HomeMy WebLinkAbouty - December 17, 2008 - Special meeting COW
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
ZONING AND SUBDIVISION HEARING BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
December 17, 2008
The special combined Committee of the Whole, Planning and Development Commission, and
the Zoning and Subdivision Hearing Board meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 5:10
p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Steffen,
Walters, and Mayor Schock. Absent: None.
Sustainable Development Presentation
A presentation on sustainable development was given by Doug Farr of Farr Associates. Mr. Farr
noted that one of Elgin’s goals is to be sustainable and green. He noted that LEED certified
neighborhoods would include compact development, diversity of uses, school proximity,
diversity of housing types, affordable rental and for-sale housing, a reduced parking footprint, a
street network, walkable schools, pedestrian network, transit facilities, access to passive and
active public parks, and community outreach and involvement.
He pointed out that often current codes require minimum amount of things we actually need less
of; such as building setbacks, off-street parking, street widths, and outdoor brightness. He felt
that in many cases, minimum requirements should be replaced with maximum requirements.
Councilmember Kaptain asked about why there is a fear of apartments. Mr. Farr said that every
neighborhood should have apartments. He felt people should be able to stay in the same
neighborhoods and be able to have diversified choices in housing that fit where they are in life.
Mayor Schock thanked Mr. Farr for his presentation.
Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers,
Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
s/ Diane Robertson January 28, 2009
Diane Robertson, City Clerk Date Approved