present

Timothy Wiberg, Village Manager

Steve McNellis, Community Development Director

Ashley Engelmann, Assistant Village Manager

Robert Merkel, Finance Director

Others Present

Barry Bass, Village President

Georjean Nickell, Village Trustee

Jesal Patel, Village Trustee

1. Call to Order/ Quorum Declaration

Noting that a quorum of nine members were present, the meeting was called to order by

Chairman Kucienski at 8:00 AM.

2. Minutes Approval

Chairman Kucienski asked the Commission if any edits were to be made to the May 23,

2018 meeting minutes.

Hearing no corrections, Chairman Kucienski called for a motion to approve.

Commissioner Ehrenberg Moved and Commissioner Berger seconded the motion. There

was a consensus to approve the minutes, with Vice Chair McCoy abstaining.

kkasprzyk

Draft

Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes June 27, 2018

2

3. Welcome to New EDC commissioner

Chairman Kucienski welcomed Tim Garcia to the EDC and asked each Commissioner to

introduce themselves. Each commissioner discussed their relationship with the Village of

Lincolnwood as a resident, as a commissioner, as well as other pertinent background

information. Commissioner Garcia thanked everyone for the invitation to be included on

the EDC. He explained that while he is not a resident of the Village he is a stakeholder as

an owner of Food For Thought and interested in how his “outside” perspective can help

improve the community.

4. Cook County Class 6B Property Tax Abatement Incentive Request for 6430 North

Hamlin Avenue (Greener Cleaner)

Director McNellis presented an overview of the proposed Cook County class 6B property

tax abatement incentive request for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue. He noted the

requirements of the property for the tax abatement, which included vacancy for at least

24 months, substantial reoccupation, and its reoccupation for industrial use. Director

McNellis’ presentation touched on the details of the current property including its

eligibility for this request and eligibility of the prospective occupancy usage. He went on

to detail the program: the property would be assessed at 10% of its Fair Market Value

(FMV) for 10 years, in the 11th

year it would be assessed at 15% of its FMV, in the 12th

year it would be assessed at 20% of its FMV, and return to typical industrial assessment

of 25% of its FMV each year thereafter. Director McNellis noted that if the project were

to move forward, it would require the recommendation of the EDC and Village Board, as

well as approval from Cook County. He presented clarification of four precedent cases

related to tax abatements in the Village of Lincolnwood. He clarified that only two such

cases were class 6B and the other two were given under commercial filings. Director

McNellis finished the overview by noting that any positive recommendation should

conclude that the requested tax abatement would be “necessary for development to

occur.”

Mr. Mike Bleier, of the Greener Cleaner, made a presentation to the EDC. In that

presentation, Mr. Bleier reiterated how Greener Cleaners and 6430 North Hamlin Avenue

meet all requirements for the class 6B tax abatement. Mr. Bleier indicated his willingness

to invest in exterior improvements including landscaping and signage. He noted that his

current finances had not included phase two improvements such as landscaping, solar

power instillation, and transitioning to greener vehicles such as compressed natural gas.

Because of his finances he estimated that these additional improvements would take an

additional 18-24 months to be complete.

Commissioner Dyer and Commissioner Ehrenberg inquired about ensuring an initial

investment in these proposed exterior projects would be made. Mr. Bleier reasserted his

commitment to an early investment in signage but other improvements would take time


3

for financing. Commissioner Ehrenberg noted that those later, phase two improvement

costs, such as solar power and exterior property enhancements could be offset with other

Village incentive programs.

Mr. Bleier acknowledged the benefits of those other incentive programs. Moreover, he

indicated an interest in creating a cooperative relationship with the Village to promote the

move to the Village in hopes of attracting other business through Greener Cleaners’

website. Chairman Kucienski asked about a timeline for completion of the move if it

were to go forward. Mr. Bleier estimated that if it were to start in mid-to-late August it

could be completed by mid-to-late October. Chairman Kucienski acknowledged that

landscaping near the end of the year would be in vain but requested a sign be installed

and a plan for landscaping next spring, with bids, be provided by the end of the year. Mr.

