2002-15 AMENDING SPECIAL PERMIT - ELECTRIC SUBSTATION - NORTHEAST CORNER OF MOUND AND GREENSWITCH ROADS

Home Browse Search

Excerpts from Plan Commission Minutes of March 7, 2002 Cal. No. 02-10 Petition of ILLINOIS POWER COMPANY, 500 South 27th Street, for a Special Use Permit Amendment for an electric substation at 2502 EAST MOUND ROAD. Mrs. Stewart presented the recommendation of staff: On November 2, 2000 the City Plan Commission voted to grant a special use permit for an electric substation at the northeast corner of Mound Road and Greenswitch Road. The approved plan showed a berm along the south and west sides of the development which, combined with landscaping,was meant to screen the substation from view from Mound and Greenswitch Roads. The tract contains approximately 1.4 acres and is vacant. The subject site is zoned R-6 Multiple Dwelling District. The petitioner is requesting an amendment to the special use permit to comply with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources(IDNR)flood plain requirements. The majority of the berm called for in the original special use permit would be in the flood plain. The amendment is being requested to eliminate the berm and replace it with a decorative fence on the south and west sides of the proposed substation. The decorative fence has been discussed with theIDNR and they have requested that the fence be placed outside of the flood plain. This change would reduce the possibility of flooding in the area. The proposed fence is acceptable and will help to screen the facility along the side streets. The berm and landscaping proposed for the east line, where it is adjacent tomulti-family development,will remain on the revised plan. Based on the above analysis, staff recommends approval of the petition as submitted. The Zoning Ordinance requires the Plan Commission to hold a public hearing on a special use permit or amendment thereto, and then forward its report and recommendation to the City Council for final approval. A motion to approve the amendment to the special use permit is recommended. Mr. Schiller asked why the flood plain issue wasn't addressed under the original petition. Mr. Van Steenhuyse stated that when the original petition was presented the roadway was under construction and under the County's jurisdiction. Mr. Norm Lienemann, Illinois Power Company Consultant,was present to answer any questions. Mr. Shampine asked if the proposed was a typical substation. Mr.Lienemann stated that it is a very typical substation. Regarding the fence, Illinois Power would prefer not to install a solid white fence due to graffiti. A white picket fence is preferred with shrubs for screening. The fence would be six feet high. A fence eight feet high would be solid only. Mr. Schiller asked if there would be a chain link fence with barbed wire also. Mr.Lienemann stated that the chain link fence is standard for Illinois Power.