Bleier affirmed that such a plan would not be onerous. He further inquired as to what

kind of sign and the location of sign the EDC would want to see. Director McNellis noted

that the location of the sign would be dictated by the Village Code, and that it would end

up being a wall sign as a free-standing sign would not meet setback requirements. The

EDC noted the vision of the sign should not only promote the business but also the

business’ environmental benefits. Mr. Bleier voiced concern that phase two

improvements may interfere with the effectiveness of the sign which is to be initially

installed. Commissioner Ehrenberg suggested that completing a detailed plan of phase

one and two before installation of the sign should resolve any issues he may be concerned

about.

Commissioner Spagnoli addressed Director McNellis with a proposition to help lower

Mr. Bleier’s budget for lighting, in turn, increasing his potential budget for exterior

improvements, including the sign and landscaping. Commissioner Spagnoli noted there is

a ComEd program that could subsidize much of these costs by utilizing energy-efficient

lighting, to which Director McNellis agreed to provide contact information to Mr. Bleier.

Commissioner Spagnoli cited personal success with the ComEd program. Mr. Bleier was

interested in how to use these programs but had already included ComEd assistance in his

lighting cost calculation. Chairman Kucienski discussed that the Village has a grant

program that would cover up to 50% of the cost with an overall cap of $25,000 for the

project.

Vice Chair McCoy asked Mr. Bleier if the approval for the Class 6B tax abatement is a

necessary requirement to move into the proposed location. Mr. Bleier indicated that to

move into 6430 North Hamlin Avenue would require the approval of the Class 6B tax

abatement or it would not make financial sense for him. Vice Chair McCoy further

inquired to other conditions which would prevent Mr. Bleier from moving into 6430

North Hamlin Avenue. Mr. Bleier assured the EDC that there were no other requests

from the EDC but learned of a potential need to include a sprinkler system which would


4

prevent the move for financial reasons. Mr. Bleier explained that initial discussions did

not result in a requirement for fire sprinklers, but a recent inspection done by TPI (the

Village’s Building Code Consultants) indicated that he would need to have a sprinkler

system installed. Mr. Bleier explained that for this 9,640 square foot building

International Building Code standards would require sprinklers, but the Village of

Lincolnwood requires sprinklers in buildings 5,000 square feet or less. Commissioner

Ehrenberg discussed the possibility of other fire systems that could cost less, such as

foam boxes. Director McNellis noted that he had been in contact with TPI and that the

issue was not a black and white issue. He expressed confidence in a resolution that would

be appropriate for all parties.

Commissioner Berman had a series of questions relating to Mr. Bleier’s current

operations and how the new location would affect those current locations. First,

Commissioner Berman asked if Mr. Bleier would keep his Skokie location and if there

were any other current locations. Mr. Bleier said he would keep the current locations

which include another store in Chicago but move all the processing to 6430 North

Hamlin Avenue. Second, Commissioner Berman inquired about the nature of the other

two stores before and after the move. Mr. Bleier indicated that both stores would continue

to be retail, walk up stores whereas the processing facility would be at 6430 North

Hamlin Avenue. Third, Commissioner Berman inquired about the titling of the vehicles

that Greener Cleaners use, and how the move would change that. Mr. Bleier noted that

there are five current cargo vans registered in Grayslake but kept in Skokie. Mr. Bleier

indicated that he would be willing to title the vehicles in the Village of Lincolnwood.

Moreover, that they would look to expand the fleet of vehicles as business increased.

Fourth, Commissioner Berman inquired about the investment size and to where the funds

would go in moving into the new location. Mr. Bleier stated that he was looking at

investing $350,000, a majority of which would go to acquiring new equipment. Lastly,

Mr. Bleier was asked if he was comfortable entering into a covenant for the term of the

Class 6B tax abatement, that would limit the ability to transfer the incentive to another

owner and provide a backstop for the Village, similar to the Remedies section of a

Northbrook incentive, with JI Realty Company at 1919 Stanley Street in Northbrook. Mr.

Bleier affirmed that he would not be leaving this location in the Village in the next 12

years and signing a covenant would not be a concern.

Commissioner Berman then addressed staff, inquiring if they had discussed the prospects

of recommending a Class 6B tax abatement with other tax districts, specifically the

schools. Director McNellis stated the Village had not historically made those inquires for

these types of requests, but it was his opinion it would be a good practice going forward.

Chairman Kucienski voiced that an impact on the schools would be minor and therefore

of minimal concern. Director McNellis reiterated from the overview documents that the

building would be taxed at 40% of what it would otherwise be taxed. He further clarified


5

that by staff’s estimate Greener Cleaners would be paying $4,000 - $5,000 less than the

property currently pays (prior to a “vacant” classification on the property). Commissioner

Berman indicated it is important to discuss with other districts before moving forward.

Chairman Kucienski disagreed, citing that the tax money lost on a single property is so

small compared to a TIF which encompasses many businesses. Moreover, he worried that

it would be ceding too much authority to the school district, and that it is the Village’s job

to make these decisions. Village Manager Wiberg explained that school districts would

still get all the money that they levied because, by the nature of the tax, the tax would

shift to other businesses and citizens. Commissioner Berman stated that it is important to

recognize that the EDC does not live in a vacuum and so the EDC should consider its

impact on others. Vice Chairman McCoy reiterated Manager Wiberg’s statement that the

minimal potential loss would be spread out to the other properties allowing the schools to

keep their current expected revenue the same, with no loss.

Vice Chair McCoy inquired about the product and process Greener Cleaners uses to

make them environmentally friendly compared to competitors. Mr. Bleier gave an

introduction to the industry standards and how Greener Cleaners is different. Per Mr.

Bleier, 99.3% of the industry uses petrochemicals that are classified as a likely

carcinogen, neurotoxin, and air and ground pollutant. Mr. Bleier explained that Green

Cleaners uses a wet cleaning process, special washers, dryers, and detergents, from which

the residue is safe to dispose of down a drain. The impact being that all of the new

techniques eliminate the need for petrochemicals and the detergents they use are much

safer.

Commissioner Dyer asked about the day-to-day operations of Greener Cleaners and how

the new location would affect those day-to-day operations. Mr. Bleier explained that they

have 22 part-time and full-time employees in Lincolnwood, with the expectation of hiring

five more for this location. The expected hours of operations would be normal business

hours, approximated to be between seven in the morning until four or five in the

afternoon.

Commissioner Dyer followed up with a discussion about what the current owner of 6430

North Hamlin Avenue has been paying in taxes compared to the taxes Greener Cleaners

would be paying if they occupied the building. It was pointed out that the current owners,

with a vacant building, are paying at a rate less than what would be paid by Greener

Cleaners.

Director McNellis returned the discussion to a potential covenant, brought up by

Commissioner Berman, and the Northbrook example provided to the EDC.

Commissioner Berman noted that there was expectation Mr. Bleier’s legal council was to


6

join him but was not there. Therefore, there would be a need for more discussion of the

covenant between Mr. Bleier and his council.

Commissioner Spagnoli inquired about the availability of parking for work vehicles as

well as space for his employees to park. Mr. Bleier noted that many of his employees use

public transit but there would also be 18 parking spaces with additional parking on the

street. Moreover, not all employees would be at the facilities at the same time; he

estimated that only five to seven employees would be at the facility at one time. Director

McNellis confirmed that there was additional street parking available. In addition to the

parking lot, Mr. McNellis, noted that the loading dock could be used to park another

vehicle. Mr. Bleier was asked about how the parking lot was divided. Mr. Bleier

explained that when the building was sub-divided, so too was the parking lot making an

unusual division of spaces.

Chairman Kucienski called for a motion to recommend to the Village Board the

recommendation of the Cook County Class 6B Property tax abatement incentive request

for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue unless further considerations needed to be made.

Director McNellis inquired as to what details should be included in the final stipulations

that were to be voted on. Commissioner Ehrenberg recommended that EDC should see a

long term plan for the construction of the sign and other exterior improvements including

plans for the two phases of improvements. Commissioner Berman added and reiterated

that the EDC should recommend the Class 6B tax abatement subject to several

conditions. First, that the questions over the sprinkler system are resolved. Second, that

there be a covenant established similar to 1919 Stanley Street Northbrook including but

not limited to the remedy provisions. Third, jointly agree to signage that displays a sense

of environmental Corporate Social Responsibility.

Commissioner Ehrenberg recommended that a minimum dollar amount be set to spend on

the exterior improvements. Commissioner Albazi suggested that $15,000-$20,000 be a

reasonable amount considering the location. Mr. Bleier and Commissioner Dyer voiced

concern that if the exterior improvements could be done for less money than the

minimum such an agreement would put Mr. Bleier undue financial hardship. Both

Commissioner Ehrenberg and Commissioner Spagnoli suggested an application for a PEP

Grant be used to minimize cost to Mr. Bleier. Director McNellis affirmed that pursuing

assistance could be fruitful considering there are no other current applicants. It was

agreed that a comprehensive development plan with initial investment in an exterior sign

and further investment in improving the exterior façade and landscaping, which totals no

less than $10,000, should be presented to the EDC.


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Vice Chair McCoy requested clarification of the process in which this tax abatement

would get approved. Commissioner Berman clarified that the EDC and the Village Board

would both be recommending bodies to Cook County and that the Cook County would

make the final decision on the approval. Commissioner Berman went on to say without

recommendations from the EDC and the Village Board, Cook County would not approve

it. Moreover, Commissioner Berman asked Director McNellis what other language must

be included in its recommendation so that it can be adopted. Director McNellis reiterated

that if the EDC favored a positive recommendation, it should find a Class 6B incentive is

necessary for development to occur on the subject property.

Commissioner Berman asked Director McNellis to read back the agreed stipulations

associate with the recommendation which follows as such:

The EDC would recommend the Class 6B tax abatement for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue

subject to several conditions:

1) Resolution of a sprinkler requirement issue to the Village’s satisfaction.

2) Applicant to enter into a Covenant, similar in material respects to the Sample

Agreement, provided by staff, entitled “Class 6B Incentive Agreement by and between

The Village of Northbrook and JI Realty Company, LLC (1919 Stanley Street)”,

including, but not limited to, Section 4 – Village’s Remedies.

3) Applicant agrees to design and install wall signage, for staff review, advertising the

“green” nature of their business, in a form that is in line with “Corporate Social

Responsibility.”

4) Delivery of a comprehensive exterior phased design plan to reposition and improve the

public-facing building elevation and front landscaping, at a value no less than $10,000.

5) A statement that the requested Class 6B incentive is necessary for development to

occur on the subject property.

Hearing no additional discussion, Chairman Kucienski called for a motion to approve and

recommend to the Village Board support and consent to the Cook County Class 6B

Property tax abatement incentive request for 6430 North Hamlin Avenue with the

stipulations agreed upon. Commissioner Berman moved and Vice Chair McCoy

seconded the motion. Motion was approved by a roll call vote, as follows:

Ayes: Albazi, Berger, Berman, Dyer, Ehrenberg, Garcia, Spagnoli, Vice Chairman

McCoy, Chairman Kucienski

Nays: None


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5. Update on Village Branding Project

Director McNellis invited Assistant Village Manager Engelmann to give an update on the

Village Branding Project. Director McNellis also invited those who needed to leave,

considering the meeting had extended beyond 9:30, to do so. Commissioner Berman left

at this time. Commissioner Dyer left at 9:31.

Assistant Village Manager Engelmann gave an overview of the project and the two

current goals. First, Identify the identity of the Village of Lincolnwood and second, how

to promote this identity to stakeholders. The overarching goal between these is to create a

unified message. To this end, a staff committee and a focus group comprised mostly of

residents and business owners were assembled. Assistant Village Manager Engelmann

further explained that a unified message has been difficult given the two logos used by

the Village: the Lincolnwood Tree, and President Lincoln seal. She described the next

step was to do a follow up survey with the focus group.

Commissioner Ehrenberg voiced her concern that the project may be missing a step. She

indicated that a logo is not synonymous with a brand, which implies a persona. Assistant

Village Manager Engelmann reiterated that they are looking for that identity as well as

how to communicate to the stakeholders that identity. She further explained that they are

taking a survey of 20 other communities that have done a “brand roll-out” to find the best

practices to create a positive result. Commissioner Garcia noted that the program needs to

ask the question of what does Lincolnwood want to be as well as what is essential about

Lincolnwood. Commissioner Ehrenberg affirmed that sentiment.

Assistant Village Manager Engelmann give a timeline of the finished project and

benchmarks the focus group wishes to reach. The prospective implementation date is

January 2019. Assistant Village Manager Engelmann then asked the EDC if there were

further questions or comments, which there were none.

6. Continued Workshop on Targeted Business Development Areas –

Strengths/Weaknesses

Director McNellis presented an overview of the current hot zones which he broke into

five groupings: The Lincolnwood Town Center, The Lincolnwood Business Center,

Purple Hotel, the North Gateway, and South East triangle (between Lincoln Ave., Proesel

Ave, and Devon Ave. Director McNellis inquired if there were other development hot

zones which he should pursue.

Commissioner Ehrenberg advised that each hot zone should be more differentiated than

the five current areas. Her concern is that the homogenized areas will ignore that within

those areas there are sections with “different vibes” and therefore “different potential.”

Director McNellis affirmed that a differentiated strategy was a part of the plan. He further


9

noted that staff would prepare a draft map showing different zones within each of the five

hot zones, in order to address Commissioner Ehrenberg’s point. In addition, he stated he

would prepare a sample marketing specification sheet, to be used for properties in each of

the hot zones. Director McNellis finished by stating that staff would plan on returning to

the EDC with this additional information at the August meeting.

7. Reports

a. New Business Licenses

No report was discussed.

b. Development Updates

Director McNellis asked if the EDC wished for any updates on any of the projects

previously discussed. Chairman Kucienski inquired about the progress of the bike

path over pass project completion date. Vice Chair McCoy voiced that he thought the

estimated completion date was mid-to-late August. Director McNellis indicated that

with delays in IDOT’s review, it is possible that it would be pushed back further but

after getting the IDOT approval the construction should move quickly.

Vice Chair McCoy asked about what closures and ceremonies should be expected

before for its completion. It was discussed that some minimal closures were to be

expected and that any ceremony had yet to be decided.

8. Other Business

None

9. Public Forum

No member of the public desired to address the Commission.

10. Adjournment

Chairman Kucienski moved for adjournment, and was seconded. By consensus, the

meeting was adjourned at 9:42am.

Respectfully submitted:

Henry Wright

Community Development Intern

MEMORANDUM

TO: Chair and Members Economic Development Commission

FROM: Steve McNellis Community Development Director

DATE: August 22, 2018

SUBJECT: Item #3 - Discussion on Current and Upcoming Development-Related

Projects

At the August 22, 2018 Economic Development Commission meeting, staff will provide an

update of development projects in process and those anticipated in the near future. The outline on the following page will be utilized to guide the presentation. This is intended to be a free-

flowing informal discussion. We welcome and encourage your thoughts and comments during the meeting.

If you have any specific development-related projects you wish to discuss at next Wednesday’s meeting, please feel free to contact me at 847-745-4710 or [email protected], and I will prepare

background information for discussion.

mailto:[email protected]

Presentation and Discussion – Outline: August 22, 2018 Economic Development Commission Meeting

A) Village-Initiated/Funded Projects of Development Interest

a. Village Initiated 1. Touhy Avenue Pedestrian Bridge (Valley Line Trail)

b. Village-Funded PEP Grant Projects

1. Airoom Parking Improvements

2. Econocare Building Façade Improvements

c. North “Gateway” Sub-Area Plan

d. Code Enforcement Direction

B) Private Commercial Projects of Interest

a. Development Projects in/beginning the Planning Process

1. District 1860 (Tucker Development) & TIF Redesignation

2. Project at Former Dominick’s (6830/50 McCormick Blvd) 3. 4656 W. Touhy (former WAWA Industries Bldg.)

b. Development Projects in Building Permitting/Construction

1. Walder Education Center/Hatzalah (6530 Lincoln Avenue)

2. Multi-tenant Plaza with Starbucks (4320 W. Touhy Avenue) 3. Stefani’s Osteria & Bar – Outdoor Deck (6755 N. Cicero Avenue)

4. Food For Thought – Expansion (6955 N. Hamlin Avenue) 5. The Carrington at Lincolnwood (3401 Northeast Parkway) 6. Sacred Learning Center & Parking Lot (3900/10 Devon Avenue)

c. Potential (Re)Development Projects

1. Hoxha Property (6733-35 Lincoln Avenue) 2. Zeigler Auto Group 3. Gas Station/Convenience Store Expansion (6401 N. Cicero Avenue)

4. Bria Health Care (6969 Lincoln Avenue) 5. Auto Canada Car Storage

6. Town Center Mall

C) EDC Commissioner’s Issues/Questions

MEMORANDUM

TO: Chair and Members

Economic Development Commission

FROM: Steve McNellis

Community Development Director

DATE: August 22, 2018

SUBJECT: Item #4 - Targeted Business Development Areas – “Hot Zones”

Following up on the EDC discussion this past spring and early summer, staff was directed to take a

more detailed look at the five “Hot Zones” that were discussed to analyze the nuances in character

and uses in each zone. In addition, staff was asked to consider information that could be provided

for each available property that would be useful to a prospective developer, while also evoking a

sense of the character of that zone.

Detailed Breakdown of each Zone

1. Northeast Gateway

This zone has been split into three

primary areas, each with a different

land use, and different character.

Property fronting the two major

arterial roadways (shown in red)

should continue as commercial

property, albeit a different type of

commercial use, as less and less

national (full-price) chain store retail

is replaced by quick-service,

commercial service (eg. dry

cleaners), discounter retail, and

restaurants. The property shown in

gray is an area where there is an

opportunity to introduce a residential

“neighborhood” that appeals to

different age-demographics, from

millennials to those of retirement

age, creating a less homogenous

Commercial

Transitional

Residential

2

population, and one allowing each end of the age spectrum to interact with one another. The

property shown in purple would be considered “transitional.” This is the area where a wide variety

of uses could be found, from light industrial to event space, to experiential commercial such as a

brewery, distillery, indoor recreational/entertainment use (indoor soccer, escape room, live theater,

etc).

2. South Gateway

This zone also has

opportunities for

commercial, higher-density

residential and a transitional

area. As with the arterial

roadways in the North

Gateway, Lincoln Avenue is

an arterial roadway, perhaps

best marketed as a

commercial strip. Even

today, Lincoln Avenue has a

different character than

Touhy Avenue, which has retailers and restaurants with more of a regional or national presence, due

to the higher rents on a roadway with higher traffic counts. Whereas Lincoln Avenue is already

more of a “neighborhood commercial” area, with service uses, such as banks, medical, etc.

dominating the landscape. The key here may be to reach out to small commercial uses that are more

internet-proof, in that the goods and services they offer cannot be easily duplicated on the internet

(eg. furniture) or those that thrive based on their quaint nature (eg. small cafes, small commercial

incubators). The area shown in purple is that transitional zone where a wide variety of uses can be

found. On the heels of Greener Cleaner’s decision to locate in this area, there could be an

opportunity to seek out environmentally-friendly businesses, creating critical mass in an “eco-

zone.” Finally, staff sees the opportunity to market the two industrial properties, located on the west

side of the UP Trail, as potential areas to redevelop into higher density residential, which would

take advantage of the recreational trail and nearby parks.

3. North Gateway

This zone, unlike the others, is

already being studied as part of a

Sub Area Plan being developed in

conjunction with a Planning

Consultant (this planning effort

will be discussed as part of a

separate agenda item at

Wednesday’s meeting). This zone

is also split into three primary

areas, covering highway/strip

commercial uses, mixed-use and

office. The strip commercial

property is located primarily along

the arterial roadways. The

Commercial Transitional

Residential

Commercial Mixed

Use

Office

3

intersection of Touhy and Lincoln Avenues is commercial in nature, both in the typical larger lot

commercial development to the southeast and the proposed mixed-use District 1860 development to

the northwest. However, staff envisions residential in this zone eventually consisting primarily of

higher-density multi-family residential, with the existing single-family homes eventually

disappearing. Commercial uses along Touhy Avenue should be permitted to push their lots deeper

into areas to the north, in order to allow typical-depth lots that are consistent with those found west

of Lincolnwood in Skokie and Niles. Finally, if there is a natural area for expansion of office space

in Lincolnwood, it would be in an area close to the Edens Expressway interchange. This type of use

may also become more attractive once the amenities associated with the District 1860 proposal are

in place.

Summary:

As far as the five hot zones previously identified, there are two within the Northeast Gateway Zone:

Town Center Mall and the larger industrial area surrounding it. There are also two in the North

Gateway Zone: Purple Hotel site and the larger area surrounding it at the northwest corner of the

Village. The final hot zone is the Lincoln/Devon/Proesel triangle. Staff has combined these into

three zones for planning purposes. However, marketing these areas would be undertaken based on

specific districts. For example, the Bell & Howell factory area could become its own district that

evokes the vintage, retro industrial theme that would be appropriate here. As previously noted, the

Lincoln/Devon/Proesel triangle could potentially become the Lincolnwood “Eco” District.

Ultimately, there are many options which staff would like to discuss with the EDC at Wednesday’s

meeting.

Marketing of Zones/Districts

As discussed in June, staff has now prepared several options for “specification sheets” that could be

utilized on the Village website, provided to prospective businesses and also provided at trade shows

and to local commercial brokers. In order to compare apples to apples, all of the attached options

relate to one property, the Town Center warehouse, adjacent to Town Center Mall. The goal is to

provide a listing of relevant information and an idea of the types of “themes” that may be

appropriate for properties in a particular zone/district. In this case, the thought is to promote the

older vintage industrial area, in which this property is located. The front page to each listing would

have an area name, and a short description of the area, in order to provide a setting for the property.

In this case, we are proposing the B & H District, alluding to the former Bell & Howell plant in this

area, as an example. The next two pages provide pertinent information about the specific property

and a Village contact. Please note that staff has utilized background templates from Shutterstock®

simply to demonstrate themes that could be utilized. Should it be appropriate to move forward and

develop these specification sheets, staff will undertake the necessary steps to obtain authorization to

use these photos for backgrounds.

The key questions for the EDC, with regard to the designation of specific zones or districts, and the

marketing of properties in these zones are:

1) Are the proposed uses and breakdown of zones in the three major “gateways” defined in this

memo consistent with the EDC’s thoughts?

2) Is developing these specification sheets for available properties in the hot zones a task that

the EDC wishes to direct staff to undertake?

3) If so, are the themes and formatting generally what you would like to see?

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4) Is the information contained on these sheets valuable, and is there any other information that

should be added?

In addition, staff is also seeking EDC feedback on the following questions:

1) Should the Village consider expanding or adding new financial incentive programs to

encourage new business in these hot zones?

2) Should zoning techniques (Revising Village Codes, creating Overlay Zones) be considered

to incentivize development in hot zones?

3) What other programs/projects should the Village undertake to incentivize development in

these areas?

Attachments:

1. Sample Specification Sheets

B&H District

District History

Address: 7080 N. McCormick Blvd.

Square footage: 229,540 sq. ft.Zoning: PUD

Available Utilities - Fiber: AT&T (adjacent off-site)

Water: 12” Main AdjacentSewer: 21” Combined

Collector AdjacentElectrical Capacity: ???????

Alternative Energies Permissible:Solar and Wind

Ceiling Heights: 21’overhead doors: 13

loading dock: 8 docks

Permitted Uses/Special Uses: Office/WarehousePreferred Village Use(s): Recreational/Entertainment

Curbcuts: 1 from N. Central Park Avenue, multiple from Mall Ring Road

Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mile

Parking: 250 spacesProximity to Expressway: 1.7 Miles

Incentives Available: Local Property Enhancement & Green Initiatives Program

Demographics: ____ Population and ____ Income level within 5 Miles

Contact: Steve McNellis, Community Development Director for Village of Lincolnwood at 847-745-4710 or at [email protected]

District History

B&H District




Water: 12” Main AdjacentSewer: 21” Combined Collector Adjacent

Electrical Capacity: ???????Alternative Energies Permissible:

Solar and WindCeiling Heights: 21’overhead doors: 13




Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mile

Parking: 250 spacesProximity to Expressway: 1.7 Miles

Incentives Available: Local Property Enhancement & Green Initiatives Program

Demographics: ____ Population and ____ Income level within 5 Miles


District History

B&H District












Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mileParking: 250 spaces

Proximity to Expressway: 1.7 MilesIncentives Available: Local Property Enhancement &

Green Initiatives ProgramDemographics: ____ Population and ____ Income

level within 5 Miles

B&H District

District History











Proximity to arterial roadway: less than ¼ mileParking: 250 spaces

Proximity to Expressway: 1.7 MilesIncentives Available: Local Property Enhancement &

Green Initiatives ProgramDemographics: ____ Population and ____ Income

level within 5 Miles


Village of Lincolnwood Community Development Department

New Business Licenses July/August 2018

Business Type Business Name

Business

Address

Contact

Name

Telephone

Number

Amusement Fun Zone 3333 West

Touhy Avenue

Jessica

Blouin 847.674.1219

Retail Gift Plaza 3333 West

Touhy Avenue Ritu Uppal 847.673.0508

Cart/Kiosk Just Energy 3333 West

Touhy Avenue NA N/A

Food Sales Sweeteast 3333 West

Touhy Avenue

Aizhamal

Rerimkulova N/A

Legal Service Injury Lawyers of

Illinois

7330 North

Cicero Avenue

Tony

Kalogerakos 312.929.3807

Documents

Village of Lincolnwood Economic Development Commission and Commissions/E… · Commissioner Berman asked if Mr. Bleier would keep his Skokie location and if there were any other current